WE the People - Fall Issue #15

FOR 10+ YEARS OF

thank you thank you

SERVICE

Without the hard work and dedication of our employees, our success at Worldwide Equipment would not be possible. Day in and day out, our employees remain committed to the highest standard of excellence. WE extend our greatest appreciation to those who have been with us through it all.

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

Lorne

Charles

William

David

Michelle

U N I O N STATE OF THE

Terry Dotson President-Chairman-CEO

As this issue of WE the People is about ready to go to press the Holidays are upon us. Next week is Thanksgiving, which will be past us by the time you receive this edition.

WE hope your Thanksgiving was enjoyable and a happy time with your families. WE are thankful you are part of our company!

In the last edition we shared some history about the beginnings of our company, I will attempt to add more to the story in this edition. The first branch operation of our organization was Mountain State Mack of Northern West Virginia. This facility was very small, 4 bays and a very small parts department located near Exit 99 in Weston, WV. Very small organization that opened in 1974

and two fellows named Jim Parker and Ron Cartwright, both from Pine Hill, Alabama were hired as their first manager, Ron was the first person I ever met that could make a three syllable word out of D-O-G !! “The Big 4” continued to operate successfully in the facility until a new location was built in 1985. The new and current location was built at exit 105, north of Weston, in the Lewis County Industrial Park. Young fellows like Greg St Clair, hired as a tech, just graduated from Nashville Diesel College, Greg later became the branch manager in the early 80’s and contributed to our organization about 35 years before retirement. Greg and his team made this location a constant positive by building with great team members like Ron Cunningham, Frank Tenney, Doug Bean, Michelle Evans, and many other great “WE” people. Just before the time of the opening of Mountain State Mack of Northern WV a young fellow by the name of Terry L. Dotson was hired as a management trainee in Bluefield, WV, somewhere I had to share this part of our story to best add some remaining parts of our ongoing history. I began part of this company entirely by fate. I had grown up in the service station business, starting at age 10 when my father purchased in 1960 an old Gulf Station for $ 12,000 from a person named Jack Reece, Jack’s daughter, Debbie, later married a fellow named Steve Smith and they currently own a large regional food chain in our area called Food City, small world! Food city started from a single Piggly Wiggly store in the same town where I was born, Grundy, Va. Today Food City is a very valued customer of our company doing the majority of its business with our Abingdon location. In 1963, my father started selling BSA and Yamaha

motorcycles out of a bay in our service station, and here started my path to Worldwide at age 13. Dad was a coal miner by night, service station owner by day, I really don’t think he slept for years. When the motorcycle business began to grow dad needed floor plan funding. A young fellow from Pikeville named Jim McClung set my father up a small flooring linemy first connection to my future at Worldwide.

Jim McClung was originally from Rupert WV, which happens very much by accident, to be the place I sold my first truck. Jim and dad became friends after dad moved his business to Pikeville, KY in 1965. He continued to work out of a larger service station and began more dealing with Jim out of the small branch office of Commercial Credit . In 1967 shortly after Eastern Kentucky Mack opened Jim McClung was hired and given an opportunity to acquire some stock. Jim began is career as VP of Finance at Eastern Kentucky Mack. In 1968 there was a war going on the Southeast Asia, one I wanted no part of! I could not afford college on my own, so I tried out for a music scholarship at a college in Pikeville Ky at that time called Pikeville College. A scholarship was obtained, a job was found washing trucks at UPS- I finished my degree in Music in 1972 and during my senior year I was elected to the office of President of the Student Body. This would create my path to Worldwide. During the 1972 spring semester out student council

decided to plan a graduation celebration for all students and fund raising began. I was charged with helping to sell advertisements to local business and stopped to call on Eastern Kentucky Mack where Jim McClung was working late that particular evening. He asked me “what are you going to do after graduation” and I shared my need for a good job- A month or so later, after a few interviews I was hired to start work at 536 Bluefield Ave in Bluefield WV. I showed up at 7:15 in the morning, June 15th, 1972 as a management trainee.

Shortly after I began work, one of the owners, Gene Crass came into our store and wanted to know who the new kid “me”, and told local management “Hell, we don’t need management trainees we need people who can sell trucks !”

