Vanguard Engine
FALL 2024
CEO VIDEO PROMOTIONS
EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION
ACHIEVEMENTS
EMPLOYEE NEWS & MORE!
In Loving Memory
Ronnie Layel Jr.
December 9, 1972 - December 6, 2024
ItiswithgreatsadnessthatwesharethepassingofRonnieStevenLayelJr ,a belovedLeasingTechnicianatVTCCharlotte.RonniepassedawayonDecember 6,2024.AlthoughhistimewithVanguardTruckLeasingwasbrief,Ronnie quicklybecameavaluedmemberofourteam.Hiskindness,dedication,and positivespiritleftalastingimpressiononallwhohadthepleasureofworking withhim.Hewillbedeeplymissedbyhiscolleaguesandfriends. OurthoughtsandheartfeltcondolencesarewithRonnie’sfamilyduringthis difficulttime.Heislovinglysurvivedbyhismother,BrendaChandler;hissister, LisaLayel(RodneyStrickland)ofGastonia;andhischerishedpets,Sugarand Suzette.Westandwithhisfamilyandlovedonesastheynavigatethisprofound loss.
Happy RETIREMENT
H O U S T O N
PAT MELONSON
We celebrate Pat Melonson's retirement after an incredible 50-year career in the automotive and trucking industry. Pat’s journey began at a Ford dealership in Liberty, where he developed his passion for restoring cars. His career highlights include working with Mack Trucks (1976–1982), National Trucking, founding Action Diesel, working at Houston Mack again from 1989 to 1996, a 2year run with American Ecology, then making his final stop at Vanguard from 1998 to 2024.
Pat’s talents include total restoration of cars and motorcycles from mechanical, electrical, upholstery as well as paint and body. Known for his punctuality, dependability, and loyalty, Pat is a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration to us all.
We also want to thank his wife, Cynthia, for sharing him with us all these years. Pat and Cynthia will celebrate their 40-year anniversary this coming February with plans to visit Italy in the near future.
We want to thank you for your years of service, your friendship, and your dedication. We are blessed for the time you chose to spend with us and your presence will be missed in the Vanguard halls. Congratulations on a welldeserved retirement and here’s to many more miles ahead!
Happy RETIREMENT
S A V A N N A H
ROBIN ROBERSON
We proudly recognize and celebrate Robin Roberson's retirement after 16 years and 9 months of dedicated service as a CDL Driver in our Savannah Service Department. Her hard work, commitment, and contributions have been invaluable to our team and greatly appreciated by all who had the pleasure of working alongside her.
As she embarks on this exciting new chapter, we extend our heartfelt gratitude and best wishes for her future endeavors. May her retirement be filled with joy, relaxation, and countless adventures. Congratulations on a well-deserved retirement!
“Stay young at heart, kind in spirit, and enjoy retirement living."
Danielle Duckery
Happy RETIREMENT
C A H O K I A
JIM FUNK
We honor Jim Funk and his incredible 13 years of service at the Cahokia location, where he has been a cornerstone of the parts department even before Vanguard took over. Known for his friendly attitude and unwavering willingness to help everyone, from coworkers to customers, Jim has left a lasting impact on all of us.
While we were sad to see him go and feel his absence, we take comfort in knowing he’s fully embracing his well-deserved retirement. Jim plans to continue rocking out full-time with his band and pursuing his passion for music.
Thank you for everything, Honky Tonk Jim! You will be greatly missed, but we wish you all the best as you "Rock On" in this exciting new chapter!
Happy RETIREMENT
N O R W O O D
We are honored to celebrate Chris and his remarkable 25-year career selling Street Sweepers, Sewer Equipment, and Refuse Equipment, including the last eight years at Norwood Equipment. Throughout his career, he built strong, lasting relationships with customers and took pride in solving their challenges.
As he embarks on retirement, Chris looks forward to traveling with his wife, Nina, and enjoying time at his family home in Opi, Italy. Thank you for your service and dedication to Vanguard. Your contributions have been truly valued, and you will be greatly missed. Best wishes for a wonderful retirement!
