People of Grayhill: Dottie Lipe, Corporate Quality Administrator

Grayhill was founded with pillars that remain true today: — people, performance, and progress. People are at the center of everything we do. Through their work, the people of Grayhill improve the human experience down to the smallest detail. Dottie Lipe embodies Grayhill’s core values and exceeds the expectations of her role by supporting the associates of Grayhill in their work.

In a recent conversation, Dottie offered glimpses into her personality and recounted stories from her life. One moment that left a lasting impression on Dottie was her initial interaction with Gene Hill, son of founder Ralph Hill and Grayhill’s second CEO. During the early stages of her career at Grayhill, Dottie crossed paths with Gene in the hallway, and to her surprise, he greeted her by name. This unexpected gesture revealed to Dottie Gene’s character—a leader who took pride in personally knowing each of his employees. Over the years, Dottie has carried forward Gene's legacy of genuine care and personal connection. As she has progressed with her career at Grayhill, she has made it her mission to know her colleagues not just as coworkers but as individuals with unique stories and experiences. Her nurturing spirit has become a cornerstone of the Grayhill community, showing care and support in line with the company's values. Whether offering a sympathetic ear or joining in celebrations, her presence brings warmth and kindness to everyone she meets.

Dottie reflected on how the growth of your career can sometimes be unexpected. She first joined Grayhill intending to work only for six months, but those six months turned into 42 years! She started as a production worker, assembling single-deck rotary switches. She then expanded her responsibilities to include the assembly of keypads. One of her notable accomplishments was her transition to the quality department. Dottie played a pivotal role in facilitating the company's adoption of a new organizational system. Her collaborative approach involved extensive research and engagement with nearly every Grayhill associate. This involvement gave her insight into how the company operated, which she found exciting.

Dottie also remembers how Grayhill adapted during the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. After she worked remotely for a year, her manager, Chris Renis, made sure her return to the office was smooth. With the company switching to a new customer relations platform, Dottie needed training, and Chris generously provided it. Chris dedicated his time to making sure Dottie mastered the new system. She truly values his dedication to her growth. 

Dottie also has a passion for cooking, a skill she inherited from her grandmother, and enjoys sharing with her colleagues. During the summer and fall, she often brings in fresh produce from her garden to share. This gesture reflects her Italian heritage of ensuring everyone is well-fed. Through her nurturing demeanor and genuine care, Dottie fosters warmth, empathy, and unity, embodying the collaborative spirit that defines Grayhill's culture.