Gene invited me to lunch to tell me I needed to find other work, however while at lunch he found out I had been born on the same month, day, and year of a son he had lost in a swimming accident a few years earlier. Gene decided maybe I could be a truck salesperson, he took interest in me, trained me to be successful at selling trucks!

In 1972 & 1973 the original majority shareholder of our company decided to sell “Mack Big Four “their majority shares to John Smallman, Gene Crass, Jim McClung and Fred Langley . They were successful as I have shared earlier. Fred remained in Knoxville and continued to invest in different business while Jim

McClung ran Eastern Kentucky Mack, John Smallman moved to WV to run Bluefield Mack in 1973. Gene Crass ran the sales organization and traveled about simply closing deals from location to location. Gene was a super salesperson, loved his job and taught me a lot.

A fellow named Carlos Bramham was hired by Jim McClung to run Charleston, WV branch, Carlos later became a competitor by buying a store in Huntington, WV in 1976 and called this competitive location Mountaineer Mack .The total loss of management in our Charleston, WV location, the General Manger, the Sales Manager, the Service and Parts Manager and three salesperson which all left the company the same day to become a competition 35-40 miles away! This opened another door for a young, now assistant sales manager, to move to a new location with a bunch of issues – and I mean a bunch!

I was 26 and asked to move my family to a more expensive city, take a 70% pay reduction, buy a 40% more expensive home for an opportunity to grow? My wife and I agreed to the opportunity with damn little understanding of the challenges. We moved our family to Cross Lanes, WV August 4, 1976. Cross Lanes is where our current location now sits, Cross Lanes is a suburb of Charleston- most famous past resident of Cross Lanes actress Jennifer Garner. The challenges in out Charleston, WV location were enormous, only one new truck in stock, a three year old DM600 Mack, so old that the hood latches had rusted together and the hood would not open. The weeds had grown between the frame rail exceeded cab height.

“You are now part of our today and are also part of our very being. Store by store, territory by territory, and most importantly person by person, WE have grown to what you each make us today.

There was a huge quantity of very old, very over valued used trucks.- No management, a union shop and parts department with 80 plus filed grievances. I knew zero about dealing with a union or the term grievance! Actually, I knew little about much more than selling! To make matters worse Jimmy Carter, the worst President before Joe Bidden, was moving into the White House and the coal business was under attack by the administration and environmental groups! Again I had little idea what to do, ZERO !

Very soon after my arrival a call was placed to my former leader John Smallman, and I asked John to consider sending Raleigh Neal, whom I had worked with as our Service Manager in Princeton to run the Charleston store. By doing this I could do what I do best, sell trucks! John sent Raleigh Neal to run our store and I began to hire salespeople. In January 1977 I hired Mike Null – Mike later ran three different stores for us in Charleston, WV, Huntington, WV and Knoxville, TN., Mike retired after nearly 40 years of quality caring service to our company. Chuck Bradly was hired in March of 1977 and worked until his death this past July, Chuck worked in Middlesboro, KY-Prestonsburg, KY and Charleston WV, and Jane Lew WV in sales management and store leadership. Skip Burdett was hired and worked in our Charleston and Huntington store until his retirement about 10 years ago. A young salesperson named Tom DeBloss also was hired to worked in our Charleston WV, Huntington, WV and Lexington, KY stores for several years. Tom retired a few years ago from Navistar where he served as both District and Regional Manager. Pretty successful hiring period of sales guys- they went on to success

and helped pay for and manage our future. In 1978 I was asked to take over sales of off-highway product and large customer sales management for all of what was now Worldwide Equipment. WE became WE in 1977 in an effort to consolidate our previous names and further develop the brand of our company and most importantly to honor our most important asset WE “ you “our people!!

