INFORMING OUR ASSOCIATES ABOUT ALL THINGS AVERITT • VOL. 6 • 2024 COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters
SUMMER JOB TO A CAREER: DOCK ASSOCIATE SHARES HIS 35-YEAR AVERITT JOURNEY P3 DEVELOPING THE AVERITT WAY: LEADERSHIP PROGRAM HELPS ASSOCIATES GROW P4 ‘MORE THAN JUST A NUMBER’: CITY DRIVER TELLS WHY HE REFERS PEOPLE LIKE YOU P5
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Members of our El Paso team recently volunteered their time at a local food bank as part of our Team Up Community Challenge. Learn more about how these associates are making a difference on P8 .
EXCITING TIMES THAT SHOW OUR CULTURE Our team-oriented culture is one of the many things that make us unique. We like to say that Our Driving Force Is People , and we do
Operation: Thank You Week . Over the last few years, this has become a tradition that has given us another way to say thank you for all you’re doing to keep us strong. Later in the summer, we’ll have our P2
our best to show that in everything we do. Summer is a special time of year, and we’ve had many opportunities to show how our culture makes a difference. We recently celebrated another edition of
TEAM NOTES From Gary Sasser
Great Service = More Growth
Costco GA Account Adding NEW LOCATIONS, MORE DRIVERS
When we deliver excellence, there are many ways our customers let us know how they feel. One of those is by trusting us with more shipments.
other locations in our footprint. According to John, in addition to new positions in Columbia and College Park, we’re also adding drivers in the Nashville area and in Chattanooga. John says our Costco GA success is a direct result of the outstanding service we provide. “Our service is always 98-99% on time, which is where it needs to be,” he says. “We’re going to continue to grow here, because they’ll continue to add stores. And with us being successful here, that will help us with future bids.” John adds that our ability to provide solutions for Costco's unique challenges is a total team effort. “It’s not just one person. It's every driver, every admin associate and every leader,” he says. “It’s taken us all to get here.” This is great news for our Costco GA team, and it could mean an additional $1,000 in referral rewards for you! We're looking to fill these new positions with People Like You , so visit InsideAveritt.com/PeopleLikeYou for resources to help you refer new teammates! T m
That’s exactly what has happened with our Costco GA account. We recently expanded our relationship with them, and the result adds more drivers and locations,, making Costco GA one of our largest Dedicated accounts! How significant is this new business?
“We renewed the contract with the 12 stores we have, and we added 16 more stores,” explains Costco GA Site Manager JOHN ROACH . “We’re taking over the campus in College Park, Ga. It will be just Averitt drivers and Costco fleet drivers on campus now.” Our Costco GA account currently features several domiciles through which we service Costco stores – College Park, Columbia, S.C., and Eastaboga and Montgomery in Alabama. The additions will affect several JOHN ROACH
Make plans to attend a cookout near you! View more appreciation cookouts on the Events Calendar at InsideAveritt.com . UPCOMING COOKOUT EVENT SCHEDULE
J U LY
AUGUS T
Aug. 6: PetSmart
7a-2p 7a-2p 7a-2p 2-8p 2-8p 7-10a
July 16: Lexington July 17: Cincinnati July 18: Cincinnati
2-8p 2-8p 7-10a
Aug. 7: Costco College Park
Aug. 8: Petco
Aug. 27: Atlanta West Aug. 28: Atlanta East Aug. 29: Atlanta East
July 19: Tifton
All day
FROM GARY SASSER PG. 1 annual Scott Wolf Memorial Averitt Open and the Averitt Cares for Kids Family Softball Tournament . I love how both events show we can enjoy time with teammates while supporting something bigger than ourselves. Through the golf tournament, we support the Scott Wolf Memorial Scholarship Program that helps associates and dependents continue their education while also honoring the memory of what Scott means to our team. And the softball tournament highlights the good works of St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the special relationship we share. All these opportunities are part of an exciting time for us. And it’s made possible by you. You, as an Averitt associate, are what makes us such a great team with a great culture. Thanks for all you do, and I look forward to building on our unique culture throughout the summer and in the future. T m
