2 | 2021
FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER
OUR EMPLOYEES / Awards and Achievements
WHATEVER IT TAKES RAMIE BURKETT NOMINATED CARL STEWART FOR THE JANUARY WHATEVER IT TAKES AWARD
Ramie said, “ Carl does whatever it takes even while eating 10,000 calories a day. He always takes care of me and helps teach me ways to grow. I hope he does not eat this award…” Carl was presented with a trophy, a “Whatever It Takes” designated parking space in front of the building, and a $50 QuikTrip gas card (which he plans to use on snacks). He will also have the honor of naming next month’s WIT winner.
Tyler Preston wrote, “The December 2020 Driver Manager of the Month was Jenn Heisley! Jenn managed to make it through the busy month of getting everyone home for XMAS and pulled it off with only one term and one service failure for the month! Very nice accomplishment Jenn – Congratulations! Jenn will be awarded with the snooze or cruise pass allowing her to take half a day off!”
Recruiter of the Month January 2020 Gina Bartley wrote, “Congratulations, AGAIN, to Elisha Thornton taking the prize for Recruiter of the Month-January 2021! Elisha continues to give her best with great work ethic and obvious skill. We are all proud of her and enjoy working beside her. When asked what she does to stay in the number 1 spot? She simply replies, “I just work.” What I hear in that short statement is…. She is dedicated and disciplined which in turn makes her successful. Thank you Elisha! Keep up the good work! You should be very proud of yourself, we are. To show our appreciation, lunch is on us along with ½ day off!”
Bill Younger was recognized by Truckload Carriers Association as a Highway Angel.
JCT Diamond Rewards Program Danny Hooks was the Q4 iPad winner For more on JCT’s Diamond Rewards program, click here.
OUR DRIVERS / Awards and Achievements
Larry Miles’ statement questions for the ATA’s Professional Driver of the Year award. All top 5 nominees had to submit a video for final judging.
Kyler Frittiths
Brian Stewart nominated, Kyler Friffiths. Brian said, “Even when things aren’t going according to plan and everything seems to be falling apart, he keeps a calm positive attitude. He keeps pushing forward and keeps the wheels rolling. We can always depend on him to keep the freight moving and he will work with us to get the customers taken care of”.
Rollins Brown
Russ Harlow nominated, Rollins Brown. Russ said, “Rollins keeps his loads on time even when the odds are stacked against him. On several occasions, Rollins has made successful runs to the Pacific North West with little room for error and made OTD. We all are questioned from time to time with those 3 letters together that can get annoying to hear, but “On Time” is the name of the game. But with Rollins it’s the way! We all appreciate you Rollins with keeping freight moving with no concerns”.
Rob Downey
Jenn Heisley nominated, Rob Downey. Jenn said, “On 01/01/21 Rob helped JCT out by securing one our trailers at the TA in Las Cruces NM. Rob went out and purchased a glad hand lock to put on our trailer, and left the key in an envelope, in the temp door while he was under another load. Rob is a very helpful driver as well as a very loyal asset to JCT. I appreciate everything Rob does for JCT and all the hard work and dedication. You will never ever hear Rob gripe about anything, and everything we ask him to do he does with pride! Thank you, Rob, for everything and keep burning that asphalt”.
Joshua Masuda-Mercado
Travis Hutton nominated, Joshua Masuda-Mercado. Travis said, “Joshua has been with me since the very start, he has always been a great helping hand on the fleet! He is a hardworking man with a great heart always happy to help and just always happy in general. He has been thru it, from the snowstorms to wind. You can always count on this man to do his best and that’s all we can ask. I look forward to seeing this man grow in the company and in my fleet! Keep doing great things sir! Big thank you from the bottom of my heart you’re a great hand”.
Keith Crompton
Josh Muskrat nominated, Keith Crompton. Josh said, “Keith has been doing a great job for us since coming on in June. Great communication, excellent attitude and very easy to work with. No service issues with Keith and I know I can always count on him. Grateful to work together with him”.
OUR DRIVERS / Driver of the Month Nominees
David White
Dale Smith nominated, David White. Dale said, “David came back to JCT last August & since then has really been busting it to get it done out there on the road. David never complains about the loads he’s given & is overall a great driver. I can always trust his word when we’re setting up his return-to-work loads & also when he’s confirming OTD. Mr. White knocked out over 13.2K miles in January & w/ New Year’s & all the weather we’ve faced on the road it’s quite impressive. I really appreciate everything David does & I look forward to working w/ him more as the future rolls on!
Vernon Jones
Ryan Smoot nominated, Vernon Jones. Ryan said, “A great representative for JCT as a true professional driver. Vernon will always help in any way possible and never turns down a load. When I need some advice to give other drivers, Vernon is my go-to driver for answers”!