Shortly after my promotion, Mack decided in midJanuary of 1979 to stop production and cease to build the entire “M” series off highway line. This took place three weeks after we had just closed a truck deal with American Electric power for “forty” M75SX Mack trucks, at a selling price of nearly $400,000 each! A huge sell with nearly 3 million dollars – “ 1979 dollars” of pure up front profit- a deal we had worked on since October 13th of 1976.This move by Mack was a heart breaker and a move Mack made that nearly broke our company. You see Worldwide sold 54% of Mack’s entire off highway product line of off highway trucks from 1969 until this Mack offered an extensive line of product, ranging from 15-75 ton. The models were M15, M20, M35, M32, M45, M50, M65, M75 and a MackPac. Worldwide had millions of dollars of trucks in inventory, made great profits, had very large investments in product parts, training, service and a large group of very severely “pissed off” customers! This move that nearly broke our company, made me realize the importance of options for our future. This move and others taught Worldwide to manage its egg basket. Shortly after the blow of losing the total product line of Mack off Highway Trucks the coal business started to slow mainly because of Jimmy Carter’s attack on coal. Also, Carters mismanagement of a pull out of Iran, which created fall of the Shaw of Iran and many other long-term changes to our country.

This decision has cost our country for decades, it cost lives and material goods due to our rapid exit from Iran and is still costing the world today. The loss of the off-highway product and the growth of old aging new trucks inventory brought another challenge and a new opportunity to Worldwide. In April 1979 I was asked to become General Sales Manager over all Worldwide sales. This was a huge challenge, huge opportunity, and another move for the family. Interest rates were at a 21%-Prime rate under Carter, oil prices were high, our coal business was challenged, and WE had over 300 new trucks parked on our five lots !So, Judy and I with our 2 children left our home in Cross Lanes, WV with a realtor and moved into a very small, not nice home on a riverbank south of Pikeville, KY. WE began our new challenge- Fixing the sales department, building a training program, getting to know 4 and 5 nights a week of living in a motel and working on building the road to our success. I need to stop here – more to come – a lot more! I hope you and your families had and are having good holidays-Remember the Christmas season is about Christ, honor him, give thanks to our Lord and Savior. Be blessed in our continued future –God Bless each of you for being part of our successful past and hopefully with your help our combined successful future. God Bless you and yours and God continue to lead and bless our company to prosperity!

STOP THe STOP THe Violence Violence

Betty Blake’s (Cincinnati) daughter Miley and her cheer team, the Miami Trace Pantherettes, helped with a 5k run dedicated to stopping domestic violence in October (domestic violence awareness month). They had a blast spraying runners with purple chalk and handing out metals!

The holidays are a special, joyous time for many. For some who are dealing with personal challenges in their lives, it can be a very difficult time. It’s important to remember that Worldwide Equipment offers the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to all employees. Our EAP offers counseling and advice to employees and their family members – and this service is free, confidential, and available 24/7 !

valdosta, ga we wear

LITTLE GIRL FABULOUS

Shout out to Chance Fussell (Service Manager) who is now a GRAND DADDY! This bundle of joy is Claira Grace; she was born August 16, 2022, weighing 4 lbs and 13oz .Chance says “Just because I’m a grand daddy doesn’t mean I’m old!”

grand daddy’s lookin’

WE-GA made a contribution to The West Georgia Longbeards, a NWTF local chapter, as they teamed up with Action Track Chair to provide a local young man with the equipment he needs to utilize the Southwest Ga landscapes. Action Track Chairs offer individuals the ability to “Conquer your Limitations” with equipment designed to navigate a variety of terrain. It was an honor for us to support these two organizations with this year’s annual ‘”Ms. Track - A - Licious pageant.” This event is a fun twist on your usual beauty pageant. The contestants in this “beauty” pageant are not what they appear to be. These brave men come up with their own names, dance routines, and biography information. We even had one of our own participate as a contestant in the “beauty competition”-- Charles Gray - service technician Br. 36. Although Charles did not place in the pageant, WE salute him for his dedication to such a meaningful cause.

It was a night of laughs, fun, and comradery for all to enjoy for such a great cause, and WE look forward to entering more contestants next year!

T H A N K S

Albany celebrated Thanksgiving by bringing a little bit of their own “home cooking” to share with their WE Family. WE all get so wrapped up in the hustle of the work day, it’s nice to share some good food and enjoy the company of each other, especially around the holidays.

embracing

COMMUNITY

Kevin Ogden & his wife Christina were on the cover of the local Valdosta Scene magazine. Christina is the president of the South Georgia Deaf Community. The article is about bringing awareness for the deaf in our area.

dayton,

oh

Valdosta parts employees came up with idea to make and design a t-shirt to support breast cancer awareness month for October.

as beautiful as a

PINK ROSE

Congratulations to Emanuel Gibson on the birth of your beautiful baby girl, Jazlyn!

rockin’ out the patriotic

Shout out to Jerry Wallace with his coffee, phone and sunglasses look!

rookie of the

YEAR

Congratulations to Talyn Ayers , daughter of Josh Ayers (parts manager), on getting the Lady Jackets Award!

we come

TOGETHER

15 years and

50 years of

thank you for your

blast from the

LOOK PRIDE PAST

Can you guess who these girls are?