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Part-Time Summer Job Turns Into Career On The Dock ‘WHY FIX IT IF IT’S NOT BROKEN’ When JOHNNY HAUN came to Averitt 35 years ago, he thought he was getting a part-time summer job as he prepared for college. “It’s been a long summer. I’ve been here ever since,” Johnny says with a laugh. Johnny has made his career on the Rocky Top platform, while also getting the opportunity to help in other roles such as dispatch and working with customers. One reason he’s stayed on the dock for the long haul is that his shift affords him the flexibility to work on the six acres of land he has at his home. “Staying on the dock has been rewarding for me. It’s been good to me, so why fix it if it’s not broken,” he explains. “I love Knoxville, Tennessee, I love living here, and it’s what has taken care of me and has provided a great living for 35 years and hopefully for a few more.” FAMILY CULTURE The main reason Johnny has made Averitt his home is our culture. “It’s simple. It’s like a family environment,” he says. “Some of my best and closest friends work here on the dock. Other people I’m really close with have retired from here. I still see them, and we still go play golf, hang out or go fishing.” Johnny adds, “Overall, the best asset here is the people. Being here this long and having been to many service centers and meeting people at company functions, that culture is not just in Knoxville. It’s everywhere at Averitt.” HELPING OTHERS Something else that has made an impression on Johnny during his career is the growth of Averitt Cares for Kids, our belief in Associate Sharing and the way we
Knoxville dock associate JOHNNY HAUN came to Averitt 35 years ago for a part-time summer job after he graduated from high school. “It’s been a long summer,” Johnny says with a laugh.
support the good works of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “My cousin, who I’m very close with like a brother, his 4-year-old son had a bout with leukemia,” Johnny recalls. “You see those commercials on TV, and if your heart doesn’t go out, you need to check yourself. Averitt Cares for Kids is something to be proud of. It’s a small amount out of your paycheck. But when you add it all together, to see what it does is really impressive. I’m proud to be part of a company that has those kind of values.” JUST A LITTLE PATIENCE With 35 years of experience under his belt, Johnny says there’s one thing he would tell his younger self about success on the dock. “One thing I struggle with is patience. I would just say, ‘Be patient,’” he says. “Sometimes we look like ants crawling across each other out there with as much freight as is on the dock and the pace that we’re going. Patience is important.” Johnny also encourages younger associates to learn from the experience around them. “Look at the others around you and see how they do it,” he says. “I tell people all the time, ‘Don’t hesitate to ask questions. There’s not a dumb question. You have to ask questions if you want to learn.’ When you step back and ask a question, you’ll learn it a lot easier. Everybody is always great to help.” Thank you, Johnny, for your commitment to our team and for your dedication to excellence throughout your career. We appreciate your efforts, as well as those of all our dock associates! 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
JIMMY WHIPPLE – Dothan “Jimmy did a fantastic job with our delivery. He was described as your most experienced driver. I would add that he is also your most capable; his can-do attitude made all the difference!” Ana, Residential – Dothan, AL MACAULEY KEITH – Atlanta East “I wanted to thank your driver, Macauley, for his helpfulness and kindness at the time of delivery. Keith was very cordial and professional, and I’m looking forward to seeing him again with his other deliveries.” David, Bavarian Brook Rentals – Atlanta, Georgia
CHRISTOPHER BURT – Birmingham “Christopher delivered my shipment into a residential neighborhood and helped me unload the pallet into my truck. He went above and beyond, and I couldn’t be more thankful for him.” Chris, Residential – Birmingham, AL JERICA FRIAS – Greensboro “Jerica was fantastic, friendly, and outgoing. During a recent delivery, the area was muddy and difficult to move around in, and she never stopped trying to make sure the shipment got delivered. Overall great experience with the lovely driver.” Danielle, Full Range Solutions – Roxboro, NC
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DEVELOPING THE AVERITT WAY Leadership Development Offers Opportunities To Grow One of our strong beliefs is doing things The Averitt Way – that includes our commitment to Lead Well, Sell Well, Grow Well and Live Well. One of the ways we’re helping associates Grow Well is through our Leadership Development program, a three-to-six-month course that is designed to prepare you for an entry-level leadership opportunity. PLANTING ROOTS Atlanta West Leadership Development associate CORDELL HOWARD came to Averitt in 2020 as a Truckload driver, and he has also driven for our Mercedes and Costco accounts. His experience throughout his time with Averitt has made him want to grow even more. “I’ve encountered some awesome leaders at Averitt, and this was another way for me to be mentored,” explains Cordell, a seven-year veteran of the Marine Corps. “There's always something more you can learn. I worked with one other