Vernon Walters
Amye Alvarez nominated, Vernon Walters. Amye said, “Always willing to help out, whether it be with a load heading to the NW or reaching out to a new driver a call to offer some assistance”.
Georg and Charolette Heller
Tom Cowan nominated, Georg and Charlotte Heller. Tom said, “this team has been with JCT since 2017. They do relays for on time delivery often. They plan trips well and have a great attitude. If we have a load that needs special care, this is a team to count on. Thanks for all you do”.
Jimmie Elks
Gage Brooks nominated, Jimmie Elks. Gage said, “Jimmie is one of the most reliable and trustworthy drivers that I have. He is always understanding and is never one to shy away from helping another driver. Anytime he feels like he is running behind he lets us all aware of the situation and doesn’t leave us in the blank. He is a great driver and couldn’t ask for a better one”.
Francis Sill
Charles Richards nominated Francis Sill. Charles said, “I’m nominating Francis because he always does a great job, does not hardly ever turn down pre plans, he is committed to be on time, and he works in a very courteous and professional manner. He is one of those kinds of drivers that you just let him be and he will not let you down”.
Roderick Lundy
Sean Layman nominated, Roderick Lundy. Sean said, “Roderick is the definition of calm, cool, and collected. He always maintains a good attitude even when things aren’t going his way. Just the other day he was helping with a swap and things kept going wrong and people kept breakdown down including trailers. Roderick had every reason to be upset and frustrated about the situation but instead he stayed in a good mood and everything worked out in the end. This example is just one moment where his attitude has been greatly appreciated by more people here in the office than just me”.
DRIVERS OF THE MONTH
Meet Bobby Buffington. Bobby joined the JCT family because he likes our trucks and has heard good things about us from other drivers on the road. His motto is, “Stay between the lanes. If you get out of the lane it will come out of your pocket.”
Meet Devaughn Blagrove! Devaughn came to JCT through word of mouth. His motto is, “stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.”
OUR DRIVERS / New Driver Features
Meet Cindy Seitz. Cindy came to JCT for the lease purchase program. Her motto is, “Everyday is an adventure and I’m in charge so I’m going to have some fun.”
Adam Anderson
Meet Thomas Emory. Thomas came to JCT because the yard is close to home from him. He’s only ever been an owner operator and when asked what keeps him out on the road, he said, “money keeps me going.”
Meet Vincent Brewster. He joined JCT because he wanted to work with a company that could help him provide for his family, and or pay package fit the bill. Vincent says “When I’m on the road I’m thinking of my family. I stay out there for them, so that they will be okay. I Sacrifice.”
PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS
Eathan Jones
Claytin Herchberger
Photo Contest Winners / OUR DRIVERS
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS DRIVERS 2/1 2/2 2/3 2/4 2/6 2/7 2/9 2/10 2/11 2/13 2/14 2/15 2/16 2/17 2/18
Lee Roy Ellis Tammie Hupfer Bill L Wrenn, Jr Scott Strobel Eric Rodriguez Raymond Vines Kristen Knight Patrick Payne Lenette Williams Benjamin Smallwood Alisha Beasley Edwin Montes-Guzman Charles Demasi David Bozard Jackson Byrd Alvan Wilson Keith Betha Derek Thompson Mark Munson Pedro Reyes-Aquino Paul Malczewski Jonathan Ortego Dominique Knight James Hughes, Jr Thomas Clark Richard Irvin Richard Bonnett Kellie Morin Edmond Hendricks Steven Smith Cheyanna Vogeler Christopher Hill James Kirksey Michael Waterman Michael Washington Daniel Difranco
DATES TO REMEMBER / Birthdays
EMPLOYEES 2/19 2/20 2/22 2/23 2/24 2/25 2/26 2/27 2/28 2/29
Jerry Smith Betty Szalwinski Kl Wilson John Christner Stephanie Gaspard Araceli Valdezsoto Jonathon Carlton William Holland Jessie Gene Jellins Raymond Parks Scott Daniel Jerry Adams Daniel Root Carlton Jones Dondrey Williams Milton Jenkins Jacob Manausa Patrycia Bourne Terry Taylor Jimmy Cunningham Joshua Masuda-Mercado Douglas Brailey
