When associates return to a company after pursuing other opportunities, it speaks volumes about the culture and leadership. Christian left ORR in 2023 as a Field Service Technician and recently returned as a Superintendent. His decision wasn’t just about the role; it was about the people, the support, and the lasting impact ORR made the first time around.
Christian described his first experience with ORR as a great one. “I had a fantastic team, from my co-workers to upper management. Everyone was professional and welcoming, and I never felt like a number or talked down to.” This feeling of inclusion began even before Day One. He was recruited through LinkedIn and found every interaction to be positive.
A Difficult Decision to Leave
Christian left ORR to take an opportunity at another fire protection company. Even though his new job offered higher pay, leaving ORR was still a difficult decision. Then, last August, he received a text from Mike, Operations Manager in the South Region, just checking in and wishing him a happy birthday. Christian was taken aback, as he no longer worked at ORR, yet Mike still reached out to him on a personal level. To him, that spoke volumes about Mike’s character and the culture at ORR.
This interaction sparked a conversation, and Christian shared with Mike that he would return to ORR in a heartbeat. That simple moment opened the door, and they began discussing what a return might look like. After a few conversations, ORR offered Christian the Superintendent role. “I was excited to return to ORR. And knowing they had the confidence in me to offer me this elevated position really meant a lot.”
While he was grateful for his experience at his last company, Christian missed some things about ORR, like the support in the field and growth opportunities. “I was extremely disappointed when two higher-level positions opened at my new company that I was qualified for, but were filled by external hires,” explained Christian. That made the timing of Mike’s outreach perfect. ORR offered Christian exactly what his former company had passed on.
Support of Professional Growth
Christian notes that ORR’s support of professional and personal growth is top-notch. Even those he works closely with daily are highly knowledgeable, making every moment an opportunity to learn.
He also shared that he has never been denied when requesting training or development opportunities. He knows he can pursue certifications or licenses as long as they’re feasible and don’t present a scheduling conflict. ORR has always supported whatever outside training opportunities associates want to pursue. It's just a matter of finding the next available session and getting signed up.
Advice for Anyone Considering a Return to ORR
“If you're even thinking about returning to ORR, there’s probably a good reason and it’s worth exploring,” says Christian. For him, ORR feels like home — a company where you're supported, respected, and never just a number. Christian also made a point to leave on good terms, which helped keep the door open for his return.
Shortly after his return, he attended ORR’s 2024 Technician Conference, where he had the chance to reconnect with colleagues and speak with Clark — a rare and meaningful opportunity to shake hands with the company's owner and Chairman.
Christian says, “The value of family and people is always present. The grass is the same color it was before at ORR.”
Christian and his wife Alissa.
