Volume 31 • Issue 11 • November 2006
Note: Online edition is only partially provided, to receive a complete issue subscribe to our print edition.

Back to content page

Valley Freightliner: Employees in it for the long haul
Trucking company offers excellent benefits, good atmosphere
by Kaycee Looney

In the world of big rigs Valley Freightliner, Inc., is in the business of selling both new and used freightliner trucks and parts to trucking companies of all sizes. Not only do they sell the equipment, they also offer roadside repair throughout Western Washington, from the Canadian border all the way to the Columbia River.
The company’s doors opened on Sept. 2, 1986 by owners Larry and Virginia Gordon and with its main office in Pacific with another full-service location in Mount Vernon. VFI has been serving its customers well for 20 years. Great customer service is essential to the success of any sales company but achieving that high level of service must begin with satisfied employees, of which VFI has no shortage.
“When a person can look forward to going to work every day, then working is not really work, but one of life’s little pleasures,” said operations administrator Gay Palmer.
The management staff is in sync when it comes to its managing philosophies and across the board they agree that communication is extremely important in fostering a rewarding work environment.
“Open communication is the greatest tool for keeping employees happy,” says Allan Beardsley, operations manager of the Pacific location. Beardsley believes that another essential element in running a successful company is for each individual to have a voice. He believes each person should be a part of where they are headed as well as where the company as a whole is going in the future.
Dan Speck, operations manager for the Mount Vernon location, also understands that there truly is no “I” in team. “People’s ideas and input are valued greatly,” he added. Speck also sees it as a vital part of his job to ensure that his employees receive the proper training and tools they need in order to succeed. It is clear that by providing training and encouragement and allowing everyone the opportunity to express their ideas freely, VFI’s management staff has earned the respect of all who work with them. This feeling goes a long way in aiding the company’s search for new employees.
When you have a great company to work for, word gets around. “Word of mouth has been very good to us,” Beardsley said.
Prospective new hires are given a standard interview with a panel of four people and then they are taken on a tour of the facility and allowed the chance to speak with current staff members on their opinions of the company. It pays to have people who feel comfortable and confident in their roles. They convey that feeling to newcomers. “As a new employee you feel comfortable asking questions,” says Claire Rubenis, a front desk coordinator. An open and communicative staff creates a feeling of camaraderie and family in the workplace.
Another key to running a successful company and keeping great employees satisfied is to provide them with a competitive benefits package. VFI offers a range of benefit options. Full time employees working 40 hours per week receive a benefits package which include medical, dental and vision insurance as well as paid vacation and sick leave. Part-time employees working 25 to 32 hours per week are offered a reduced benefits package. Each individual may also elect to become involved in the 401(k) retirement plan where VFI will match three percent of each employee’s contributions to the account. A great benefits package is an incentive to remain with any company, but what matters to VFI’s staff most is the family-like quality of the work environment. They enjoy working together but they also take time for a bit of relaxation together as well.
At both the Pacific and Mount Vernon locations the company has a monthly employee barbeque lunch. “We feed the masses,” laughs Palmer who is in charge of organizing the event at the Mount Vernon location which began about three years ago. They provide lunch for each of the four shifts during the day for the weekly employees and also provide a separate barbeque for the weekend crew. Any customers who happen to stop in that day are welcome to share in the festivities as well. While the monthly lunch is only for employees and customers, the parties held during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are for the entire family. During these times the whole company comes together for potluck-style feasts where everyone can relax and enjoy time with family and co-workers.
Bob Goldberg, the general manager for VFI enjoys a good party as much as anyone, like the post-holiday party, which was held at Emerald Downs in January 2006. Yet he knows that running a good business where each person is satisfied with their work and conveys that to their co-workers and customers isn’t about who has the most parties or the longest list of benefits. It is something more important. Hiring the highest quality people, treating them well and paying them competitive wages which reflect their dedication goes much farther than anything else.
“There is something about a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay that speaks to people,” Goldberg says.

Back to content page