This week, lunch for around 200 shop employees of Western Window Systems was actually dinner – a complimentary steak dinner to be exact, courtesy of dealer-partner Combined Resources Inc. (CRI), a full service contractor based in Rancho Santa Margarita, California.

“It’s very rare for customers to say thank you in this big of a way,” says Scott Gates, Western Window Systems president and COO. “We’re grateful to have CRI as a partner and have enjoyed watching them grow over the last several years.”

CRI’s relationship with Western Window Systems started in 2007, when the company utilized door and window systems for custom and high-end multi-residential projects. In 2009, the two companies worked together on a tract home job from luxury homebuilder Toll Brothers. Since then, CRI and Western Window Systems have worked together on over 45 tract projects.

Late last year, Traci Kelley, owner and founder of CRI, presented Western Window Systems with a plaque thanking shop employees for their “constant attention to detail.” Along with the plaque, came another gift – one that eventually led to plates filled with New York strip steaks, sides of au gratin potatoes and pasta salad, rolls, and cookies. Along with the steak dinners, which were served up by the management team, a raffle was held for a big-screen TV.

Many shop employees expressed appreciation as well as surprise at CRI’s generosity.

“The guys here work really hard and put in long hours, so sometimes work just seems like a paycheck,” says wood door department lead Todd Papetti. “But when you get this kind of recognition, it makes the job worthwhile. It’s a great feeling.”