INFORMING OUR ASSOCIATES ABOUT ALL THINGS AVERITT • VOL. 7 • 2024 COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters
HONORING OUR PARTNERSHIP: OUR TEAM EARNS SPECIAL AWARD P3 PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE: NEW TYLER FACILITY OPENING SOON P6 HERO OF THE HIGHWAY: DEDICATED DRIVER ASSISTS SHOOTING VICTIM P10
Cookouts, daily prize giveaways, goody bags and more were featured during this year's Operation: Thank You Week! Check out more photos from across our network on P2 . SAYING THANKS TO OUR ASSOCIATES
REFERRALS FUEL OUR FUTURE Our People Like You referral program is something we frequently talk about, and there are many reasons it’s so important. Because you’re a part of
our team, you know what outstanding service is. You know what it means to do everything with professionalism. It’s clear to you when someone is a cut above, and you know what it looks like when others have those same
traits.
When you refer People Like You, you’re helping us meet the needs of our customers right now. Our recent Costco growth is a perfect example of that. Your commitment to service and P2
TEAM NOTES From Gary Sasser
ANNUAL CELEBRATION MARKED WITH GREAT FOOD, PLENTY OF GIVEAWAYS Operation: Thank You Week was all about celebrating you and what you mean to our team! Facilities throughout our network celebrated in their own ways, from cookouts and food trucks to local prize drawings and more. Every associate also had their name entered in daily drawings for prizes like summer and outdoor gear, as well as Red Thinkin’ Rewards points and gift certificates. Check out the photos below for a look at how we enjoyed the week. And to see a video message from our leadership and a list of drawing winners, visit InsideAveritt.com/ThankYou . T m
SAYING THANK YOU ACROSS OUR NETWORK
ATLANTA EAST
CHATTANOOGA
HOUSTON
JACKSONVILLE
KNOXVILLE
LEXINGTON
MIAMI
NASHVILLE
NORFOLK
ORLANDO
PETCO DALLAS
SAVANNAH
FROM GARY SASSER PG. 1 solutions helped us experience exceptional growth with that account, and we’re asking for your help with referrals there so we can continue to build that relationship. We’re also starting to expand our Truckload team, and we know that People Like You will allow us to meet our customers’ needs. I truly believe we provide the best environment for over-the-road drivers with unmatchable home time and opportunities for career growth. In addition to meeting our present needs, People
Like You fuel our future. Because when your referrals experience our culture firsthand, they’re more likely to refer people they know, ensuring we stay strong for years to come. Thank you for all you do to bring like-minded associates to Averitt. Your efforts make a difference. They’re one of the reasons we’re experiencing success today, and they’re part of why we’re in prime position to share an even brighter future!
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters
vol. 7 2 0 2 4
2
St. Jude Names Us As Its Giving Partner Of The Year HONORING OUR PARTNERSHIP
We were recently named as St. Jude’s Workplace Giving Partner of the Year! That distinction comes on the heels of our 2023 donation of $1,500,001, which was our largest-ever gift and St. Jude’s largest-ever employee- generated contribution. “I’m proud of our long-standing commitment to support the good works of St. Jude,” says GARY SASSER . “And I’m humbled that we’ve been honored as St. Jude’s Giving Partner of the Year. The mission of Averitt Cares for Kids is a total team effort, and I’m even more excited to see what we can accomplish next as we partner with St. Jude to save the lives of children battling cancer.” The way our team gives to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through Averitt Cares for Kids makes a lasting impact on the lives of children, helping them overcome various types of cancer. Our belief in Associate Sharing has also made quite the impression on St. Jude.
Since our first donation in 1990, we’ve continued to build our relationship, donating a total of nearly $13 million to St. Jude. Overall, Averitt Cares for Kids has given more than $15 million to charities. HOW IT’S POSSIBLE Our yearly contributions to St. Jude are made possible by several factors. First, more than 96% of associates are members of Averitt Cares for Kids, giving $1 a week. Additionally, the company match continues to grow as a result of Team Up Community Challenge activities, as well as recognition of associate milestones, anniversaries and life events. In 2023, the match was $1 million! We want to say thank you to every associate who is a member of Averitt Cares for Kids. You truly make a difference that lasts a lifetime! Are you not a member and want to see The Power of One dollar a week to help others? Visit InsideAveritt.com/AverittCares to learn more about our mission and find the link to sign up. T m Several Averitt Cares for Kids members visited St. Jude Children's Research Hospital earlier this year to present our record donation of $1,500,001.
