The Holman Newsletter Summer/Fall 2022

Para español, haga clic en este botón.

Online Edition

Holman Celebrates Safety Numbers as We Wrap up 2022 and Move into a New Year

Change is good! A new location and other improvements herald great things ahead for 2023. We celebrate everything that our Teams have accomplished in 2022 so far.

Celebrating Team Anniversaries

We appreciate everything that our Team Members do to move Holman forward, and we love to celebrate them on their anniversary milestones. Enjoy these anniversaries from April through September 2022.

Our Core Values Shine Through Everyday

The Holman Team steps up to the plate this year even through a hurricane and the continued challenges resulting from the pandemic.

Great Safety Numbers

Our most important Core Value is Safety, so it feels great to say that our Safety numbers are showing wonderful improvements.

Brien’s Desk

Brien Downie, President

Holman by the Numbers

Another year for the record books! I can hardly believe 2022 has come and gone so quickly. I remember once when I was in my mid-20s telling my then 92-year-old grandmother that I was amazed at how quickly time passes, and she responded, “Just wait till you’re my age, and it really goes fast!” Now being in my early 40s, I am that much closer to seeing the truth in her statement. As we continue to chart a course through the uncertainty of the post-pandemic world, labor shortages, and the ongoing impact of inflation, it can be difficult to see all we’ve accomplished! Change can feel that way—both exciting and overwhelming— because change, by its very definition, is about creating something different. The coming of a new year naturally causes us to look down the road and plan for opportunities ahead. However, with 2022 nearing its end I would like to pause and bring attention to some of the numbers that signify the outstanding growth and positive change happening at Holman.


These stats are up to date as of the time of writing. In 2022:

  • 399 new Holman Team Members so far in 2022.
  • 1,300+ Team Members company-wide.
  • 8 million total square feet of warehousing space.
  • 8 states.
  • 20 locations.
  • 50 new Team Members in June at our new location in Pooler, GA.
  • 30 Team Members from across the company stepped in to help with Pooler transition.
  • 100% of locations performed third-quarter Site Safety Inspections on time.
  • 899 Safety Behavior Observations in September, an all-time high.
  • 6,700 Safety Behavior Observations so far this year.
  • 41 Team Members submitted 67 improvement suggestions to our B2 program.
  • 93% on Dupont Compliance Audit in August.
  • 2,000 Safe Days (or over 5 years!) at Mid-South DC.
  • 1114 Safe Days and counting at A1, our Public Warehouse location in Auburn, WA.
  • 3 GE Appliances (GEA) locations received awards during the GEA GM Summit in September:
    • Commerce, GA: ADC-of the-Year Award
    • Jacksonville, FL: Most Improved ADC
    • Auburn, WA: Network Safety Award
  • 99 unique customers serviced in A1, K1, K2, K3, R1, and S1 Public Warehouse locations.
  • 7th year in a row on the Inbound Logistics Top 100 3PL Provider list.
  • 4th year in a row on the Global Trade Top 50 3PL Provider list.
  • 3 WA Public Warehouse locations – K1, K2, and A1 – became certified organic facilities.

These numbers are remarkable, especially considering that Holman started in 1864 with three teenage brothers, two draft horses, and a cart! These numbers represent the efforts of every Team Member taking an active role in continually improving upon our operations to grow the company while still finding time to positively impact our local communities through voluntary service when the need arises. I cannot tell you how grateful I am for all your efforts.

As President of Holman, I can assure you that I will continue to lead and serve the Holman Team by the 5 Core Values that guide us: Focusing on Operational Safety, Helping Each Other To Be Better, Showing Respect to All, and Serving Others, in our ongoing effort to Deliver an Extraordinary Service Experience!

Finally, as we make the transition into 2023, I encourage everyone to make a habit of pausing to appreciate what is being accomplished along the way – enjoy it and celebrate it. Thank you for being a member of the Holman Team!

Team Members Bob Gains, Elmahir Bahor, Keith Johnson, Glenn Triviets, and Clinton Cohen displayed the award plaques that the Jacksonville GEA location earned: the 2021 Most Improved ADC and the 2021 Safety Award.
Sunset at Dupont

Anniversaries

A Message from Brien

When people join the Holman organization, they learn that Holman is more than a Team – it is a family. It is a privilege to honor Team Members who have recently celebrated their first year with Holman. We also applaud those who’ve been with us 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years! In this issue, we recognize Team Members with anniversaries from April 2022 through September 2022. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.

