Birds Eye Newsletter 2/2020

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BIRDS EYE NEWS

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FEBRUARY CONTENTS 2

Service Member Patriot Award

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Back to College

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Stevens Love Story

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February Anniversaries December Driver Awards Paragon Employee of the Month

Important Dates Black History Month

Valentines Day - 2/14 Leap Day - 2/29

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT STEVENS

TRAINING COUNSELOR PRESENTED WITH PRESTIGIOUS AWARD The United States Department of Defense awarded Albert Davis, a training counselor, with the Texas Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve’s Service Member Patriot Award. Secretly nominated by a Stevens Transport Company Driver, the award recognizes its recipients for promoting awareness of the need for “employee absence and related consequences” for military members in civilian jobs.

“I was very shocked to receive this prestigious award,” Albert said. “Everyone did a good job of keeping this under wraps, and I’m very thankful that I was recognized at such a high level!”

Albert was nominated by Stevens driver Steven Ogare, who was Albert’s training student from October 2019 to January 2020.

Steven has been a member of the First Battalion of the 151st Field Artillery Minnesota Army National Guard for the past six years, ready to assist in any natural disaster.

“The award was always mentioned in our meetings, and I never really had anyone to nominate for it, until I met Albert,” Steven said. “Albert really went above and beyond to make sure that everything was taken care of during my training, especially when it came to getting me home or getting me to any events that the National Guard needed me for.”

Albert was presented with his certificate and a lapel pin by Russell Hooper, a retired Army National Guard soldier who served the country for 20 years before retiring in March 2006. “It gave me great honor to present this award on behalf of the Department of Defense through the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve,” Russell said. “Albert and the entire Stevens Transport family have gone above and beyond in their support of not only Steven, but all of their veteran drivers and we salute both for leading the way!”

Director of Training Services Valeria Alverado commended Albert’s hard work and dedication to the Training Department.

“We can not think of anyone more deserving than Albert Davis to receive such a prestigious recognition,” Valeria said. “Albert’s administrative contributions have lifted us to new heights, and we look forward to his continued success!”

Written by: Sidney Mireles

Birds Eye News - Spread Your Wings

Stevens Heads Back To College!

Stevens has a growing youthful presence in the office, and it’s only getting stronger! Our Corporate Recruiting team is registered to attend career fairs this semester at the University of North Texas and the University of Arkansas.

These career fairs will offer current university students the opportunity to speak with Stevens representatives about available internships and post-graduate opportunities. The most qualified students will be asked to attend on-site interviews after the career fair, and will receive an invitation to tour our facilities.

“I remember hearing great things about Stevens, and was excited to meet them at the career fair,” Driver Manager Marc Bawcum said. “The onsite representatives were very knowledgeable, and after touring headquarters, I knew I was choosing the best company to begin my new career. I have enjoyed every minute in my role, and cannot wait to see what other experiences lie ahead for me at Stevens!”

Recruiting and Special Projects Associate Molly Aaron is eager to bring the top talent from these universities to Stevens. “We are super excited and hopeful walking into these career fairs. Rickey [Simmons] and I are looking for ambitious, young students that will bring new ideas and energy to our operations floor, and know that these events will help us do that!”

If you know any college students that would like to join the Stevens team, please have them reach out to Molly at mollyaaron@stevenstrasnport. com or Rickey Simmons at rsimmons@ stevenstransport.com .

Written by: Sidney Mireles

Birds Eye News - Spread Your Wings

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT STEVENS

Suzanne & Chris A Driver Love Story In the summer of 2015, Christopher Cooper searched for a career change, which led him to Stevens Transport. “I had heard great things about Stevens, especially how well that they take care of their drivers. I was excited to begin my new career here, and knew that I was in good hands!”

After obtaining his CDL at Stevens Driving Academy and completing his training, Chris to teamed up with a good friend, and received Team of Month three different times. “We worked very well together. We both had the same goals to complete every day, and knew that success would follow right behind those completed goals.”

In the fall of 2017, Chris met Suzanne Irvine through a comedy Facebook group, and a romance quickly began to blossom.

Thanks to a well-thought-out pre-plan, Chris was running early on his load across Interstate 20, and asked Suzanne to meet.

“My co-driver stayed with the truck while Suzanne and I went to play pool,” Chris said. “To say we hit it off well would be an understatement; we made the decision to move in together four weeks later!”

The next year was a great one for the pair. Chris recalled that he would run the hardest that he could to make sure that he was able to see Suzanne once a week.

