Get to Know Greg Kus

 

 

Chris James recently performed a RATLA with Greg Kus.  Greg is a driver on the Intigral Fleet out of Walton Hills, OH.  Greg has been with JB Hunt since February 2011 where he was an incumbent driver for Intrigral and transferred over when DCS won the contract.  Greg resides in Northfield, OH and served in the Navy for 11 years as a Jet Mechanic.  Prior to his career at Intigral, Greg was a Private Fleet Driver for Soft-Lite Windows, another DCS Customer.  Greg is always professional and has a great working relationship with his customers.  Greg is a great representative of both JB Hunt and Intigral.  We are fortunate to have a driver like Greg on our team!

Get To Know Bob Johnson

George Vera recently completed a RATLA with Robert "Bob" Johnson.  Bob is a driver on our Aurora Parts Account in Lebanon, IN.  Bob currently lives in Indianapolis and has been with JB Hunt since August of 2009.  Bob is a die hard Colts Fan and believes next season may "be the one"!

Below is the write-up from Account Manager George Vera:

Bob is not only one of the best drivers at Aurora, he is also one of the most thorough, seasoned and easy going guys I know. His relaxed personality has earned him a great reputation at every site he delivers to and his proactive work earned us a steady backhaul every week. He is an avid motorcycle rider and loves spending time with his family. Originally from PA he spent his summers on his grandfathers’ farm learning to drive a truck and helping out on the farm. That skill helped him pay his way through college and ultimately start his career in trucking. He is looking forward to retiring in a few years and buying some property somewhere between Columbia, SC and Savannah, GA.

Happy Anniversary Rhonda Thacker!

Happy Anniversary to Rhonda Thacker as today marks her one year anniversary with JB Hunt!  Rhonda currently works on the Family Dollar Account in Morehead, KY.  We appreciate all your hard work Rhonda!

Congratulations Jonathan Morgan!

Please join me in congratulating Jonathan Morgan on his move to the Account Manager at C&S and Armour-Eckrich. Jonathan joined us in December 2012 at C&S as the Operations Supervisor over the night operations. In August of the next year Jonathan was moved to Pet Supplies Plus as an Operations Supervisor where he helped to improve the safety and turnover there. Before too long he was promoted to be the Account Manager over CHEP in Hamilton, OH and in a short time improved the account financially and operationally. After the position was relocated to be on site in Hamilton, OH Jonathan has spent time floating as an Account Manager throughout Indiana and southwestern Ohio. He has been extremely critical to the success at virtually every stop along the way. We expect great things from Jonathan at C&S and Armour-Eckrich. In time, Jonathan will also be assuming the responsibilities of the Hanson Logistics account as well. Congratulations Jonathan on this new position!!!

Mock DOT Inspection at Soft-Lite Windows

 

On Friday April 24th, Soft-Lite Windows held Mock DOT inspections in our yard for trucks returning. Our Area Maintenance Manager John Dodson and our Area Risk Manager Rich Schwartz were both on hand to conduct the Mock DOT Inspections. In total, we checked 6 trucks that returned. We placed one out of the six out of service. The rest passed.

The drivers were surprised upon returning and being inspected. But, they welcomed the feed back and the satisfaction in knowing that they passed. They also learned of things that are checked to help them better their pre trips to ensure that if they get stopped "for real" they pass with flying colors. Also, while John Dodson was here he did a once over of all the customer provided equipment helping us as a management team find issues with these units that were over looked when they were last in to Penske for there B service.

In closing, the Soft-Lite management staff would like to thank all the drivers for participating and asking questions. Also, special thanks to John and Rich for taking the time to come out and help us as an account learn things we can do to make sure we come away with clean DOT inspections moving forward!

