INFORMING OUR ASSOCIATES ABOUT ALL THINGS AVERITT • AUGUST 2022 COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters
RECORD PROFIT SHARING: THE SKY TRULY IS THE LIMIT FOR WHAT WE CAN EARN P2 NEW AVERITT.COM: EASIER, SAFER FOR CUSTOMERS P4 'LIKE NIGHT AND DAY': DRIVER SHARES EXPERIENCE WITH PEOPLE LIKE YOU P5
Share the Effort Share the Reward
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO
Our recent "Operation: Thank You Week" festivities were a special opportunity to say thank you for all you do. Above, West Palm Beach city drivers OMAR LEWIS (left) and BUTCH STONEBACK (right) enjoy some of the festivities at their facility.
A STABLE, CONSISTENT FUTURE
Sharing contributions and operating performance, and your efforts are helping us achieve that success. As we continue to grow, it’s important to me that we continue to stay committed to the culture and values
that have helped us become a transportation leader. Since our humble beginnings in 1971, there’s one philosophy we’ve relied on to guide our every decision – a single core belief that’s P2
TEAM NOTES From Gary Sasser
As we move deeper into our 51st year, I’m more focused and excited than ever about our future. So far in 2022, we’ve set records for Profit
Record 11.514% In The Second Quarter UNPRECEDENTED PROFIT SHARING One of our favorite sayings about Profit Sharing is that the sky is the limit for how much we can earn. And you continue to prove that to be true!
11.514%
Because of your efforts in the second quarter, we were able to contribute an amount equal to 11.514% of your pay in Profit Sharing to your 401(k) retirement accounts! That’s almost 2% more than our total of 9.659% in the first quarter, which was our previous quarterly record! From January through June of 2022, our Profit Sharing contributions are an astounding 10.602% . When you consider that many companies provide a match of 3% for their retirement accounts, that shows what an incredible tool our Profit Sharing plan is – there truly is no limit to what we can do to secure our future together! In fact, you'll soon receive in the mail a letter from our financial partner, Principal, that shows how much Profit Sharing has been deposited into your 401(k) retirement account! This achievement has been made possible by your commitment to doing things the right way, focusing on safety, delivering outstanding service and helping us grow through People Like You . “As with all of our accomplishments, our record Profit Sharing contributions are the result of a team effort,” says BARRY BLAKELY of our executive leadership. “I want to say thank you to every associate for helping make this possible, and I look forward to continuing that momentum for the rest of the year!” Barry says one of the best ways to keep us on the right track is to keep referring People Like You. “All of us know friends or family who would be a great fit for our team,” Barry says. “Because we deliver outstanding service, we continue to see more opportunities with our customers. People Like You referrals help us meet those needs today, and they help us maintain our team-oriented culture for the future.” For more information about our Profit Sharing program and how your efforts make a difference, log on to InsideAveritt.com/ProfitSharing . T m
9.659%
*Numbers represent amount equal to percentage of associate pay
6.73%
3.928%
2022 2020 2021 Q2 Q1
FROM GARY SASSER PG. 1 defined our purpose and our future: OUR DRIVING FORCE IS PEOPLE. More than any other idea, that statement has established our identity, defined our priorities, and determined our outcomes. Looking ahead, we have a formal succession plan that ensures Averitt’s committed to this philosophy. We call it ALWAYS AVERITT . ALWAYS AVERITT is our plan to ensure a successful and stable pride of ownership for generations to come. OUR COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE IS OUR CORE • We will always remain independent and inspire the next generation to control their own destiny by focusing on creativity and innovation . • We will always advance our culture
of focusing on our passion to recruit, develop and retain our teammates the Averitt Way . And we will promote from within , guided by our leadership team. • We will always strive to compete at the highest levels - sharing the efforts and sharing the rewards by reinvesting our profits back into our company and our associates - always motivated by the unlimited potential for Profit Sharing . • We will always maintain a passionate partnership with Averitt Charities
the same culture, and the same vision that has guided our team for decades. The Always Averitt plan is simple and the continuation of a steadfast philosophy to reach for the stars.
