Be the Difference Turns 1

And just like that, this month marks one year since Watco launched Be the Difference. This program recognizes team members each quarter with the One Watco, Extra Mile, and Safe Performance awards.

Countless nominations have been received since the program started. Each nominee’s contributions are different, but one thread connects all these stories together. It’s their commitment to living Watco’s Foundation Principles: value our people, value our customers, and safely improve every day.

“Be the Difference is a testament to the talent and heart of all our team members,” CEO Dan Smith said. “It’s always difficult to select winners for each category. I’m always impressed by the efforts of all our team members.”

Award recipients receive a $250 Watco Gear gift card and an exclusive hard hat sticker touting their accomplishment.

Congratulations Again to Year 1 Be the Difference Winners

Sam Brandt and Nick Vertein, Wisconsin & Southern Railroad Jesus Cepeda, Medina Mobile Repair (TX) Christopher Walther, Tioga Dedicated Terminal (ND) Willis Iverson, Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad (KS)

Perry Thomas, Fryburg Dedicated Terminal (ND) Johnny DeLeonyPena, Wood River Terminal (IL) Todd Droddy, Louisiana Southern Railroad Chris Hayes, Ann Arbor Railroad (OH)

Denise Williams, Pittsburg (KS), in memoriam Alina Robles, Watco Logistics, Clearfield (UT) David Glover, Tristan Ivy, Chris Wise, Jammes Tidwell, John McAndrew, Chase Williams, and Ismael Escobedo, Freeport Industrial Rail (TX) Charlie Sizer and Leslie Griggs, Watco Logistics, Overland Park (KS)

Congratulations to the 2022 second quarter Be the Difference Winners

One Watco Award

Given to an individual or group of team members whose teamwork generates an exceptional result for Watco or a customer.

Recipients: Charlie Sizer and Leslie Griggs, Watco Logistics, Overland Park (KS)

When it comes to ensuring Watco locations across North America receive all the goods they need from suppliers, Team Lead Charlie Sizer and Transportation Assistant Leslie Griggs deliver.

Previously outsourcing these duties, Watco assumed responsibility for freight shipments in 2020. Since then, this two-person team has saved Watco $1 million in freight costs. Check www.watco.com/news to discover how their collaborative efforts are making a difference.

Extra Mile Award

Given to an individual or a group of team members who go above and beyond the call of duty at work or in the community.

Recipient: Chris Hayes, Ann Arbor Railroad (OH)

Chris Hayes has done a little bit of everything since joining the Ann Arbor Railroad in 2004. Starting out in the prep crew, he’s also been a conductor and carman. Now he’s both a mechanic and mentor to the prep crew.

Here’s how Chief Mechanical Officer Bryant Boatman describes Hayes’ work ethic: “He likes being able to help everyone out whenever they need something. He doesn’t ask for a pat on the back; he doesn’t want anything except to be as helpful as possible.”

Read more at www.watco.com/news about how he goes above and beyond for his team.

Safe Performance Award

Given to an individual or group of team members who take action to ensure safety for fellow team members, customers, suppliers, or property.

Recipient: Willis Iverson, Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad (KS)

Quick actions from Track Foreman Willis Iverson are credited with saving a teammate’s life this spring. Recognizing the signs of a stroke, Iverson ensured Track Laborer Jake McCullough got to the hospital quickly after noticing his inability to speak or move his right arm.

Since then, McCullough continues to recover at home. Get more details on Iverson’s life-saving efforts at www.watco.com/news.