ARE YOU READY FOR SOME SOFTBALL? Annual Softball Tournament Is Almost Here!
Golf Tournament Set For Aug. 31 In Cookeville The Averitt Cares for Kids Family Softball Tournament is one of our favorite team traditions, and it’s just around the corner! This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 17, at the Cane Creek SportsPlex in Cookeville. As always, it’s a free, family-friendly day with plenty of food and drinks for everyone, and games and activities for children. Last year’s tournament set a record for turnout, with 25 teams and more than 1,350 associates, family members and friends. We’re hoping for an even bigger showing this year! The Averitt Cares for Kids Softball Tournament is
a great opportunity to highlight our commitment to Associate Sharing, and the way we show that through Averitt Cares for Kids and our special relationship with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. And remember, Averitt’s matching contribution to support the good works of St. Jude was increased by the number of volunteers, attendees and participants at the 2023 event. So there’s even more of a reason to show up and catch up with teammates from throughout our network. If you’ve never been to the softball tournament, we hope this year will be the year for you! T m
NEW LEADERS
RETIREES Thank you for your service to our team! Luanne Barnhardt Charlotte Juan Casas Gutierrez Tifton David Engelman St. Louis David Lipps BMW Robbie Mote Charlotte Pedro Roman Orlando Frank Smith St. Louis
Doug Granito Service Center Director MEMPHIS Melissa Henry Product Analysis/Design Leader CORPORATE Jonathan Jimenez Service Center Director GREENVILLE Sandra Lauterbach Operations Leader COSTCO
Doug Lloyd
VP Corporate Services CORPORATE
Mark McCombs Service Center Director BIRMINGHAM Kay Newman Software Development Leader CORPORATE Matt Smith Region 3 VP Sales BIRMINGHAM
Chad Dale
Frontline Leader CHARLOTTE
Brandon Fox
Service Center Director DECATUR
Erick Gallegos
On-Site Manager NASHVILLE D&F
vol. 7 2 0 2 4
3
LESS FUEL = MORE PROFIT SHARING For Cookeville Truckload driver TOM SAYMAN, the reason he is careful about fuel consumption is simple: it means more Profit Sharing for the future. “That’s where Profit Sharing comes from – it's controllable expenses like fuel, avoiding accidents and injuries, and things like that,” explains Tom, who has been with Averitt for a little more than four years. “When we all do our part to keep that down, there’s more available for Profit Sharing.” ARE THESE REAL NUMBERS? Tom – who is a member of our Driver Advisory Council – found out how many miles he was getting per gallon after a chance look at his dashboard. When he realized it was in the 8.3 range, he talked with Vice President of Corporate Transportation DANNY CROOKS at the next DAC meeting. “I won the truck assignment during the 2022 Driver Appreciation Week drawing – it’s a 2023 model – and no one else has driven it but me,” Tom recalls. “I asked Danny, ‘Is that accurate information? Because it says I’m getting overall 8.3.’ He said, ‘That sounds a little high. I’ll look into it.’” After some investigation, Danny found out that Tom was indeed an outstanding performer. “He said, ‘Your numbers are incredible. Your cruise control use is 55%, which is really high. Your moving miles per gallon is 8.27, which is high. If the entire Truckload fleet drove like you, the bottom line is we would have saved more than $1 million in fuel over the last 52-week period.’” HOW TOM MAKES IT HAPPEN Tom says our adaptive cruise technology is a win-win, so he uses it whenever it’s practical and safe to do so. “I like it because of the collision mitigation features,” he explains. “The system keeps me a safe distance from whatever is in front of me. The cruise control holds me back while going down hills – I set it back five miles below the target speed, and it holds me right at the target speed regardless of the
For TOM SAYMAN , saving on fuel costs means more Profit Sharing for him and the rest of the team.
