COAL CITY, Illinois—Kevin Hoffman, the president and CEO of G&D Trucking/Hoffman Transportation, wore a No. 44 jersey when he played basketball, and he’s put the number on every truck since founding the company in 1981. For him, and many others, 44 symbolizes strength, self-discipline, and achievement; and reminds them to stay strong in challenging situations, maintain life balance, and protect their positive energy.
So it’s only fitting that G&D/Hoffman enjoyed its highest-volume year, and hosted its grandest employee appreciation event yet, in Year 44.
“Forty-four is the number of the angels,” said Ben Newman, an author, speaker, and coach who addressed the nearly 1,500 people at the Sept. 21 event here before flying to Provo, Utah, to join Kansas State’s football team on the sideline against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
“Forty-four is special—and not just to Mr. Hoffman and all of you. It’s special to me.”
That’s because Newman, who helped Alabama win two national championships as an inspirational performance coach, also donned a 44 in high school; and his son, who’s now 16 years old, sported the number when he still was only 4.
“The amazing thing about the 44 years of growth—which is just the beginning of what you all are building—is boy, do you put actions behind your words,” he declared. “And if you’re able to do that amid a tornado [that devastated G&D/Hoffman’s headquarters in nearby Channahon, Illinois, on July 15], then the strength that lies inside of this room should be your greatest source of encouragement.
“The foundation all of you have built will make the next 44 even better.”
An appreciation extravaganza
The awe-inspiring assemblage, which also acknowledged G&D/Hoffman’s third North American safety championship in seven years, drew employees and their families; customers, suppliers, and vendors; and industry leaders—including National Tank Truck Carriers President and CEO Ryan Streblow, Cottingham & Butler’s Kim Beck, and Great West Casualty’s Matt Wise—from across the United States; and featured award presentations, activities for kids and adults, and a concert by country music artist Chris Cagle.
“What this company puts together for its employees is truly impressive,” said G&D/Hoffman’s Kenneth Tolliver, one of two NTTC Drivers of the Year on hand, along with 2020-21 winner Ron Baird. “It shows how much Kevin appreciates our ability to operate safely, and it’s an honor to be able to come together as one big family.
“Kevin is an excellent boss—and this event also shows our suppliers and vendors exactly what Hoffman is all about.”
Kevin took the stage to thank customers and suppliers for their loyalty, employees for their dedicated services, and, most importantly, employees’ families for the support that allows them to do their jobs safely. “None of this means anything without family, does it?” he asked. “We all work for our families. We don’t work for ourselves. We’re working for our families and going home to them at night. So, to the families, I want to say thank you for what you go through, because it’s a different world.”
Setting the standard
The company’s founder then recognized former employees who have passed, recent retirees and new hires, and award-winning drivers and technicians before handing out plaques commemorating 10, 15, 20, 25, and even 35 years of service.
“This is to show you how important you are to us,” added Jordan Hoffman, G&D/Hoffman executive vice president. “Culture starts at the top, but we can’t do any of this without you. We attribute all of our success, and everything we’ve accomplished, to the people in this room.
“This is simply a token of our appreciation.”
Every attendee also received a pair of sunglasses, to “change their perspective,” a copy of Bulk Transporter magazine with G&D/Hoffman on the cover, and Newman’s newest book, “The Standard: Winning Every Day at Your Highest Level.”
“You are the Alabama football of your industry, period—and it is not debatable,” Newman concluded. “That is how great you are.
“Forty-four years to build this. Now you are ‘The Standard.’”
