Happy Anniversary Rhonda Thacker!

Congratulations to Operations Supervisor, Rhonda Thacker on her four year anniversary with JB Hunt!  Rhonda has spent her entire career at Family Dollar Morehead, KY.

In her spare time, Rhonda enjoys camping, and spending quality time with her family.  Thanks for all you do, Rhonda!

Welcome Marcus Benson!

Let’s welcome Marcus Benson to our J.B. Hunt family!

 

Marcus is a dedicated individual attending Wilmington College of Ohio studying Communications and minoring in Business Administration.  Marcus brings prior experience in the transportation and shipping industry, coming from an online retailer.  Marcus is a die-hard Michigan State and U of M fan! During his spare time, he enjoys bowling, stepping and football. He is currently our Dedicated Manager in Training located at The Home Depot in Van Buren, OH.  When you see Marcus please give him a high five and say hi!

 

Welcome Aboard Marcus!

 



Happy Anniversary Lane Whited!

Congratulations to Lane Whited who is celebrating his 1^st anniversary with JB Hunt today!  Lane stated with us as a DMIT for the Cleveland, OH market.  Lane promoted late in 2017 and is currently our 2^nd shift Operations Supervisor at L Brands.

Thanks for a great first year with JB Hunt Lane!

Getting to Know - Mike Hulsey

This past week, Operations Supervisor Amanda Reyes had the opportunity to spend some time out on the road with Mike Hulsey.  Mike is a 2 Million Mile Safe Driver assigned to the Toyota Account in Louisville, KY.  Mike has been with JB Hunt since 2006, and is one of the region's best.  Mike is a regional driver, delivering recall frames all over the country for our customer.  

 

 

Below is a write-up on Mike:

 

Before arriving at Team Toyota, Hulsey was a driver for the GM account and prior to that he ran on the Wal Mart account. He is a Two Million Mile Safe Driver who loves his miles and never has an issue to keep on rolling, legally of course. Mike decided that he wanted to be a professional truck driver when some of his friends from high school had their own truck and he got the opportunity to ride with them. He said he wouldn’t have wanted any other career path. Because of his career choice, Hulsey was able to see the Statue of Liberty, The World Trade Center, the Rocky Mountains, Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean and all the views of our country, which is his favorite part of the job. Mike is always willing to lend a helping mile when and wherever he is asked to do so, with an expected response of “Oh, that’ll be no problem.” Mike mentioned that he had met the President & CEO of JB Hunt, John Roberts when he attended the Million Mile Banquet a few years ago. His discussion with Mr. Roberts involved that the drivers attending the Million Mile Banquet feel as if they are athletes being inducted to the Hall of Fame and that it would be a good idea if the drivers got a ring just as the athletes to, because it is “free advertising.” Since then, he has heard some stories of Mr. Roberts looking into getting a ring for the drivers and if that does happen, Hulsey will be proud to note that it was his idea.



Getting to Know - Darrell Budd

This past week, Ben Hurt of the Toyota Account in Louisville KY went on a ride-along with Darrell Budd.  Darrell is a Million Mile Safe Driver, and serves as a Regional Driver on the Account.  Darrell lives in Gosport, IN and has been with JB Hunt since 2006.  Darrell does an outstanding job of servicing our customer in a safe and professional manner!

 

 

Below is a write-up on Darrell:

 

Darrell hails from Indiana and acquired his CDL through a school paid for by C.R. England. He worked for them for a short period and then began his career with flatbed. He has recently earned his 1 Million Safe Miles award from JB. Darrell operates for the Toyota Owensboro account and handles the frame deliveries that require the Moffett to unload. He has operated forklifts since his first job at the age of 14 and his work ethic shows through his performance at JB Hunt.

 

Darrell informed me of a time in recent history of a load that he took to California. On the trip, he had to pass through Wyoming. He asked, “Have you ever heard of a ground blizzard? Because I’m from Indiana and we don’t have those.” He is always in good spirits and keeps his mind on safety. While at the yard to get loaded, he made certain to put on his safety vest and hard hat. Then, when going into his side box for his straps, he went back for his gloves and stated, “Once you get yourself into a habit of doing something, it’s easy to know something is different so you don’t miss anything.

 

Darrell is a true champion driver who champions safety above all. We look forward to many more awards for safe miles from Darrell!



Central Region Manager of the Quarter - Jeff Unverrich

This year, as a way to continue to recognize those individuals that go above and beyond, we have developed the Central Region Manager of the Quarter Program.  Much like our Driver of the Month Award, each of our 7 Region Operations Managers submit a write-up on a manager within their region that they feel has done an outstanding job during the quarter in representing JB Hunt at the highest level.  From there, region leadership will look at both objective and subject criteria, as well as garner feedback from both within the company in the form of other managers, support groups, and drivers, as well as externally from our customers. 

The individual chosen for Manager of the Quarter will receive a $100 Gift Card as well as plaque with their name engraved.