load or grade. That’s a nice feature.” Tom also makes good use of our auxiliary power units, or APUs. “If I get to the customer and put it in the dock, I shut the truck off and turn the APU on,” Tom says. “About 90% of the time, it keeps up. Every now and then, the sun might be shining in the windows, so I close the curtain while I’m sitting at the dock.” Finally, Tom does some good old-fashioned trip planning. “For example, if I’m going through Atlanta and I know I’m going to hit there in the afternoon rush, I’ll stop prior to that – time permitting – and take a break,” he explains. “I’ll shut the truck off and run the APU for a bit to prevent idling. Going through there at highway speeds as opposed to stop-and-go, stop-and-go for all that time results in fuel savings.” The care that Tom exercises all boils down to one thing. “I’ve always operated my truck like I own it,” he says. “That way, I make sure it gets me home on the weekend.” Thank you, Tom, for the way you make the most of your fuel. Your efforts are an inspiration to us all, and they’re helping us secure a brighter future! T m
Make plans to attend a cookout near you! View more appreciation cookouts on the Events Calendar at InsideAveritt.com . UPCOMING COOKOUT EVENT SCHEDULE
AUGUS T
S E P T EMB E R
Aug. 27: Atlanta West Aug. 28: Atlanta East Aug. 29: Atlanta East
2-8p 2-8p 7-10a
Sept. 16: Memphis Sept. 17: Jackson TN Sept. 18: Nashville Sept. 19: Knoxville Sept. 20: Mercedes
2-8p 7-10a
11a-5p 11a-5p
2-6p
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters
vol. 7 2 0 2 4
4
“It’s an easy sell for us because of our facilities, our appearance and our equipment,” Brian says. “We always want to promote that, because we invest in people. And if we invest in our facilities, our appearance and equipment, we’ll also spend time making sure we’re getting the best teammates.” Brian has seen plenty of that investment during his Averitt career. He started almost 35 years ago as a part-time dock associate in Nashville. He then moved to our maintenance team there, putting decals on our trucks and trailers. Brian eventually moved to Memphis and served as a full-time dock associate, city driver and frontline leader. He’s been in his current role for about 17 years. Most of Brian’s referrals come from family and friends who are asking about positions. Brian says he’s “old-school” about the process, as he prefers to talk with potential referrals to see if they would be a good fit. The importance of referrals is also something he stresses to his associates. “I tell them that when we hire somebody, we want to keep them a long time. So you want to recruit somebody that you would like to work with until you’re gone,” he says with a laugh. “We want our associates to recruit people who are more than just fill-ins. We’re looking for people who can grow with us.” Brian adds that referring People Like You is even easier today because of the many types of roles we offer. “We've always been a fantastic company, but our industry is becoming more and more intriguing to people,” he says. “When you find somebody like ‘IT’S AN EASY SELL’ Through the years, Memphis operations manager BRIAN HOPPER has made lots of People Like You referrals. And the reasons he does that are simple.
Referring quality associates leads to growth and future success, according to Memphis operations manager BRIAN HOPPER (left, with recently retired Memphis Service Center Director MIKE MAYNARD ).
that who has interest, you can talk to them about more than just a single role because of all the services we have. Whatever they want to grow into, if they’ve got some spirit about them, we can definitely find a spot for them.” WE NEED PEOPLE LIKE YOU! We need People Like You throughout our network, because finding like-
minded associates helps us stay strong for the future. To learn more about our People Like You referral program – including a list of positions, and how you can earn Red Thinkin’ Rewards points and referral rewards – go to InsideAveritt.com/PeopleLikeYou . T m
Scan To Learn How You Can Refer Associates
SHOWING THE POWER OF ONE MORE Associates Referring People Like You, Earning Referral Rewards
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!
