NEWSLETTER
BWT CONNECT
As summer winds down, we’re excited to bring you the latest updates, stories, and insights from across BWT Logistics. This month’s edition is packed with highlights that reflect the hard work and dedication of our incredible team. From celebrating our employees’ achievements in the spotlight to keeping safety at the forefront of our operations, BWT Connect is your go-to source for everything happening within our company.
WHAT'S INSIDE THE ISSUE
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Spotlight on Howard Shope, Sr. Vice President
Howard Shope has been a driving force at BWT Logistics for the past year, bringing his extensive experience and leadership skills to the team. A devoted family man, Howard loves spending time outdoors, whether it’s boating, hiking, or playing baseball. He is especially proud of his service as a US Marine, which reflects his dedication and discipline. Outside of work, Howard’s passion for baseball is well known, and he has a surprising love for flowers. His bucket list includes visiting Paris, Italy, and Australia. Guided by his best advice, "Be humble, and give generously," Howard continues to inspire both in and out of the workplace.
Spotlight on Tampa Location
Our Tampa facility, located at 5301 East Hanna Avenue, Tampa, FL 33610, is a cornerstone of BWT Logistics' operations, specializing in the storage of used car and truck battery cores. These battery cores, known simply as "cores," are stored temporarily until they are ready for transportation to a local smelter. At the smelter, the lead is extracted and recycled, contributing to sustainable practices in the automotive industry.
Facility Overview
The Tampa warehouse, a key asset of BWT Logistics, spans an impressive 200,000 square feet, providing ample space for our operations. The facility is not climate-controlled, which is typical for the storage of materials like battery cores. Our dedicated team of 10 employees, including one currently on maternity leave, ensures smooth and efficient operations. This close-knit team works diligently to maintain high standards of safety and efficiency.
Our Clients and Services
At BWT Logistics, we are proud to serve Clarios, a leading global provider of advanced energy storage solutions. As a key partner, our role in the supply chain is critical. We ensure that used batteries are processed responsibly and efficiently, supporting Clarios' commitment to sustainability and innovation. Our dedication to quality and safety has resulted in a spotless safety record for 2024, a testament to our team's vigilance and adherence to safety protocols. This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence and the high standards we maintain in all our operations.
Team and Culture
Team and Culture
At the Tampa location, we’re more than colleagues—we’re a community. Monthly birthday pizza parties help us relax, connect, and build camaraderie, boosting morale and fostering a strong sense of belonging.
The team at BWT Logistics' Tampa location is more than just colleagues; they are a community. We celebrate birthdays monthly with pizza parties, taking time to relax and enjoy each other's company. This tradition not only boosts morale but also fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie among our employees.
Our team is diverse, with members pursuing unique passions. One is training to become an IT technician, planning to apply these skills within our company. Another, a former college football quarterback, is striving to return to the professional level.
Community Involvement
Our commitment to the community extends beyond the warehouse walls. Lawrence, the manager of our Tampa location, volunteers with a local veterans' furniture donation program. This program collects used furniture and distributes it to veterans in need, making a tangible impact on the lives of local heroes. Additionally, one of our employees provides nursing care for his mother, demonstrating the compassion and dedication that characterize our team.
Local Highlights
Tampa is a vibrant city with much to offer. For those considering a visit, Tampa boasts attractions like the Skyway Bridge in nearby Saint Petersburg, famous for its appearances in several films. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy local baseball, hockey, and football games, while Busch Gardens offers a thrilling amusement park experience, rivaling other major attractions in Florida.
Looking Ahead
We're excited about the future of our Tampa facility. Planned renovations will enhance our break room and workspaces, reflecting BWT Logistics' commitment to employee well-being.
A Message from Our Team
"We're proud of the community here," says Lawrence. "Our team's resilience and positivity make this a great place to work.
Congratulations to D’Andre Lee!
We’re proud to name D’Andre Lee as BWT Logistics' Employee of the Month for August 2024. His exceptional performance, perfect attendance, and proactive approach have set a high standard for everyone. D’Andre’s unwavering reliability and readiness to step in wherever needed have been key to our ongoing success.
As he celebrates his 1-year anniversary with us, D’Andre has continually demonstrated his leadership potential, often stepping into the role of Warehouse Floor Lead, even though he’s not officially titled. His commitment to excellence and willingness to take on greater responsibilities are truly commendable.
Please join us in celebrating D’Andre Lee, our Employee of the Month!
August 1: Wistar, Rebecca; Nichols, Hazel
August 2: Haygood, Scott
August 5: Thibodeaux, Bertrand
August 12: Deshotel, Elric Louis
August 13: Khan, Agha A
August 15: Weiss, Stephen
August 16: Dunn, Keonya N; Willis, Daniel
August 21: Gary, Jeremy D; Shope, Howard
August 23: Collins, Marcus D
August 24: Adams, Rodney
August 26: Montano, Kally Y
August 28: Smith, Samuel Lee
August 29: Temes, Sarah
Name: Howard Shope
Job Title: Sr. Vice President
Years with Company: 1 year
About Me: Family-oriented; enjoy baseball, boating, hiking, and outdoor activities. Love long walks with my wife and playing with my dog, Jeter.
Proudest Accomplishment: Being a US Marine. Passionate About: Baseball.
Smartest Person I Know: My wife, Michelle. Surprising Fact: I love flowers.
Bucket List: Visit Paris, Italy, and Australia. Musical Instrument: Not a musician but want to learn guitar.
Favorite Food: Beef brisket.
Favorite Team/Athlete: UNC Tarheels; Michael Jordan.
Most Interesting Place: Czech Republic. Favorite Movie: Top Gun.
Top 3 Songs: Drunk on You by Luke Bryan, Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Wagon Wheel by Darius Rucker.
Childhood Dream: To be a Marine.
Best Advice: Be humble, and give generously. Currently Learning: How to be an employee again, not a business owner.
Top 3 Books: The Bible, Of Mice and Men, The Greatest Generation.
Dream Job: Professional Baseball Player. Theme Song: I’ll Be There for You by The Rembrandts.
Pet Peeve: Organization.
Favorite Gadget: Leatherman tool.
Cellphone Wallpaper: My wife’s photo in Nashville.
Weirdest Desk Item: Collection of Drill Instructor Marine Bears.