Happy Veterans Day Kody Medders, Jerry Wallace, and Robbie Thomas. Thank you for your service!

Congratulations to Jeff Hatfield on 15 years of service! Thank you for all your hard work and dedication.

good luck

MACK JONATHAN

We wish Jonathan Good the very best on your future endeavors. WE will miss you!

Congratulations Middlesboro! Mack Trucks Decade award was presented for 50 years of sales and services as a Mack Distributor.

happy if he only had a

BIRTHDAY BRAIN

kentucky

SERVICE STRONG

Middlesboro donated items to flood victims and thanks to James Smith for delivering all the items

and welcome to James Smith , our service department manager. Jerry Wallace enjoying Halloween fun as a scarecrow.

we welcome you got

COUNTING YOU THIS

WE would like to welcome Timothy McPeek to our service department team as a mechanic!

WE want to wish Mo (Chattanooga) the very best in her new position! You will do great!

Barton Ausmus of outside sales, Leshae, and baby Cayson celebrating the 4th of July.

Tammy Ausmus ’ friend made t-shirts with this inspiring graphic; all proceeds went to the flood victims.

we care about

our greatest

ASSETS HEALTH

Wilburn and Tim could not wait to get their flu vaccine with the help of the local Walgreens.

Parts essentials Paccar Training in Seattle went great!

Anthony Daniels (Louisa) , Jason Lodge (Albany) , Ross Moran (Summerville), and Brandon Robinson (Jane Lew) represented Worldwide Equipment

Wilburn Turley became a new Popaw on 8/2 to granddaughter Blair Kimberlee Bowman.

Congratulations to Chris Jewell and Shelby Lemaster who got married on July 9th!

wedding we welcome

Tim Martin presented Anthony Daniels with a gift card. We know thank you just doesn’t quite say enough when it comes to what our veterans have given up but WE do thank you for your sacrifices!

JEWELS YOU

we said

gettin’

HITCHED I DO

Congratulations to Ryan (Michelle “Shelli” and Kenny Segress’ son) and Haleigh Segress on your marriage!

Congratulations to Hannah (Greg and Cindy Wright’s daughter) and Ritchie Wright-Marx on your marriage

Lexington hired a bunch of new employees this quarter! WE are sending a BIG Welcome to:

Nathan Halcomb - Parts Dept Phone Room

Colton Nichols - Parts Couterman

Zahcary Smith - Parts Delivery Driver

Mike Hale - Outside Parts Salesman

Tim Dyer - Service Foreman

Matt Gray - Service Advisor

James Barney - Service Technician

Zachary Nalley - Service Technician

Bryan Rodriguez- Co Op Service Technician

Frank Fain - Service Technician

Tim Martin welcomed a 2nd grandson, Cooper Scott Martin, on 9/22.

Wilburn Turley celebrated his birthday 10/26 with a hamwich instead of cake!

hip hip

HURRAY

A very happy birthday to the June, July, and August birthdays Dusty Branscum , JT Kunch, Richard Childers, Landon Lovell, Zabe Hurtt, and Austin Tarter. WE are happy you’re here to celebrate with us!

training is

EVERYTHING

little

cutest twenty year

CUSTOMERS

Customer Wade King’s dog Blaze and Jo Ann’s dog Lucky

halloween

WORK-A-VERSARY

Doug McMullin celebrates 20 years with us! WE are so glad you are here! Thank you for all you do.

apple of our EYE

JT Kunch’s grandson

Adrian James Williams and his proud mom. He was born on 9/25, weighing 5lb 13 oz, and 19 in. long

a purrfect

HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN

Jo Ann Proffitt celebrating the holiday in the most cat-tastic way

Jo Ann Proffitt and David Daugherty’s adorable little granddaughter!

forever and for

ALWAYS

Mike Rathkamp and Cathy Bowling got married in Nashville this past September! Their center piece was a little truck to symbolize how they met at a trucking company. Congratulations to the happy couple!

cheerin’ down

Betty Blakes’ daughter Miley and her cheer team having a big and rich time performing in downtown Nashville, Tennessee.