It’s our team. It’s our nature. It’s our destiny. It’s our future!
and our communities through company-driven contributions.
The plan isn’t about any one person. It’s linked to every Associate who wears Averitt Red – past, present and future. It’s built on the same values,
Gary spends some time sharing the Averitt culture with Cincinnati Service Center Director DARRELL MCCOMAS (center) and associate MARK WOLFE (right).
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters
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‘THAT’S OUR CULTURE’
Tampa Frontline Leader Thankful For Career Growth Opportunities In 2002, J.R. UTT started his Averitt career as a dock associate in Greensboro while he was in college. Since that time, he’s moved on to several new opportunities, and he’s seen consistent leadership throughout our network, which is reflective of a culture that allows associates to grow. That's something that J.R., now a frontline leader in Tampa, tries to pass along to his fellow teammates. “I’ve had some excellent leaders throughout my career,” J.R. says. “I think all of them saw something in me, whether it was in my work ethic or what I was doing. I’ve tried to have that same mindset in helping other associates grow in their own careers.” After completing college and working elsewhere for a few years, J.R. came back to Averitt in 2009 with our Tampa team. From 2010-11, he transferred to Louisville after his wife’s job took them to the Bluegrass State. And in 2012, he came back to Tampa – during that time, J.R. has worked on the dock, and went through our Dock-To-Driver Training Program to serve as a driver before being promoted to frontline leader. “I think it’s a great thing that Averitt promotes from within,” J.R. says. “I’ve
made several steps in my career, but I feel like there are more steps I can take. I know there are opportunities, because that’s our culture. It happened to me, and I’ve seen it happen to others right before my eyes.” J.R. says our commitment to providing career opportunities pushes him to do the best job he can no matter what role he’s in. “I like what I do. I love the company. Averitt has always been really good to me, so I try to be good back,” he explains. READY FOR CAREER GROWTH? Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Call our Job Hotline at 800-991-1971 , talk to your leadership or visit InsideAveritt.com/Jobs to find out about local driving, leadership and other opportunities that are available. The hotline is updated on Mondays and Thursdays, so be sure to check it frequently so you can stay up to date on the latest openings. T m
On Tour Logistics driver JACK HENDERSON has been with Averitt for about 11 years, and one of the biggest reasons is the support he receives from our team. Jack – who is domiciled at Clarksville – began his Averitt career in Truckload, and after a few years he became a driver-trainer. Since 2016, he’s served as a member of our On Tour Logistics team, helping make sure music tours and ‘I COULDN’T ASK FOR BETTER SUPPORT’ On Tour Logistics Driver Thankful To Be With Our Team
other events across the country go off without a hitch. “It’s been a great lifestyle. I really enjoy the work,” Jack says. "I’ve got great support from corporate and from my fleet manager. I wouldn’t trade them for the world. Any time I have to call for a question, the phone gets picked up, my emails are answered and my texts are answered. I couldn’t ask for better support. It’s one of the reasons I stay in OTL and with Averitt.” Another reason Averitt has become his career home is our family atmosphere. That culture was evident in 2018 when Jack had a heart attack while out on the road. “An ambulance had to take me to the hospital, and they put a stent in,” Jack recalls. “The kicker is, after two days, the company paid for my rental car to get me home. They called my wife to make sure she was OK and see if she needed
anything. That put her completely at ease that I was taken care of, which was very important to her. Those are some of the reasons why I stay with Averitt.” Jack is also thankful for the team effort that helps us deliver outstanding service through On Tour Logistics. “Any time somebody says, ‘Jack, you
did a great job,’ my immediate reply is, ‘There are 100 more just like me where I came from,’” Jack says. Thank you, Jack, for sharing your “why” with our team! And thank you for helping us show our customers The Power of One provider! T m
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NEW AVERITT.COM CUSTOMER WEBSITE
REBUILT SITE IMPROVES CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
We're excited to announce we now have a brand-new customer website – located at Averitt.com!
