How Ivan Gray and HHS Leaders Are Using the Golden Cart to Build Team Spirit

Recognizing hard work and building a sense of community is key to a positive working environment, and that’s why HHS leaders embrace creative ways to celebrate their team members. One initiative that has gained great momentum in the workplace is the Golden Cart. Inspired by a fresh idea, this initiative provides a fun and meaningful way to elevate morale, recognize dedication, and reinforce the values of respect and quality patient care that are central to HHS's culture.

Pictured here is Ivan Gray and the first recipient of the award, Patricia Villegas

The Idea Behind the Golden Cart

The concept originally came from Ivan Gray, Executive Director at Osceola Hospital, who was scrolling through LinkedIn one evening when he came across a post from Granger, a supplier of products ranging from abrasives to HVAC systems and safety equipment. Intrigued by their Golden Cart concept, Ivan thought, "Why not try this at Osceola?" Sothat’s exactly what he did!
"The concept was simple, but I knew it could have a huge impact on our team," Ivan shared. "I wanted to recognize our team members for their hard work in a way that felt personal, visible, and celebrated."
The Golden Cart initiative is exactly what it sounds like: a gold-painted cart given each month to a team member from Environmental Services (EVS), whose work is essential to the smooth running of healthcare facilities and improving the patient experience.

A Visible Symbol of Recognition

At its core, the Golden Cart recognizes outstanding team members for hard work, dedication, and consistently going the extra mile. The selection process is based on key criteria: team members must have excellent patient experience scores, no attendance issues, and a strong track record of following policies and procedures. It’s not just about doing the job—it’s about doing it with excellence.
Once a team member is selected, they receive the Golden Cart as a symbol of recognition that they proudly carry throughout the facility for the month. The cart is not just a personal honor—it’s a chance for the entire team to celebrate the achievement. The winner’s accomplishment is announced during patient sync meetings, where the whole hospital community comes together to recognize the individual and strengthen the spirit of teamwork.
"Celebrating their achievement is a way to let them know that their work doesn’t go unnoticed," said Ivan. "It’s a small thing, but it means a lot."

The Golden Cart

Building a Culture of Teamwork

We know that when our team members feel valued, engaged, and appreciated, it directly leads to better patient care and a stronger company culture. By recognizing the hard work of team members, we create a culture of respect, teamwork, and positivity that spreads throughout the entire organization. This is the idea behind the Golden Cart initiative. 
"At the root of my management style is valuing team collaboration and morale," Ivan explained. "When your team feels appreciated, they’re more motivated, more engaged, and they perform at their best."
The Golden Cart serves as a visual reminder that healthcare is not just about the tasks—it’s about the people behind those tasks. By investing in team members and recognizing their contributions, we can strengthen culture. Team members feel respected and valued, which leads to better performance, a more positive work environment, and, ultimately, higher-quality patient care.

A Positive Response

The Golden Cart has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm by team members at HCA Florida Osceola Hospital and beyond. Ivan shared that, initially, the winners were a little shy about carrying the cart, but once they saw the positive reactions from colleagues, they embraced the honor with pride. "They love it," Ivan said. "It’s exciting for them to know their hard work is being recognized, and they’re eager to see who will be next each month."

Golden Cart Winner, Rosio Chavez

The initiative has created a buzz not only within Osceola Hospital but also at other HHS locations, with leaders reaching out to Ivan for advice on implementing the Golden Cart at their own facilities. "I’ve received calls and messages from other managers asking how they can start the Golden Cart at their hospitals," Ivan said. "It’s amazing to see how this simple idea has caught on."

Recognizing the Value of Every Team Member

For Ivan, the Golden Cart isn’t just about celebrating top performers—it’s about recognizing the value each individual brings to the team. "Everyone has something going on outside of work," he said. "As leaders, we have to focus on the person and what they bring to the team, not just their performance at work. When you celebrate people, you celebrate what they bring to the whole organization."
This approach is central to leadership at HHS. Ivan’s focus on investing in his team’s well-being and recognizing their efforts helps create a culture where team members feel seen, respected, and motivated to perform at their best. The Golden Cart creates a lasting impact by nurturing a culture of appreciation and respect.
As Ivan puts it, "Celebrate your people because they are the ones who drive success."