In this issue, Holman President Brien Downie explains the “4Ps” and other strategies to remain competitive and improve in 2025.
THE HOLMAN NEWSLETTER – Q3 & Q4 2024
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ONLINE EDITION
Team Anniversaries
Team anniversaries mark important milestones in careers at Holman. Join us in celebrating our Team Members who had anniversaries in July through December of 2024.
Department Updates
Read the latest news from Business Development, Operations, and People Support as we usher in the New Year.
Staying Safe in 2025
Our most important Core Value is Safety. Matt Ireland outlines the Safety results from 2024 and the goals for 2025.
The Holman Core Values Guide Service and Celebrations
The Holman Team served their communities and celebrated together at the end of the year.
BRIEN'S DESK
New Systems & Processes in 2025
I’m reasonably certain that each year time speeds up. When I was younger, I used to marvel at my parents’ inability to distinguish between what happened during their freshman year and what happened during their sophomore year in high school. Now, it feels like I can barely distinguish between the 2010’s and 2020’s…and we’re almost halfway through the 2020’s!
As the Holman Team continues to excel into our 161st year, we’ve got a few things I’d like to keep top-of-mind to ensure we stay as competitive as ever. Three projects exist which, if we execute them well, will allow us to finish 2025 in a much stronger position than where we are starting.
Project P4
The first project we’re calling “P4” for the 4 “Ps” it represents: Pricing + Productivity + Profit in Public Warehousing. We’ve had space to fill in our public warehousing locations, and clients lined up to fill that space, but due to several factors, many of which were outside our control, the empty space has persisted. While this time next year I fully expect us to be packed to the gills in our facilities, this challenge has shined a light on a few areas where we need to improve.
When my dad came to Holman in 1980, he could put together a rate quote for a new client, bring the new client in, and watch the whole process unfold. That’s not possible any longer. We’ve got someone assigned to pricing, someone else assigned to onboarding the customer, and another Team assigned to ongoing account service. What we need are ways to connect all the stages together: forms, processes, and tracking that provide clarity and goals and facilitate communication throughout the cycle. Both behind the scenes and out on the warehouse floor, these process changes will affect much of the work that we do, and I’m quite excited to get them going!
Metrics That Matter
The next project is closely tied to the first, and it’s measuring all-around metrics. People say you can’t improve what you can’t measure, so we’re going to start measuring because improving is exactly what we’re hoping to do! We’re going to implement more discipline around examining how well we are performing around our network. Overtime percentages, turnover rates, tenure, and cross-training are some of the metrics we will be digging into in a way we never have before. We are a world-class 3PL with an incredible culture and an overarching Core Purpose: To Improve the Lives of People Everywhere. By digging into our metrics, we will become even better at improving the lives of our people.
Building Deeper Customer Relationships
Finally, we’ll focus on further developing our customer relationships. We’ve done a great job serving our customers for generations. This project is about going even deeper and having strategies to uncover opportunities to serve them and give them what they didn’t even know they needed. We want to encourage deeper, more consistent communication. The better our relationships, the more likely we are to grow with them, and we will have even more opportunities for everyone in the company to grow.
Holman is a great company with a wonderful past and a bright future. We’re winning awards and new business from customers new and old. The year 2025 is in many ways going to be a kind of “growing up” year in which we implement new systems and processes that will help us be a better company. There may be challenges and missteps, but I am committed to maintaining what makes Holman, Holman: caring about our people, putting those people before processes, and striving to create an Extraordinary Service Experience for all involved!
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, and 20 years and more! In this issue, we recognize Team Members with anniversaries from July through December 2024. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.
35 years
On 2.28.21, a 6.8 earthquake was felt at the KVIP II facility in Kent. The power of the earthquake set the racking swaying, which made an ear-piercing creaking noise. The mass of the racking system was so significant that the swaying and noise continued for 25 minutes after the earthquake ended. Thankfully, no one was injured.
Donald Hornsby
30 years
I am thankful for the encouragement and freedom to expand my usefulness in different roles and projects. I have learned a lot about the overall business and developed a good general understanding of how everything connects to reach the end goal.