This new site has been in the works for several months, and it is now live for associates and customers. NEW FEATURES AND BENEFITS Averitt.com delivers the service and information our customers depend on – more efficiently, more powerfully and more securely than ever before. Simply put, it makes it even easier to do business online with Averitt. Some new features and benefits include: • Easier to navigate – The site’s structure is modern, simplified and streamlined. • Cyber safer – The new site includes more safeguards to help our customers guard their cyber security. • Search tool – Our all-new search function provides customers with quick access for self-exploration. • More powerful marketing – Better access to dynamic digital tools, including videos and blog/thought leadership content integrated into most pages. The site’s new platform will also help us optimize individual pages for best performance on search engines, making it easier for customers to find us. • Reflects our realigned structure – Several months ago, we realigned our extensive menu of services into five main units in order to further strengthen “The Power of One.” Customers now have even greater clarity into how we can serve their needs. WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR ASSOCIATES? What serves our customers serves us all. By making it easier for our customers to do business with us, we strengthen our company. That helps us move even more shipments In And Out Of the South, create more job opportunities and rewards for our team, and secure a brighter future.
WHY AVERITT.COM? Everyone already knows us as “Averitt.” And with a shorter website address, it will make it easier for customers to access our website. Plus, great news – through the magic of website technology, we will be able to redirect anyone visiting the AverittExpress.com website to the Averitt.com version immediately. We have gone to great lengths to ensure that anyone visiting the AverittExpress.com site or pages will be sent to a corresponding page on our new site after the official launch date. HOW ARE WE PROMOTING AVERITT.COM? Our Marketing and Communications team is engaging every tactic to communicate with our customers about the new website. This will happen via email, printed handouts for sales and drivers, on-hold messaging prompts, digital advertising in the industry trades, and via our strongest marketing resource, our sales, leadership, driver and customer service teams. We’ve already begun using the Averitt.com website address on most of our printed sales collateral and will have some brand-new Averitt.com promotional swag items within the coming weeks to help our sales team get the word out. Thanks for helping us promote our new website – Averitt.com – to our customers! T m
George Carter William Crawford
Columbia Jackson TN Corporate Orlando Roanoke Mercedes Knoxville Atlanta West Mercedes Memphis Eastern NC Tupelo
Frank Shibler Gary Smith Sam Steptoe
West Palm Beach
Donald Tobias Roger Turner Hubert Walker Scott Watkins Ruth Vega
Hickory Nashville Corporate Mercedes
NEW LEADERS
Tifton
Jim Elliott
Clarksville Darlington Milwaukee Columbia
James Martin
Frontline Leader JACKSON MS
Randy Grifka Harry Hale Joe Hardaway
Vernon Stevenson
Brian Tatum
Cardinal Glass
Chaston Spiers
Transportation Specialist FT. SMITH
Toney Thompson
Earl Hill
One way our retirees can stay connected to Averitt is by becoming a member of the Ambassador Team, a special group of retired associates who stay connected to our unique culture of giving back. Ambassador teammates are annual contributors to Averitt Cares for Kids and are welcome to participate in the Team Up Community Challenge, People Like You Referral Rewards, and more! Email Dusty Barrow in Marketing and Communications at dbarrow@averittexpress.com to learn how to join. STAY CONNECTED THROUGH THE AMBASSADOR TEAM
RETIREES Thank you for your service to our team! Vicky Bogle Corporate Garland Bond Atlanta East Carl Butler Atlanta West
Johnny Jones Barbara Madden Connie McKay Richard McNemar
David Moore Charles Page
Auria Solutions USA
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters
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AVERITT, OTHERS ‘LIKE NIGHT AND DAY’
Houston City Driver Shares His Experience With People Like You
Because of that knowledge, Joe has been able to refer People Like You and earn referral rewards. Joe simply shares his experience with drivers he knows would be a good fit for our culture. “The experience I had before coming to Averitt is like night and day,” he explains. “I like Averitt. Averitt cares about its equipment and appearance. That’s something that we didn’t have where I was before. The equipment is well-kept, and the appearance of the associates is always outstanding. That really excited me about Averitt. Averitt has a great system, and Averitt is a great company to be with.” ‘VERY PARTICULAR’ WITH REFERRALS When it comes to who he refers, Joe takes his responsibility very seriously. “With as long as I’ve been in the industry, I know a lot of drivers from different companies throughout the years,” Joe says. “The drivers I’ve referred Before coming to Averitt in 2017, Houston city driver JOE EALY worked for a competitor for about 40 years. So needless to say, he knows a thing or two about the transportation industry, and he knows what makes a good driver.
