Doug McNeel Named TMC's Trainer of 2018
on Wednesday, February 20, 2019
in
Awards & Recognition
Congratulations to Doug McNeel, TMC’s Trainer of the Year for 2018! Doug has been a professional truck driver with TMC for a little over six years; four and a half of which he has been training. He received the Trainer of the Month award back in July 2017.
After having a conversation with Doug, one can’t help but think he was destined to work at TMC. After serving in the Navy for 28 years, the Nebraska native retired to Spring, TX, where he currently resides. During his time in the Navy, he worked as a Torpedo Man Chief, and his given nickname was “TMC.” Driving for TMC was Doug’s first job after his military retirement, and it has turned out to be a great fit.
“TMC’s structure is similar to the military’s. They have the best equipment and a very family-oriented feel,” he says. Doug had training experience while in the Navy and always knew it was something he wanted to pick up again in the future.
To Doug, truck driving is more than a career; it’s a lifestyle. He strives to instill in his trainees to love their job and to make every day enjoyable.
“With the right mindset and good time management, there are plenty of ways to make driving something you can incorporate into your daily life,” he says. Doug suggests picking a place to layover during the weekend to take in different sights, or taking the opportunity to visit family who might live in other places around the country.
“Doug is the kind of driver we want building the future of TMC,” says Jeff Geist, Training Coordinator Manager. “His detailed training and leadership ensures we continue to grow our fleet with the best prepared and safest drivers in the industry.”
When looking to the future, Doug just wants to keep doing what he’s doing. He says his Fleet Manager, Amanda Torres, is especially great to work with, and she plays a factor in his success as well.
“I want to do the best I can and do what’s best for the company,” he says. “It’s easy with the team I’m on; everyone makes the job enjoyable and I want to keep coming back each week.”
At the end of the day, Doug is grateful for where truck driving and driver training have brought him.
“The people I get to meet, train, and become friends with are what I enjoy most,” he says. “The friendships I’ve made are priceless, and it’s great to see guys that you’ve trained see success as well.”
If Doug isn’t out on the road, you can most likely find him back in Texas spending time with his six grandchildren.
“Most Fridays when I get home, I’m off to the skating rink. I always look forward to that.”
Driver trainers are vital to TMC’s fleet and an important part of maintaining the company’s excellent customer service and safety record. Congratulations, Doug, and thank you for helping to shape the future of TMC!