 



Get To Know Chris Coppes

 

 

 

Recently, Area Risk Manager Rich Schwartz had the opportunity to attend a Marco's Delivery in Middleburg Heights, OH with our driver Chris Coppes.  Below is the write-up from Rich:

 

It’s not easy being a driver in any sense of the word, let alone one on 3^rd shift making unattended deliveries to Marco’s Pizza franchises.  Chris came to us from MBM on 2/14/14 with a wealth of food distribution experience.  He is a loving husband and proud father of two boys residing in Defiance, OH. It was an honor to share some great conversations with him during our time together.

On 4/22/15 I met up with Chris at the Marco’s Pizza store in Middleburg Heights, OH. When I arrived Chris was already backed up with his doors open ready to rock and roll.

We started with flour then cheese; he showed me the proper way to lift, stack, sticker and rotate that for the stores. When I was observing the overall store, you could tell the stores knew him and that he was coming because they had it set up for him to make it easy. I have been on these routes before him and I could tell the drivers previous to him did not have a good relationship with the stores as they would leave it a mess for the driver. Chris is meticulous with his loading skills, when it came to stacking product on the dolly he did a great job protecting the integrity of the boxes.



After delivery I opened the forum and had a driver “roundtable” with him. I asked him about PeopleNet and if he had any questions for me. We discussed why we wear safety vests (which his was on and bright orange), why we don’t turn right on red, and the importance of using cones at these store deliveries. I explained to him why some drivers cut corners and gave him reasons why no driver should. We spoke about the recent injury at the account and one from the past when I managed Marco’s. Chris’ skills are plentiful and he is an excellent truck driver but having an opportunity to speak about account safety and getting his opinions made for a great conversation. Overall, Chris doesn’t have any concerns but was receptive to any tips I could offer.

As time went on we ventured to the Parma Heights, OH store. When we arrived you could tell his relationship with this customer was there. They knew each other on a first name basis and began to joke with each other instantly. It was like walking into a house full of family, jokes flying and people laughing. It was there we made the same delivery as the store before but this was different. In the side room there were 10 pieces of luggage for the Marco’s Pizza Distribution Convention in Tampa, Florida.  The Cleveland, OH GM’s requested Chris bring them back to Maumee, OH to get loaded on the truck going south. I loaded these onto the trailer and Chris stopped me to put down sheets of cardboard to make sure the luggage did not get dirty.

It is drivers like Chris that make me work hard at what I do. His thoughtfulness and caring for someone else’s things shows me he is a man of character and one who gets my respect.

Chris likes to give a razzing to people but the guy has a big heart and knowledge for a tough job. I really enjoyed my time into the wee hours of Thursday morning and I know for a fact the Marco’s DCS management team goes to sleep soundly knowing that they have a driver who is a cut above the rest.

Get to Know Brian Kelly

This past week, Operations Supervisor Sue Mateo did a RATLA with Brian Kelly.  Brian is a driver on our Soft-Lite Windows Fleet in Streetsboro, OH.  Brian has been with the company since early February and lives in Canton, OH.

Below is the write-up from Sue:

Brian was born in Florida but grew up in Texas. 

He later in life moved to Ohio and started his family, wife Kristy and

10 year old son, Seth, whom he adores. 

In his free time he loves to ride his motorcycle and spend time with family.

He has carried his CDL for about 15 years, hauling everything from windows to pulling a tanker.

Mr. Kelly started with the Soft Lite account in February of 2015, and has became a great member of our Soft Lite team!!!

Great work Brian!

Healthy Trucker

 

Michelle Simpson, being the health nut that she is, wanted to share with the Region a website she found that promotes a better well being to our Driver force.

thehealthytrucker.net is a mixed blog - website that offers free advice and postings regarding Personal Health, Lifestyle, and Finance.

After all, who doesn't want to take free advice?
https://www.thehealthytrucker.net/money/

Central Region Cup Makes its Way to Morehead, KY

 

 

Today the Central Region Cup made its way to Morehead, KY to visit our team at Family Dollar!  This was our Mid Year Business Review with our customer and they were definitely impressed with the craftsmanship of the cup!  Above, Ben Hurt, Tia Simmons, and Rhonda Thacker pose with the hardware!

