In our industry, it is easy to get caught up in the turmoil of manufacturing, fluctuating lead times, and the unpredictable forces that drive product inconsistencies. These pressures can often lead to a mindset of indifference or frustration. Finding someone who faces these challenges head-on is rare; fortunately, we had Candice Saylor. Her unique personality made her perfectly suited for this role.

An "old soul" who epitomized the concept of going above and beyond, Candice often tackled her work to the soundtrack of Prince, Madonna, and Cher. Her refusal to settle for "good enough" drove the entire department, embodying the ideal that we must remain both thorough and fluid. While it is common to find those who fear change or prefer the comfort of the status quo, Candice was never one of them; her natural knack for growth ensured that we were never stagnant.

Outside of the office, Candice prioritized her well-being through walking, running, and soaking up the sun. These passions mirrored her love for the water and for animals — especially her dog, Zina, who was arguably treated better than any of us. She found joy in the simple competition of card games like Uno and Phase 10, which reflected her appreciation for life’s small pleasures paired with her innate drive to win. Most recently, she had taken up golf — a pursuit she found characteristically frustrating, as she jokingly noted that since she was good at every other sport, she simply had to be good at this one, too.

On April 12, 2026, Candice passed away suddenly at the age of 38. Her journey with Best Plumbing Specialties began in Customer Service in 2012. She transitioned to Accounting in 2015, where she served for eight years before ultimately becoming our Purchasing Manager. Her potential was as undeniable as it was obvious. In our business, purchasing is often a thankless role, yet Candice handled it with fierce determination. She knew the company needed someone who truly cared — someone willing to fight for results even when there were no accolades for getting the job done.

In the quiet of the mornings, before the building filled with people, Candice and I would talk. Those conversations were open and honest, centered on the challenges we faced and our shared devotion to the company’s success. Whether it was the honest truth or a well-timed dirty joke, she never hesitated to say what needed to be said, keeping me grounded in a way I will always value. That is what I will miss most: her fearlessness and her constant reminder to remain passionate about yourself, even when no one is watching. (Though, I am admittedly happy that HR was never listening.)

Thank you, Candice, for being the reminder that for those who truly care, "good enough" is never enough.

— Henry Breen, executive vice president, Best Plumbing Specialties