Meet Trainer of May 2017 - Gary Hendrickson!
on Thursday, June 22, 2017
in
Awards & Recognition
Gary started driving for TMC in 2009 and began training new drivers just a year later. Having held management positions in the past, the leadership role came naturally to him. “People looked to me and came to me with questions when I wasn’t a trainer,” says Gary. “So, I figured I might as well take the next step and become one.”
Being a trainer has suited Gary well, as this is his second time receiving the Trainer of the Month award. His favorite part of training is that his trainees become a part of his family. “They know I really care about them, and that the way I train is for the right reasons,” Gary says. “They call me ‘Pop’ and I get to know them, their families, and even their kids.”
When it comes to his training style, Gary has a very distinct way of doing things. “Gary says his success comes from going above and beyond the minimum requirements for safety,” says Jeff Geist, Training Coordinator Manager. “He focuses a lot on details and admits he can be very particular about how things get done.”
“I do what makes me feel good on a load,” Gary says. “That’s why I go above and beyond to make sure I’m right.” This is the mindset he works to pass on to his trainees; that a job is not worth doing if it isn’t done right. Being patient with his trainees is also important to their overall success. In fact, it is the biggest piece of advice that Gary would give to anyone who is looking to become a trainer. “Never forget where you started,” he says. “Be patient with new drivers and give them a chance to grow.”
Conclusively, Gary stresses the importance of taking pride in the job. “TMC really is a great company,” he says. “They take care of me, so I work hard to take care of them.”
Gary (left) with Trainer Coordinator Marty White.
Driver trainers are vital to the TMC Training Department, and each month a trainer is chosen who demonstrates the outstanding qualities TMC looks for in a trainer. The Trainer of the Month recipient is chosen based on their safety record and the safety performance of their trainees, the number of drivers trained and the retention percentage of those drivers. Congratulations to our May 2017 Trainer of the Month, Gary Hendrickson!