Back to school and work season looks different this year, but Asher’s is set for a spectacular September thanks to our Sanitation Manager, Employee Highlight Dennis Keough! Dennis is showing something we’ve always known to be true about his dedication. He’s committed to making and keeping Asher’s the best and safest place to work.
Firstly, Dennis joined the Asher’s team on August 23, 1982. At that time, we were still located in our original factory in Germantown, PA. In the beginning, third-generation Jack Asher worked closely with Dennis helping him gain valuable experience in the chocolate factory. The first several years working at Asher’s, Jack taught Dennis how to cook and create Almond Butter Crunch and all the flavors of our delicious Fudge. Dennis was such a natural in the confection kitchen, he even worked on the old starch buck pulling jellies, caramels and marshmallow.
Dennis enjoyed learning from Jack so much that he decided to attend the RCI Candy School program in Erie, PA. There he gained an incredible amount of techniques to expand on his “hands on” experience at Asher’s. Subsequently, Dennis worked his way up after this invaluable growth opportunity to be a supervisor in multiple different departments! He assisted in organizing the shut down and relocation efforts from Germantown to our current plant in Montgomery County. He was even there at our Souderton facility groundbreaking, helping to oversee the whole production!
In order to keep Asher’s running at tip top shape, Dennis has his work cut out for him! His daily tasks include maintaining the sanitation schedule, meeting sanitation needs of the entire Souderton facility. This includes the manufacturing floor, shipping department, sales department offices and outside areas and overseeing the washout change overs. According to Dennis, there’s nothing like the satisfaction of a successful enrobing machine wash out and changeover to make sure the machines are ready to create the next delicious confection. It’s a lot to juggle, but Dennis has years of skill and expert knowledge. This makes him the perfect person to oversee such important functions. Dennis has been part of the family for over 35 years! He loves interacting with enrober operators, packers, maintenance team, shipping department and everyone who’s been part of his Asher’s journey!
Overall, Dennis doesn’t let a hard day’s work slow him down on the weekends. Recently, Dennis welcomed the birth of his first grandchild, McKenna, who he loves to hold and take for walks with his wife Jeanne and daughter Caitlin.
When he’s not spoiling his precious granddaughter, Employee Highlight Dennis will kick back and enjoy following all the Philadelphia sports teams, especially the Phillies & the Eagles.
Dennis, having you as a member of our Asher’s crew for 38 years has made our team the strongest it can be. You always show up, give 110% and made us smile with your hysterical stories from Germantown days. Thanks for making our family the best it can be!