Joseph Hanson
25 years
I have enjoyed being able to meet and work with many amazing people over the years.
Michael Howard
25 years
I’m grateful to have spent 25 years with Holman with management that has seen my potential and continues to give me new opportunities to grow. My role here is fulfilling, and I’m thankful to be here.
Sulejman Jahjagic
25 years
I enjoy the work and the rest of the Team here at Holman. I especially like helping the new hires and making them better employees.
Debra Bailowich
20 years
I take pride in supporting diverse teams, fostering growth opportunities, and delivering Extraordinary Service, even in the face of challenges.
Adrian Conley
20 years
Looking back on my 20 years, the biggest things I enjoy about Holman are the people I work with and the customers I serve. We have a GREAT Team!
Lisa Lefrancois
20 years
In my 20-year career at Holman, I have been treated with kindness and respect. This type of treatment is great for Team morale. I am proud to be a part of the Team.
John Fifer
20 years
Space planning is how I conquer many of my challenges. My last name is “Weyandt,” and we conquer everything!
Christopher Weyandt
15 years
Holman has been my 2nd family for over 15 years. Thanks to my mentors, colleagues, and leaders!
Jessica Letona
15 years
I love working with the Perryville team! We have overcome every obstacle presented to us.
Ronald Ortolona
15 years
I enjoy working in one of our public facilities because every day is different. I also enjoy the Team I work with.
Eric Thompson
15 years
Tonya Gulledge
15 years
I like seeing the impact my work has on customers and knowing I’m making a positive difference.
Libertad Nixon
15 years
Jeffery Snodgrass
15 years
Zaber Coopwood
10 years
5 years
- Robert Congine 7/7/2019
- Jason Maddox 7/8/2019
- Wayne Miller 7/8/2019
- Joseph Krout 7/8/2019
- Preston Taylor 7/12/2019
- John Her 7/15/2019
- Jose Luis Arrazola 7/29/2019
- Cynthia Azcunaga 8/4/2019
- Zackary Cornelius 8/11/2019
- Kevin Vaerewyck 8/13/2019
- Brenden Klavuhn 8/19/2019
- Cody Moore 8/21/2019
- Demonica Brown 9/16/2019
- Carlton Butler 9/16/2019
- Shundray Pounds 9/18/2019
- Michael Jones 9/30/2019
- Richard Marzec 10/1/2019
- Thomas Knight 10/14/2019
- Travis Arnold 10/14/2019
- Erroll Hodge 10/16/2019
- Michael Nodine 11/4/2019
- Vincent Myrick 11/10/2019
- Corey Brown 11/10/2019
- Yaritza Rivera 11/12/2019
- Dennis Olson 11/18/2019
- John Venzant 11/24/2019
- Joel Figare 11/24/2019
- Alfred Brewer 12/1/2019
- Edward Crumley 12/2/2019
- Frank Larko 12/2/2019
- Damon Abercrombie 12/15/2019
- Erick Turcios 12/16/2019
- Clarissa Del Villar 12/29/2019
1 year
- Darrell Vance 7/5/2023
- James Woods 7/10/2023
- Jeffery Hill 7/16/2023
- Cody Rehmer 7/19/2023
- Sharon Bothwell 7/23/2023
- Tremaine Lee 7/23/2023
- David Martin 7/23/2023
- Ruben Sanchez 7/23/2023
- Angela Cruz 7/24/2023
- Manuel Hernandez 7/24/2023
- Christavious Montgomery 7/31/2023
- Joseph Watson 7/31/2023