Houston city driver JOE EALY knows what makes a good teammate, and he's used his experience to refer People Like You to Averitt.
are people with experience who I know would be good to refer. I don’t want to send someone who has a bad driving record, because that reflects on me. If you don’t fit what we’re looking for, I’m not going to refer you. I’m very particular with who I refer.” TOOLS TO FIND PEOPLE LIKE YOU We’re thankful for Joe’s efforts to help us grow, because People Like You are very important for our future and our culture. To learn more about our People Like You referral program, visit InsideAveritt.com/PeopleLikeYou . There, you can find information about referral rewards, a list of open positions and tools to make referring easier than ever! T m
SHOWING THE POWER OF ONE MORE
Associates Referring People Like You, Earning
Referral Rewards
Corporate associate HALEY BENNETT
Chattanooga dock associate CYNTHIA HUNTER
Mayfield city driver FRED ALDRIDGE
Knoxville CDL-A qualified dock associate JOHN BREWER
People Like You are very important for our future success, because you know others who would be a great fit for our culture. These associates earned referral rewards after their referrals were hired to the Averitt team!
Atlanta West shuttle driver PAUL JOYNER
Birmingham city driver TERRY LIPSCOMB
Charlotte W&R associate CHRIS MERCHANT
Dallas dock associate CHARLES WALLACE
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SPECIALIZED SERVICES DELIVERS YOUR FAVORITE SNACK
“Our partnership has grown so much since 2018,” Teresa says. “We now have as many as 60 trailers picking up from the Frito-Lay facility in Jonesboro, and our footprint with them now extends to Nashville, Charlotte and Macon. We even lease trailers to meet their cargo needs.” Our Specialized Services team is uniquely equipped to oversee this project, as many of the deliveries are time-definite. As was the scenario with the recent Independence Day holiday, products had to be at retailers June 30 in order for shelves to be stocked by July 4. Director of corporate business development JEFF ADAMS credits the success of the project to our ability for providing top-notch visibility, a strong fleet and on-time delivery. “Frito-Lay sees the value in what we are able to do,” Jeff says. “This is a project Specialized Services manages from start to finish, and it is great to see how much this project has grown in the past couple of years. Memorial Day and this year’s Super Bowl were two of our largest moves to date.” Each project has four Specialized Services associates assigned to one of the four service centers handling deliveries. Service center directors send local drivers to pick up the freight directly from the warehouse and LTL makes the final delivery. “Associates at both the local and corporate level help manage this project,” Jeff says. “They do a fantastic job of coordinating all operations, and it is a great display of our full logistics arm.” So the next time you pick up a bag of Frito-Lay snacks at your local grocery store for your family gathering, it is very likely they are there because of our team! T m
Every big event – ranging from Christmas to the Super Bowl – means Frito-Lay is ramping up distribution to meet demand, and it relies on Averitt to make sure its products are in grocery stores on time. The partnership with Frito-Lay began in 2018 with Memorial Day. Averitt delivered a small number of pallets from the company’s Jonesboro facility that year, and Frito-Lay was so impressed with our operation that they increased the amount of freight for their next event. Former Specialized Services manager TERESA GRAHAM – now a transportation specialist with our Knoxville team – helped grow the project to what it is today, and Specialized Services has since assisted with deliveries for disaster relief rollouts, Labor Day, New Year’s Eve, Halloween and Thanksgiving. The Power Of One is put on full display every holiday through a special project with snack food giant Frito-Lay. It is one of the largest projects our Specialized Services team oversees and ensures store shelves are fully stocked with America’s favorite snacks. Partnership with Frito-Lay helps stock shelves for major events and holidays
Charitable Program + Uniforms = Helping Those In Need DELIVERING MORE THROUGH OUR UNIFORM RECYCLING PROGRAM
If you’re one of the thousands of associates who have recycled their Averitt shirts over the years, we would like to thank you. Through our partnership with Matthew 25 Ministries, a charitable organization that rescues clothing and redistributes it to third-world countries, every shirt donated is de-branded and passed on to those who need it most. While the immediate humanitarian aid is by far the most important aspect of the contribution, the impact is felt in many other ways as well. Here’s how Averitt associates contributed to Matthew 25 Ministries and its mission in 2021. T m
