WE the People - Spring 2022 Issue #13

WE the People

THANK YOU FOR 10+ YEARS!

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.

JANUARY FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

State of the Union

the darkness seems more enticing than the light.

I believe WE should consider things in our control. Do you know how to define luck?

Luck: the success or failure caused by chance, rather than through one’s own actions

These are certainly bad luck things. But what actions were you or I taking to bring about a pandemic, inflation, supply shortages, increased interest rates, or even war?

Scott Blevins President / COO

I hope this edition of WE the People finds you well. WE will have just completed our fiscal year 2022 by the time you read this. What an incredible year it has been! You, your teams, your departments, and your dealerships have performed very well. I am proud of your results. The last two years have been challenging for us all, but WE were successful!

In our lives, things happen that are beyond our control; I learned years ago that worrying about things we cannot control is the greatest waste of time and energy.

COVID continues to be a threat in our lives today. WE are affected both positively and negatively by economic conditions. There is inflation, and things are becoming more expensive, making budgeting harder. The supply chain is still strained, and WE have difficulty acquiring basic necessities. Global military conflicts are causing uncertainty, giving us more reasons to hang our heads. Often,

Have you considered your good luck? You are a living and breathing being with the ability to learn and adapt. If you have a favorite song or movie, you can access those on demand. How amazing is that?

Almost all of us take literacy for granted. Today, at 86% when the literacy rate was 14% 200 years ago! Did you know that in 1960 - when many of you reading this were born before then - the literacy rate was 42%? We are blessed to live in an era like this.

Are you capable of starting a healthy habit, or stopping a bad one? You have all the power to do that. Some people may never manage to do that.

Is the city, town or community you live in being bombed?s Are there soldiers from another country walking your streets, and shooting you and your neighbors? That is happening in other countries everyday.

Good companies are made of good people. Great companies are made of great people. Our company is great because of you.

Were you ever taught something by a teacher you really enjoyed, regardless of the grades you received in that class? This teacher likely saw your potential and saw the value of helping you.

Have you ever been motivated by someone telling you (in effect) “you couldn’t do it”? Has that ever motivated you to prove someone wrong? Give “the haters” their due too.

When was the last time you watched the sunrise or set? When we are grateful for the day ahead or the day completed, we have a healthy perspective.

Isn’t it great to know that there’s a video available on nearly everything we could possibly need help with?

Think about the funniest person you know in your life! Having a rough day? Give them a call... see how long it takes for you to have a great laugh!

I hope at least one of these makes you feel lucky. There are many challenges in the world as well as personal challenges we face ourselves every day.

I think WE have a lot to be thankful and lucky for.

I will close with this, I believe there is always a choice in how to view things. WE can focus on the good or bad and find what WE are looking for. WE can have a positive impact on our family, our teams, our workplace by just doing the following:

1.) Be present, not just show up but be present, engaged, and part of.

2.) Ask thoughtful questions, questions for the family, the team or in the workplace.

3.) Slow down. A wise basketball coach once said “be quick, but please don’t hurry.”

4.) Strive to collaborate not compete with your family, or your team.

5.) Work to match the other person, in attitude, in skills, and in pace.

WE are indeed lucky, your efforts, your performance, your results are great. Good companies are made of good people, great companies are made of great people. Our company is great because of you.

This past year many records were smashed for performance, even with a broken supply chain. This year WE will continue to grow and develop our people and our business. There are new and exciting developments to come.

WE will continue to look for growing opportunities to expand our markets, our products and services.

WE will continue to develop our people, our processes, and our performance.

Thank you for all you do. May God continue to shine his favor on you, your families, our great company and our great country.

celebrate your life

These are gratitude bubbles that you can color, draw different patterns, or simply label. For each bubble, think of something you are grateful for. It can be big or small, something you experience rarely or often. Thinking of these things help us focus on the good things in life instead of all the bad. Have fun with it!

Blow off some Steam

Got a few stressors in life? I’m sure you do! Draw a line for each stress you have in your day today. If it’s a small stress, lightly create the line with little pressure. Add more pressure to the weight of each stressors. examples

BY THE PEOPLE FOR THE PEOPLE

Spartanburg had food trucks, jump castles, axe-throwing, corn hole, classic cars, trucks & more at their Open House! They had vendors with wonderful prizes come out, customers who enjoyed some great food while touring the new facility.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

In honor of Veterans Day passing, WE thank Jerry Wallace for his service!

Enjoying a wonderful Thanksgiving lunch provided by James Barnett

WE WILL MISS YOU CONGRATULATIONS

WE want to wish Jeremy Wilson the very Best, WE will miss you

Congrats to Neal Marsee on 35 years of Service.

LONDON

WELCOME ABOARD LEXINGTON

WE would like to welcome Blane Davis and Dakota Barnes who are tech that are still in the Somerset Community College Diesel Tech Program and look to have an exciting career with us. WE’re so happy to have you!

