Service Center Director, Sales Specialist Started On Dock BUILDING FROM WITHIN
Throughout our network, associates have taken advantage of opportunities to grow in their careers. New Tulsa Service Center Director ZACH MEAD is perhaps one of the best examples of that commitment. Zach came to Averitt in 2010 as a part-time dock associate. He had previous driving experience with another carrier, and he completed our Dock-To-Driver Training Program and served as a city driver for nine years. He was later promoted to frontline leader before recently moving into his current role. Regarding his impressive career growth, Zach gives lots of credit to former Tulsa Service Center Director JUSTIN BURKETT , who recently moved to a Director of Dedicated Sales position. “Justin has taught me a lot over the years,” Zach says. “It’s really amazing to look back on it, and that’s what I want to do for other associates.” One way Zach does that is by strongly encouraging his associates to apply for opportunities that become available. “Who knows what might happen? You may end up really liking that position and growing into it, and then something else opens up and you can be ready for another opportunity,” Zach explains. “I’m all about teaching associates how to know many roles, because it just makes your team stronger to have versatile associates.” It’s all part of our commitment to people. “We change people’s lives,” Zach says. “When you get your foot in the door at Averitt Express, the sky is the limit.” ENJOYING THE JOURNEY Houston transportation specialist JOSHUA KASPRZYK has taken advantage of opportunities at multiple facilities. He came to Averitt on the dock at Chicago while he was in college and was promoted to frontline leader in 2003. In 2012,
ZACH MEAD (left) joined our team as a part-time dock associate and is now the Service Center Director in Tulsa. JOSHUA KASPRZYK (far right, pictured with Houston Service Center Director SCOTT HARRIS ) moved from our Chicago facility to Houston for a leadership position, and is now a transportation sales specialist there. Joshua became operations manager, and he served in that role until 2018, when he transferred to Houston as a frontline leader to be closer to his wife’s family. In February, Joshua took some advice from Regional Vice President of Sales LARRY VANATTA and decided to become a transportation sales specialist. “Larry made the comment that ‘everyone sells,’” Joshua recalls. “No matter what you’re doing, you’re selling. You’re selling your values to your kids. You’re selling your favorite sports team to your friends. You’re always selling something. It’s things you feel strongly enough about or believe in. That was the first thing that started a shift in my thinking.” Joshua adds, “I thought, ' I can do that. That’s something I already do. ' I really wanted to get into sales to not only grow with my job, but personally as well. It’s been great. I’ve really enjoyed the journey.” Joshua says there are several things that have led to his current position. “I’m not saying anything new or earth-shattering, but it’s hard work, having a standard of excellence and always wanting to be the best at whatever I do,” he explains. “I think it’s also important to have perseverance to work through the hard times as well as the easy times while keeping your good work ethic and good attitude.” READY TO TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP? If you’re ready to take the next step in your Averitt career, check out our Job Hotline at 800-991-1971 or online at InsideAveritt.com/Jobs . The hotline is updated on Mondays and Thursdays, so we encourage you to check it often to stay up to date on the newest openings. T m
Get Your Hazmat, Get More Pay Did you know that Truckload drivers with a hazmat endorsement earn more cents per mile? That ’ s because a hazmat endorsement
gives us more flexibility in moving our customers ’ freight, which means more shipments moving through our system and more drivers rolling. Interested in getting your hazmat? Scan the QR code or go to InsideAveritt.com/GetYourHazmat to learn how simple it is to earn this endorsement.
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