Stronger Together: How Diversity Fuels CITY’s Success

At CITY, we believe that culture isn’t something you write in a book—it’s something you live and breathe every day. Our team is built on diverse backgrounds, experiences, and languages, but what unites us is our shared commitment to teamwork, communication, and delivering exceptional service.

A Multicultural Workforce That Strengthens Our Team

Having a workforce made up of individuals from different cultures and languages has enriched CITY’s workplace in many ways. Holly Hickman, CITY’s HR Generalist, explains, “It has given us different perspectives and approaches to many aspects of our work lives. We have had to get a bit creative with our problem-solving and decision-making to ensure we include everyone, not just those who are ‘easy’ to correspond with.”

For many, working in a multicultural environment presents challenges, especially when it comes to language barriers. Edgar Estrada, Maintenance Manager at CITY’s Oelwein plant, whose first language is Spanish, shared his experience: “The truth is, it’s something different that I’m getting used to, and I’m really enjoying it. The biggest challenge I’ve faced is the language—some people speak English very fast, and sometimes I don’t understand them. But they notice and help by speaking more slowly.” His story reflects the supportive nature of CITY’s team, where employees help each other adapt and succeed.

How CITY Supports Diversity and Inclusion

CITY takes active steps to foster an inclusive environment where every employee feels valued. Throughout rural Iowa, it may be hard for some organizations like CITY to provide resources for multiple languages, but CITY has invested in becoming an organization that looks for ways to support a wide variety of people and their needs.

From the executive leadership team, to the HR team, to even the human resources management software ADP, CITY has put a focus on supporting others regardless of their preferred communication.

Neil Fox, a past CITY employee, shared his experiences with CITY and how grateful he was to work with a company who supported his own communication style; sign language.

Beyond policies and programs, CITY’s culture is rooted in collaboration and mutual support. Edgar emphasizes, “Diversity helps us get to know each other, which allows us to make positive changes for the company.” This mindset drives our ability to work as a cohesive team, no matter our background or language.

A Culture of Teamwork that has Lasted for Decades

For companies in areas without natural diversity, like rural Iowa, actively building and recruiting from a broader talent pool is essential for long-term success. When a company operates in a like-minded environment, it risks falling into a cycle of limited perspectives, which can hinder innovation and problem-solving.

One of CITY’s first hires that originated far from the Oelwein, IA Community was Plant Manager Carlos Guerrero. Carlos came to CITY from Bogota, Colombia back in the 80s. Current CITY President Colin Wetlaufer still reminisces to this day how much he learned from Carlos.

Third-generation CITY President Roger Wetlaufer said, “He was a truly great man who many still remember fondly. Carlos once told me that he tries to learn something new every day. That was good advice, and I still try to keep up with it. He was really good at his job and always took the time to explain to each employee why they were doing what they were doing and how it fit into the big picture. Carlos took great pride in producing quality and did many things to help many people.”

Diversity Builds for a Stronger Future

By embracing diversity, even rural businesses can play a role in creating stronger, more dynamic workplaces and communities. It also helps a company better understand and connect with a broader range of customers, leading to stronger relationships and business growth.

At CITY, every department relies on one another to keep operations running smoothly. Whether in sales, service, or accounting, each team member plays a critical role in our success. Strong communication and teamwork ensure that we provide the most responsive service throughout the Midwest.

Diversity is not just a concept at CITY—it’s a daily reality that we embrace and have been for decades. Through strong communication, teamwork, and respect for one another, we continue to grow, learn, and deliver the best service possible. Our culture is built on people, and that’s what makes CITY a great place to work.