BROADWAY SPIRIT TEAM

Betty Blakes’ daughter Miley and her cheer team, the Miami Trace Pantherettes

WE send a big warm welcome to Cincinnati’s newest part of the truck sales department Christopher English!

golfing

sharing holiday

SPIRIT

Enjoying the Great Oaks Golfing Outing over the summer.

cincinnati

CLASSIC SUPPORTS

Cincinnati sent their love and support to those in need from the Eastern Kentucky floods.

Cincinnati and Lexington teamed up to help New Path by buying gifts for children to have on Christmas.

creepy & THEY’RE SPOOKY

Cincinnati was taken over by the Halloween spirit this year, creating the perfect place for trick or treating!

they’re

greenville

summerville

PRECIOUS?

Congratulations to Ross and Meghan Moran on the birth of your beautiful baby girl, Mila! WE look forward to working with our future employee!

columbia

isn’t she isn’t she

LOVELY? WONDERFUL?

Congratulations to Joshua (Maverick) Silvers and Olivia Child’s on the birth of your beautiful baby girl, Sophia Kenadee Silvers, born on 9/12/2022 and weighing 6lb 14oz.

Congratulations to Tabitha and Brad Siede on the birth of your beautiful baby girl, Oaklynn Marie Siede, born on 7/14/2022.

isn’t she hometown

HEROES

WE would like to thank all of our veterans here at Columbia, thank you for your services!

master

TECHNICIANS

WE are proud to announce two graduates from the Paccar Master Tech Program, Zack Litten and Jake Vandermolen.

we appreciate

YOU!

Summerville celebrated their hardworking employees at a Charleston Riverdogs baseball game.

education

WE hosted a Bendix training class for troubleshooting and maintenance for Air Disc Brake & Collision Mitigation systems. WE hosted over 80 attendees spread between a morning and after hours class. WE hosted technicians and parts people from our customers and several of our own parts and service people. Jack Seale was our presenter from Bendix, and we served sub sandwiches and soft drinks at both events. This event helped us to service the Bendix product better, but it also helped raise the WE awareness in our marketplace and showcased our new facilities!

things from the

bikers with a MATTERS PAST

1976 Kenworth C500A originally sold by Kenworth Northwest Inc. to Georgia Pacific Corp.

• Engine: Cummins NTC- 290

• Original Transmission: Spicer 1163A 6 speed manual 53,420 GVWR

• Purchased, used, and retrofitted by Ochoco Manufacturing Corp in Pineville, OR.

• Retrofitted with a 3,000 gallon water nurse tender body

• Hale Pump

CAUSE

WE and Spartanburg Bikers 4 Boobs fighting breast cancer together! WE had around 70 bikes and raised over $3000. WE held an auction and had Trackside Taproom slinging drinks with Scotty Dogs providing some delicious food. Misdemeanor played a great variety of songs. Let Us Be Kids provided a jump house for the kids. A great time was had by all. Thank you for all the support!

• Transmission retrofitted to an Allison HT750CRD 6 speed Automatic Transmission

• Sold to Lane Rural Fire District in Eugene , OR in 1986

• Currently owned and on display by courtesy of our customer Walt Panagakos (Panagakos Asphalt Paving) at the Spartanburg location

welcome to the stars of the

FAMILY SHOW ROPES

WE are growing & changing. Pictured left to right is Eric Jones (service foreman), Cliff Cartwright, Travis Johnson, Jyeman Mathis, and Charlie Ancelo (service techs). Welcome to the family!

WE welcome Randy Downs .Randy has been in the industry for over 37 years and brings a lot of innovation to Spartanburg and Greenville. He is excited to join us and continue to help us grow!

WE have the prettiest service advisors around!