company, but I’ve been with Averitt for most of my logistics career. This is where I’m trying to plant my roots.” By going through Leadership Development, Cordell hopes to experience even more of what he’s already grown to love about Averitt – our culture and stability of experience. “No matter where you go, you’re going to meet somebody with 15, 20, 30 years of experience,” he says. “They’re here at Averitt, and they’re not planning on leaving. There’s a reason people are staying that long. You don’t hear that at many other places.” Cordell has enjoyed his time in Leadership Development, and he encourages other associates to take whatever steps are necessary to grow in their own careers. “It’s just a matter of where you want to go and how badly you want it,” he says. “You have to be willing to be mentored and accept constructive criticism, and understand that there’s a bigger picture. And you have to communicate with leadership what you want in your career. Ask, ‘What can I do to get to this point?’ And stay on that path until you get there.”
Atlanta West Leadership Development associate CORDELL HOWARD (left), pictured with Service Center Director Zach Ervin (right), came to Averitt as a Truckload driver.
‘OUTSTANDING OPPORTUNITY’ Dallas associate COLE WILLIAMS is also participating in Leadership Development. Like Cordell, the way he’s been treated since he started at our Dallas Distribution & Fulfillment facility in 2023 is a key reason he wants to grow with Averitt. “I don’t feel like I'm just a number,” Cole recalls.“The culture was completely different at Averitt Express compared to my prior jobs. When I saw the opening, I liked the idea of moving up within the company. And I see myself spending quite a bit of time with Averitt, not just bouncing around. I feel like this is an outstanding opportunity.” As he’s learned from his leadership in Dallas, Cole has been impressed with our commitment to clear communication. “Every associate could ask the same question differently, so you learn to talk to them in the ways they communicate the best,” he says. “And I think every coach here does an awesome job of communicating and getting their point across. It comes back to how we treat our associates. You can help them have a career and not just a job. It’s something they can enjoy. That’s the biggest thing I’ve learned, and it’s something I can take with me after this program.” TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP Are you interested in learning more about Leadership Development or growing in your Averitt Career. Check out our Career Opportunities page at InsideAveritt.com/Opportunities to learn more. There, you can find a link to our Job Hotline, a list of open positions, and information about Leadership Development, our Dock-To-Driver Training Program and how we Promote From Within. T m
NEW LEADERS
RETIREES Thank you for your service to our team! O’Fair Brooks Mercedes Dennis Davidson Amarillo Gordon Doss Owensboro Danny Galioto Waco Clay Gilber Nashville Richard Halfmann Nashville Joseph Kendall DCA
Daniel Metcalf
Danny McDaniel John Medley James Moszee Richard Niesen
Norfolk
Frontline Leader DOTHAN
Corporate San Antonio Fort Myers PODS OTR Jackson TN
Eric Brock
Frontline Leader CHARLOTTE
Levi Roberts
Transportation Specialist BIRMINGHAM
Lukelvin Chambers Frontline Leader MERCEDES Craig Foster Information Services Manager CORPORATE Atiya Jackson Frontline Leader MERCEDES
James Ray
Morris Roberson
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In his 25-plus years with Averitt, Little Rock city driver KIRK PERKINS has experienced a culture that he’s thankful for. Because of that experience, Kirk has made lots of People Like You referrals, and at least five have been hired by our team. “I just think I work for a great company,” Kirk says. “And when I see great people, I want them to be a part of it.” Most of Kirk’s referral success has come by using a keen eye along his route. “If I see someone who has good character, is intelligent and is working hard, I always ask them if they’re looking for another job,” Kirk explains. “I’m just looking for people who I think would fit in at Averitt.” When he finds a potential teammate, Kirk simply shares how we value people. “My sales pitch is: we’ve got good equipment, we dress sharp, the insurance is awesome, our leadership is strong, and our facilities are great,” Kirk says. “And we work for a great man in Mr. Sasser. I tell them how when I got married, he sent me a handwritten letter. On my 20- and 25-year service anniversaries, he called me and we talked. You’re more than just a number here at Averitt.” When a referral shows interest, Kirk provides his contact information and ‘MORE THAN JUST A NUMBER HERE’ Little Rock Associate Refers Top-Notch People On His Route
Little Rock city driver KIRK PERKINS is thankful for our culture, and his experience has prompted him to refer lots of People Like You to Averitt.