Promotions
Lloyd Baldridge - CEO of Nacarato Truck Centers & Pat Daily - President of Nacarato Truck Centers
We are pleased to announce the promotions of Lloyd Baldridge to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nacarato Truck Centers and Pat Daily to President of Nacarato Truck Centers.
As CEO, Lloyd will oversee the overall strategic direction and leadership of the company, with a
Zac Knavel – Parts Manager
LaVergne, TN
We’re excited to announce Zac Knavel’s promotion to Parts Manager in LaVergne, effective 10/23/2024. With over five years at Nacarato, Zac has demonstrated exceptional leadership, driving success as Clarksville’s Parts Manager. We’re confident he’ll bring the same success to the LaVergne team.
Please join us in congratulating Zac on this welldeserved promotion!
Jack Woeller – Parts Manager
Clarksville, TN
We’re proud to announce Jack Woeller’s promotion to Parts Manager in Clarksville, effective 11/1/2024, succeeding Zac Knavel Over the past two years, Jack has excelled on the front counter and supported managerial duties
Please join us in congratulating Jack as he takes on this new role and continues to grow with our team!
key focus on integration areas as Nacarato and Vanguard begin to work more closely together. As President, Pat will manage daily operations, directly overseeing all operating segments and driving key growth initiatives within Nacarato. Together, they will continue to collaborate on critical decisions and guide the company toward future success.
Lloyd and Pat have been instrumental leaders for Nacarato over the years, and particularly during Nacarato’s first year under Vanguard ownership
Please join us in congratulating Lloyd and Pat on their well-deserved promotions, and we look forward to their continued success in these vital roles!
LLOYD BALDRIDGE - CEO OF NACARATO TRUCK CENTERS
PAT DAILY - PRESIDENT OF NACARATO TRUCK CENTERS
V A N G U A R D
ACADEMY
C L A S S O F 2 0 2 4
Congratulations to the Vanguard Academy Class of 2024! We are incredibly proud to celebrate the graduation of our first-ever Vanguard Academy class! Over the past year, these exceptional individuals have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence, completing a rigorous, year-long program designed to provide advanced skills, knowledge, and insights.
The Vanguard Academy stands as a cornerstone of our mission to cultivate future leaders in our industry. Being selected for this program is a testament to the promise and dedication of each graduate.
Cheers to a bright future for these talented individuals as they continue to drive innovation and success within our team.
GRADUATES
Jacob Johnson - COM
Chris Jones - ATL
Kevin McFarlane - AUS
Clay Madden - AUS
Greg Baxter - COR
Derek Dailey - COR
Juan Martinez - ELP
Belki DeLong - HOU
Charles Chevaillier - HOU
Ryan Vercauteren - CHA
Tim Williams - CHA
Frank Valenzuela - PHX
Andrew Moore - PHX
Jeff Roberson - COR Steve Myer -
Certified Uptime Dealer
We are thrilled to announce that our Greensboro, North Carolina, and our Katy, Texas, locations have achieved the prestigious status of Certified Uptime Dealer! This incredible milestone reflects the hard work, dedication, and commitment of the entire Greensboro and Katy teams to delivering exceptional service and efficiency. We could not be prouder of this outstanding achievement. Thank you for setting the standard and demonstrating what it means to go above and beyond. Here's to continued success and excellence!
Pictured above is the incredible Katy team.
Pictured above is the outstanding Greensboro team.