For this first quarter of 2018, Jeff Unverrich, an Operations Supervisor at Soft-Lite Windows and a member of Team Stampfer, has been selected as Central Region Manager of the Quarter.

 

Jeff began his career with JB Hunt just over a year ago as a DMIT in Cleveland, OH.  In his short tenure, Jeff has shown a strong work ethic, flexibility, and has done whatever has been asked of him to support the region.  Jeff has covered multiple accounts within the Stampfer Region, most recently tackling one of our more difficult accounts while covering another manager's vacation.  Congratulations Jeff for being named Manager of the Quarter!!

 

“During the days/weeks that Susie is out of the office, I can tell you that when Jeff is covering, operations run as if this was his own account.  It has been very rare over the years to find someone, on a manager level, that treats their temporary assignment with the attention and detail that he does.  Very thorough with daily responsibilities, and always takes that extra step to ensure all runs are taken care of, in spite of driver obstacles thrown his way.  Puts me very much at ease when I know that he will be here in the building!” - Rich Venturella - Macy's

"Jeff Unverrich recently reached his 1 year anniversary with J. B. Hunt and has been a great addition to our team.  Jeff’s commitment to our drivers, customers, and J.B. Hunt is among the best of the best in the Central Region. He is a valuable member to our team and is deserving of Team Stampfer’s Manager of the Quarter!"-Adam Stampfer



 

Central Region Promotion Announcement - Simon Chen

 

Congratulations to Simon Chen for being promoted to our Same Day Logistics Coordinator! Simon graduated from Bowling Green State University with a degree in Business Management & Marketing. Simon joined JB Hunt in November of 2016 as a DMIT with Home Depot Van Buren, OH. As an OS, Simon made a name for himself thanks to his patience and ability to understand drivers’ points of view. He has recently overseen the 180 Day Experience, a program that has been instrumental in onboarding drivers and lowering turnover. Simon has a great relationship with his trainers and is a great first ambassador for incoming drivers. As a Logistics Coordinator Simon will shine using his calm demeanor and sharp judgment. Simon enjoys golfing, supporting the Atlanta Falcons, and spending time with his girlfriend and new dog. 

Steak Cookout - Goodyear Lockbourne OH

On Friday (4/23), the Goodyear team fired up the grill and cooked steaks for their driving team.  This was in response to “Drive Like a Champion Today” week as well as the Goodyear team going Injury Free for the month of March.  NY Stripe steaks, mashed potatoes, biscuits and brownies were all on the menu.  This driver appreciation event was a huge success and we were able to feed half the fleet’s driving team.

 

Thank you Goodyear drivers for a great March and 1^st quarter!

 

The team is looking good in their DLACT Gear

(Left to right: Professional Driver Tyrone Pack, Account Manager Schuylar McGuffey, Professional Driver John Parham, HR Client Manager Jacqueline Buckles and Operations Supervisor Kyle Fugger)

The first steak of the day hitting the grill, might need a bigger grill!

Welcome Bill Edgin!

Please welcome Bill Edgin to the Central Region as an Operations Supervisor at Kohl’s in Findlay, OH! Bill came to us from Lowe’s Department Stores where he worked for 16 years at their Findlay, OH RDC in a variety of roles. Bill is married to Bonnie and have four kids ranging from 18-23 years old. In his free time he enjoys watching his boys play baseball or camping his Bonnie and friends. Bill was excited to come on board after meeting the local team and is excited about the direction and future of the company. Welcome aboard Bill and we are happy to have you join our team!

Drive Like a Champion Today - Cloverdale VA

 

As we continue our Drive Like a Champion Today festivities, our Southern States Account in Cloverdale VA took full advantage of the weather in order to cookout for our drivers.  Regional Operations Manager Jonathan Brand worked the grill, while the account team made sure all the drivers had plenty to eat.  Great work by our team in Cloverdale!!

Drive Like a Champion Today - PrimeSource

This week, our PrimeSource Account in Rochester, NY kicked off Drive Like a Champion Today with a driver roundtable breakfast.  Our management team stressed the details behind Drive Like a Champion Today and how our drivers play a critical part in the success of this initiative.  The team has accepted the challenge and the meeting concluded with the group smacking the sign on their way out the door! 

Oliver Skelton Assumes the Throne!

 

The J.B. Hunt Family Dollar Team Welcomed their newest member this past Monday, the new Account Manager Oliver Skelton. To make sure he felt welcomed, the team made sure to greet him with a cookie cake and a first day that he wouldn’t forget. With the busy days it is important to make sure everyone feels appreciated. We are looking forward to the leadership and added experience he is bringing.

 

Central Region Promotion Announcement - Anthony Hale

Please join us in congratulating Anthony Hale on his promotion to Account Manager – Chep Hamilton, OH!  At Chep, Anthony will manage (8) professional drivers and oversee a book of business that generates $1.5 million in annual revenue for our region. 