offers help with the rest of the process. “And if they really seem to be top-notch people, I’ll get their number,” he adds. “When something is available, I’ll give them a shout.” Thank you, Kirk, for helping us grow through People Like You. Your referrals keep our culture strong and set us up for an even brighter future! DYNAMIC NEW PEOPLE LIKE YOU WEBPAGE We recently updated our People Like You web page, and the result is a dynamic resource that is easier to use and features lots of tools to help you refer People Like You! We encourage you to check out the webpage at InsideAveritt.com/PeopleLikeYou . T m
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! SHOWING THE POWER OF ONE MORE Associates Referring People Like You, Earning Referral Rewards
Decatur city driver HARRY “BUDDY” MCEVOY
Corporate associate HEATHER PHILLIPS
Safety doesn ’ t just happen. Injury prevention is everyone’s responsibility.
Watch our video at InsideAveritt.com/InjuryPrevention
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SINKING BIRDIES FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
Scott Wolf Memorial Averitt Open On Sept. 28
Sign-ups begin Aug. 12, and the event will feature 18 holes of golf, breakfast, lunch, a goody bag, prize drawings, and a putting contest that raises money for the Scott Wolf Memorial Scholarship. 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. The tournament is a key fundraiser for the Scott Wolf The Scott Wolf Memorial Averitt Open is one of our favorite team traditions, and we can’t wait for this year’s edition to arrive! The tournament is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 28, at Tennessee Tech Golden Eagle Golf Club in Cookeville.
Memorial Scholarship program. In fact, last year’s event raised a record $25,000 to help associates and their dependents further their education! We'll share more information about how to sign up for the tournament before registration begins Aug. 12. To learn more about the Scott Wolf Memorial Scholarship, visit InsideAveritt.com/ScottWolfScholarship . T m
The annual Averitt Cares for Kids Family Softball Tournament is coming soon, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 17 in Cookeville. As always, the tournament is a free, family- friendly day with food and drinks for everyone, and games and activities for children. And just like the event’s namesake suggests, it’s a great opportunity to shine the spotlight on Averitt Cares for Kids, the good works of St. Jude Children’s PUT ME IN, COACH Softball Tournament Just Around The Corner
Research Hospital and our commitment to Associate Sharing. Last year’s Averitt Cares for Kids Family Softball Tournament was our largest ever, with 25 teams and more than 1,350 people in attendance. We're looking forward to another outstanding turnout, and we can’t wait to see you there! Remember that in recognition of the participants, volunteers and the family and friends in attendance, Averitt will make a matching contribution to Averitt Cares for Kids. So we hope you’ll mark your calendars and come out to the tournament so we can make an incredible impact this year for children in need! T m
30 YEARS OF SAFE DRIVING
Mayfield shuttle driver THOMAS LIGHTNER recently achieved 30 years of safe driving. Thank you, Thomas, for showing Our Driving Concern Is Safety!
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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.