2/3 2/4 2/6 2/7 2/9 2/10 2/11 2/16 2/17 2/19 2/20 2/21 2/23 2/25 2/26 2/27
Toni Wineberry Homer Minor Spencer Paulec Christina Uhlman Charles Demasi Russell Watson Emily Montgomery Mike Spencer Zachary Gillette Brian Grace John Dill Jr. John Christner Donnetta Conley Janet McCoy Jim Schulz Denise Henninger Tiffany Barnett Michael Carter Clyda Newton
FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES DRIVERS 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARIES James Buckley, 2/5 Michael Edmonds, 2/6 Sean McGee, 2/7 Jonathon Carlton, 2/10 James Tull, 2/14 Nathan Lawson, 2/17 Keith Lewis, 2/17 Howard Dindore, 2/19 Gregory Shirah, 2/19 Daniel Cummings, 2/24 Henry Schagane, 2/24 Jonathan Day, 2/24 Steve Smith, 2/24 Anthony Anderson, 2/25
2 YEAR ANNIVERSARIES Cedric Campbell, 2/6 Raymond Parks, 2/7 Daniel Finney, 2/11 Elton Anthony, 2/15 Shamika Anthony, 2/15 Lisa Lancaster, 2/18 Rickey Farley, 2/20 Mark Munson, 2/21
3 YEAR ANNIVERSARIES Jesse Wyatt, 2/13 Diane Wyatt, 2/13 Albert Carpenter, 2/19 Edward Jusdon, 2/21 Alan Roach, 2/26
4 YEAR ANNIVERSARIES Deborah Anderson, 2/8 Dwayne Currie, 2/27
5 YEAR ANNIVERSARIES Deanna Johnson, 2/1 Charles Martin, 2/8
Phillip Nunez, 2/15 Kenneth Jones, 2/18
6 YEAR ANNIVERSARIES John “Jw” Keller, 2/19 Vincent Kellerman Jr, 2/19 Tony Thacker, 2/24
7 YEAR ANNIVERSARIES
2 YEAR ANNIVERSARIES Sean Layman, 2/25 Yolanda Moore, 2/8 Terrance Winston, 2/8 Carlos Rivera, 2/8
6 YEAR ANNIVERSARIES Paul Fream, 2/2 Emory Andis, 2/4 David Clifton, 2/12
Jairo Osorio-Enriquez, 2/11 John Bradshaw, 2/19 Mark Pomraning, 2/25
7 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
9 YEAR ANNIVERSARIES
9 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
John H Canon III, 2/15 Linda Leibfarth, 2/24
13 YEAR ANNIVERSARIES Pam Freeman, 2/21 Tom Freeman, 2/21
18 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Jackie Morton Jr, 2/11
28 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Gerald Sunby, 2/2
Amye Alvarez, 2/14
John Noble, 2/13
15 YEAR ANNIVERSARIES Jeff Buckley, 2/22 Kirby Faulkinbury, 2/22
16 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Brian Ford, 2/9
17 YEAR ANNIVERSARIES
Tim Sattler, 2/2 Gregory Gorman, 2/16
18 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Thomas Cowan, 2/24
EMPLOYEES
20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
1 YEAR ANNIVERSARIES
28 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Floyd Wesley Jr, 2/17 Gage Brooks, 2/24 Zachary Gillette, 2/03 Matthew Young, 2/28 Rachelle Edgar, 2/17 Nokia Stith, 2/28 Linda Scott, 2/28 Tracy Bradley, 2/12 Rose Hurd, 2/12 Russell Harlow, 2/17 Jennifer Phillips, 2/17 Chris Smith, 2/26
Cheryl Romine, 2/19
Gerald Sunby, 2/2
Anniversaries / DATES TO REMEMBER
Patty Fender and Donny Morgan submitted this photo of Kevin Baker in unicorn pants with a unicorn cake.
Tom White captured this beautiful sunrise in the JCT parking lot.
Jenn Heisley decided to get Brian Stewart a desk companion as well. Meet JCT’s newest family member, Dimitri.
The area 1 weekend team in their matching shirts that Rich Ates (pictured right) had made. Teresa Elam (pictured left) said, “I know it looks like we’re holding Patty (middle) up, but she’s the one that holds us up all the time.
AROUND THE OFFICE / Sapulpa yard
L4101, Reynaldo Soto’s father & Great Dane, Blue, who share a birthday, 02/18. Reynaldo & his family are in our thoughts & prayers during this difficult time of his father’s recent passing.
2021 Chili Bowl Nationals / IN THE COMMUNITY
DONUTS AND DIAPERS / Kallie Pierce’s Baby Shower
CONTACT INFORMATION Mailing Address P.O. Box 1900 Sapulpa, OK 74067 19007 W. Hwy. 33 Sapulpa, OK 74066 BCBSOK BCBSOK 800-672-2567 TrueNorth Driver Insurance 800-877-9637 ATBS/American Truck Business Services 888-640-4829 or www.atbs.com Driver Legal Driver’s Legal Plan 800-417-3552 JCT Wellness Jeff Ravenscroft 918-857-8600 Zurich OCC/ACC 866-280-4390 Reach out to JCT employees on Facebook, Twitter, phone, mail, or fax. Any input for next month’s newsletter is welcomed and appreciated. Please send to strk@johnchristner.com by Tuesday, February 23rd.
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