 

Get to Know Rob Wroblewski

 

 

This past week, Dedicated Manager in Training Michael Cohen was fortunate enough to do a RATLA with Rob Wroblewski.  Rob is a driver on Niagara Sheet Account in North Tonawanda, NY.  Rob is from South Buffalo and has been with JB Hunt since May of 2014.

Below is the write-up from Mike Cohen:

Rob has four kids: 10, 11, 15 and 16. The oldest two are boys and the youngest are girls. Rob lives in South Buffalo and has been driving tractors for about 5 ½ years. In his free time he likes to go camping with his family, he just bought a new camper and has already rented a camp ground for the season in Pendleton, NY. He also enjoys playing video games when he has time, he enjoys RPG games and sports games. Rob has driven just about everything with wheels.

We appreciate all your hard work Rob!

Get to Know Shannon Griffith

Our Account Manager at Toyota John Johnson recently did a RATLA with Shannon Griffith.  Shannon has been with JB Hunt since April 2007 and was one of the 15 original drivers on the Toyota Owensboro Fleet.  Shannon is a former US Marine where he served this country proudly. 

Below is the write-up from John Johnson:

Shannon is one of three remaining drivers from the original 15 drivers that started the Toyota Owensboro account back in 2009.  Shannon lives in Louisville and really enjoys his downtime at home.  Shannon has been involved with foster care and loves children.  He has 2 brothers, a nephew and 3 nieces.  In his off time Shannon enjoys working on his artwork, model building and relaxation.

 Shannon is one of the most soft spoken men you could ever meet, but from looking at his picture from when he served in the military I would have to say that he looks like the kind of guy that we would want protecting our country.

 

Shannon is very happy with his job at JB Hunt and working on the Toyota account.  He has from time to time through the years thought about going out on his own, but it always comes back to being comfortable in what he is doing.

 Shannon has no real complaints or need for change, but a couple of suggestions would be:

§  Increase the speed of the equipment.

§  Stop letting it snow, he really hates snow!!!

Happy Anniversary Jeremy Stout!

 

 

Happy Anniversary to Jeremy Stout as today marks his 4 year anniversary with JB Hunt.  A graduate of The Ohio State University, Jeremy started his career as an Operations Supervisor at Home Depot in Van Buren, OH.  From there Jeremy promoted into the Account Manager of Champion Windows in Cincinnati, OH.  After learning the windows business, Jeremy was moved back to Van Buren as the Transportation General Manager.  Currently Jeremy is the Transportation General Manager at The Home Depot in Monroe, OH. 

 

Happy Anniversary Jeremy!

Driver Appreciation at Len-Co

 

 

This week we held Len-Co Lumber's AAA meeting.  After receiving excellent positive feedback from the customer it was time to reward the team!

Mark Passantino (Account Manager) and Brian Tabor (Regional Operations Manager) took the team out to dinner. BBQ was the food of choice and local Buffalo, NY BBQ joint Fat Bob's Smokehouse did not disappoint. It was a fun evening and really enjoyed themselves. Thanks Len-Co team for all you do!

Picture (left to right): Brian Tabor, John Morgan, Darryl Barrons and Mike Perkins.  Account Manager Mark Passantino was kind enough to take the pic!

 



Soft-Lite Windows Pre-Trip Inspection Challenge!

 

 

For the week of Easter, Soft Lite account in Streetsboro, Ohio hid Easter eggs for drivers to find while doing their Pre Trip Inspections.  For every egg turned in there was candy in the eggs and drivers got an entry into a drawing.  Our ARM, Rich Schwartz, pulled the lucky winners while visiting our account on Monday 4/13.

Robert "SHOE" Scheitrumpf was the top winner, winning his favorite restaurant, Bob Evans, gift card.

Todd Wart came in second place with a Home Depot gift card

Ken Wakefield also received a Home Depot gift card for coming in third.

This was our way of making sure drivers are doing proper Pre Trip and they had some fun doing it!