- Ajmal Ghaznawi 7/31/2023
- Wilbrun Jean Francois 7/31/2023
- Khalid Jan Sidkhely 7/31/2023
- Jasmin Williamson 7/31/2023
- Alex Bowen 7/31/2023
- Bryan Jette 8/4/2023
- Ashlynn Cantu 8/7/2023
- Veronica Chavez 8/7/2023
- Raul Flores 8/7/2023
- Jorge Ramirez 8/7/2023
- Darrell James 8/9/2023
- Maria Martinez 8/9/2023
- Callie Rushmeier 8/9/2023
- Sean Ward 8/10/2023
- Luis Santos Ramirez 8/16/2023
- Cody Lind 8/16/2023
- Adam Martinez 8/16/2023
- Melinda Ferrell 8/21/2023
- Evan Richey 8/21/2023
- Andy Medina 8/21/2023
- Dalton Baker 8/21/2023
- Jean Germain 8/21/2023
- Ryan Hershman 8/21/2023
- Christina Lowe 8/21/2023
- Jameson Early 8/23/2023
- Nicholas Carranza 8/23/2023
- Mark Salinas 8/28/2023
- Cesar Martinez 8/29/2023
- Abraham Rivera 8/29/2023
- Abdul Mobin Faizi 9/5/2023
- Shane Wright 9/5/2023
- Marcus Johnson 9/8/2023
- Stevie Walker 9/10/2023
- Pernest Carter 9/10/2023
- Luther Seabolt 9/11/2023
- Jeremiah Huggins 9/11/2023
- Angelica Rodriguez 9/11/2023
- Jose Flamenco 9/18/2023
- Andre Kaufman 9/18/2023
- Jose Moreira 9/19/2023
- James Pila 9/20/2023
- Terry Bray 9/25/2023
- Megan Wappelhorst 9/26/2023
- Tonya Jones 9/27/2023
- Joshua Sponer 9/27/2023
- James Perry 9/29/2023
- Arthur Mungo 10/2/2023
- Gary Strickland 10/2/2023
- Randy Valdez 10/2/2023
- Charles Kaul 10/2/2023
- Jerome Leggett 10/2/2023
- Corey McMillian 10/2/2023
- Olivier Kamuzungu 10/3/2023
- Christopher Blessing 10/4/2023
- Michael Meeks 10/4/2023
- Brian Praytor 10/4/2023
- TR Rufes 10/4/2023
- Frederick Clemons 10/4/2023
- Joel Perez 10/6/2023
- Reyes Palma-Linares 10/10/2023
- Bryant Gibson 10/12/2023
- Roger Jackson 10/12/2023
- Giovanni Irizarry 10/17/2023
- Baktash Nawan 10/18/2023
- Samiullah Roohi 10/18/2023
- Brandy Braaten 10/18/2023
- Jaylon Clark 10/19/2023
- Timothy Brown 10/23/2023
- Brandon Goodman 10/23/2023
- Chasten Howard 10/23/2023
- Brian Bell 10/25/2023
- Brianna Cox 10/26/2023
- Destiny Pierce 10/30/2023
- Kemper Morris 10/30/2023
- Gerardo Vazquez 10/30/2023
- William Cleckler 10/31/2023
- Abdul Hamid Sarwari 11/2/2023
- David Wright 11/3/2023
- Elias Shami 11/8/2023
- Marteria Holmes 11/16/2023
- Rodney Haywood 11/17/2023
- Jorge Hernandez Gaeta 11/19/2023
- Jahn Luna Arroyo 11/19/2023
- Jose Munoz 11/19/2023
- Alexis Ortiz Cintron 11/19/2023
- Ricardo Santos Torres 11/19/2023
- Leontavius Jenkins 11/29/2023
- Xavier Foote 11/30/2023
- Robert Nicholson 12/4/2023
- Elmer Rodriguez 12/4/2023
- Scott Motto 12/4/2023
- Esther Goff 12/4/2023
- Donald Cale 12/4/2023
- Colin Walsh 12/4/2023
- John Hight 12/7/2023
- Roy Walls 12/7/2023
- Howard Miller 12/12/2023
- Kaleb Humphery 12/13/2023
- Jesse Robbins 12/13/2023
- Ben Carlan 12/16/2023
- Wanda Jones 12/18/2023
- Shauna Marie Rivo 12/18/2023
SAFETY FOCUS
2024 Safety Review
As we wrap up 2024, it’s natural to pause and reflect. One of the benefits of compiling safety data is being able to compare performance year-over-year. The following are key comparisons from last year.