45 years

The greatest challenge in my Holman career has been overcoming my fear of heights. I accepted the position of Lansing Hybrid Crane mechanic at K2 in 1993, but getting over my fear of heights is still a “work in progress.”

Norman R. Asher

Kent 2

25 years

When I applied, everyone wanted to drive for Holman. I was surprised when I got the job. All the drivers were elite, hand-picked guys. I wasn’t sure how I would fit in, but the drivers welcomed me like a brother. It was the greatest feeling to be part of the Holman Team.

Dale R. Colburn

Kent Transportation
My most significant memory is being interviewed by Bob Downie. He asked about my experience and the type of forklift I drove and then sent me to a second interview. I not only got hired, but I also gained a great work family. I tell people that Holman is my other home.

Toni A. Schneider

Kent 2
I had been working at Holman only a couple of weeks when my manager asked if I wanted to come in Saturday and put away an inbound load. I said “okay,” and with that, he gave me the keys to the building. I asked if anyone else would be coming in, and he said no. I couldn’t believe someone would trust me so fast.

Daniel Gabanek

Kent 2
I enjoy working at Holman because of the people I work with. I also like the ability to change jobs and learn new things.

Chris M. Opperman

Auburn 1
Moving from working on the floor to working dispatch was a challenge. My responsibilities increased, and I was drowning when I first started. To become more efficient, I asked lots of questions and tried to learn everything I could.

Thomas R. Hudson, III

Jacksonville DC

20 years

After 20 years, I can’t pinpoint one memory that stands out, but as I look back, I don’t have any bad memories. Any bad days always seemed to be washed away by the good ones that followed. Making the decision to join Holman did not come easily, but it turned out to be spot on.

Kimberly R. Whalon

Perryville DC
Learning to load was my greatest challenge. I never thought I would grasp it, but I overcame it by doing it over and over and asking questions until I got it down. I enjoy my coworkers the most. They help me get through the long days.

Terrance C. Nicholas

Perryville DC

15 years

At first, I struggled to talk to Team Members in my role as Lead. I overcame that challenge with time and experience. I enjoy learning other parts of the business and continue to grow.

Longino Caballero

Richmond DC
My favorite part of being a Holman Team Members is the interactions and good moments I share with my teammates in the warehouse.

Romeo Rico

Kent 1
COVID was a challenge, but we maintained a strong workforce to provide Extraordinary Service. I enjoy the relationships with Team Members, customers, and Management.

James I. Fitzgerald

Maumelle Plant
My best memory is how much people here help you to be better. That’s why work is fun. We treat each other like family. We ask each other for help with anything we don’t understand. Every day I learn from everybody.

Korey N. Gardner

Kent 3
Developing new processes and programs to run them was my biggest challenge. I was able to overcome it through time, effort, and collaboration with my Team. I love the people I work with, and that makes all the difference.

Trever Sigrist

Maumelle Plant
I appreciate the care and support I received from teammates during some of the toughest times of my life. We are together for many hours weekly, and it is nice to be in an atmosphere where we treat everyone like family.

Bradley D. Wyles

Maumelle Plant
I enjoy the opportunity to work in a place that appreciates everyone. In this Team, there are opportunities to show what I am capable of.

Jose M Colin

Ontario DC
I enjoy being able to go to different locations almost every day, meeting new people, and making each day never quite the same.

Blair R. Brochu

Kent Transportation

Sidney L. Jones

Maumelle Plant

10 years

Gwendolyn Mayweather
Maumelle Plant
Glenn A. Triviets
Jacksonville DC
Brian Kessler
Mid-South DC
Clinton Cohen, III
Jacksonville DC

5 years

  • Gorecke, Paul G. 04/16/2017
  • Caffrey, Jase M. 05/01/2017
  • Robison, Mellanease 05/30/2017
  • Bonillas, Rudy A. 06/01/2017
  • Cook, Theresa E. 06/16/2017
  • Myers, Evan E. 07/03/2017
  • Barbour, Jeremy K. 07/17/2017
  • Riekena, Brandon 07/17/2017
  • Shipp, Destynee-Nan 07/31/2017
  • Stone Jr., James E. 08/01/2017
  • Carrero Gonzalez, Ulises U. 08/01/2017
  • Pimentel, Alfonso A. 08/01/2017
  • Strong, Marcella 08/14/2017
  • Hunt, Jamie D. 09/01/2017
  • Blount, Citric B. 09/25/2017
  • Kalles, Neil 09/25/2017