Corporate associate ALEXA BARRETT
Knoxville city driver (right) LEO LANGLOIS
Dallas preventive maintenance associate (right) ANTHONY JIMENEZ
Houston PortSide associate (left) LUCY VALENCIA
vol. 7 2 0 2 4
5
MEETING OUR NEEDS NOW, PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE
New Tyler Facility Opening Soon
Our Tyler, Texas, operations have expanded consistently through the years, and that growth has put us in position to open a new state-of-the-art facility that will meet our needs now and prepare us for the future. Set to open in early August, the new facility is close to Interstate 20, and it will feature 20,500 square feet with 33 doors – that's four times the space of the current building and more than double the doors. Additionally, it will offer two on-site fuel islands, along with parking for 25 tractors, 64 trailers and 46 associates, all protected by an electric fence and security cameras. “This new facility will benefit our associates across the Averitt network,” says Tyler Service Center Director BRYAN WALTERS . “In addition to the parking and fuel amenities, our over-the-road associates will be able to take advantage of new men’s and women’s restrooms, two additional showers and restrooms, and a breakroom that features a kitchenette, ice machine, refrigerator, vending machines and two large-screen TVs. We’re very excited to move into the new service center.” Bryan adds that it will help us deliver even stronger service throughout our network, which helps us grow all our service offerings. “Tyler has become one of the fastest-growing markets in Texas,” he says, “and we are proud of that accomplishment.” PATTERN OF GROWTH From humble beginnings, our newest developments in Tyler are part of a pattern of consistent growth, according to Region 6 Vice President CALVIN RACKLEY .
Our new Tyler Service Center is approaching completion, and features a new style of sign to welcome associates and visitors.
“We started out with a one-door facility in a very small warehouse. It was a rented building that was about 100 years old,” Calvin jokes. “Then we moved into a tiny, 10-door facility with a small yard. Then we moved into the facility that we were most recently in, and we just outgrew them all. Our new service center represents the efforts of not only our Tyler associates, but also associates throughout the entire network. They helped us grow to the level of business where we needed a new building.” Calvin adds, “I am very proud of our associates
Learn More About Why We're Investing In Our Facilities
in Tyler and throughout our system for what they’ve been able to accomplish in that market. They’re an outstanding team, and they do a great job.” We look forward to moving into the new digs in Tyler, and we can’t wait to see the positive effects that it creates throughout our system. This accomplishment is made possible by your efforts, and it’s part of our ongoing commitment to providing associates with the best possible amenities and quality of life on the job! T m
RECOGNIZING DOCK EXPERIENCE New Shirt Options In Our Uniform Program
Dock associates are important members of our team who are often working in the elements to help load and unload our customers' freight. And you might be surprised to learn just how many of these associates have been with us for more than 20 years! We're proud to have more than 150 dock associates on our Over 20 Team. And of that number, 41 have been with us for at least 30 years! That's nearly 4,100 years of experience walking across our docks every day. Beginning with 10-year associates and including each five-year anniversary, we’re now offering special dock T-shirts as part of our Uniformity program. Associates who have achieved those service levels have already received or will soon receive a complimentary T-shirt, and we look forward to seeing you proudly wear these on the dock! Moving forward, you’ll be able to order these shirts on the website and from our next Uniformity catalog. To place your order now, log on to InsideAveritt.com/Uniforms . T m
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters
vol. 5 2 0 2 4
6
‘DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS’
Chicago Ops Manager Started As Part-Time Dock Associate
BARTOSZ “BART” DRABCZYNSKI came to Averitt 15 years ago as a part- time dock associate. Since then, he’s experienced consistent growth, and in 2018 he was promoted to his current role as operations manager. “Everybody talks about the Averitt culture, and I have to agree with them,” Bart says. “The Averitt culture for me is the people who work here. That’s the biggest difference between Averitt and places I worked before. The people are nice, friendly and willing to help you out.” Bart says an important reason for his career growth is learning how to get out of his comfort zone. “Naturally, I’m kind of an introvert,” he explains. “That was the biggest obstacle for me growing in my career. Through the years, I’ve learned how to be more open, how to communicate with people, and how to be a better leader.” WORK + CONFIDENCE = SUCCESS Confidence and hard work are a potent combination, according to Bart. “Do everything 100%. Don’t just do it halfway,” Bart says. “Show that you care and that you want to be here. Don’t just get by. Put in the work, and if you do move up into a new position, there’s a reason why you’re there. Somebody sees something special in you, and you need to be aware of it. Be confident, and know that you’re the right person for the job.”