Matthew 25 Ministries Total Impact in 2021
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BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
MORE ROOM IN NASHVILLE Because of growth we’ve experienced in Nashville, we’re working to provide more room for associates and equipment there. Those improvements include more parking at the rear of the facility for maintenance associates and equipment, as well as a larger breakroom for associates, and bathroom enhancements in the shop and office areas. NEW IN NORFOLK In Norfolk, we’ve added a 32,000-square-foot warehouse that’s very similar to the facility we have in Laredo. This enhancement gives us even more options as we provide a one-stop shop for our customers. Additionally, we’ve made upgrades to the service center to give it a similar look to other facilities in our network. DOCK DOORS IN BIRMINGHAM, TAMPA We recently completed a dock expansion in Birmingham, adding 35 doors When you deliver excellence, you help us earn more opportunities with our customers, and you help us build for the future through our facilities and amenities! We currently have lots of facility enhancements that we expect to complete in the coming months, and they’re a direct result of your outstanding efforts! Lots Of Facilities Enhancements In The Works
Our new Little Rock Driver Support Center provides over-the-road drivers with many of the comforts of home such as laundry facilities, a lounge, shower and more.
for a total of 110. Our Tampa dock will also soon have more space, as we’re adding 36 doors for a total of 121, making it our largest non-relay site. OFFERING SUPPORT IN LITTLE ROCK AND LEXINGTON In both Little Rock and Lexington KY, we’re about to complete shop expansions, as well as open Driver Support Centers that provide our over- the-road drivers with many of the comforts of home. These amenities include laundry facilities, a lounge, showers and more. CHARLESTON, JACKSONVILLE WAREHOUSE EXPANSIONS We’re expanding our Charleston warehouse by 30,000 square feet for a total of 80,000 square feet, and we’re adding a fuel lane there. We also have a warehouse in the works at our Jacksonville service center, covering 32,000 square feet. All of these upgrades help us provide the best amenities for our associates, and they put us in prime position to be able to deliver outstanding service for many years to come. Thank you for helping make successes like these possible, and we look forward to even more growth in the future! T m
Associates who wish to participate online can register at ItsYourRace.com . Distance and time year's event will take place both virtually and in-person at our Corporate campus! LACE UP YOUR RUNNING SHOES! Averitt 5K Returns Saturday, Sept. 17 The 15th annual Averitt 5K and 1-Mile Walk is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 17. The 1-mile walk is set to begin at 7:45 a.m., with the 5K following at 8 a.m. This
can be logged either manually on the website or through the IYR Virtual mobile app. This allows you to walk or run any route you want! The in-person event features multiple categories, including overall male, overall female and classifications by age. The top finishers in each category will receive an award, and all runners will be entered for door prizes and swag pack drawings. Last year, more than 160 associates took part in the all-virtual Averitt 5K. The 2022 edition of the race will be the first in-person event since 2019. More information about the race will be emailed to associates and available online at InsideAveritt.com. T m
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RED THINKIN’ REWARDS ON THE BIG SCREEN
Dedicated Driver Redeems Points For Smart TV
“I decided to use my Red Thinkin’ Rewards on a television because my other one downstairs finally bit the dust,” James says. James was looking through the items catalog when he came across the perfect television for him – a Sony. He is a self-professed “Sony fanatic” who still owns many Sony products from his childhood. “I still have my original Walkman that I bought in either 1979 or 1980, and the alarm clock I use to this day is my Dream Machine from when I was a kid,” James says. “Both still work great, so getting a Sony television was an obvious choice.” James is no stranger to the Red Thinkin’ Rewards store, having previously used his points for purchases over his 15-year career. James appreciates the Kamtek dedicated driver JAMES CARTER JAMES CARTER recently redeemed his Red Thinkin’ Rewards for a 75-inch Sony smart television, and the timing couldn’t have been better.
