As Pace-O-Matic celebrates 25 years of innovation and growth, we’re highlighting employees whose journeys reflect the heart of our company. Today, we’re honoring Janice Bagewell, who has been with Pace-O-Matic since 2012 and will soon be retiring after 13 remarkable years of service.
Her story with Pace-O-Matic began unexpectedly. A past acquaintance reached out asking if she knew anyone interested in answering phones. At the time, Pace-O-Matic had just 20 employees. Today, nearly 200 people make up the Pace-O-Matic family.
Starting on the phones, she quickly developed a curiosity about how the company operated and what roles other employees held across departments. Her eagerness to learn paid off. She earned a promotion to data entry, filing, and light accounting, and in 2018, she was promoted again to her current role as Executive Assistant.
Over the years, she has experienced firsthand the culture that makes Pace-O-Matic a unique place. From heartfelt birthday celebrations to unforgettable company traditions, such as Pace-Fest, Meat-Fest, Chili Cook-Offs, food trucks, ice cream days, costume parties, and holiday gatherings, she has witnessed how Pace-O-Matic truly values its employees. She recalls both the joyful moments of coworkers starting families and the sorrowful times of saying goodbye to those who passed, all reminders of the strong sense of community here.
She also shares moments of Michael and Karmin Pace’s generosity, including their support for animal rescues, food banks, education initiatives, veterans’ programs, disaster relief, and more. One of her proudest memories was being asked to attend and record Michael Pace receiving the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award.
As she prepares to retire at the end of this year, she reflects with gratitude. She will continue contributing remotely as a consultant until the end of 2027, marking 13 years of dedication to Pace-O-Matic. “My department will be closing soon,” she shares, “but I thank you for your time, Pace-O-Matic.”
With her retirement, we celebrate not only her service but also the impact she has had on the people and culture of Pace-O-Matic. Her journey is a reminder of the relationships, growth, and community that define our 25 years and to inspire the next 25.
Congratulations to Janice on her retirement. Here’s to many more years of innovation, generosity, and heart.