1 year

  • Maley, Chad 04/01/2021
  • Hollis, Justin M. 04/04/2021
  • Rodriguez, Rosa 04/04/2021
  • Sanchez Garza, Leonardo M. 04/04/2021
  • Santiago-Miranda, Eric 04/04/2021
  • Baczeski, Donald L. 04/08/2021
  • Ogletree, Michael 04/12/2021
  • Sullivan, Ashley 04/12/2021
  • Wood III, Boyd J. 04/12/2021
  • Piccirillo, Natalie J. 04/19/2021
  • Mays, Lamar 04/26/2021
  • Fulford, Katie J. 05/02/2021
  • Mireles, Maria Teresa 05/09/2021
  • Torres, David A. 05/09/2021
  • Mam, Bunrith 05/10/2021
  • Avila, Maria V. 05/17/2021
  • Cianferano, Trevor J. 05/17/2021
  • Stewart, James B. 05/18/2021
  • Pineda Rodriguez, Jesus A. 05/19/2021
  • Cunningham, Eric 05/23/2021
  • Milligan, Robert 05/23/2021
  • Miller, Timothy C. 05/24/2021
  • Callaway, Melissa 05/24/2021
  • Goss, Kortnee 05/26/2021
  • Lord, Zachary C. 05/27/2021
  • Leyva Jr., Rudy R. 06/01/2021
  • Kopf, Richie 06/07/2021
  • Santos Ramirez, Luis B. 06/07/2021
  • Henderson, Joe 06/07/2021
  • Arteaga Jr., Raul 06/07/2021
  • Platt, Nicholas D. 06/13/2021
  • Jeronimo Jr., Jacobo 06/14/2021
  • Henry, Dennis M. 06/15/2021
  • Vankirk, Michael A. 06/16/2021
  • Settle, Chanse C. 06/16/2021
  • Lopez Sr., Hector L. 06/20/2021
  • Alvores, Joseph 06/21/2021
  • Ford Jr., Michael J. 06/21/2021
  • Wagner, David 06/22/2021
  • Labor, Manuel 06/23/2021
  • Capilla, Luis E. 06/24/2021
  • Andres, Michael 06/28/2021
  • Holyoke, Heather 06/28/2021
  • Carter, Latisha L. 06/28/2021
  • Von Pinnon, Noah A. 06/28/2021
  • Haskins, Amina S. 06/28/2021
  • Barnett, Bryan 06/28/2021
  • Cabrera, Santino 06/28/2021
  • Ramirez, Arnoldo 07/04/2021
  • Julian Julian, Niceforo 07/04/2021
  • Castro, Cesar I. 07/11/2021
  • Mitchell, Kadeem 07/12/2021
  • Slayman, Sam 07/12/2021
  • Craig, Nicholas R. 07/19/2021
  • Yanez Pacheco, Francisco J. 07/19/2021
  • Morlan, Jon A. 07/21/2021
  • Daye, Nicole 07/22/2021
  • Whitlock I, William D. 07/26/2021
  • Ford Sr., Michael 07/26/2021
  • Buller, Bradley 07/27/2021
  • Torrez, Jordan W. 07/27/2021
  • Whipple, Michael E. 08/01/2021
  • Abdon, Tyler 08/02/2021
  • Tittle, Tremayne D. 08/02/2021
  • Shami, Khalil E. 08/02/2021
  • Whitsell Jr., Thomas A. 08/02/2021
  • MetCalf, William 08/04/2021
  • Erdman, Michael 08/05/2021
  • Hinojosa, Andrew 08/08/2021
  • Gonzales Guzman, Marcelino 08/08/2021
  • Simmons, Dylan 08/09/2021
  • Davis, Demetris 08/09/2021
  • Crockett, Aubrey A. 08/09/2021
  • Arteaga Sr., Raul 08/09/2021
  • Edwards, Devin M. 08/09/2021
  • Madden, Rikki D. 08/15/2021
  • Contreras Jr., Lorenzo 08/15/2021
  • Diaz Rosado, Manuel 08/15/2021
  • Ramirez, Isaia 08/15/2021
  • Valcarcel Melendez, Jaime Y. 08/15/2021
  • Mendez I, Carlos 08/15/2021
  • Wallace Jr., Jasper 08/16/2021
  • Moore, Dale L. 08/22/2021
  • Stewart, Michael W. 08/23/2021
  • Edmon III, Lorenzo J. 08/23/2021
  • Gobai, Manfred 08/23/2021
  • Sanborn, Emily N. 08/23/2021
  • Griffin, Michael K. 08/23/2021
  • Strother, Phlessa L. 08/23/2021
  • Cook, Lewis E. 08/27/2021
  • Agolli, Perparim 08/30/2021
  • Schmidt, Christopher 08/30/2021
  • Whitmore, Joshua M. 09/05/2021
  • McDaniel, Cameron R. 09/05/2021
  • Ashley, David 09/07/2021
  • Clark, Tobias 09/07/2021
  • Rozman, Timothy 09/08/2021
  • Atha, Paul W. 09/12/2021
  • Dang, Dat 09/14/2021
  • Walker, James C. 09/14/2021
  • Cerezo, Eric C. 09/14/2021
  • Maeli, Sharolynn M. 09/17/2021
  • Velasquez De Juarez, Aminta 09/19/2021
  • Bennett, Michael 09/20/2021
  • McLean, Phea’sant 09/20/2021
  • Tompkins Jr., Timothy 09/20/2021
  • HOOKER, DEVIN 09/20/2021
  • Forbes Jr., James C. 09/20/2021
  • Nelson Jr., Richard J. 09/21/2021
  • Mam, Sokyaneth 09/24/2021
  • Wilson, Ryan D. 09/27/2021
  • Griffin, Shannon 09/27/2021
  • Carmichael, Nathan G. 09/27/2021
  • Cuevas, Jose L. 09/28/2021