JAMES CARTER , a driver for our Dedicated Kamtek team, recently used his Red Thinkin' Rewards points to cash in on a 75-inch Sony smart television.
RTR program and enjoys the chance to earn points. “I always say I am saving up my points for a jet ski,” James jokes. “I think having the opportunity to earn Red Thinkin’ Rewards is wonderful. It is like having an extra benefit.” To track your Red Thinkin’ Rewards and browse the catalog of available items, visit InsideAveritt.com/rewards . T m
YOU COULD WIN 50,000 RED THINKIN' POINTS! Now through Sept. 15, you can enter to win 50,000 Red Thinkin’ Rewards points you can enter to win 50,000 Red Thinkin’ Rewards points. Simply log on to InsideAveritt.com/rewards InsideAveritt.com/rewards and sign in using your Associate ID Associate ID (nine-digit number located in your profile on MyPortal) and password and password. If it is your first time logging in, your temporary password is the four-digit month and day of your birth date. Upon first login, you will be required to enter a new password.
OVER 20 TEAM We’re proud to add members to our Over 20 Team! The following associates joined our team in August 2002: Jennifer Bledsoe Corporate Rick Estes Nashville Jeffrey Francis Lexington Timothy Johnson Charlotte Andrea Lancaster Corporate Larry Lord Jacksonville Williams Vaughn Chattanooga Charles Wilson Raleigh For a list of August milestone service awards, including the newest members of our Over 20 Team, visit InsideAveritt.com .
SAFETY AWARDS MAY
15 YEARS Stephan Gaidasz Robby McKinney Nimrod Quezada Jose Santiago Charles Wilson 35 YEARS Carl Howell 30 YEARS Danny Woodall 25 YEARS Steve Good Stephen Heltzel
20 YEARS Randall Corum Jeffrey Ford Bobby Foster Gary Gilbert Welford Hart Kenneth Traylor 15 YEARS Alfred Boles Renfroe Caver Arnold Hicks Zachery Leverett Ernest Martin Randall Newbury Daniel Noble Rayvond Rice
Jacksonville Chattanooga
Nissan Knoxville Decatur
For a complete list of Safety Award winners, including five- and 10-year recipients, visit InsideAveritt.com. 30 YEARS Mike Mason Mayfield Danny Scott Owensboro Joel Weaver Greensboro Douglas Wilson Cincinnati 25 YEARS Ronald King Ft. Smith 20 YEARS David Burton Cincinnati Timmy Holland Nashville Wayne Murphy Charlotte Jonny Olson Chattanooga James Williams Opelika
Costco Charlotte Raleigh
Jacksonville Richmond Mayfield
JUNE
Louisville
Tampa Dallas Houston
Decatur
Atlanta East Atlanta East Little Rock
Tri-Cities Tampa
Kasai North America
Dallas
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters
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Scott Wolf Memorial Golf Open A Great Success TEEING OFF FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Associates raised a record of more than $11,500 to benefit the Scott Wolf Memorial Scholarship. In addition to that amount, the company has given a matching donation, as well as another $10,000 in honor of the 10th anniversary of the scholarship, making it more than $33,000 to continue Scott’s legacy of giving back and helping associates and their dependents continue their post- high school education. Another way the golf tournament is making a positive impact on our community is through the Team Up Community Challenge. The time and effort put in by the volunteers and those participating in the tournament will result Wolf Memorial Scholarship. More than 110 participants from across our network hit the links in Crossville, TN, and made this event a resounding success! The recent Scott Wolf Memorial Golf Open was a great opportunity to showcase our unique team culture while raising money for the Scott
Above left, O'FAIR BROOKS (Chattanooga) and RON ALLISON (Louisville) share a fist-bump after a birdie putt. Above right, the team of BJ VANHOOSER (Corporate), JOHNNY HAUN (Knoxville) and HAYDEN DRONEBARGER (Corporate) won the team title in the recent Scott Wolf Memorial Averitt Open.