Behavior Observations
Observation Counts:
2023 – 9802
2024 – ~7700 (as of mid-Dec.)
This program has been a huge success since its inception. However, we’re not finding and correcting as much improper behavior. In addition to 2100 (21%) fewer observations, it feels like the quality of observations has flat-lined as well. In the new year, we’ll tweak the program to increase effectiveness. For instance, some sites are trialing observations where we do not pre-announce the presence of an Observer. The goal is to watch a person going about their normal duties and behavior. We will also review Behavior Observation contenders to verify if inappropriate behaviors that were found were corrected. We’re hopeful these changes will prioritize and reward acts that lead to a reduction of incidents and a better safety culture.
Collisions and Property Damage
Incidents:
2023 – 344
2024 – 401
The increase of 57 incidents represents a 17% uptick. However, the great news is that many of these collisions were preventable. Post-incident videos and review show that many were the result of traveling in reverse without looking in that direction. An easy fix is looking toward our path of travel before and during movement. Collision incidents can have catastrophic repercussions for everyone, so we want to do our best to prevent them.
Injuries
First Aid Cases:
2023 – 54
2024 – 111
Recordable Injuries:
2023 – 37
2024 – 36
For two consecutive years, injury counts have risen. On average, we’re experiencing a Recordable or First Aid injury every 2.5 days. Fortunately, the main causes are not mysterious. We are lifting items in unsafe ways. We are tripping, slipping, and falling over things that shouldn’t be in our path. We are not always wearing PPE properly. We are not always dismounting our lifts properly. The bottom line is that many injuries are caused by doing things we know we shouldn’t. We must strive not to become complacent with safety protocols. Again, getting back to basics is always a great place to start.
We can provide Extraordinary Service without injury. We can take care of our customers efficiently and follow safety processes. We do not have to sacrifice one for the other. Let’s recalibrate our behaviors to always operate safely. Let’s engage within our warehouse facilities more carefully and purposefully; pick up loose items; get back to the basics and always operate our equipment following the required safety protocols. It will take all of us, but let’s make 2025 our safest year yet.
This information isn’t meant to be critical, because overall, we had a great year, and I hope everyone has a happy and safe New Year! As we look toward 2025, remember what’s most important to all of us. Our families need us to be safe. What we do today and HOW we do it impacts everyone.
GREAT IDEAS, GREAT TEAMWORK
The Holman Team excels at putting our Core Values into action in the workplace. Congratulations to recent B2 Savings Suggestions and Behavior Observations drawing winners!
B2 Savings Suggestions
July – Barekazai Sharafat (Frederickson, WA)
August – Melissa Buckridge (Emporia, KS)
September – Paul Heaslet (Westrock, AR)
October – Brandon Reier (Richmond, IN)
November – Dennis Fiaalii (Frederickson, WA)
December – Stephen Rahling (Ontario, CA)
Behavior Observations
July:
1st place – Keith Johnson (Jacksonville, FL)
2nd place – Luis Santiago (Richmond, IN)
3rd place – Libby Nixon (Maumelle, AR)
August:
1st place – Michael Cruz (Auburn, WA)
2nd place – Toni Schneider (Renton, WA)
3rd place – Guillermo Tellez (Richmond, IN)
September:
1st place – Carter Ayres (Dupont, WA)
2nd place – Curtis Elder (Pooler, GA)
3rd place – Stephen Heinze (Kent, WA)
October:
1st place – Kenia Marquez (Sumner, WA)
2nd place – Joshua Broyles (Kansas City, KS)
3rd place – Luke Bell (Westrock, AR)
November:
1st place – Yuneida Perez Martinez (Ontario, CA)
2nd place – Ed Line (Frederickson, WA)
3rd place – Tonami Fuentes (Ontario, CA)
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
2024 Business Development Review
Hello Team! Can you believe the end of the year is upon us, and by the time you are reading this we will have already leaped into 2025!
