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Originally Posted by TimberWolf
Mark,
I must say this is one of the best post i have read in quite some time. Thank you.
As an Executive Chef I always said the fish stinks from the had first, as a driver I still feel the same way.
I agree 110%. I know the rank and file complain too much and many times without regard or knowledge for the bigger picture. But, it is the responsibility of leadership to communicate the mission and keep them in the loop.
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Originally Posted by TimberWolf
Off the topic did you're niece have a shop at Heritage Sqaure in Golden at one time, as my wife and I bought our wedding cake top from a small glass shop in Heritage Sqaure, and I can remember it was a lady who made it for us as we waited. We were both raised in Colorado, My wife in Littleton just off Platte River and myself in Evergreen so it was nice to see her work made me a little home sick..
No, she has always maintained her studio away from main street. For many years she rented space to other artists and taught glass blowing classes. She has scaled that back now so she can concentrate on her own work.
We are a Colorado born and bred family as well. I grew up in (mumbling) Commerce City. Actually, when we moved there it was Adams City and Derby and hadn't decayed to the pathetic point it is today.
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Originally Posted by TimberWolf
Next once you are finished cleaning your pool my can use a good brushing and vacum as well you seemed to be fairly adept at it so if you like you can take over my pool duties.... speaking of which are now a week past due...
And if you are waiting for me it will get a lot further past due! In the words of Charles Emerson Winchester(MASH) "I clean one pool, I do it very well, and then I use it". OK, that wasn't an exact quote but you get the idea.
Quote:
Originally Posted by TimberWolf
In closing are you staying on with the company, or are you going to look for local work, or back to the office rat race???...
No, I have decided I belong in the rat race. I might even consider local driving but, my lack of experience will probably prevent that. Too bad because I believe I could help improve overall efficiency for small companies without the cost of a consultant.
FYI, I was with Werner. I believe Werner has a good training program. The only weak spot is their inability to qualify trainers. A trainer needs to be a quality individual capable of managing all aspects of the job. To be a trainer for Werner (and probably the rest as well) all you have to do is raise your hand. I witnessed several trainers who were borrowing money from their trainees to pay for scales, tolls, headlights, etc because they were unable to manage themselves, much less a training program. I personally know of two trainees who managed their trainers time because the trainer couldn't. This is too bad since the format of the training program is sound. That being said, I recommend Werner to any new driver who wants to break into the industry.
I had the opportunity to have lengthy and frank conversations with a couple of terminal managers and saftey managers. My experience, education, and business discourse (and the fact that I have all my teeth) made this possible. I found these individuals to be well versed in their positions and interested in the drivers. They used common sense in their decisions. Therefore, all the leadership isn't bad. There are pockets of necessary improvement in the faster paced positions such as operations. The only area I experienced that is a bigger roadblock to a drivers productivity is maintenance. The only thing dumber than a dispatcher is a self involved mechanic. Low level mechanics and low level IT people are exactly the same except one has grease under his nails and the other can be stupid incognito.
I'm glad I could share my experiences with the masses. I don't think there is enough information out there that talks to the needs of a newbie as they consider this as a career path. I could go on making videos if there was a way to make a living. By number three I was beginning to get the format down and focusing on the trucking content.
Concerning the job, the one thing that got to me more than anything else was that I didn't feel a sense of accomplishment or contribution. I enjoy driving, I like backing up better, but I never felt like I finished anything. Drop a trailer and off to the next one. I need to be able to see that what I have done has contributed to someones success or improved performance.
I'm going to stop typing now.