in a matching contribution to Averitt Cares for Kids. The team of JOHNNY HAUN (Knoxville), HAYDEN DRONEBARGER (Corporate) and BJ VANHOOSER (Corporate) won the team title in a close race. Just one stroke behind were two teams: the foursome of WAYNE BAKER (Oklahoma City), MIKE GAW (Corporate), ERIK KARDATZKE (Corporate) and BRIAN MAULDIN (Atlanta West), and the group of DWAINE FRANKLIN (Nashville), NICK LEDBETTER (Corporate) and STEVE STOLLAR (Atlanta West). We want to say a special thank you to everyone who participated, as well as the volunteers who made sure the event went off without a hitch. We’re thrilled to have this important team tradition back after a two-year absence while we navigated the effects of COVID-19, and we look forward to building on our team culture even more in the future! Visit InsideAveritt.com/2022GolfOpen to see a special video and photo gallery from this year’s event. T m
When we go above and beyond to provide excellent service, it shows that our Heroes Wear Red! These associates went the extra mile to represent Averitt with pride – and our customers said it showed! COMING THROUGH ON OUR COMMITMENT TO SERVICE
TYRONE MAYZE – Nashville “Your driver, Tyrone Mayze, came into our store and is one of the best drivers I have ever met. That is a big deal and I wanted to let everyone know.” Julie, Kroger – Antioch, TN shipments for the Atlanta Braves. We have come across more than a few supply chain difficulties, and she has always had our back. She goes above and beyond to problem solve and doesn't quit until she has found a solution. She is an absolute pleasure!” Natalie, Insignia Promo – Atlanta, GA JENNIFER LANGLEY – Corporate “I have worked with Jennie for over two years importing my JONATHAN SHOULTS – Decatur “That man is one amazing driver! Averitt is very lucky to have him. He is professional, smart, kind and dependable. He is like the everything bagel and perfect in every way!” Anna, Nippon Express – Madison, AL
TALMADGE CLEMENTS – Atlanta East “Talmadge has delivered for us before and has always done a great job. He is professional, on time and incredibly helpful. Thank you for having such a phenomenal driver for our deliveries.” Tod, North Georgia LED – Gainesville, GA TANNIEL ASHLEY – Costco Florida “Tanniel coordinates our loads to Miami. The drivers are always on time to pick up and deliver our freight. She is a great asset to Averitt.” Mike, Coastal Construction – Miami, FL EUGENE DAVIS – Jacksonville “Geno is a great driver. He is always helping us with our freight – from advising us to double check it to assisting with loading and unloading. Averitt is lucky to have him on its team.” Angelia, Marco Ophthalmic – Jacksonville, FL
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PetSmart dedicated associates donate pet supplies to the Ennis Police Department PETSMART SITE TEAMS UP IN TEXAS Each year, the PetSmart Distribution Center in Ennis allows its employees to purchase overstock items from its warehouse at a discounted rate. This year, our associates were given the chance to participate in the annual event. DEBBIE KNIGHT of our PetSmart team coordinated the efforts to buy miscellaneous pet items to donate to the Ennis Police Department as part of a Team Up Community Challenge. “Our associates used their overstock discount to purchase everything from leashes and collars for cats and dogs to stuffed animals,” says MICHELE GARNER of our PetSmart leadership team. “We donated several boxes of items to the police department’s crime prevention team.” It took nearly four hours to collect, sort, pack and deliver the items to the Ennis Police Department. Members of our PetSmart dedicated team in Ennis, TX took advantage of their pet supply resources last month to Team Up and donate to the Ennis Police Department
Coordinated by DEBBIE KNIGHT (left), our PetSmart Dedicated team in Ennis, Texas, recently donated supplies to the Ennis Police Department as part of their Team Up Community Challenge service.
Garner says the leashes and collars will be used when the police respond to calls of stray animals, and the stuffed animals will be given away to children when officers visit schools. We’re proud of our PetSmart associates and other teams that have been giving back through the Team Up Community Challenge. Learn more about this program at InsideAveritt.com/TeamUp . T m
Veteran Driver Danny Trousdale Joins Ambassador Team ‘I FEEL LIKE I HAVE GIVEN SO MUCH TO AVERITT, AND AVERITT HAS GIVEN SO MUCH TO ME IN RETURN’ Former Truckload driver Danny Trousdale retired late last year after nearly 14 years with our team, but the 74-year-old Illinois native says he wasn’t ready to hang up his hat just yet.
