We’re in the process of opening our first new LTL market since 2017, with Ocala scheduled to ramp up operations in December or January. And if our newest service center director’s drive and determination are any indication, great things are ahead in the Sunshine State. DEANNA SONNENBURG has been dedicated to learning everything she can about our operations since she came to Averitt in 2020. Deanna had gained extensive transportation and logistics experience by the time she left her former employer in 2017. Wanting to get back into the workforce in 2020, she applied to several carriers in Austin. But then her husband, a driver in the transportation industry, learned more about Averitt from a driver with our team. A PERFECT FIT After talking with Austin Service Center Director RICK COUCH – who recently retired after nearly 20 years in that role – Deanna knew she was in the right place. In the meantime, though, Deanna received an offer from another company for full-time, salaried work. But she knew Averitt was the better long-term fit, and she decided to take a leap of faith with the part-time dock role. “We did my paperwork on my 40th birthday, in 2020,” Deanna says. “I always tell folks that it is still one of the top five days of my life.” CONSISTENT GROWTH A few twists of fate led to Deanna’s rapid career growth with Averitt. Her husband’s employer scaled back much-needed benefits at the start of 2021, meaning she needed to pursue a full-time position. A full-time position opened up, and Deanna was able to move into that role. Not long after, the Austin warehouse frontline leader position became available, and she was chosen for that job. Deanna served there for about two years before making her next move, this time to our Houston PortSide facility as Site Manager. It was there that Deanna was able to immerse herself in learning all our service offerings – LTL, Dedicated, Truckload, Distribution & Fulfillment and Integrated. “I’ve never been shy about my ambition,” Deanna explains. “I’m going to learn everything I need to know. Houston PortSide is a phenomenal building, and I’ve learned so much here. I’ve had the opportunity to work with all five service units. It’s really, really helped me understand and sell all of our services, understand where our future lies, and give me the ability to work with everybody at Averitt.” NEW FRONTIER Deanna is excited to see what’s next as she moves to Florida. “Ocala was a no-brainer,” she says. “Brand-new market. Brand-new facility. I couldn’t not do it. It just made all the right sense.” OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYONE Deanna says the culture of career growth that she’s experienced is open New Ocala Service Center Director Started As Part-Time Dock ASSOCIATE ‘RAISE YOUR HAND AND ASK FOR IT’
to everyone. “As long as I raised my hand and as long as I asked, Rick never told me no,” Deanna recalls of her time in Austin. “Having met other leaders and having been involved in other markets, that’s just who we are. A lot of companies talk about promoting from within, but they’re not about it. We don’t just talk about it. We walk it.” Deanna adds, “You are only limited by yourself. If there’s anything you want to do at Averitt, raise your hand and ask for it. We’ll point you in the right direction. Don’t wait for someone else to plan your career. Invest in yourself, raise your hand and be willing to learn everything. Have a humble attitude because nothing is above or beneath you. I stick to that to this day. Be flexible. If there’s a training, ask to be part of it.” Thank you, Deanna, for the foundation that you and our entire team at Houston PortSide have built, and we look forward to seeing great things on the horizon in Ocala and Florida! Are you looking to take your next step at Averitt? Check out our Opportunities Page at InsideAveritt.com/Opportunities to see a list of openings, information about our Leadership Development and Dock-To- Driver Training programs, and video testimonials about how we Promote From Within. T m New Ocala Service Center Director DEANNA SONNENBURG helped lead a strong team at Houston PortSide before being promoted to her newest role. Deanna began her Averitt career as a part-time dock associate.
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters
vol. 8 2 0 2 5
6
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter