As Truckworx Vice President of Parts Jeff Weaver celebrates his 35th anniversary with the company on Aug. 3, 2022, we sat down with him to gain some wisdom from his three-and-a-half decades of service.
Truckworx: How did you originally get into the trucking industry, specifically here at Truckworx?
Jeff Weaver: “Before I came to Kenworth of Birmingham, as Truckworx was known then, I was working at a local heavy-duty parts store when it closed. I was serving in the Air National Guard with Don Meeks (Truckworx-Birmingham truck salesman) and he had only good things to say about the company and suggested I apply. It’s all history since then and I have been here and enjoying my work ever since.”
TW: Once you got here, did you plan on staying and making a career out of it, or did you have other plans for how you would move forward?
JW: “Once I started working here, I quickly decided I had no plans to go anywhere, as you can see. I am proud of the fact that I have been a loyal long-term employee for the past 35 years.”
TW: Are there any stories that stick out to you when you think back on the time you’ve spent here so far?
JW: “We like to have fun here at Truckworx and there are so many stories I could tell about the different things we get to participate in. I’ll just say it like we always do, “Work hard, play hard!”
TW: What have you noticed over your 35 years with Truckworx that sets the company apart from others?
JW: “Truckworx is one of the few companies I know of that your growth and career depend on your performance in the workplace and not on your education or your background. We really are a family. Most employees are here for life once they reach the 18-month mark with the company.”
TW: What do you see as the most important aspect of what you do every day?
JW: “Solving problems is one of the biggest parts of my job. I also enjoy looking for different and new opportunities for Truckworx.”
TW: Are there any people who made an impact on your career and how did they do so?
JW: “Over the last 35 years, there have been a lot of them. Some have been here at Truckworx and some at other Kenworth dealers around North America. I was very lucky when I started. I had a lot of mentors in the business who helped guide me and direct me.”
TW: How do you see Truckworx and the industry as a whole moving forward?
JW: “With our leadership, the sky is the limit. We are quickly becoming one of the top truck dealership groups in North America and respected by our peers. Our only limitations at the moment are finding and retaining great employees to help us reach our goals. We are always looking for more great folks to join our team and work with us. Anyone interested has the ability to have a successful career if they work hard and want to learn.”
TW: What do you look for in a great employee?
JW: “A positive attitude, great work ethic and honesty are the three biggest things I look for when I am hiring someone. If a person has those three qualities, we can teach them their role and educate them about our business and industry as a whole.”
Truckworx Chief Operations Officer Mike Levering added the following: “I’d like to congratulate Jeff Weaver on 35 years of outstanding service with Truckworx. He has helped this company successfully grow and transition from prior ownership to our current owner Will Bruser. Over those years, Jeff has literally worked in every operational department and has led most everyone inside the organization at one time or another. He has tirelessly served on the Kenworth Parts Council for 20-plus years. On a personal level, Jeff has been a good friend and unselfishly shared his experience and knowledge with me, for that I am very appreciative!”
Thank you, Jeff for your 35 years of service to Truckworx and we look forward to what’s next for you and our company as we continue to grow! Happy Truckworx Anniversary!