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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