LEGENDS OF FMIC

Jerry D. Rose Incorporated

Courtland, Virginia

By Chris Huff & Jean-Paul (JP) Damé

This quarter’s Legends of FMIC is none other than Jerry D. Rose Inc. Jerry Rose started his company In February of 1983, 41 years ago. They operate three companies, Southeast Fiber Supply, Inc., Chip Transit, Inc., and Jerry D. Rose Inc. His children, Stephanie Blythe and Davis Rose, now manage all three companies alongside their father.

Jerry Rose got his start in forestry, working for Franklin Equipment Company. He then went to work logging with Ben E. Babb in the mid-1970s, and in 1983 he purchased a chipping operation and started working for himself. Having only one truck, Jerry had to use contract truckers initially, running "wholetree" chipping operations with four to five men.

In 2015, Jerry D. Rose Inc. and his other companies moved their Worker's Compensation, Commercial Auto, General Liability, Inland Marine, and Property coverage to Forestry Mutual Insurance/FMIC Insurance Agency. Davis and Stephanie say working with Forestry Mutual, especially Chris Huff, FMIC Agent, and Emma Turner, FMIC Account Manager, is like working with a close-knit family. They appreciate the personal and hands-on approach that Forestry Mutual/FMIC Insurance Agency brings to the table. Their training and genuine concern for our employee's safety is very evident. Quarterly safety meetings and training, especially with our truck drivers, is a service they both appreciate.

Stephanie and Davis continue their training with drivers and shop mechanics. They provide breakfast, which is a great chance to get everyone together and train on what is currently happening in the industry. Like many companies across the Southeastern U.S., monthly in-person training, either in the shop or in the woods, gives everyone a chance to reinforce relationships demonstrating that their employees' safety is a priority. Also, it's the only time some of these guys get to see their work friends.

Stephanie Blythe

Stephanie and Davis continue their training with drivers and shop mechanics. They provide breakfast, which is a great chance to get everyone together and train on what is currently happening in the industry. Like many companies across the Southeastern U.S., monthly in-person training, either in the shop or in the woods, gives everyone a chance to reinforce relationships demonstrating that their employees' safety is a priority. Also, it's the only time some of these guys get to see their work friends.

Forty-one employees are employed within the three companies, and several have been with them since 1981. Davis Rose adds that he is now a 3rd generation logger behind his dad, Jerry, and then Ben, his grandfather. He and Stephanie hope one of their children will follow in their footsteps. Davis adds that his daughter, Daelyn, helps with administrative tasks after school in the afternoon.

Davis Rose

Stephanie circled back to Forestry Mutual’s available training stating, “all we have to do is set up the time and location, then a Forestry Mutual representative will be there to give training on any topic we feel is needed. Sometimes it is Shawn Fulks, a Loss Control representative, or Chris Huff who will come out and train and give examples of how to minimize your risk on the job.” Which she adds “is not normal for a workers' comp insurance company to do, and we take advantage of that resource.”

Chip Transit, Inc. owns eighteen tractor trucks, with sixteen on the road daily. They believe the expense of cloud-based in-cab cameras, such as Samsara, is a priceless addition to driver safety and are 100% satisfied with Samsara’s services. Davis says that "over the years, it has paid for itself repeatedly. Not just from the evidence that a camera provides if an accident happens, but being able to track your trucks using GPS systems and track routes, speed, hard braking, tilting of the vehicle, and, more importantly, plan future routes to conserve fuel and shorten highway time is a bonus". Davis adds that being able to run reports on turn times in the mill helps them be efficient. Stephanie says it is peace of mind, and they will not run a truck without them.

Small shrine to Ed Spivey

This Legends of FMIC article could not be complete without mentioning Ed Spivey. Ed started a few months after Jerry began his company. Stephanie put it very well, "they were the dream team." They were best of friends at work and in life. Dad ran the office, Ed ran the woods, and he was like a brother to us. Davis adds that it was Ed who broke him in in the woods. He continued that Ed trained and made him do exactly what he wanted from day one. Which is, Be safe! Ed passed away a few months ago. Today, there is a small shine to Ed in the office. His boots, hat, and keys.

Davis Rose, Jerry Rose and Stephanie Blythe

Having been born and raised in Franklin, Virginia, Jerry was familiar with his surroundings and enjoyed working in the woods. Jerry D. Rose and his family have made a successful logging business in Virginia. They acknowledge their continued success could not be possible without the army of good people who work with them. From their lead mechanic to their logging crew foreman and Forester, it takes teamwork to succeed and become legendary. Jerry D. Rose Inc. has done just that. ~FMIC