Donaldson recently completed its annual Gatorade Brigade, a summer-long initiative designed to protect and support onsite property management teams during periods of extreme heat.
This year’s Gatorade Brigade took on special significance as Maryland introduced new heat illness prevention requirements for employers. Donaldson not only complied with these regulations but also went above and beyond by providing frontline teams with hydration, cooling equipment, and wellness support delivered in person by corporate leaders. On any given Brigade visit, corporate team members arrived at communities with cold water, personal cooling fans, and of course, Gatorade.
“The Gatorade Brigade is about more than handing out water and fans,” said Scott Altman, Donaldson President who visited Infinity Apartments in Arlington, VA. “It’s about showing our teams that their health, safety, and hard work matter to us at every level of the organization.”
Throughout July and August, members of Donaldson’s Corporate team, including executives from Finance, Compliance, HR, Accounting, and Regional Operations visited properties across Maryland, DC, and Virginia. Stops included communities such as Kentlands Manor, Aspen Hill, Essex Village, Marlyn Gardens, The Warwick, Country Place, and many more.
“Our onsite teams are the heart of Donaldson,” said Teresa Lucas, Training & Employee Engagement Manager, who joined the Brigade at Essex Village and Marlyn Gardens. “Being able to visit in person, share safety resources, and thank them directly demonstrates what we call policy in action.”
By combining policy compliance with visible leadership presence, the Gatorade Brigade has become a hallmark of Donaldson’s culture. The initiative underscores Donaldson’s commitment to employee safety, regulatory compliance, and a culture of appreciation.