Our Core Values

We Focus on Operational Safety
We Help Each Other to Be Better
We Show Respect to All
We Serve Others
We Deliver an Extraordinary Service Experience

Behavior Observations

Congratulate recent Behavior Observation drawing winners and enjoy some of their photos!

March:

  • 1st Place – Justin Hollis (Maumelle)
  • 2nd place – Diego Zepeda (Sumner)
  • 3rd Place – Jacob Krause (Kent)

April:

  • 1st Place – Amy Sauceda (Sumner)
  • 2nd Place – Travis Arnold (Emporia)
  • 3rd Place – Gene Brown (AR Transportation)

May:

  • 1st Place – Jerry Hampton (Mid-South)
  • 2nd place – Lloyd Long (Jacksonville)
  • 3rd Place – Gene Porche (Kent)

June:

  • 1st Place – Jesse Erive (Ontario)
  • 2nd place – James Smith (Richmond)
  • 3rd Place – Thanh Pham (Sumner)

July:

  • 1st place – Trish Falls (Dupont)
  • 2nd place – Korey Gardner (Kent)
  • 3rd place – John Veasley (Maumelle)

August:

  • 1st Place – Ray Leduc (Jacksonville)
  • 2nd place – Brandon Monroy (Auburn)
  • 3rd Place – Alex Croucher (Emporia)

September:

  • 1st Place – Ollie Gaines (Renton)
  • 2nd Place – Kevin Truitt (Emporia)
  • 3rd Place – Brad Wooldridge (Sumner)

Above left: John Veasley (Maumelle, right) received his award from GM Adrian Conley.
Above center: September 1st place winner Ollie Gaines (Renton, left) received his award from Supervisor Curt Carlson.
Above right: Brad Wooldridge (Sumner) was the 3rd place winner for September.

Far left: Kent Team Member Korey Gardner was awarded a 2nd Place Award for Behavior Observations in July.
Center left: Ray Leduc (Jacksonville, left) received his 1st place Behavior Observations Award from Supervisor Clinton Cohen.
Center right: Gene Porche (Kent, left) received his award from GM Paul Santamauro.
Far right: Brandon Monroy (Kent, right) received his award from Chuck Chmalogar.

Jacksonville Team Enjoys Rewards of Hard Work and Dedication

The Jacksonville Team celebrated a great year with three catered Team Member appreciation luncheons, courtesy of GEA. Jacksonville GM Bob Gains praised his Team for their dedication: “This quarter, our Team was challenged by high inventory capacity and has worked hard to control damage while maintaining a high level of customer service. Hurricane Ian forced us to shut down the site completely and follow our Emergency Procedures. Thankfully, the Team and their families were not impacted by the storm. In the end, we were able to earn 32 out of 33 possible points for Q3 performance from GEA. Team Jax continues to roll!”