 



Get To Know Garey Carson

Area Risk Manager Dustin Hatfield recently did a RATLA with Garey Carson.  Garey is a driver on our CHEP Hamilton Account.  Gary just passed his one year anniversary with JB Hunt.  In addition to working in Hamilton, OH, he also lives there. 

Quick Facts About Garey

• Enjoys Riding Motorcycles
• Is a former Teacher at Northwest HS in Cincinnati
• "Jack of All Trades"
• 6 Children

During this RATLA Dustin got to hear feedback and concerns from Gary.  Gary has some good suggestions on how to improve the business and improve the safety culture.  He also had very valuable insight in regards to equipment and maintenance.  RATLAs are designed for us to not only increase our safety presence on the trucks, but also build relationships with our driving force.  This RATLA accomplished that.  Thank you for all your hard work Garey!

Happy Anniversary Ryan Amuso!

Happy Anniversary to Ryan Amuso as Tuesday marks his 7 year anniversary with JB Hunt.  Ryan began his career back in April 2008 as a DMIT in the then DeBlock OM Region.  Ryan began his DMIT career working in Johnstown, NY.  From there, Ryan moved back to Rome NY and served as an Operations Supervisor.  In his current role, Ryan is our Account Manager at Family Dollar in Rome.  This is one of our most difficult fleets.  In addition to the driver unload, this fleet of near 40 drivers delivers into some of the most difficult metropolitan areas in the country.  Through Ryan's hard work and dedication, we have consistently outperformed the other carriers at this site in both on time service and safety performance.  Congratulations on your anniversary Ryan!

Congratulations John Hassel

 

 

Congratulations to John Hassel and his wife on the birth of their daughter Elanie Marcie!  Elanie came in at 6lbs, 14 on this past Friday April 10th at 4:29 pm.  John is a driver on our Toyota Fleet out of Owensboro, KY.  Congrats John!

Central Maintenance Team goes 4 Years Accident Free



On April 6, 2015, the North Central Maintenance region made it's 4th year accident free as a region. That's 4 years without an accident at 6 shop and 7 service truck locations. The team operates at iron ore mines, farms, customer yards, rails, and shops of all sizes. Everything they do involves something heavy and typically covered in grease. It's a testament to JBH's safety culture that this group works in these environments, on the multitude of equipment types in our fleet, and keeps safety on the forefront of everything they do. We're very proud of them and look forward to congratulating them on 5 years this time next year.

Attached are pics of some of the region's safety milestones from the past 4 years.

 

 

 

 

Congratulations Mike Hulsey on hitting 2 Million Safe Miles!

 

 

Congratulations to Mike Hulsey for hitting his 2 Million Safe Miles with JB Hunt.  Mike is a driver on our Toyota Fleet in Owensboro, KY.  To celebrate this tremendous accomplishment, Mike and Team Toyota celebrated with dinner at Morton's Steakhouse in Lexington.  Mike will now join a select group of drivers in October at our corporate headquarters will he will do the walk and be honored by JB Hunt.  Great job Mike!

March Driver of the Month

 

 

Congratulations to Tom Smith of Marco's Pizza Delivery Account for winning the March 2015 Central Region Driver of the Month Award!  Marco's is one of the most difficult accounts we have in the region.  Drivers like Tom make this very difficult job look easy.  Great job Tom and Congratulations on winning this award!

 

 

Below is the write-up from Marco's Management on Tom:

In the past year and a half Tom Smith has been with JB Hunt, he has shown great pride in his work. Tom is a great example of what our safety culture is all about at JBH. He hand unloads 82,500 lbs a week down a ramp safely every week. There is so much physical labor that goes in to his job and its not the only thing he focuses on.

He is dedicated to his customers and their positive experience with JB hunt. He is a true leader at our account with CVD and lives it out everyday. He takes time after every route to walk around and give good feed back to the MPD staff. Tom checks in every route to ask for feed back on what he can do better. He is the first one to step up every time we are looking for capacity help as well.

