Today is really, again, a special day.
In a little bit disappointingly the last of the 5 trucks that we are handing out to some
of our distinguished drivers.
Today is a great opportunity to recognize a really important part of the Crete team.
What makes Sam Walker so unique is he goes back to the Sunflower days.
I do.
I will tell you that Dean Traster, who is our CFO and who worked out at Sunflower sent
me a note to read today and said, “Please extend my wished to Sam, and congratulations
from both Dean and Lisa.
As did Ron Tracey.
Nonetheless, it’s fun to embrace and recognize people like Sam who have spent so many years
in our organization and contributed to our success.
As you can see, 33 years over 5 million miles, and I think that deserves a round of applause.
(Applause) What’s also kind of interesting when you start to get into a little bit of
the history and past, you might not know it, but Sam has a bit of a bad-rep.
He was a drummer in a rock and roll band back in the 70’s.
It opened for many bands in the Pershing.
Can’t you just see this guy rocking out?
I think the name of his band was the Maroders.
Yes, that’s correct.
I don’t know if that means you look like the Lone Ranger or Tanto, but he…
Wasn’t my idea
Again, it’s always interesting to see what incredible lives and experiences our drivers
have.
They are just great people, and so important to our team.
Also, they’re families.
It’s so gratifying to share these moments.
You have your wife and daughter.
This is a family experience, especially over 33 years and 5 million miles.
It’s also interesting to see the relationships and friendships our drivers have.
As I said when we gave the award truck, that driver, his first trainer had been Morris
Sims.
In this case, Sam one of his best friends is David Curtis who was awarded the second
truck.
David and you talked…
daily.
Daily!
I don’t know anyone who would want to talk to David Curtiss daily!
(laughter) No, but seriously we all love David as well.
Sam, I got to ask you a question.
As I understand it, David has a nickname.
Yes, he does.
It’s short circuit.
Short circuit!
Now what in the world does that mean?
You’re not running on full circuit or what?
He seems to think I fly off the handle a little to easy.
Thus, short circut
Okay
It’s a cartoon character from back in the 80’s.
What cartoon would that have been?
It was actually called short circuit.
He’s a little alien robot.
So not like square-pants?
No, no!
Not sponge bob square pants
Alright, again!
It’s just a great opportunity and sincere pleasure for me to have this opportunity to
present these keys to somebody who I can’t name anybody that deserves it more than Sam.
Thank you
You’re are very welcome.
Congratulations.
(Applause) What would you like to say to everybody?
It’s nice to have this many people out here.
You guys are all my family.
I see Jodi.
Jodi and I go back to the sunflower days.
Luke Mullins used to be my asset manager, and way back there is Linda Morrisine, my
safety angel.
It’s nice to have everybody here.
Especially Rich.
Rich is my man man.
We’ve been frinds for 50 years.
Longer than that!
You’re only 45!
(Laughter)
It’s been 50 years since we got out of high school, but I want to thank everybody for
stopping by.
This is truly an honor.
The stuff just keeps coming my way, and all I do is work.
You do it very well.
It’s really an honor.
This is beautiful machine.
They really did it up nice.
I’ll be proud to drive it up and down the road.
We are proud of you.
I’ll try and not wreck it.
(Laughter)