By Mary McDonald, Shared Talent Acquisition Specialist
Last updated September 24, 2026
September 2026 – Esler Companies beat the heat this summer with its annual Operation Hydration initiative, bringing Safety Committees and leaders together to support installers and other frontline teammates during the hottest months of the year. Across the company, local teams found their own ways to help people stay safe, cool and supported while working in the heat.
In North Texas, misting fans provided relief from high temperatures. Colorado’s Safety Squad handed out electrolyte popsicles, while teammates in Southern Maine and New Hampshire brought cold drinks, cooling supplies and even squirt guns for a little fun in the field.
Leaders got in on the action, too. In Greater Philadelphia, General Manager Kristin Gardner headed out with watermelon and Gatorade for crews working in the heat. In Grand Junction, Colorado, leaders joined installation teams during morning load-out and later stopped by an active jobsite where teammates were working in 100-degree temperatures, bringing water, electrolytes, hydration packs, sunscreen and lip balm. Southern Maine and New Hampshire teams also made several field visits during a stretch of near-100-degree weather to help crews stay cool and hydrated.
“Operation Hydration is about much more than handing out cold water,” said Josh Besnoff, Director of Safety at Esler Companies. “Hydration is important, but we’re also thinking about physical strain, metabolic heat and how we can make the work itself safer in high temperatures. I love seeing our teams take that seriously and find creative ways to look out for each other all summer long.”
That approach also includes finding ways to reduce physical strain on the job. In Southern New England, teams incorporated ladder lifts to help move materials during installation, reducing the amount of physical exertion required from teammates working in the heat.
In Colorado, teammates found another way to support employees who spend significant time outdoors. The sales team raised $2,610 toward heavy-duty hydration packs for Proximity Marketing and Events teammates and was ultimately able to fund all 120 packs planned for the program.
In Arizona, where extreme heat continues well beyond the traditional summer months, Operation Hydration will continue monthly through October.
In North Texas, the Safety Committee and Renewal Cares Committee teamed up to assemble hydration bags for field crews and people experiencing homelessness throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The bags included water, electrolyte drink mix, wipes, lip balm, snacks and other essentials for managing the summer heat.
While Operation Hydration brought plenty of fun this summer, it is rooted in something much bigger: caring for teammates and communities. Teammate safety is a top priority at Esler Companies, and during periods of extreme heat, that means planning ahead to help employees stay cool, hydrated and safe while working outdoors.
About Esler Companies
THE RENEWAL BY ANDERSEN | ESLER COMPANIES STORY
Esler Companies is the holding company for Renewal by Andersen of Greater Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma, North Texas, Central Texas, Greater Philadelphia, Southern New England and Portland, Maine, with sales and marketing engines in Northborough, Massachusetts & Austin, Texas.
Renewal by Andersen is the full-service window-replacement division of Andersen Corporation, the owner of the most trusted family of window brands in America. RbA was founded with a mission to redefine the industry and to offer a different—and better—window-replacement experience. Renewal by Andersen has seven company-owned locations, and over 100 independently owned “affiliates” across the United States.
About Renewal Cares
Renewal Cares is Esler Companies’ way of expressing love in the communities it serves. For each Renewal by Andersen window installed, $6 goes toward funding various initiatives, including paid volunteer time for teammates, local donations, a 3:1 corporate match and more. Esler Companies is committed to investing in the communities where it does business and empowering teammates with the time and tools they need to engage with nonprofits they care about.