CONGRATULATIONS

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

WE had so much to be thankful for this holiday season. Part of that was celebrating with a potluck Randy cooked while other contributed sides or desserts. So much food to go around, it wouldn’t fit in one photo!

HAPPILY EVER AFTER

Kerry Blanton hit a huge wedding anniversary milestone this past year with her husband, Michael ! On October 29th 2021, the two of them celebrated 10 years of marriage with a nice, peaceful, and delicious dinner at the local Carrabba’s. It’s been a heck of a journey that they’re both so grateful to be on together. Here’s to the next 10!

A huge shout out to Paul Betz on 25 years of service between WE and WE Lease over the years. WE are so happy to have you as part of the team!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

LOOKING FORWARD TO THE FUTURE

Louisa started recruiting our technicians young! Kayden’s school had Dr. Seuss week and Kayden said he was going to work at Worldwide Equipment with his aunt Alysha (service writer) and step-dad Chris (technician).

SOMERSET

WE APPRECIATE YOU

Congratulations to Jo Ann Proffitt for 25 years of service! Congratulations are also needed for Jeremy Orick, Joey McFarland , and Richard Childers for five years of service. WE are so glad you’re here!

WELCOME TO THE TEAM

WE proudly welcome Neil Castle and Randy Thacker in parts as well as Tony Catron in Sales!

WE celebrated our Division Manager, Tim Martin ’s 39th birthday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

and you, and you! There are a lot of birthdays WE have! Pictured enjoying their day is David Tillet and Jeremy Orick.

CELEBRATING TOGETHER

EMPLOYEE COOKOUT

VETERANS, THANK YOU!

DADDY DAUGHTER TIME

Mounce WE salute you for your services to our country!

Dzavada McMullin came to visit her dad Doug McMullin.

Brian Heath, Barry Holman & Glendal

JoAnn Proffit’s dog enjoying a Christmas themed toy

GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

Steve Bateman and his team saw a need in their community. Holy City Archery Homeschool Team had their trailer stolen and Steve reached out to a local news station to ask how WE could help. They donated $5,000 to the team to get them back on track stating the community has helped us, now its our turn to give back! Thank you for reminding us there are still good people in the world!

WELCOME NEW HIRES

WE proudly welcome Josh Cook as our Service Advisor and Kevin Hoskins as a Parts Couterperson!

GREENVILLE

MISSING: SANTA’S ELF

OH! Wait, just kidding it’s Lexi Burdette in outside parts sales

BIKERS FOR A CAUSE

Spartanburg Bikers for Boobs and WE! Our Spartanburg location was the 1st stop and a sponsor of the 2021 Breast Cancer Poker Chip Run. Over $5,000 was raised to provide free mammograms for ladies in Spartanburg, Cherokee & Union counties who otherwise may not be able to afford one. The Grand Marshall of the run was Kimberly Pearson and her friend. They both are breast cancer survivors. This is an annual run that is coordinated by one of own, Stacy Evans , whose mother is also a breast cancer survivor. This was the 4th annual ride which is held the 3rd Saturday in September. So all you bikers come on over and show your support.

OPEN HOUSE FUN

WE APPRECIATE YOU

Congratulations Greg Rice & thank you for all you do!

Scott Blevins and Jeff Nelson seemed to enjoy themselves as well taking a spin in the Rail Buggy

Little Asa J, Asa Walker - outside parts salesman’s son, is ready to make his getaway.

Celebrating 15 years with WE. What an honor to have you on our team! Greg is a truck salesman who is dedicated to his customers and exemplifies fantastic leadership. Thanks Greg and here’s to another 15 years!

COLUMBIA

GETTING IN THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT

WE participated as a drop off location for Toys for Tots this year! Way to go!

Tabitha and Brad Siede have many things to celebrate! Their first anniversary, the purchase of their first home and now they are expecting a little one in July!

CONGRATULATIONS TABITHA AND BRAD!

On the way to participate in a local parade, it ultimately got canceled due to weather but thank you to those who tried to make it possible!

CORPORATE

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

For the last five years, WE & WE Lease have the privilege of providing trucks for National Wreaths Across America Day. Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, their mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 2,500 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad. (Wreaths Across America, 2021) They lay wreaths at both veteran cemetaries in Knoxville. This year, the wreath laying ceremony was especially meaningful to the WE Lease family. Allen Norton , our transfer driver for the Asheville Highway location, passed away in September and is interred at the New East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery. Allen was a wonderful, funny, sweet person and is definitely missed. WE are very proud our company’s participation in this yearly event honoring our fallen service members. For more information on Wreaths Across America, their mission, and ways you can participate, please visit their web site at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

CELEBRATING VETERANS

Thanking our veterans for all that they did an continue to do for our country, Thank you for your services David Turner and Mike Bussman! Cake was presented by Jeff Taylor and fellow veteran Jim Toussaint

KNOXVILLE

MILITARY MEN

Our Veteran’s mean the world to us! Thank you for your services! Keith Joiner, Jim Toussaint, Eddie Scott, Cory Hendrick and Noah Keith! Cakes were presented by Greg Benson, Ryan Osborn, Jeff Taylor and fellow veteran Jim Toussaint

THANK YOU

Congratulations to Ricky Swaggerty and Jim Miller for 10 years of service! Thank you for being an important part of our team!