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions,” he says. “If there’s something you don’t know, ask your immediate leader. If I have a question, I go to (Chicago Service Center Director) CLEM (HOLLINGSWORTH) . Don’t be afraid to ask questions. That’s how we learn. I still learn something new every day after 15 years. You can’t solve everything yourself, so it’s important to be able to ask for help.” The culture and growth Bart has experienced make him want to stick with Averitt for the long haul. “Averitt has been really good to me, and I hope I’m good for Averitt,” he says with a laugh. “I’m hoping to get another 15 years, and I hope to retire from here.” OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND AT AVERITT If you’re ready to take the next step in your Averitt career, check out our Career Opportunities page at InsideAveritt.com/Opportunities. There, you can see a list of open positions, learn more about our Leadership Development Program and Dock-to-Driver Training Program, and find instructions on how to apply for a new position. T m BART DRABCZYNSKI (left, with Chicago Service Center Director CLEM HOLLINGSWORTH ) is a good example of our commitment to Promote From Within. He started his Averitt career as a part-time dock associate and moved up to his current role as operations manager.
BE WILLING TO ASK FOR HELP Bart adds that it’s important to ask for help when you need it.
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
DANZEL HALE – Mobile We appreciate Danzel. He made sure that everything we needed was taken care of, even in hot weather. He always goes above and beyond for us and we enjoy seeing him drive up. Bea Ketchum, Realizations – Ocean Springs, Missouri
FELICIA BOWEN – Oklahoma City I have been with Lincoln Electric for 45 years and there have been few people who have taken care of me like Felicia does. She is a wonderful person to work with. Alvin Bennett, Lincoln Electric – Oklahoma City
CALEB COX – Louisville I was extremely satisfied with Caleb Cox and his delivery service. He made the delivery easy with things like synchronizing our watches to anticipate delivery time. He was also very honest, well mannered, personable, and patient. What a great asset to Averitt. James Brizzi, Captain Jim’s Restaurant – Mountain City, Tennessee
PARKER HARLESS – National Call Center I want to personally thank Parker for all his assistance. He was awesome to work with. He handled my requests, questions, and concerns. Tina, Adaseal International – Waverly, Tennessee
vol. 7 2 0 2 4
7
GOT PAIN?
Physical Therapy When and Where You Need It
Associates and dependents ages 18 and up who are enrolled in either of our medical plans have access to Hinge Health, a virtual physical therapy benefit. Hinge Health helps manage chronic back, knee, hip, shoulder or neck pain at no additional cost. Trina said the initial setup process for the Hinge Health mobile app was straightforward and simple to complete. “I'm not that tech savvy, and it was user-friendly for me,” says Trina. After answering a few questions about her specific issues, she received a personalized "playlist" of exercises from the app. "I've got a library of five different therapy levels, so if one day I'm not feeling like tackling the upper-level exercises, I can go back down to one of the lower levels and still get the needed work in,” explains Trina. The exercises are designed to be manageable, focusing on small movements that can be done without breaking a sweat. Participants also get all the equipment they need sent to them, from exercise sensors to yoga mats! One of the standout features for Trina was the flexibility of the Hinge Health app. She appreciates how it allows her to schedule appointments and set reminders for her physical therapy sessions. The program integrates seamlessly into her daily routine, allowing her to not feel the stress of When Corporate associate TRINA COFFEE was experiencing back and arm issues, a convenient and easy-to-use virtual physical therapy option was the perfect solution.
Corporate associate TRINA COFFEE took advantage of free virtual physical therapy through Hinge Health to help her Live Well.
missing an appointment. She also appreciates the regular check-ins from health coaches, offering tips and ensuring she stays on track with her therapy. The biggest surprise for Trina was the improvements that were made in such a short time. “I didn't think that it would make that big of a difference, but now I do it four times a week. Everybody should just give it a try!” she encourages. Trina's experience is a testament to how Hinge Health is a valuable addition to our benefits offerings. We thank Trina for sharing her story and hope her experience inspires others to explore the benefits of this program. For those interested in learning more or signing up, detailed information can be found on InsideAveritt.com . T m
CHECK IN ON YOUR HEALTH
One of the best ways to Live Well is to get an annual health screening. That’s because health screenings can help you confirm good health habits or detect potential concerns so you can address them. Health Screenings Taking Place In August And September
During August and September, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a screening. There will be two ways to participate – on-site or through an off-site lab. As an extra incentive, all associates who complete a health screening will be entered into drawings for Red Thinkin’ Rewards points or a week of paid time off. Covered spouses who participate will provide another associate entry into each drawing.