Nashville associate STAN HICKMAN (left, 35 years) with frontline leader D.J. Jones (right)
Jackson TN associate TONY MCWHERTER (right, 35 years) with Service Center Director Doug Granito (left)
Knoxville associate TERRY KITTS (right, 35 years) with frontline leader Shawn Tiarks (left)
Atlanta West associate TOM CROFT (center, 35 years) with frontline leader Angelo Williams (left) and Leadership Development associate Cordell Howard (right)
Knoxville associate AARON PARKER (left, 30 years) with Service Center Director Jeff Penley (right)
Region 7 Vice President TEDDY VAN HYFTE (center, 30 years) with Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing Kent Williams (right) and President and Chief Operating Officer Barry Blakely (left)
Knoxville Service Center Director JEFF PENLEY (right, 35 years) with Region 1 Vice President Bryan Snyder (left)
Kasai North America Site Manager KIRBY WHETSEL (right, 30 years) with Dedicated Director of Operations Steve Anderson (left)
Norfolk associate STEVEN DUCKSWORTH (right, 25 years) with Service Center Director Shawn Pepple (left)
Atlanta East associate JAYSON NORRIS (left, 25 years) with operations manager Brian Garver (right)
Laredo associate JORGE ALVAREZ (right, 25 years) with Service Center Director Alfredo Robledo (left)
Corporate associate KAY NEWMAN (right, 25 years) with information services manager Craig Foster (left)
OVER 20 TEAM We’re proud to add members to our Over 20 Team! The following associates joined our team in June 2004: James Busby Shreveport James Cowart Augusta Christopher Dixon Jackson MS Kim Groves Corporate Amy Hall Corporate Christy Hensley Corporate
SAFETY AWARDS For a complete list of Safety Award winners, including five- and 10-year recipients, visit InsideAveritt.com.
25 YEARS Robert Soulsby 20 YEARS Roy Cervantes Randall Holliday 15 YEARS Thomas England
Eric Hollon John Lewis
Montgomery
Memphis
Atlanta West
Valerie Morgan Jerry Poston Juan Verduzco Harold White David Young
Atlanta West Cookeville Laredo Knoxville Cookeville
Houston
Atlanta West
35 YEARS Dexter Crawford 30 YEARS Donald Bowman Douglas Morgan
Dothan
Chicago
For a list of June milestone service awards, including the newest members of our Over 20 Team, visit InsideAveritt.com .
Kelly Hair
West Palm Beach
Dothan
Jackson TN
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Team Up Community Challenge Unites El Paso Associates The Value of Volunteering
Service Center Director BOBBY DAVIS explains why he decided to engage associates to participate in the challenge. “It really makes you humble because there's a lot of people that need help,” he says. “I told myself, ‘You know, you're lucky. I can get Chick-fil-A two to three times a week, and there are kids out there who have never even eaten there.’” The El Paso team jumped in to make a difference immediately, leading Bobby to recognize the value of volunteering alongside his peers. "I think it just builds bonds and tells you a lot about the associates and their families. The wife of one of my drivers is six months pregnant, and even though she got tired, she kept going. We also had two shuttle drivers show up after running all night on one of the longest runs in the system,” he says. Bobby’s experience, alongside those with whom he volunteered, speaks to the notion that when we share our time, we make an equal impact on others and ourselves! If you would like to learn more about how to get started with a Team Up Community Challenge in your area, visit InsideAveritt.com/TeamUp . T m Associate Sharing is a core Averitt belief, and it was on full display by our El Paso team. That’s where Averitt associates recently participated in a Team Up Community Challenge, supporting the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank. This initiative aimed to make a tangible difference in the community and produced a remarkable turnout, with 10 associates and 10 family members embracing the opportunity to serve.
A total of 10 El Paso associates and 10 family members recently volunteered at the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank as part of our Team Up Community Challenge.
HOURS 2019-23
18,764
TOTAL PROGRAM HOURS SINCE 2011 TOTAL ORGANIZATIONS SERVED SINCE 2011
70,973 1,145
10,433
6,385
6,161
5,389
2023
2019
2021
2022
2020
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