James Underwood retired on December 31, 2021 after six years with us! Jay will be enjoying time with his wife. fishing, and whatever everyday life brings. WE miss you!

WELCOME TO THE TEAM

Justin Newton, Matthew McDowell, Mason Riggins, and Stephan Tschannen. Welcome to the WE family! WE are so happy you are here.

RIDIN’ IN STYLE

Adam Newman and OT Martin lettin’ loose and having a little bit of fun

CROSS LANES

WELCOME TO THE TEAM

Chad Harless has been working at WE since July, and has been doing a fantastic job! Please help us welcome him to our WE family!

REACH FOR THE STARS

Chris Abshire’s 12 year old daughter Alexis wrote a poem for her 6th grade English class that was then entered into a young writer’s contest, and followed with being published into Apple Books! She loves to read, and hopes to be an author one day. WE believe in you, Alexis!

The Abandoned Bedroom

She loved being comfy, say the furry hoodies in her closet.

She loved decorating, says all the burnt-out lights and broken vines.

She loved archery, says the open bow case with worn-out arrows.

She enjoyed reading, says the shelves full of books and torn bookmarks.

She was lazy, screamed the unmade bed and the scattered water bottles and pop cans.

She had sisters, says the pictures of family in their cracked frames.

She enjoyed basketball, says the torn-up poster and rusty medals and trophies.

She enjoyed music, says the music discs in her nightstand by the bed.

She liked hummingbirds, sang the wind chime by the shattered window.

She loved the beach, says the drawing of a lively ocean on the wall.

Something horrific happened, says all the glass on the floor.

Bullet holes in the wall say someone was after them.

Her phone still on the nightstand says she left with great haste.

The blood-stained floor says someone got injured badly.

Something went horribly wrong, they say.

Written by: Alexis L Abshire

Doug Hertel started with WE on 1/31/2022 as our new Director of Human Resources, based in our Asheville Highway location in Knoxville. He has enjoyed a long career in a variety of HR leadership roles in various industries. What he likes about Worldwide Equipment? “It’s a great opportunity since it has the size of a larger company but it still has a “family” culture.” Doug is looking forward to getting out to the stores, meeting many employees and getting a better understanding of how HR can help support WE’s growth and success.

He and his wife moved from Pennsylvania to Tennessee in early 2021. They enjoy Knoxville since it has both “warmer climate and friendlier people.”

UPDATES

WELCOME DOUG

WHAT DO OUR CUSTOMERS HAVE TO SAY?

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!

“ Went in for a stop engine. Had work done on a different dealership and surge tank was replaced. Was greeted by Jordon the service manager. After explaining the situation he sent Brian out to look at my truck. Found the dealership which installed the surge tank left some type of plug on overflow. Brian removed it and I was on my way. Thanks a lot guys!!!

DANIEL BOYLE

Spartanburg, SC

“ My salesman Jeff Taylor not only gave me a great deal on my Kenworth, but even after I had a problem month’s later he greatly helped me out with the fight on warranty issues. I’m giving a 5 star rating for the simple fact that it’s truly hard to find trustworthy and honorable business these day’s. Jeff and this company has proved to me that good ol’ country boy’s with honor are still out there.They have a lifetime customer. Thanks again! I will recommend you to everone I know!!! ”

TRISTAN LEARY

Somerset, KY

“ They had what I needed and were happy to help. ”

“ This place is a hidden gem! Customer service was ecvellent, shop mechanics were very knowledgable, told you exactly what was wrong with my truck and was derate to 5 mph SCR codes and other things, two day stay at hotel and $2300 later on the road. One more thing when I left I didn’t feel like I was taken advantage of life at the other Volvo shops. Thanks! ”

DONALD WALDRON

Albany, GA

Johnson City, TN

CORPORATE

SALES & SERVICE

SUMMERVILLE 843-725-5378

780 Jedburg Road Summerville, SC 29483

ALBANY

229-883-6550

2702 Palmyra Road Albany, GA 31707

DOUGLAS

912-384-8813

121 Bowens Mill Road SE Douglas, GA 31533

VALDOSTA

229-259-9393

1527 Madison Highway Valdosta, GA 31601

SPARTANBURG 864-814-7100

295 Access Road Spartanburg. SC 29303

SPARTANBURG

864-814-7100

295 Access Road Spartanburg. SC 29303

SUMMERVILLE 843-725-5378

780 Jedburg Road Summerville, SC 29483