The prizes are: • 25 winners of 50,000 Red Thinkin’ Rewards points • 25 winners of 100,000 Red Thinkin’ Rewards points • 10 winners of 250,000 Red Thinkin’ Rewards points • 10 winners of one week of paid time off (to be used in 2025)
For more information about our health screenings, including a full schedule of on-site screenings and how to complete a screening through an off-site lab, visit InsideAveritt.com/HealthScreenings .
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters
vol. 7 2 0 2 4
8
Based on feedback from our associates, we updated the schedule for the Scott Wolf Memorial Averitt Open.
TEEING OFF IN SEPTEMBER
The event is set for Saturday, Sept. 28, at Tennessee Tech Golden Eagle Golf Club in Cookeville. We also adjusted when to sign up for the tournament – signups will begin Aug. 12. The tournament always fills up quickly, so if you’re interested in playing, we encourage you to let us know as soon as possible! As one of our important team traditions, the team scramble features 18 holes of golf, breakfast, lunch, a goody bag, entrance into prize drawings, and a putting contest that raises money for the Scott Wolf Memorial Scholarship program.
Scott served as our Vice President of Corporate Services until his passing in June 2012. Honoring his wishes, the Wolf family set up a scholarship fund in Scott’s name in 2013. Through the program, close to 100 students across our system have been able to further their college education. To sign up for the tournament, go to InsideAveritt.com/Golf. To learn more
about the Scott Wolf Memorial Scholarship, visit InsideAveritt.com/ScottWolfScholarship . T m
Congrats To Our 2024 Scott Wolf Memorial Scholarship Winners AND THE WINNERS ARE ... One of the unique ways our team gives back is through the Scott Wolf Memorial Scholarship . The program helps associates and their
• Henzley Dunn , daughter of Hobie Dunn (Corporate) • Hunter Grubbs , daughter of Sue Umbarger (Corporate) • Kirra Hancock , daughter of Emily Hancock (Corporate) • Brooke Hanna (Baton Rouge associate) • Katelyn Ann Harris , daughter of James Walker (Macon) • Alejandro Hernandez Lunar , son of Alfredo Hernandez Carvajal (Daikin Comfort Technologies) • Mykiah Jones , daughter of Thaddeus Jones (Raleigh) • Spencer King , son of James King (BMW-TN Hub and Spoke) • Georgia Kohr , daughter of Kris Kohr (St. Louis) • Haley Ledford , daughter of Catrina Ledford (Corporate) • Carter Mattson , son of Ryan Mattson (Corporate) • Madison McGlothin , daughter of Candace McGlothlin (Mercedes) • Christina Powell , daughter of Willie Powell III (Houston) • Ashley Price , daughter of Brent Price (Fort Smith)
• Joshua Price , son of Brent Price (Fort Smith) • Hope Roberson , daughter of Charles Roberson (Corporate) • Lynnsey Saylor , daughter of Teddy Saylor (Knoxville) • Bethany Sims , daughter of William Sims (Tyler) • Ethan Stump , son of Pete Stump (Hickory) • Olivia Tillie , daughter of Carl Alger (Lexington) Because of our team’s continued support of the Scott Wolf Memorial Scholarship Program, each student receives a $1,000 scholarship! T m
dependents further their college education, and we're excited to honor this year’s group of winners! • Charlotte Adams , daughter of Andy Adams (Jonesboro) • Carlen Anderson , daughter of Steve Anderson (Dedicated) • Tess Barton , daughter of Jack Barton (Corporate) • Noah Beaty , son of Bryan Beaty (Corporate) and Laura Beaty (Corporate) • Carter Bowman , son of Amy Hall (Corporate) • Mayte Campos-Tovar , daughter of Aldo Campos (Dallas) • Nathaniel Clark , son of Heidi Clark (Corporate) • James Cummingham , son of April Cunningham (Corporate) • Logan Cunningham , son of April Cunningham (Corporate) • Cora Curd , daughter of Spencer Curd (Cookeville) • Virginia Curlin , daughter of Chris Stone (Corporate) and Keshia Stone (Corporate)
Scan Here To Learn More About The Scott Wolf Scholarship
OVER 20 TEAM We’re proud to add members to our Over 20 Team! The following associates joined our team in July 2004: Eugene Davi Jacksonville Carla Guyton Atlanta West Charles Huddleston Knoxville Joe Kizziah Mercedes Shop Michael Lynn Knoxville Ramon McCain Shreveport Brian Melton Roanoke Jeffrey Richardson Nashville
JUNE SAFETY AWARDS For a complete list of Safety Award winners, including five- and 10-year recipients, visit InsideAveritt.com.
