Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/99744
Ste President's Profile can be defined by a simple philosophy: in order to be a great company, you need great drivers. "I've always felt we have to build our foundation on safety and service, and our drivers set the stage for that," Ostergard stated. "I personally value the driver; you have to take care of them." As such, Crete has implemented a variety of wellness initiatives and continued to promote an overall safe environment; but Ostergard admits that there are some decisions that only a driver can make. "You have to respect their assessment, and we would never ask a driver to do something that they don't consider safe." All while this fleet has low CSA scores, they also have low turnover, which indicates that they are not perfect, but the good days far outweigh the bad. Ostergard says he constantly hears heartwarming stories about things that their employees do, but his favorite driver story is about Morris Sims, who hails from Tennessee and started at Crete about the same time he did. Morris com. The launch of the new website, which offers quick and easy access to information on Crete Carrier and its Military Transition Program, is part of Crete's ongoing efforts to recruit more veterans and their spouses to the Crete Carrier family of companies. In August 2012, Crete Carrier Corporation welcomed five very special trucks into its newly launched Patriot Fleet. The new black International ProStar tractors are proudly decorated with decals that honor the United States Armed Forces, and five veterans were chosen to drive the custom Patriot Fleet trucks. However, the trucks are only a small representation of The Patriot Fleet. All professional drivers and office/ shop personnel at Crete Carrier, Shaffer Trucking, and Hunt Transportation who have veteran or active duty status will be honored with a Patriot Fleet decal and a Patriot Fleet identification badge. Through the years, Crete Carrier has partaken in a number of programs specifically for current and former military personnel, including its proud contributions to the Operation Enduring Care Program of the USO, being a certified employer partner of the Armed Forces, and supporting the Wounded Warrior Program. In December, Crete participated in Wreaths Across America day at Arlington National Cemetery by delivering a truckload of wreaths. "Crete Carrier values veterans and they will always be an integral part of our success," said Ostergard. "Nearly 30 percent of our employees have a military background, and we would like that to continue to grow. We welcome all military men, women, and their spouses to be a part of our family." Crete has been designated a 2013 Top 100 Military Friendly Employer® by G.I. Jobs, "We personally value the driver, treat them with respect and take care of them." came by Ostergard's office recently and dropped off his first Crete hat, which was covered with numerous pins and awards he had won during his 26-year driving career. Ostergard was away at the time, but upon his return he discovered that Sims left the hat on his desk. "That hat symbolizes Sims' career and I was humbled and honored by the gesture," Ostergard said. "And Morris is symbolic of our caring fleet; we have a great group of people." Crete Carrier Corporation recently announced the launch of a new military recruitment website www.WeHireVeterans. 24 January 2013 presidents 0113 crete.indd 2 BestDriverJOBS www.bestdriverjobs.com 12/5/12 5:30 PM