How long have you been at Ellefson Transportation Group? A year and a half. Since August of 2014. What about Ellefson Transportation Group attracted you to our organization? ETG’s first two Core Values are THE CUSTOMER & QUALITY. That really shows, here. I hold the same values. I believe, “If you are going to do something, or provide a service, it’s worth doing right, the first time.” How long have you been working on your Move Coordinator Certification? Day 1. As soon as I became aware that Certification was offered, I had to have it. I always want to be at my best. What was the most challenging part of the program/process? The waiting was gruesome. Certification and (Re)Certification is a yearlong process and every score counts. So, by the time December came around, I had an idea where my score was, but I had to wait for the scores to be officially tallied. What tools/ideas have been most valuable from the training program? The Certification classes, (all 34 of them) were at least 30 minute computer modules. They helped me realize what the corporate side of the business believes make a person a good coordinator or a great coordinator. Move coordination is not just clocking in from 8 to 5. It’s answering those weekend phone calls when the driver is stuck in a snow storm and the customer is worried if she’ll ever be moved on time; and then calling the driver to confirm arrival (even if delayed) and calling the customer back to reassure them that we are doing everything, in our power, to give her a great move and ensuring that she believes it. When the shipment is delivered and the customer breathes and expresses her genuine gratitude with how I handled my job, it is very rewarding. What is your favorite part of your job? The relationships. I come into contact with every type of person there is. From the first time mover, to the company executive, who is relocating for the 3rd time…this year. They all have different stories and it makes for some very interesting phone conversations. What ideas are you most excited to start incorporating in your job in 2016? Managing the Customer’s expectations. One thing I have to remind myself and co-workers is, we cannot assume what this customer expects. We don’t know if this person has ever moved or their previous experiences with a relocation, unless we ask. It is our job to set the customer’s expectations, meet those expectations, and most times far exceed them. What are you most excited about as you continue to grow in your role at ETG? Training. I have always enjoyed learning, but to share that knowledge is something I enjoy, far more. This also ensures that the people I work with and for are utilizing the best practices. What do you do for fun outside of work? I am a family man. My wife, son & daughter are my life. Anyone who has talked with me for more than a minute can see that. We love to go on walks or play outside and we can’t wait to go to church on Sundays and praise God for His blessings in our lives. What is your favorite thing to do in Augusta? The Greeneway! The Greeneway is a scenic paved recreational trail that follows an abandoned railroad and overlooks the Savannah River. It meanders throughout the city and many of its neighborhoods for easy access. Whether I am walking, running or biking, this is my “Go To”. Exercise, nature, and a history lesson…I always look forward to jumping on the trail from wherever in North Augusta and see what there is to see.