Janelle Morphew
2025 Perry Burkhart, Jr. Award of Excellence Winner
Award winner Janelle with President Lori Burkhart Isbell
Janelle Morphew, Burkhart Yakima Equipment Project Manager, responded promptly to the email requesting an interview for a feature.
Her reaction? She admitted she’s not big on talking about herself. Janelle insists she’d prefer to be behind the scenes, working to make sure things are buttoned up for everyone else.
When asked about winning the Perry Burkhart Jr . Award of Excellence, she explains that on the day of the announcement at her branch, she went to her manager’s office to find out why he didn’t give her a chance to help set up the food and decorations in the break room – because she usually is the one who does it.
In those first responses, she has unknowingly solidified the core tenets of servant leadership and confirmed exactly why she was chosen to win this award.
The Perry Burkhart, Jr. Award of Excellence is Burkhart’s highest award, and is awarded annually to one Burkhart Associate who exemplifies one or more of the following characteristics: Financial Impact, Modeling Servant Leadership, and Building Community.
Left to Right: Account Manager Reedy Berg, Andrew Malm, Account Manager Jack Stewart, and Chief Revenue Officer David Wolkenhauer
Janelle started at Burkhart as an Equipment Coordinator in January 2008. During a regional change, she moved to Branch Coordinator, then a few years later added Branch Supervisor. This changed a few years later to Equipment Project Manager, which remains her current position.
“I have had some really great role models while I have been here at Burkhart and I have taken little pieces of them along my journey”, Janelle reflects.
Janelle is the under-the-radar power behind most projects, and that’s the way she prefers it. “It does not matter if it does not involve anything in my position, I enjoy finding the solution and thinking outside the box,” she notes.
“I try to figure it out with a quickness & a positive attitude. A helpful heart is key. When you do this, it not only helps my teammates, but Burkhart & our beloved customers as a whole”.
Project 700 is a community giving event mentioned in her nomination, a cause close to Janelle’s heart, so it’s one she’s eager to talk about.
Her involvement goes back years, to when the initiative was known as Project 200. Since then, it has expanded to reach closer to 700 children, inspiring the new name.
“Every year about this time, I purchase and donate toothbrushes and toothpaste to a fantastic organization called Project 700, put on by the Salvation Army”, explains Janelle.
“We pick an elementary school, head to the school early in the morning on a Saturday and are paired with a needy child. We get to spend time with the child and get to know a little about their home situation.”
The group then travels by bus to a retail store they’ve partnered with to take the children shopping for clothing necessities. Janelle adds, “It
is truly a wonderful experience every single time.”
Her passion for Project 700 shows the depth of her commitment to others: a steady force reliably making a difference. But recognition for that spirit came in the most unexpected way. When it was finally revealed what those break room decorations were for, Janelle realized the celebration wasn’t for someone else; it was for her. Learn more about Project 700.
“I was looking around the room, trying to figure out which amazing teammate she was talking about—because trust me, there are several,” Janelle recalls, complimenting her team members as usual. “Then suddenly, I heard my name…I was so humbled and grateful. That’s a moment I’ll treasure forever!”
Janelle was nominated for the Perry Burkhart, Jr. Award of Excellence by Regional Sales Manager Andrew Malm. In reading her nomination, her win speaks volumes as to who she is as a person and the tremendous value she brings to Burkhart and her team.
Andrew writes:
Janelle has been an invaluable member of the Burkhart team since January 2008, and her dedication, leadership, and exceptional contributions make her a deserving candidate for this prestigious award.
Throughout her tenure, Janelle has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a passion for her work. Her innovative approach and unwavering dedication have significantly impacted our team and the company as a whole.
One of Janelle’s most remarkable qualities is her embodiment of servant leadership. She leads by example, always putting the needs of her team and colleagues first. Her ability to listen, empathize, and support others has fostered a collaborative and positive work environment.
Janelle is always the first to volunteer when others need help or are on PTO, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her colleagues and the team. Her willingness to step in and support others, even when it means taking on additional responsibilities, is a testament to her character and dedication.
Janelle is someone everyone in the region can count on. Her reliability and steadfast support have made her a cornerstone of our team, and her positive impact is felt by all who work with her. Janelle’s ability to inspire and lead by example has earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues. Her positive attitude and willingness to go above and beyond have made a lasting impression on everyone she works with.
In addition to her professional achievements, Janelle is deeply committed to giving back to the community. Every year at Christmas, she volunteers with underprivileged children in the Yakima area through Project 700, bringing joy and support to those in need. Her selfless dedication to helping others exemplifies the true spirit of servant leadership.
Congratulations again, Janelle! Your unwavering dedication, servant leadership, and heart for both your team and your community embody everything the Perry Burkhart, Jr. Award of Excellence stands for. We’re proud to celebrate you, and we know your impact at Burkhart will only continue to grow stronger in the years ahead.
About the Perry Burkhart, Jr. Award of Excellence
The Perry Burkhart, Jr. Award of Excellence was established in 2020 as the highest award at Burkhart. President Lori Burkhart Isbell grants this award every year, named in honor of her father and the company’s immediate past President.
To earn this award, a Burkhart Associate must exemplify distinction in their contributions, commitment, and achievement in the following categories:
- Made a financial impact to the company’s bottom line
- Modeled servant leadership
- Encouraged a supportive and interactive work community
Previous award winners include Danny Pecka, Account Manager in 2022, Phil Salerno, Director of Equipment, Merchandise and Technology, in 2021 and Jennie McQuillan, Senior Compensation and Benefits Manager in 2020.
Written by Dawn Kahl.
Published in Catalyst – Q1 2026.
Category: Burkhart Culture
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