WE TRULY VALUE YOU
TONY FISHER (CAH) - ARMY
DON GOODMAN (STC) - USMC
ROBERT LAIR (STC) - ARMY
RUDY MESINOVIC (CAH) - BOSNIA ARMY
CONNER BURGESS (STC) - USMC
BRIAN GUETSCHOW (CAH) - ANG GUARD
DEREK EMMENDORFER (CAH) - USMC
STEVE MYER (CAH) - AIR FORCE
BRIAN DAIGLE (AUG) - ARMY
MICHAEL FRANK (SAV) - ARMY
ROBERT ALVAREZ (NTC) - ARMY
JOSH ROBERTS (NTC) - ARMY
KEVIN SHANK (NTC) - ARMY
MATT SIMPKINS (NTC) - NATIONAL GUARD
SEAN TIDROW (NTC) - USMC
WILL VANCE (NTC) - ARMY
JACK WOELLER (NTC) - ARMY
JOHN WOODS (NTC) - ARMY
ROGER CHANDLER (NTC) - ARMY
TOMMY CLARK (NTC) - ARMY
DOUG RAMSEY (NTC) - ARMY
CHRIS COOK (NTC) - USMC
ROBERT FLOYD (NTC) - USMC
MIKE GARDECKI (NTC) - ARMY
DERRICK MORAN (NTC) -ARMY
ALEX PETERSON (NTC) - NATIONAL GUARD
KEVIN RIGGS (NTC) - ARMY
JESSE REED (NTC) - ARMY
PAUL SOKOL (NTC) - NAVY
KEN WILSON (NTC) - ARMY
KYLE YOUNG (NTC) - ARMY
JAMES BRYANT (NTC) - USMC
BILL ZAWADSKI (NTC) - USMC
KRISTIN FULTZ (NTC) - NAVY
DOUGLAS QUICK (NTC) - ARMY
AJ RICE (NTC) - ARMY
NICK TOWNER (NTC) - AIR FORCE
MICAH BAGEANT (NTC) - AIR FORCE
BRIAN ROGERS (NTC) - USMC
JUSTIN OVERTON (NTC) - ARMY
Andrew Mcgauley (SAV) ARMY
Terry Scheehle (AUG) ARMY
Jonathon Campbell (AUG) NAVY
Ryan Hoyme - Army & USMC & Tyrone Juarez - USMC (AUS)
Danny Harrell (AUG) NAVY
Tim Williams (CHA) ARMY
Doug Palmquist (CHA) ARMY
Mark Hughel (CHA) NAVY
Frank Rich (COR) NAVY
Griffin Joyce (CHA) USMC
Troy Wangenheim (CHA) ARMY
Andrew Clayton (SAV) NAVY
Gabrielle Usher (COR) Air Force
???? (PHX)
JC Hernandez (HOU) USMC
John Walsh (AUS) NAVY
Anthony Martinez (HOU) USMC
Vince Jackson - National Guard & Sam Overland - USMC (PHX)
Anthony Huerta (NOR) ARMY
Eric Oaklief - USMC & Ismael Quiebras - USMC (PHX)
We want to take a moment to extend our deepest gratitude to all our employees who are veterans. Your courage, dedication, and selfless service to our country inspire us every day. Thank you for your sacrifices and for proudly serving our nation. We are honored to have you as part of our team!
If you are a veteran and were unintentionally left off this list, please contact your local HR to update your veteran status on your employee profile. We sincerely apologize for any oversight.
Jake Rednour - ARMY & Bill Barron - ARMY (PHX)
David Cohen - USMC & Doug Branham - ARMY (MAC)
Mike Loyd (MAC) ARMY
Devontay Buckholts (MAC) ARMY
VTC NEWS
JOHNTRUJILLO
CongratulationstoJohnTrujilloofVTCPhoenixforachievingtheprestigioustitle ofPARTSMASTER,joiningAndrewRankininthisremarkableaccomplishment! Welldone,John thisisahugeachievement!
ANDREWMCGAULEY
AndrewMcGauley,aproudJTechgraduate,iscurrently contributinghisskillsatVTC Savannah.Hejoinedthe Vanguardteamthispast September,andwe’rethrilledto havehimaspartofthe Vanguardfamily.Welcome aboard,Andrew!
THOUGHTFULGESTURES
AspartofVanguard’songoing effortto“givebackandhelpin areasofneed”theNCRegion sponsoredOperationChristmas ChildShoeboxes.They achievedtheirgoaltofillatleast 50shoeboxeswithdonationsof toys,books,crayons,gloves, hats,andtoiletryitems. Thank youtoeveryonethat participated.
OurPhoenixRegionrecentlyexpressedtheir gratitudetoemployeeswhoservedinthemilitaryby giftingthemstylish,high-qualitycamobackpacks Thesethoughtfultokensofappreciationreflecttheir commitmenttohonoringthededicationandhard workoftheirteam
AbigthankyoutoourPhoenixleadershipfor recognizingandcelebratingtheiremployees' serviceinsuchameaningfulway!Keepupthe amazingwork,team!