Jerry Simmons Devon Smith Glenn Sonnier Dennis Torberson Jeff Smith
Tifton
William O’Brien Herman Powers Jr. 20 YEARS Logan Johnson 15 YEARS Cornell Hamilton James Howard Clayton Lindsey Steve Rostvold Freddie Wright Jr.
Decatur Knoxville
Corporate Corporate Bessemer Dedicated
Essex Tech Group
30 YEARS Joseph Meguiar Alton Phillips 25 YEARS Danny Bryant Arthur Gresham
For a list of July milestone service awards, including the newest members of our Over 20 Team, visit InsideAveritt.com .
Bowling Green Atlanta East
Baton Rouge Jackson MS
Tampa Abilene
Orlando Dothan
Jackson MS
vol. 7 2 0 2 4
9
HERO OF THE HIGHWAY
A few months ago, DUANE LARGENT was entering Indiana as part of a run for our Crossville Inc account when he came upon the unexpected. Duane noticed a truck driver ahead of him who suddenly put on his brakes and pulled over to the shoulder. “I went to the left lane and started passing him,” recalls Duane, who has been with Averitt for about five years. “I got about halfway on his trailer, and he put his arm out of the window and it was covered in blood. That was an attention-getter.” It turned out the other driver had been shot by a passenger in a nearby SUV. Duane didn’t think twice, pulling over, calling 911 and giving assistance to the wounded man, who had suffered gunshot wounds to the neck and mouth. “He needed somebody immediately,” Duane says. “With nobody stopping, he would have bled out right there on the interstate in his seat. It was amazing what he was able to do for himself, pulling over, grabbing a towel to apply pressure on his neck. I did what I would hope anybody would do. Unfortunately, I was the only one who stopped for him. I did what I could do as fast as I could do it.” The man was transported by helicopter to a hospital, but Duane’s sense of duty didn’t stop there. Duane relayed information that the driver provided him to law enforcement, which led to an arrest just days later. Duane was also able to contact the driver’s niece, who provided updates Crossville Inc DRIVER Honored By National Organization For His Actions
Thanks to some quick thinking, DUANE LARGENT with our Crossville Inc account helped save the life of a shooting victim while on the road.
on his health. The driver is still in the midst of a long road to recovery, having gone through several surgeries. But Duane hopes to speak to him when he is able. Because of his actions, Duane was recently honored by the Trucking Industry Defense Association as its 2024 Hero of the Highway! Thank you, Duane, for your commitment to helping others and for giving lifesaving help to someone in need! For Duane, his response was simply the Golden Rule in action. “I would hope somebody would stop for me like I did,” Duane says. “If I ever got into a situation like that, I would want somebody to stop for me. People many times think, ‘I don’t want to get involved.’ But that’s somebody’s life. You need to do what you can.” T m
ALMOST 200 COMBINED YEARS OF SAFETY!
Dothan shuttle driver DEXTER CRAWFORD (right, pictured with Service Center Director Alan Jimmerson), celebrated 35 years of safe driving.
Cookeville shuttle driver DALE ROACH (right, pictured with Service Center Director Sammy Talent), was honored for 35 years of safe driving.
Dothan shuttle driver DONALD BOWMAN (left, pictured with frontline leader Daniel Metcalf) was recognized for 30 years of safe driving.
Tampa shuttle driver CASEY O’HERN recently achieved 30 years of safe driving.
