We are proud to recognize Abbey Goodnight as the August 2026 Jim Ellis Client Champion. Abbey, a member of the Risk Management team, was nominated by Nathan Pearson for her outstanding leadership, quick thinking and commitment to the safety of others during an emergency at the Volkswagen Lighthouse Building.
The Client Champion Award recognizes Jim Ellis team members who go above and beyond in demonstrating the Jim Ellis Promise through exceptional service, leadership and care for others. Abbey's actions are a powerful example of what that commitment looks like.
Here is the story behind why Abbey was nominated as this month's Client Champion:
On July 14, 2026, as Abbey was leaving work for the day, she noticed a vehicle on the second level of the parking deck at the Volkswagen Lighthouse Building emitting smoke from the engine compartment. Within moments, the smoke turned into visible flames, creating a potentially dangerous situation for everyone inside the building.
Recognizing the seriousness of the emergency, Abbey acted without hesitation. She immediately pulled the building's fire alarm to begin evacuating approximately 50 employees and clients, called 911 and notified leadership that the alarm was the result of a real emergency rather than a scheduled drill.
Although the situation was unexpected and alarming, Abbey remained calm and composed throughout the incident. Her quick thinking ensured the building was evacuated promptly while emergency responders were dispatched without delay.
Before the fire department arrived, several employees safely used fire extinguishers to contain the fire. Responding firefighters later confirmed that activating the fire alarm immediately was the correct decision. While the vehicle was ultimately declared a total loss, the fire did not spread to nearby vehicles or company property, and, most importantly, no one was injured.
Abbey's willingness to take immediate action demonstrated exceptional situational awareness, sound judgment and genuine concern for the well-being of those around her. Although her role is not customer-facing, her actions reflected the same dedication to protecting and caring for others that defines the Jim Ellis Promise.
Through her courage, leadership and selfless response, Abbey exemplified what it means to be a Client Champion. Her actions helped prevent a much larger incident and ensured the safety of employees, clients and company property when it mattered most.
Congratulations, Abbey, on being named the August 2026 Jim Ellis Client Champion. Thank you for your leadership, courage and commitment to keeping those around you safe.