Sarah Durland and Darby McJunkins bring lots of knowledge and teamwork to the table.

learnin’ the

Keith Fullen (Service Manager) and Phillip Spradling hosted Daniel Morgan Technology Center for a chance to tour Spartanburg’s body shop. The students enjoyed a tour and look forward to working with us in a co-op program.

chattanooga, tn team BUILDING Chattanooga found a creative way to foster team building-- paintball!

time to CELEBRATE happy BIRTHDAY

September 15th was Martin Transport Trucker Appreciation Day! WE took the weenie wagon over to their shop to cook out for them. It was a wonderful time for fellowship and friendship.

Happy birthday to Hugh Reed (right) and Caleb Presnell (left). WE hope you had a fantastic day!

unlocking your

POTENTIAL

Congratulations to Chris Hickman for receiving his Master Service Advisor Certification!

keep rising to great

HEIGHTS

Body shop manager Mike Bussman was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps on August 1st. Mike has been serving in the Marine Corps Reserves since 2009 with a period of active duty from May 2017-September 2020.

celebrate good

Knoxville division loves to celebrate the monthly birthdays by giving each person a small gift and cake as a token of their appreciation for their hard work.

because of the

WE thank you today and every day for the sacrifices you have made for this country! You are the greatest people this country has produced.

she’s

HONEY

Congratulations to Heather Loudermilk (Marketing) and Jonathan Simpkins on their marriage on October 1, 2022. May your marriage be brimming with love, humor, romance, care, and understanding

believe in your

Congratulations to Maggie Mallicoat for your graduation on 8/23/2022! Keep learning, accomplishing, and venturing on through your unique journey!

new to the

CREW TIMES BRAVE

Congratulations to Oryan Watley on welcoming his sixth child and fifth daughter, Maleah! She was born on August 5, 2022. Welcome to the WE family, Meleah!

SUNSHINE DREAMS

little ray of

Service technician Spenser Pettyjohn welcomed Harlow Rose into the world on November 3, 2022. She weighed 5lb7oz and was 19 inches long! Welcome to the WE Family, Harlow Rose!

my baby, I’m her

life is a HIGHWAY

Beautiful imagery from the annual trucker biker ride Scott and Jen Blevins hosted in Roanoke, Virginia in September 2022.

Congratulations to Emily Kerr and her husband who got married September 25! WE wish you a lifetime full of love and laughter.

dedicated to

life is better in a

This November, Kenworth and Worldwide Equipment donated a MX13 Paccar motor with a 1 box after treatment assembly to the diesel-powered equipment technology program at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT). Taught by instructor Robert Bratton, this program prepares students for a career as a diesel technician. The donated motor will ensure students get hands-on experience that will help them succeed in the field.

all you need is

TRUCK HEART

TCAT diesel technician students also have the opportunity to enroll in Kenworth Essentials, a supplementary course with manufacture specific training. All courses are completed online, with a final in-person Kenworth class to complete their foundation training. This is the same course that Kenworth technicians complete, helping these students get a leg up in the job search. Worldwide Equipment is the dealership sponsor for the TCAT Kenworth Essentials program. Our liaison Jen Blevins worked closely with Darren Erickson, the Kenworth representative, who helped get the program set up and the motor donated. 20 high school students and 5 adult students at TCAT are participating in the program. WE wish them all success in their endeavors!

EDUCATION LOVE

Congratulations to Amy Smith and her husband who got married September 23! WE look forward to watching your love story unfold

born with lots of

Maggie Mallicoat, Angela Rynes, and Sheila Hodge enjoying a Big Rig Truck Show that was hosted in Crossville, Tennessee in October. Albert and Krista Strieble welcomed baby Everett on July 27, 2022. He weighed 5lbs and 9oz! Congratulations on your beautiful baby boy!

teamwork makes the a day to baked with

REMEMBER LOVE

W ORK

Tim Morgan and his team during an educational training event. They came together for the win in a rating presentation contest! Congratulations on your excellent show of teamwork!

An honorable mention to Laura Marsh who takes takes time every week to bake delicious goodies for the corporate office! WE appreciate you taking your time and sharing your love of baking with us!

The corporate office was filled with ghoulish delight this Halloween!