The NC Region showed their appreciation to employees with thoughtful snack boxes and personalized"thankyou"cards
VTC El Paso Supports Guardians of the Children
On September 20, 2024, VTC El Paso proudly supported their customer, JJA Munoz, in partnership with the Guardians of the Children Sun City Chapter, at the CAPA Classic Best Ball Golf Tournament held at Butterfield Trails Golf Club
Guardians of the Children is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to recognizing and
responding to child abuse, educating the public, and serving as advocates for children and families in crisis. Their mission is to provide strength, stability, and protection to children, ensuring they feel supported and safe during their most challenging times
As a sponsor of this impactful event, VTC El Paso contributed to the vital work of the Guardians of the Children, helping fund mentorship and court support programs for their "Little Guardians " These programs provide assistance and guidance to children and families in need, supporting them all the way to adulthood and beyond.
We are honored to stand with the Guardians of the Children in being a beacon of hope and light for children during their darkest hours Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most
CUSTOMER DAY AT THE VOLVO CUSTOMER CENTER
Vanguard Truck Center of NC organized an exclusive trip for local customers to the Volvo Customer Center, where the newest VNL model was showcased They invited fleet managers and logistics company owners to see the latest advancements in Volvo’s lineup and tour the production facility.
The group was greeted by Volvo representatives at the center who led them straight to the centerpiece: the new VNL. Its sleek, aerodynamic design
immediately captured everyone’s attention, signaling a leap forward in fuel efficiency and road performance
Inside, the customers explored the enhanced driver’s cabin, complete with ergonomic seating, state-of-theart touchscreens, and noise reduction features designed for maximum comfort. Cody, a logistics owner, was impressed. “The details make all the difference,” he noted, sitting behind the wheel and admiring the intuitive dash
The presentation highlighted the VNL’s improved safety systems, fuel-saving technology, and innovative I-Shift transmission Guests were even treated to a live demonstration on the test track, showcasing the truck’s smooth handling and advanced capabilities
After a day of hands-on exploration and lively discussions, the Vanguard team stayed at the center and held their weekly sales meeting The team sorted out what truck models to order as stock and they left with a deeper appreciation for Volvo’s commitment to innovation As they returned to NC, the plans to integrate the new VNL into their fleets were already underway
Chili
COOKOFF
The smell of simmering spices and savory ingredients filled the air as LaVergne hosted its much-anticipated Annual Chili Cook-Off. This year’s event brought together 18 amazing chili entries, showcasing a variety of bold flavors, secret recipes, and plenty of friendly competition
The Chili Cook-Off has become a cherished tradition, each participant received a $30 gift card as a token of appreciation for their culinary efforts After careful tasting and deliberation, the judges crowned this year’s winners:
1st Place: Keith Wilder
2nd Place: Lynn Brown
3rd Place: Michelle Sims
Congratulations to the winners and a huge thank-you to everyone who participated!
DEALER SERVICES
COMMUNITY GIVING
DealerServicesvolunteeredforaDayof GivingattheAtlantaCommunityFood Bank,packaging7,780poundsoffood— equivalentto6,483meals!Thesemeals helpedfeedfamiliesinneedacrossthe MetroAtlantaarea.Greatjobsupporting thecommunity!
EL PASO FIRST AID TRAINING
TeamElPasorecentlycompletedtheir CPRandFirstAidcertificationrenewals, showcasingtheirdedicationtosafety andreadiness.Thankyouforbeing preparedtomakeadifferencewhenit mattersmost!
Teamwork, Fun, and Celebration
The Savannah Region hosted a fantastic evening at Dave & Buster’s, bringing together employees and their families for great food, exciting arcade games, and unforgettable memories This was their first major gathering in quite a while, and we were thrilled to see nearly 50 attendees from both locations! Thank you to our incredible team for your hard work and dedication you make events like this so special!
Thecompetitionisheatingupat ourATLRegionalcornhole tournaments!Whowilltake homethechampionship?Stay tunedtofindout!