Reflecting on 2024, I can’t help but think about how proud I am to be working with all of our dedicated Team Members. You are all doing the good work of supporting our customers, living out our Core Values, and delivering on our Brand Promise to provide an Extraordinary Service Experience for our customers daily.
While there were some bumps along the way in 2024, the highlights certainly outweigh those. Here are a few of the highlights:
We added several new customers in our Public warehouse in the Pacific Northwest, started operations for Westrock Coffee in Conway, Arkansas, and started operations for GE Appliances both in Frederickson, Washington, and Greenville, South Carolina.
We also set a course to offer a new service in the Pacific Northwest – Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Services. We expect to go live with our FTZ offering in Q1 of 2025 and have multiple customers ready to go as soon as we flip the switch.
The year 2024 also saw changes with some of our partnerships, including Bissell leaving the PNW as part of a network redesign, shuffling some of our customers from DC to DC to accommodate growth, and renewing long-term agreements with key customers.
One thing is certain, and that is that we will experience more change in 2025. I couldn’t be more energized with what we have on tap! We are well-positioned for more success in 2025.
OPERATIONS
2024 Operations Review
Our Holman Operations Teams never cease to amaze me, and I wanted to highlight and recognize a few of our 2024 accomplishments. We do excellent work every day of the year; the Extraordinary Service our Team provides allows us to continue to take on more business and vital projects that help to ensure long-term success for the Holman Team.
During 2024, Holman Logistics led four complex new facility openings, two with longtime partner GE Appliances, located in Frederickson, Washington, and Greenville, South Carolina, and two with new partner Westrock Coffee, both located in Conway, Arkansas.
These four new locations added 1.3 million square feet of new space we are operating and created 160 new Team Member job opportunities.
We also spent time implementing innovative technologies across our network: Inventory Drones by Gather AI, Autonomous Reach Trucks by Third Wave Automation, labor tracking tools by Clockify, a Warehouse Management System (WMS) by Fulfilld, and a Yard Management System by Yard Management Solutions. We also continue to partner with One Track AI to support our safety efforts across the business. These technologies help keep our teammates safe and streamline our processes, and we plan to continue to use cutting-edge technologies to help us grow and thrive.
We strive for Extraordinary Service and to be the best choice for our clients, but that promise starts and ends with our people – the best in the logistics industry!
Thanks for all you do EVERY DAY, and let’s look forward together to continued success in 2025!
PEOPLE SUPPORT
2024 People Support Review
The year 2024 brought many changes for People Support!
We saw several promotions:
- Nancy Hardin took on our new customer, Westrock, in Arkansas.
- Samantha Poplasky was promoted to Business Partner – West & Mid regions.
- Tonya Jones was promoted to Business Partner – East region.
We saw several new Team Members join People Support:
- Alex Harbin – Greenville, SC
- Evelyn Hsu, Payroll – Support Center
- Shailie Steele – Talent Acquisition
- Nykia Woods – WA-based Generalist
- Maya Madden – Maumelle, AR
- Kristen Taylor – Commerce, GA
Isn’t it fun to see Holman grow? One of the things I love is the way all of you, and Holman as a company, adapt to meet the needs of Team Members and provide Extraordinary Service to customers. In People Support, we have the privilege of serving our entire network, and I have the honor of supporting an amazing group of professionals as they do this.
Holman made a few changes this year when we heard from you. For instance, we learned you wanted to see a Flexible Spending Account added to our benefits. We added that for 2025 and had over 200 Team Members enroll in that program.
People Support also spent time in the field with Operations. We partnered with them to facilitate required training in several locations, we held job fairs to bring in new Team Members, and we got to see many smiles from you when we visited you from the Support Center.
This was a great year, and you are the most important part of it. We see all you do to make Holman a great place to work.
So, in closing, THANK YOU! Please remember to check your benefit elections on your paychecks and let your local People Support Rep know if anything looks incorrect. I look forward to seeing what great things you, Holman, and our People Support Team accomplish this year!
SERVICE AND HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS AROUND THE NETWORK
