‘JUST RAISE YOUR HAND AND ASK’
Service Center Directors Share Growth Stories
SHARING THE STORY Isaiah came to Averitt in 2014 as a Truckload student driver, and he served in that role until 2015 when he took advantage of an opportunity to become a frontline leader in Fort Myers. In 2018, Isaiah was promoted to service center director there. He stayed in that role until the start of this year, when he moved to Orlando to step in for the retired BOB BRUNS . That growth story is something Isaiah has shared with many of his associates. “The fortunate thing is my story is not unique. It’s what we do,” Isaiah explains. “There are so many stories out there of people who raised their hand and wanted to do something a little bit different, whether they wanted to get out of the truck or off the dock and into leadership.” ‘LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES’ Additionally, Isaiah says stories like his and many others can give us a leg up when it comes to hiring the best. “When people hear us talk about how we Promote From Within, they want to know if it’s true,” he says. “That’s a question I get more than anything, and it creates a great opportunity to share my story and other stories. It’s super impactful, because if associates come in and they’re coachable and consistent, the sky is the limit.” For now, Isaiah is getting acclimated to his new position in Orlando. He’s also open to whatever the future may hold for his Averitt career. “My main goal right now is to focus on the task at hand, to pay attention to details, to take care of our associates and customers, and to move our service center and company forward,” Isaiah explains. WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE Back in Fort Myers, Todd is filling Isaiah’s shoes, and he has plenty of experience that he brings to the table. In 1989, Todd started as a part-time dock associate in Charlotte while attending college. After going full time on the dock, he eventually decided to earn his CDL and served as a city driver for a couple years. From there, he transferred to dispatch and was promoted to frontline leader, where he wore a variety of hats. In 2007, Todd momentarily paused his Averitt career to work in his All throughout our network, associates have experienced how we Promote From Within. Two of the best examples now reside in Florida – Orlando Service Center Director ISAIAH WOODARD and Fort Myers Service Center Director TODD COCHRANE.
Fort Myers Service Center Director TODD COCHRANE (left) began his Averitt career as a part- time dock associate, while Orlando Service Center Director ISAIAH WOODARD (right) started as a Truckload student driver.
father’s family business. But in 2014, he got back into transportation in a city dispatch role, and in late 2020, he moved to Asheville to become service center director there. Having always been intrigued by the state of Florida and a desire to retire there, Todd took advantage of the opening at Fort Myers to make the switch. Todd says his willingness to move has been one key to his career growth. “Sometimes, that’s what it takes – to go where the opportunity is,” Todd explains. “To grow, you have to ask and be willing to do whatever it takes. Anybody in transportation knows it’s not just a 9-to-5 job. If you make those sacrifices, you can be whatever you want to be in this company.” Todd also credits his leaders with helping shape him through the years. “You’ve got to have leaders who want to help you. All my leaders have done that,” Todd says. “I was just raising my hand, whether it was getting those opportunities to drive, be a leader or switch shifts. I got a lot of experience in a lot of different areas. [Region 5 Vice President] TRAVIS WEBSTER was probably the most instrumental in helping me do that.” “As I get older, I want to see Averitt succeed when I’m gone,” he says. “I’m more of a teacher now. I want to pass on the knowledge that I've learned so other associates can be that person in the future.” Todd already has a bit of a “coaching tree” of leaders he has guided through the years – three service center directors, KYLE JUAN (Jackson TN), BRETT FOGLE (Raleigh), and LAWRENCE SLUDER (Asheville), and one operations manager, RODNEY TATE (Charlotte). Todd has some simple advice for associates regardless of where they are in their careers. “If you’re content with what you're doing, we’re happy for you,” he says. “But if you want to grow, ask for it. If associates are willing to raise their hand and say, ‘I’m interested,’ I want to see if they’re capable. We can teach the processes. You just have to have the desire. Just raise your hand and ask.” PASSING THE BATON Now, Todd is using his experience to pay it forward. OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND If you’re ready to take advantage of the next opportunity in your Averitt career, check out our Opportunities page at InsideAveritt.com/Opportunities . There, you can learn more about how we Promote From Within, find a link to our Job Hotline and open positions, and see details about our Leadership Development and Dock-To-Driver Training programs. T m
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