Camera Borcelle
Camera Borcelle
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happy Halloween
Houston’s Halloween Pumpkin Contest – A Showcase of Creativity!
This year, Houston hosted a spirited pumpkin decorating contest for Halloween, and the entries were nothing short of spectacular! The competition was fierce, but in the end, only three winners could rise to the top.
1st Place: Steve Ta amazed us all with his fabulous pumpkin creation
2nd Place: Belki Cruz wowed everyone with her iconic Beetlejuice scene.
3rd Place: Jennifer Martinez charmed us with her “Happy Hour” pumpkin, complete with a refreshing margarita theme.
A huge thank-you to everyone who participated and showcased their incredible talents. Your creativity and enthusiasm made this event unforgettable!
Halloween Fun in St. LouisCostume Contest
The St. Louis branches brought the Halloween spirit to life with a festive costume contest featuring participants from Cahokia and St. Charles. The creativity and effort were outstanding. Top three winners at each location won a prize of $50, $75, or $100 Congratulations to our talented winners and a big thank-you to everyone who participated! Your creativity made this Halloween extra special!
Norwood celebrated Halloween by sharing delightful sweet treats with everyone!
Around Vanguard: Highlights & Happenings
Team Austin Shows Thanksgiving Spirit
Austin GM Clay Madden, Business Office Manager Misty Espinoza, and Admin Sandra Almaraz embraced the Thanksgiving spirit in style with their festive matching shirts!
Sales Team Hosts
Appreciation BBQ
The St. Louis sales team went above and beyond by organizing appreciation BBQs for our incredible service and parts departments at our St Charles and Cahokia locations It was a fantastic way to celebrate teamwork and show gratitude for their hard work and dedication. Great job, everyone!
Congrats to Savannah Parts Team
A big congratulations to our Savannah Parts Department for surpassing $1 million in parts sales! To celebrate this incredible milestone, the team enjoyed a special upgraded town hall meal a delicious steak dinner! Thank you for your hard work and dedication. Here's to even more success ahead!
Frying Up Fun
The Austin Region rolled up their sleeves and brought the flavor to Texas Disposal Systems (TDS) on Sunday, frying up fish for an impressive crowd of 400 during the TDS Rodeo! It was a fantastic day of service, teamwork, and community spirit. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event such a success —we’re proud to support our community in meaningful ways!
Revving Up On and Off the Track
Spencer Elliott, a talented porter at our Phoenix location, takes his passion for precision to the racetrack! Behind the wheel of his classic 1971 Ford Maverick, Spencer has competed in events like the I Bracket Race, the Summit E.T. Series, and the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series in the Super Street category.
We’re proud to have such a driven and dynamic individual on our team—both in the shop and on the track. Keep chasing the checkered flag, Spencer!
Welcome to the world, baby girls!
A big congratulations to Alondra Ordaz, our Forest Park Sales Coordinator, on the arrival of her baby girl, she is absolutely beautiful, born on August 22, 2024! Wishing Alondra and her family endless love, joy, and cherished moments with their newest addition
Congratulations to Phoenix New Trucks Sales Rep Ben Krol, a proud first-time father, on the arrival of his precious daughter! Born on October 6, 2024, weighing 7 lbs 3 oz and measuring 21 inches long, she’s already stealing hearts. Wishing Ben and his family all the love, happiness, and unforgettable moments as they embark on this wonderful new journey
MiaAlessiaGarcia WessKrol
Yamila Rosales 2024 Class of
Congratulations to Yamila Rosales on her graduation from the University of Houston-Downtown with a Bachelor of Arts in Education! Yamila, the daughter of our VTC Houston Warranty Administrator, Bridget Gonzalez, achieved this remarkable milestone earlier this year.
We are thrilled to share that she is now shaping young minds as a dedicated second-grade teacher. Her passion for education and commitment to making a difference in the lives of her students fill us with immense pride.
A special congratulations to her mother, Bridget, whose unwavering support and hard work have undoubtedly played a significant role in Yamila’s success. We are proud of you both and grateful for the positive impact you bring to the community.