On the customer service front, here is some recent feedback we received about Tom from our customer: "I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful commitment from your team of drivers, all of your drivers have the most up respect for the job. However there is one driver that I would like to take the time to point out, Tom has done some wonderful work and for MPD keeping our customers happy and ready. He is always glad to report information not only back to the JB hunt management, but back to MPD as well. He helps keep MPD in the loop whether it’s about safety concerns with MPD & J.B. hunt equipment or the way his trailer is loaded. Tom makes our customers happy and makes a great Representative to our company as well as J.B. Hunt, keeping our customers informed on how to get credits and how to prepare for delivery’s. Tom will go out of his way to make sure the job gets done and the customer is satisfied. Joseph Williams - Customer Service/ Quality Assurance Manager."

When asked about Tom, here is how our MPD Operations Supervisor Chris Wulf describes him. "Hardworking, team orientated and safety conscious are just a few highlights of his personality. Tom never complains, and always is a team player. He always does an excellent pre-trip inspection. His laid back attitude shows in his driving, he is not in a hurry and always follows the Smith System keys. When we need someone to count on, despite the situation or why things are the way they are, Tom is always willing to do what he can to make our account, and JBH shine."

Tom also boasts some of the top fuel stats and RAIR point numbers on the MPD account.

Fuel

Short Idle 12 Week Average = 0.9%

Fuel Stop Compliance = 100%

RAIR

Missing Logs = 0

Points For Previous Month = 20

Thank you Tom for all you do. We are proud to call you our March 2015 Driver Of The Month! 

The Cup Makes it Way Around the Warchol Region

 

 

The Central Region Cup continued to make its way around the accounts of Team Warchol.  These past weeks it made stops in Southern States Park City, Vinton, and Barber.  In addition, it stopped at Ohio Valley Aluminum as well as Masterbrand Cabinets in Ferdinand, IN.  To everyone's surprise, the cup has yet to be dropped or damaged.  Hopefully this will continue until next years kickoff when we will see if another OM region can unseat Team Warchol!

Happy Birthday Andrew Ferguson!

Our Marco's Pizza account is know for a Driver Dedicated, family like environment. Management regularly holds driver roundtables where food is served. Account Manager Andrew Ferguson also does not hesitate to take out the driving team for a meal to celebrate safety milestones.

The driving team wanted to return the favor for Andrew Ferguson for his birthday. On Friday (4/3/15), Mark Stuart, Tom Smith and Chris Coppes took Andrew out for a Birthday lunch. The 4 of them ended up at Swig Restaurant in Perrysburg, OH where then enjoyed a tasty meal.   Happy Birthday Andrew!  

Congratulations Vern Cummings!

After 35 years of driving, working hard as a driver trainer, and excelling in his customer service, Vern has decided to move into safety for JB Hunt as Safety Coordinator in Louisville, KY. Although we will miss having Vern’s smiling face and positive attitude on our account, we are thrilled that he is able to work towards fulfilling his career goals for safety! There is no doubt that Vern will be an invaluable asset to the safety team contributing years of experience and knowledge to facilitate the safety culture at JB Hunt.



 

 

Vern’s latest role at JB Hunt has been as driver trainer for the MasterBrands account in Ferdinand, IN. Having Vern’s experience and care in training our 30 drivers was absolutely necessary to put together a high quality fleet for our customer. Majority of the drivers hired for this fleet are new to JB Hunt and young in their career as a professional driver. Vern took on the difficult task of training all these drivers with dedication, determination, and a positive attitude.



 

Congratulations on your promotion, Vern! We are proud of your accomplishments and wish you the very best!!!

TEAM Inspections in Morehead, KY

 

 

Recently, our Team in Morehead KY took advantage of the good weather to perform TEAM Inspections with the fleet.  Not only do these inspections allow for us to stay on top of the quality and cleanliness of our equipment, but it also allows our managers to spend quality time with our drivers.  The additional focus we have spent on our drivers has meant improved safety results as well.  The fleet is currently on a 15 day collision free and 140 days injury free streak! 

 

Great job by everyone involved on this account!