As Truckworx-Dothan’s Joanie Hipwell celebrates her 25th anniversary with the company, as well as her retirement, a few of her coworkers shared their thoughts on what makes her so special to each of them and to the entire Truckworx family.
Kevin Bush – Fleet Support Representative:
“I first started working at Truckworx in September of 1997 when we were Kenworth of Dothan and Joanie was already here. Joanie has been the glue that holds Dothan together forever. She has been a permanent fixture in Dothan for so long that it is hard to imagine what it will be like without her. Her positive attitude and bright personality are contagious and it is impossible to be anything but happy in her presence. She makes everyone’s day better when she is around. It has been a pleasure and a joy to have worked with her for so long. Congratulations to Joanie on her anniversary and best wishes for her retirement.”
Linda Gough – Chief Financial Officer:
“Joanie has a heart of gold. No animal that showed up in her near vicinity has ever gone unassisted, including injured birds that have been grounded at the office. She has shown amazing character and worked with us through thick and thin, in good and challenging times, and always with the same upbeat tone of voice. I will always be able to hear in my mind her unique way of paging over the intercom, always twice, and always with the exact same voice inflection both times. Joanie is a legacy at Truckworx. Her commitment and loyalty to the company sets the bar for all of us. She will be missed beyond measure.”
Hunter Bond – Truck Salesman:
“Four years ago when I got hired, Mrs. Joanie was one of the first employees I met. She was very helpful with the any questions I asked. She is a great employee to work with and has a great personality. Every morning she greets everyone with a cheerful “good morning”! Happy 25th Anniversary Mrs. Joanie!”
Dara Martin – Accounting:
“Oh sweet Joanie! She has always been the sweet voice through the phone that brings sunshine to anyone’s day. Since moving to Dothan and getting to work alongside her, I have come to learn the warmth in her voice radiates out to all she comes in contact with, human and feline alike. For 25 years she has been the bright spot here to our customers and staff who lovingly refer to her as “Miss Joanie.” Although her retirement is greatly deserved her absence in the store will be felt. I will personally miss her big laugh spilling out into the hallway and her truly genuine “how are you?” which always makes me feel cared about. Miss Joanie, may your retirement be filled with *maybe* a few more cats to love (sorry Michael), waking up as LATE as you want (again, sorry Michael) and all the Cheez-Its and Mountain Dew you can handle. We will miss you greatly and I promise not to kill your 25-year-old plant (fingers crossed). Remember what I always tell you: don’t forget to wave when you pass us by on the highway!”
Aliesha Hayes – Corporate Financial Controller:
“I have had the privilege to work with Ms. Joanie for over 10 years now, and it has truly been a pleasure. Joanie isn’t just a hard worker and reliable coworker, but she has also been the one to put smiles on our faces and to make us laugh on even the rainiest of days. Joanie has been an integral part of our team for years, and she will be incredibly missed in the office. She is one of those rare people who instantly becomes a friend instead of “just” a coworker. So, Joanie, if you put in as much effort enjoying your retirement as you have while working at Truckworx, it is sure to be a huge success (And also free of those dreaded Mondays and 7am shifts all week)! THANK YOU for your dedication to this team! ENJOY your retirement! We look forward to you gracing us with your presence at future functions and events. It is bad enough that we have to work without you now, but we refuse to party without you too!”