“She understood my profession, which was something that was hard for any other partner I had to accept,” Chris said. “She would drive up to see me, no matter what time it was, and always brought me food. I reciprocated as much as I could, including sending her medicine with an online shopping service when she was sick.”

a change in my life,” Suzanne said. “The industry always intrigued me, and knew that I had to experience it for myself.”

Chris made sure that she was serious about the career, and how this profession would be a complete lifestyle change. “This profession is more than an 8-5 job,” Chris mentioned to Suzanne. “If this what you really want, I want to make sure that you join the Stevens team and receive the best training in the country from the Stevens Driving Academy.”

During this time, Chris and his teammate were looking for a change of pace, and mutually agreed to go their separate ways.

Seeing it as the perfect opportunity, Chris and Suzanne made the decision to team together. “We took a few days off before we joined each other on the truck. During that time, I asked Suzanne to be my wife, and we are getting married almost three years to the day when we first started messaging each other!”

Chris and Suzanne have seen great success as a team with Stevens, and were even chosen as the 2019 Runner-Up Team of the Year. “We will forever be in debt to Stevens for giving us the opportunity to meet each other, since we originally lived on different sides of the country,” the team stated. “We suggest that anyone who has the opportunity to team with their spouse to take it, because it will pay off highly down the road!”

In August of 2018, Suzanne made the decision to get her CDL after learning more about the profession from Chris and personal research. “I was searching for

Birds Eye News - Spread Your Wings

Written by: Sidney Mireles

Birds Eye News - Spread Your Wings

#MEETSTEVENS Brittani Bush Travel Coordinator Brittani joined Stevens in July of 2018. She is recognized for her consistent hard work and dedication to accomplishing the Stevens mission on a daily basis. One of Brittani’s favorite parts of her job is the rewarding feeling she gets when she hears the success stories of the drivers who she helped bring into Stevens. When we asked Brittani what motivates her to her continued success, she stated: “I want to be able to provide people with an amazing and life-changing career.

I set goals to make every day better than the last and work towards reaching high numbers.” Brittani also passed along some sound advice to our new associates: “Hard work truly does pay off. Make sure to come into your position with a strong willingness to complete your daily goals.” Outside of work, Brittani enjoys making and selling candles, spending time with her family, and relaxing.

Richard Pleasants Customer Service Representative Richard joined Stevens in July of 2012. He is recognized for his consistent communication with the driver force and exceptional work ethic. One of Richard’s favorite parts of his job is the positive impact that his daily duties have on both the driver force and his co-workers. When we asked Richard what motivates him to his continued success, he replied: “The feedback that I receive from everyone around me drives me to work harder every day. If I complete my daily goals, I know that I am helping complete the Stevens mission in a small way.” Richard also passed along some sound advice for our new associates: “Not everything is as it seems. Also, be sure to ask as many questions as you can, because everyone wants to see you succeed.”

Outside of work, Richard enjoys gardening, crafting wind chimes, and fishing.

Joel Heimerman Northwest Planner Joel joined Stevens in June of 2017. He is recognized for his commitment to proactively preplan the driver force on the Northwest region. One of Joel’s favorite parts of his job is having the opportunity to assist drivers and keep them rolling over-the-road on a daily basis. When we asked Joel what motivates him to his continued success, he responded: “Being a planner, I have an opportunity to impact our on-time service and our driver utilization. Wanting to help drivers make a good living and keep our customers happy motivates me to succeed.” Joel also passed along some sound advice to our new associates: “Working in this industry is a team sport. Learn from your coworkers, ask for help, and lend a hand whenever you can.” Outside of work, Joel enjoys running, watching movies, reading, and learning new things.

Birds Eye News - Spread Your Wings

#MEETSTEVENS articles written by: Chernario Torres

#MEETSTEVENS Jeff Blue Service Writer Supervisor Jeff first joined Stevens in November of 1986 as an OTR driver and became a part of our Service team in October of 2013. He is recognized for his professionalism in assisting drivers in all aspects of the shop. One of Jeff’s favorite parts of his job is satisfactorily assisting drivers to solve their truck problems and training new service writers. When we asked Jeff what motivates him to his continued success, he said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the positions that I have been in during my career at Stevens. My hard work ethic and constant dedication help me complete the Stevens mission every day.” Jeff also passed along some sound advice for our new associates: “Always be open to learning, and ask as many questions as you can. Also, always show respect to your co-workers.” Outside of work, Jeff enjoys dirt track racing, spending time with his family, and relaxing.