WE enjoyed a wonderful early Thanksgiving together here at corporate. There was lunch provided by Cracker Barrel, dessert provided by Mag Pies, laughs, and most importantly fellowship amongst co-workers. WE hope your holidays are just as wonderful! A special thanks to Regina Amaro for thoughtfully putting these events together.

this is HALLOWEEN

WE would like to give belated birthday wishes to Mike Browning and Charla Barron who celebrated back in May! Thank you for spending it with us, and WE hope you had a fantastic year!

Andy Frame’s (service manager) son, Aden played baseball during the earlier part of the year.

ABOARD POWER NET

Ray Riley’s (mechanic) son Gabriel participated in the YMCA’s basketball team earlier this year. Their team went undefeated and brought home multiple wins! Congratulations and WE hope to hear more about your sportsmanship!

WE would like to welcome Josh Smith, Tyler Hinkle, and Derek West to the WE family. WE are so excited to see all of your future accomplishments!

Cross Lanes had a beautiful evening at their employee appreciation event held at the Appalachian Power Park in Charleston, WV. There were items raffled off, baseball bats given to kids, food, and most importantly fun had by all! Phillip Craig’s son Henson threw the first pitch for the Charleston Dirty Birds.

Brandon

Stockings were hung for the 84 sales and WELease employees. They are hoping that they have been good enough for Santa this year!

Robinson (assistant parts manager) heading off to get some training in Colorado.

another year around play deck the

THE SUN BALL HALLS

LEAGUERS

lanes, wv

CUSTOME R TESTIMONIALS

Where would WE be without our customers? We always strive for excellence in customer service and want to make sure that each customer has the easiest, most enjoyable experience possible. When performance is especially stellar, WE always appreciate it when our customers drop us a 5-star review!

QA

My wiper motor went out in my 22 860 VNL at 40k miles. It was raining- wipers stuck in middle of the windshield. These guys changed it out on the spot on a Saturday morning. Customer service at its finest. Thank you Derek Barbee and the awesome techs here.

- Jeremy Scott

Are you freaking kidding me?? These guys are the BOMB! After a super subpar experience with a supposed roadside service kid, these guys got us in and repaired an airbag on our trailer... as quick as they possibly could. In the heat of the day, covered in dirt!! Thanks Matt MacGregor!!

-Wendy Baker

KNOXVILLE TN SUMMERVILLE SC

WITH KRISTEN BENTON KRISTEN BENTON

Loved the service. The tech went above and beyond expectations. The staff were very caring and showed the utmost sense of professionalism.

I’m very satisfied and highly recommend this facility for all your service needs.

What’s your name, job title, and location you work at?

My name is Kristen Benton and I’m an Office Manager at Georgia Branches 35 , 36 & 37. Albany-36 is my base location.

How long have you been with Worldwide Equipment?

Is there anything you do as an office manager that people would be surprised about?

You may be surprised at how much I counsel our employees. My office is where employees come to decompress, blow off steam, or just to have an ear to talk things out.

What’s the best word to describe how you work?

Diligently

What are your job responsibilities?

I’ve been with Worldwide for 2 years. I came aboard with the Transpower acquisition in 2020. Accounts payable, accounts receivable, deposits, safety committee, telephone operator, and making sure that WE have everything that WE need to be successful.

What does your average work day look like?

ALOT of “mouse clicking”

*laughs* it’s mostly desk work. Coffee first, then a browse through my emails. Then I’ll gather up credit cards, cash, checks to process and post deposits. Finally, I process any payables outstanding.

What’s your favorite part of the work day?

How do you recharge outside of work?

The warmth of the sun’s rays is my daily recharge, but my escape is the beach. Sun, fun, with not a care in the world is the best.

What does WE mean to you?

- Alvin Carter

KY VALDOSTA GA

My favorite part of the workday is the “good morning” and “have a good night” conversations throughout the building. No matter how sluggish I feel coming to work, hearing the joy in peoples voices and seeing the resulting smiles between them always starts and ends my day on a positive note.

The idea of WE being family is especially meaningful to me. I actually grew up in the building. My mother worked here for 41 years, and I’m 42. This building is my second home and the people in it ARE my family. Some of them have watched me grow up here, and others are currently watching my children and grandchild grow up here. WE is not just a place to work, it IS my family!

LOWMANSVILLE

One of the best fabrication shops in the area! - Wil-Mik Inc