“Junior Bird Wrangler” Ashley “AD” Sullivan of Jacksonville received this unusual and impromptu award for helping to escort an owl to safety after it wandered into the Jacksonville facility. Glenn Triviets reads the official proclamation.
Among those enjoying the luncheon were Team Members Altin Frashni (serving) as well as Carlton Cogdell, Chris Murray, Ja-Daryen Boston, and Derrick Bodie (in line from the back to the front of the line).
Weekend Shift Supervisor Altin Frashni served food at the Jacksonville Team luncheon.

Jacksonville Location Survives Near Miss from Hurricane Ian

We Help Each Other to Be Better We Deliver an Extraordinary Service Experience The Jacksonville location thought it might get hit hard by the hurricane that pushed through Florida at the end of September, but happily the worst of the storm missed the Holman GEA location. All the Holman Team Members were safe, and they showed their dedication prior to the storm by getting all outbound orders (a total of 61 when only 33 were expected) processed before the 10 pm cutoff on Saturday, September 30th. Holman President Brien Downie congratulated the Team, saying that the customer found the work “very impressive” and adding, “I am extremely grateful for all of you. Thank you for remaining flexible in an extremely tense and ever-changing situation.”

Safety Focus

Matt Ireland, Director of EHS

Progress Feels Great

As we get closer to beginning a new year, I’d like to give everyone an overview of the safety progress that we have made together.

Safety Focus – Our Behavior Observation Program is one of the cornerstones of our overall safety strategy for a good reason – it works to prevent injuries. Behaviors such as improper PPE use, not looking in the direction of travel, and a lack of seat belt compliance are observable and correctable before an incident occurs.

Behaviors such as those also account for an estimated 80% of all injuries at work, and this is the reason why we have chosen to focus our efforts on this program. If we can change the behaviors that contribute to injuries, we can change the likelihood that an injury will occur. We have been doing an excellent job performing Behavior Observations – so far in 2022, I have shipped 162 new challenge coins (that’s over 10% of all Holman Team Members!).

Additionally, our overall injury rate is falling, and the severity of our injuries is decreasing rapidly. That good news is a direct result of the way you have embraced the Behavior Observation program. As we go forward, please continue to focus on changing behaviors that contribute to injuries, one observation at a time. When we do the little things right, the big problems won’t occur.

Emporia Safety Coordinator Emily Sanborn received her OSHA 30-hour Certificate in General Industry from GM Mike Floriani.
Mike Ford Sr. (Perryville-center right, yellow vest) received his B2 award from 2nd Shift Manager Alex Bowen (center left). Mike’s idea was to use clamp format for all preloads. Also pictured: Supervisors Mark Miller (far left) and George Bush (far right).
Mid-South B2 Winner Michael Dotson received his award from GM Rick Angleton. Michael’s idea was to add aisle numbers on racks so that lift drivers can keep eyes focused in the direction of travel.

Helping Each Other Be Better – We have also made great strides with our Toolbox Topic program. This program is important to sustain long-term safety success because it is designed to get the conversation started on improving the current state of commonly experienced safety issues. For four consecutive weeks, over 90% of our Team Members have reviewed and discussed that week’s safety topic. Please continue to make Toolbox Topic discussions a part of your weekly cadence. Lastly – if you have an idea for a Toolbox Topic that all locations can benefit from, please let me know. I will try to integrate it into the rotation!

Extraordinary Service – How we perform our daily tasks matters. Even when we are working by ourselves, we still have our Holman teammates all around us. They depend on each of us to execute our jobs in a safe manner so that they can go home uninjured to their family members. Bigger picture – our current customers and potential new clients closely monitor our safety performance.

Our ability to do our tasks safely is heavily weighted when contracts are being discussed. Every one of us plays a role in our Holman safety performance – let’s make sure that we are protecting our teammates from being harmed and continuing to provide Extraordinary Service to our customers…the two go hand-in-hand. I am very proud of all of us. Our commitment to keeping our Safety Focus, helping each other Be Better, and providing Extraordinary Service to our Holman family and our customers is our recipe for continued success and growth. Keep up the excellent safety efforts – your hard work is moving the safety needle closer toward our ultimate goal – an injury-free workplace for everyone.

Jacksonville Team Members Erik Stephens, Lloyd Long, and Marius Anghel received Safety awards.
Charles Barksdale (Commerce) received a B2 Award from GM Ed Weatherman for his idea to reorient the wrap machines so that they align with the flow of traffic, potentially resulting in fewer accidents and increased productivity.