When he learned of the Ambassador Team, Danny held out on retiring until the program was formed. After it was established, Danny says he jumped on board as soon as he could.
After all those years of having a bed behind you, it’s nice to be able to see out the back window!” Danny joined Averitt in 2008 after moving from Illinois to Alabama. He had planned to transfer to the South with another company, but when that didn’t work out, he chose to come to Averitt. He says it is one of the smartest decisions he’s ever made, and he is thankful he chose Averitt. “Averitt has always been so good to me and my family,” Danny says. “About 10 years ago, my wife became sick. That same year, I was diagnosed with cancer. I had to take off work during both events, but my job was still there waiting for me when I was able to return to work. I am so glad I was on board with Averitt. “I feel like I have given a lot to Averitt, and Averitt has given so much for me in return. What more can you ask for in an employer?” After spending 10 years with the Decatur service
center, Danny accepted a position with the Mercedes dedicated team in 2019. He soon wanted to move back home to Illinois, so Danny transferred to Chicago, where he retired from in December. Danny says he would encourage anyone who has recently retired or is interested in retiring to look into joining the Ambassador Team. “I am fortunate to still be able to work, and I think the Ambassador Team is such a great program,” Danny says. “Like I said before, I work when I want and as much as I want, and it gives me the chance to make a little extra money. “Averitt already does so much for its associates, and this program allows you to stay active and involved.” For more information about the Ambassador Team program, talk to your leader or visit InsideAveritt.com/ambassador . T m
“I still wanted to work, and being an Ambassador Team mentor allows me to work when I want as much as I
DANNY TROUSDALE want,” Danny says. “There’s a lot to do at home and around the house, but going out and working keeps me active and in touch with people.” These days, Danny drives a shuttle run and just has to give the Chicago service center a couple weeks’ notice when he wants to work. “I am now making runs from Chicago to Milwaukee,” Danny says. “Going from a sleeper to a day cab has been a bit of an adjustment, but I like it.
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters
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SERVICE AWARDS
Below are the five-year milestones of associates WHO HAVE SERVED 20 YEARS OR MORE with our team. To view all available photos of our latest service awards, visit InsideAveritt.com.
Lexington KY associate JOHN FORBES (right, 35 years) with service center director Craig Taylor (left)
Corporate associate KATHY LEDBETTER (35 years)
Director of invoicing collections and cash MARILYN HYDEN (center, 35 years) with executive vice president and chief financial officer Johnny Fields (left) and president Wayne Spain (right)
Knoxville associate ROBERT MCNUTT (center, 40 years) with Region 1 vice president Bryan Snyder (left) and service center director Jeff Penley (right)
Director of cargo claim services GARY WHITAKER (right, 35 years) with chief operating officer Barry Blakely (left)
Nashville associate JOE STOVALL (left, 30 years) with service center director Joe Paul Tackett (right)
Mayfield associate RANDALL MELENDEZ (right, 35 years) with service center director Ed Deese (left)
Memphis associate JAMES BOND (30 years)
Vice president of operations LARRY MASON (right, 25 years) with chief operating officer Barry Blakely (left)
Shreveport associate DAN ZECCA (left, 25 years) with frontline leader Jim Busby (right)
Bowling Green associate DONNIE BOWLES (right, 25 years) with service center director Kevin Wilkerson (left)
Eastern NC associate MICHAEL VINSON (25 years)
UPCOMING GRAB-AND-GO EVENT SCHEDULE
September 12 September 13 September 14 September 15 September 16
Memphis
2p-8p
October 18 October 19 October 20
Cincinnati Cincinnati Lexington
7:30a-11a
Jackson TN Nashville Knoxville Mercedes
7:30a-11a
2p-8p
11a-5p 11a-5p 2p-7p
7:30a-11a
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Hurrying through the process may lead to an accident. DON ’ T RUSH. TARP SMART.
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters
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