Anthony began his JB Hunt career in July of 2015 as an Operations Supervisor at Home Depot in Monroe, OH.  He has helped support the account in multiple ways during his tenure.  Most notably, Anthony handled onboarding for all new hires to the account and is known as a “driver favorite” at Monroe.  

 

Anthony is graduate of Wright State University where he obtained a BA in Psychology.  In his free time, Anthony loves to hunt, fish and spend time with his wife and children. 

 

Once again, congrats on your new role Anthony!

Drive Like a Champion Kickoff - Toyota Louisville KY

This week kicks off our Drive Like a Champion Today initiative!  The Toyota Team in Louisville, KY started the week of right by making sure all of the drivers on the fleet knew what Drive Like a Champion Today is all about!  Great work by the team in getting their signage posted as well as getting on their hats and t-shirts!

 

Happy Anniversary Jenni Prater!

Happy Anniversary to Jenni Prater!

 

Jenni is our Administrative Assistant at The Home Depot account in Van Buren, OH.  She has been an anchor and familiar face over the past three years.  Through the years, Jenni provides a warm welcome and is an outspoken driver advocate.  During Christmas, Jenni organized our Toys For Tots contributions.  It was a great hit with our drivers by allowing them to give back and bring the joy of Christmas to the less fortunate.  This is an example of Jenni’s humble and generous nature.  Thanks Jenni for an awesome three years! We hope you continue to have another three great years!

 

Central Region Driver of the Month for March - Julie Sheaffer

Congratulations to Julie Sheaffer for being selected as Driver of the Month for the Central Region for March.  Julie has been with JB Hunt since July of 2017 and currently drives for the Cargill Account in Gettysburg, PA.  While Julie is still somewhat new to the company and account, she handles herself like a veteran.  Her hard work, professionalism, and safe mindset were the driving factors behind her being chosen this month.  Congratulations Julie!

 

 

Below is the write-up from AM Corey Palmer:

 

Driver of the Month – Julie Sheaffer

 

Julie has been on the Southern States/Cargill Gettysburg fleet since she started with JB Hunt in July of 2017. Since day one, Julie has carried herself as if she was a veteran on this account. Rob Wolff, our million-mile safe driver and trainer on the account, referred to Julie as, “the best driver that I have ever trained.”

 

When Julie started she was fairly new to the trucking industry, but I quickly learned that she is one that would learn quickly, needing little direction or guidance. In terms of safety, Julie has been incident and collision free since day one. Many newer drivers seem to struggle with managing their hours, but this aspect of the job has come easy for her. She is always “out the door” and to her first stop when they open, and she has never had a service failure due to her inability to manage her hours.  

 

Away from the truck, Julie enjoys taking care of her “kids,” which come in the form of the four-legged variety. She has a Border Collie and two cats, and she clearly makes it known that they are a part of her family. Additionally, she has a horse that she boards at her mother’s place in PA. Julie also enjoys camping and camps every chance that she can. She has a one-ton pick-up and uses that to pull her RV. Julie is clearly an outdoor enthusiast and hopes one day to relocate a little further south so that she can enjoy even more outdoor activities.



Congratulations Shawn Morgan

Please join us in congratulating Shawn Morgan on his promotion to Operations Supervisor for Goodyear – Lockbourne, OH!  At Goodyear, Shawn will help supervise (23) professional drivers and a book of business that generates nearly $5 million in annual revenue for our region. 

Sean began his JB Hunt career in October of 2017 as a Dedicated Manager in Training.  He has helped support multiple accounts over his tenure including Chep, L Brands, Family Dollar and Goodyear.  Shawn is a proud grad of The Ohio State University with a BA in Psychology.  In his free time, Shawn’s interests are playing video games and sports with friends. 

 

Once again, congratulations on your new role Shawn!

Happy Anniversary Richard Biven!

 

Happy Anniversary to Richard Biven as today marks his 2 year anniversary with JB Hunt!  Richard came over to us from UPS 2 years ago as part of the Southern States transition.  Richard was instrumental in getting that business off the ground and has supported several accounts over his tenure.  In his current role, Richard works at the Toyota Account in Louisville managing our indoor storage facility, the largest in DCS.  Happy Anniversary Richard!

Congratulations Newman Family!

 

Congratulations to Jecorey Newman and Family on the birth of their baby girl, Corinne Elisabeth Newman!  Corinne was born early April 2nd, at 1:14 am in Louisville KY.  Corinne came in weighing 7.93 lbs and 20.5"!  Mom and baby are doing great.  Congrats Jecorey!

Happy Anniversary Adam Kleeh!

 

Happy Anniversary to Adam Kleeh as today marks his 16th year with the company!  Adam began his career as a DMIT in Ohio and has held multiple roles within the company, including HR and Sales.  In his current role, Adam is Director of Business Operations for the Central Region.  Happy Anniversary Adam!