Adrian Perez Parts Supervisor Adrian joined Stevens in November of 2018. He is recognized for his hard work and dedication to assisting all of the needs in the parts department. One of Adrian’s favorite parts of his job is having different challenges to tackle every day. When we asked Adrian what motivates him to his continued success, he explained: “I love how my department has come together in such a small amount of time. I always ask for feedback from my team, and work toward being the best supervisor that I can be.” Adrian also passed along some sound advice for new associates: “Always expect the unexpected. With no two days being the same, you can always count on some surprises around the corner!”

Outside of work, Adrian enjoys working out and enjoying live music shows.

Tanya Mitchell Canada Office Manager Tanya joined Stevens in March of 1998. She is recognized for her determination to complete every daily goal and outstanding work ethic. One of Tanya’s favorite parts of her job is collaboratively working with her team, and challenging themselves to complete every day better than the last. When we asked Tanya what motivates her to her continued success, she answered: “Working in a competitive market pushes my team and me to always try to come out on top. We know that we have reached our success when we have everything that we set to accomplish.” Tanya also passed along some sound advice to our new associates: “Never give up, and always be tenacious. Every day is a new day, so make sure to soak it up and enjoy it!” Outside of work, Tanya enjoys spending time with her husband of 22 years and two children.

#MEETSTEVENS articles by: Chernario Torres Birds Eye News - written Spread Your Wings

FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION

DECEMBER Driver Awards El-Hadj Leye

1st Place Contractor

Kyle Leaich

Runner Up Contractor

David Adamson

1st Place Trainer Of The Month

Aleksandr Belyayev

Runner Up Trainer Of The Month

Horace Clark

1st Place Company Driver

Jonathan Wells

Transport

Paragon

Lavonda Berry - ACCOUNTING - 23 Years Autumn Muzzillo - ACCOUNTING - 21 Years Blessy Mathew - ACCOUNTING - 21 Years Sam Few - PRODUCE TEAM - 20 Years William Tallent - DRIVER TRAINING (DIR) - 17 Years John Haffner - DRIVER RECRUITING - 17 Years Joe Jenkins - DRIVER OPERATIONS - 16 Years Jessica McKeever - ACCOUNTING - 15 Years Richard Delgado - MEAT TEAM - LEAD - 15 Years Bonnie Dorsey - ALLIANCE - 14 Years John Stitten - NIGHT DISPATCH - 14 Years John Berglund - CUSTOMER SERVICE - 9 Years Sarah Ridgeway - BROKERAGE (CHI) - 8 Years Willie Byrd - ALLIANCE - 8 Years Jessica Sievek - OPERATIONS SUPPORT - 7 Years James McCain - DRIVER ORIENTATION - 7 Years Frank Kuehn - RAIL - 6 Years Shannon Dickerson - DRIVER OPERATIONS - 6 Years Ashlie Brock - MEAT TEAM - LEAD - 5 Years

Kenny McKeever - PROJECT MANAGEMENT - 20 Years Ladarren Jones - ROAD RESCUE - 13 Years Teddy Henderson - ROAD RESCUE - 10 Years Zeljko Janjic - TRUCK - 8 Years Deorion Landers - DETAIL - 8 Years Julian Ramon - TRUCK - 8 Years Douglas Torres - ROAD RESCUE - 8 Years James Anderson - DETAIL - 7 Years Jasmin Avdic - TRUCK - 6 Years Stephen Walden - ROAD RESCUE - 6 Years Jordan Cleveland - TRUCK - 5 Years

Runner-Up Company Driver Of The Month

Jason Gates

1st Place Grad Driver

Yanik Davis

Runner Up Grad Driver

Jonathan Bautista & Jorge Lopez

* Highlighting 5 years or more of service

PARAGON LEASING, L.P. EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

Team Drivers Of The Month

Justin Higgs

1st Place Owner Operator Of The Month

DAVAN HAMPTON - FEBRUARY 2019

Davan joined Paragon in July of 2019 and is a Recovery Driver.

Davan is a very professional driver who strives for excellence daily.

He comes in with a friendly and good-humored attitude every morning, and represents Paragon well with every deliver he makes.

Stevens Transport and Paragon Leasing, L.P. are very proud to have employees like Davan and we are pleased to honor him as the Paragon Leasing Employee of the Month for February 2020.

*Every winner receives monetary compensation, credit to our Stevens merchandise store, as well as a plaque-style certificate of recognition.