Behind-the-Wheel Instructors (Back l to r): Commercial Driver John D., Lead Driver Kim W. (Front l to r): Relief Drivers Michael D. and Steve C.
We’re spotlighting the Behind-the-Wheel Instructor (BTWI) team in Vidalia, GA, for their important role in maintaining well trained and skilled employees and keeping our drivers safe on the road. What makes this BTWI team extra special is that they can drive all three lines of business (commercial, residential and industrial). They also have a heart for our customers and their fellow co-workers.
We’re excited that this fabulous foursome took some time to give us a glimpse into their role as a trainer and how they put safety first every day and in every decision they make.
Commercial Driver John D.
Years of service: 6 years
BTWI experience: 1 year
Q. What do you love most about your role as a BTWI?
John: Getting to do something different and learn new things.
Q. How do you reinforce safety?
John: We preach safety in everything we do, empower employees to make good safety choices and never do things they don’t feel comfortable with.
Q. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as an instructor?
John: Don’t get complacent with anything you do.
Q. What’s something most people don’t know about Behind-the-Wheel instructors?
John: How rewarding it is to see people learn and succeed.
“John is a people person and very approachable. His relaxed yet safe demeanor makes it easy to learn from him and absorb his guidance. His communication style is what makes him an excellent trainer,” said Amie V., Operations Manager.
Lead Driver Kimberly W.
Years of service: 10 years
BTWI experience: 6 years
Q. What do you love most about your role as a BTWI?
Kim: Teaching other people because I love helping them.
Q. How do you reinforce safety?
Kim: I discuss the Smith System daily and make sure they know Backing 0,3,2,1.
Q. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as an instructor?
Kim: You will never know enough and you should always be learning.
Q. What’s something most people don’t know about Behind-the-Wheel instructors?
Kim: It’s a harder job than most people think because you are putting your life in a stranger’s hands when you give them control of the truck.
“Kim is the only female driver on our team, but she is the Lead Driver. She is dedicated and dependable. Kim’s customer zeal is demonstrated when she often gives up her Saturdays to work and take care of a special local contract,” said Amie V., Operations Manager.
Relief Driver Michael D.
Years of service: 6 years
BTWI experience: 1 month
Q. What do you love most about your role as a BTWI?
Mike: The gratification I get from passing on my knowledge and experience to others.
Q. How do you reinforce safety?
Mike: I encourage lots of questions and provide verbal feedback on how to stay safe. I make safety the priority of conversation with every haul.
Q. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as an instructor?
Mike: By preparing to be a teacher I have been able to better focus on my own weaknesses for improvement.
Q. What’s something most people don’t know about Behind-the-Wheel instructors?
Mike: The pride we have when someone we train excels and does well.
“Mike recently completed Reasonable Suspicion training so he can shadow and assist management with the crew out process. His aspirations to be a leader with the company make him a true asset in mentoring his peers,” said Amie V., Operations Manager.
Relief Driver Steve C.
Years of service: 8 years
BTWI experience: 5 years
Q. What do you love most about your role as a BTWI?
Steve: I love being able to share my knowledge and experience to help others make the company better.
Q. How do you reinforce safety?
Steve: I always review the safety aspect of whatever task we are performing before we do it.
Q. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as an instructor?
Steve: Self-discipline, to follow the rules and stay professional at all times.
Q. What’s something most people don’t know about Behind-the-Wheel instructors?
Steve: A lot of people don’t realize the pressure that trainers are under. The success of the trainee depends on the trainer.
“Steve is a residential expert and can run any new area with nothing more than a map in hand. He has a unique ability to see road boundaries and zones and execute the route based on that knowledge,” said Amie V., Operations Manager.
