The Importance of People

Terrie Schaff began working at Northwest Truck and Trailer Sales in Billings, Montana on October 10th, 1986.  On that day I was a 22 year old rookie truck salesman at Barry Cassata GMC Trucks in Glen Ellyn Illinois.  Twenty two years later in August of 2008 I purchased Northwest Truck and Trailer and Terrie was still here.  Today she retired.  We had a little ceremony for her this morning over cinnamon rolls and coffee and I said a few words of thanks and farewell.  One of the things I said was about the importance of people in the equation of business, and how fortunate I was to be associated with such a fine person as her and all the employees of Montana Peterbilt. The more that I think about that now that I see Terrie's office is empty, the more I'm convinced I didn't say enough.

I read somewhere recently that today's average college graduate will have 10 jobs by the time they are thirty years old.  Ten!  Used to be when you looked at a potential employees resume' and they had more than two or three jobs in a period of a few years, they would be considered a "job jumper".  My the times, how they are a changin'.

Now I'm not sure if it's just Montana, I'm sure there are other areas of the country where there might be a similar climate, but I can't recall ever encountering  such a large group of employees having such a broad and diverse skill set, a great work ethic, and a team spirit that any NFL team would kill for.  We have several employees that have well over twenty years of service and some over thirty!  You just don't find that kind of dedication anymore.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, one of the deciding factors for me in making the commitment to this  place was the people.  It's easy to forget in today's climate of instantaneous internet buying and selling that it's the people that make or break a business, people like Terrie Schaff.  The way employees are treated, and in turn, the way they treat the business is the difference between success and failure. 

So with that being said, it is a sad day for all the employees of Montana Peterbilt and for me personally in that we are saying farewell to a long time dedicated employee and friend, but at the same time we're happy that Terrie is going to take some time to rest.  So long Terrie, we wish you and Ron good health and happiness.  But keep in mind when you get bored, the door is always open. Your shoes are amongst a select few that I sincerely doubt we will ever truly fill.

God Bless