Tupelo shuttle driver JIMMY ARMSTRONG (left), pictured with frontline leader Justin Water (right), was honored for 30 years of safe driving.
Cincinnati shuttle driver MITCH BOWEN (right), pictured with Service Center Director Darrell McComas (left), was recognized for achieving 25 years of safe driving.
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters
vol. 7 2 0 2 4
10
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.
Knoxville associate RANDALL THARP (left, 35 years) with shop leader Johnathan Cole Sr. (right)
Greensboro associate GARY FRYE (left, 30 years) with Service Center Director Bobby Adkins (right)
Jackson TN associate THOMAS HOWARD (right, 30 years) with Service Center Director Doug Granito (left)
Atlanta East associate RANDY COSOM (30 years)
Montgomery Service Center Director JUSTIN PRESLEY (right, 30 years) with Region 3 Vice President David McGonagill (left)
Little Rock associate WILLIAM “BILL” BEERS (right, 25 years) with Service Center Director Albert Barnes (left)
Nashville associate JOE TOLISON (30 years)
Atlanta East associate PAT MELVIN (right, 30 years) with operations manager Darrell Richardson (left)
Corporate associate BRAD BROWN (second from left, 25 years) with (from left) Executive VP of Sales & Marketing Kent Williams, VP of Marketing & Communications Gina Billings, and President & COO Barry Blakely
Jackson MS associate MARK EUBANK (left, 25 years) with Service Center Director Michael Matherne (right)
Greensboro associate SCOTT FERGUSON (left, 25 years) with Service Center Director Bobby Adkins (right)
Cincinnati associate DAVID BURTON (right, 25 years) with Service Center Director Darrell McComas (left)
M-D Building Products associate MARK TAYLOR (left, 25 years) with Site Manager Thomas Adcock (right)
Atlanta East associate NATHAN PAYNE (25 years)
Corporate associate RYAN MATTSON (left, 25 years) with Truckload operations manager Brian Dudney (right)
Corporate associate NICHOLE NORRIS (right, 25 years) with Director of Customer Service Elaine Grossholz (left)
vol. 7 2 0 2 4
11
Using Red Thinkin’ Rewards Points to Spread Joy THINKIN’ GENEROUSLY
CLARENCE BROWN , a city driver out of Atlanta West, had been sitting on some Red Thinkin' Rewards points for a while and was unsure how he was going to use them. One day at church, Clarence noticed a young girl sitting on the sidelines, watching other children ride their bikes because she didn't have one of her own. Clarence immediately thought he should do something about it and make sure this girl felt included. "She has the biggest heart in the whole church. She hugged me, a stranger, and I knew that I wanted to do something for her because of how kind and compassionate she was to me," says Clarence. Clarence worked with ALAINA KING , our Red Thinkin’ Rewards program specialist, over the phone to select the perfect bike – a pink and purple model with streamers, ideal for a young girl. Clarence was thrilled with the selection and excited about the opportunity to make a difference in the little girl's life. “I was really honored to be the one to answer his call and help him,” Sometimes, the smallest gestures can create the biggest smiles. Acts of kindness, no matter how simple, have the power to make a profound impact on others.
When Atlanta West associate CLARENCE BROWN noticed a little girl in his church in need of a bike, he knew his Red Thinkin' Rewards could help brighten her day.
recalls Alaina. “I thought it was so sweet, and he was over the moon that we could do this for him.” For those who may not have immediate use for their points, you may want to consider following Clarence's lead. You can donate your points to another associate or use them to make a meaningful gesture in someone's life. The process is simple: just log in to Red Thinkin' Rewards, navigate to the gifting form, and share the joy. You can also call Alaina and discuss your options! "I want to start doing this for more kids now. If it is good for them, then it is good for me!" says Clarence. The next time you check your Red Thinkin' Rewards points balance, remember the impact you can have. Whether it's a new bike for a child or gifting your points to another associate, your points can bring smiles and make a meaningful difference. Thank you, Clarence, for reminding us of the power of giving and the difference we can make in each other's lives. T m
Being in a hurry doesn’t save time Don’t compromise your driving due to your schedule.
Watch our video at InsideAveritt.com/essentials
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters
vol. 7 2 0 2 4
12
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter