OPENING SOON! - Inland Kenworth

INFO
THE OFFICIAL INLAND GROUP NEWSLETTER
FALL 2015
A message from Bill Currie, President & COO
As we finish winding up another year, I took
a minute to look back on the letter I wrote at
this time last year.
At the time, I was pleased to see “another
year in which we saw growth and high
performance across the entire company.”
Numbers were up, we had just moved into our new Albuquerque
facility and we also opened shop in Kelowna.
We had an all-time record year in sales, we are near completion
on our incredible new Phoenix facility and we continue to plan
additional locations, facilities and improvements in our processes
across the entire company.
Just as I said in last year’s issue, I must thank you all for another
amazing year. You should be very proud of Inland’s growth and
success - it is a direct result of your hard work and commitment.
I hope you all have a wonderful holiday with your families.
Now, as I reflect on 2015, it is clear that our growth and high
performance will be a trend for years to come.
Sincerely,
Bill Currie
OPENING SOON!
Construction nears completion on our
state-of-the-art Phoenix facility.
INLAND-GROUP.COM
New Directors in Town
Ray Cotton Director - Used Truck Sales (Canada)
What is your background and what do you bring to the new position?
I got my start in the industry at a Mack Truck dealership in 1975 in London, Ont. Over the past 40 years,
I have held many positions: Parts Man, Parts Manager, Truck Sales, Used Truck Manager, Sales Manager,
and General Manager. Ever since my days as a Used Truck Manager, I have always enjoyed the used truck
side of the business. Over the years, I have kept myself in tune with the used truck trends and values,
attending all local auctions and networking with many in the industry. For most of the 11 ½ years I’ve
been at Inland, many have consulted me when values were questioned. I feel I bring years of knowledge
and a committed desire to see our used truck segment grow.
What has kept you at Inland over the years?
I have worked at 3 or 4 dealerships in my 40 years and Inland has proven to be the best fit for me. Inland’s integrity-based business
philosophy has been paramount in my satisfaction with this company. Inland also provides opportunities many other companies don’t.
But the single biggest reason I thoroughly enjoy working at Inland is the people. I feel very fortunate to work with such great people. I
hope to work for at least another five years before I retire and I’m happy it will be at Inland.
What potential do you see for used truck sales in BC? What plans do you have in your new position?
Historically I see the used truck segment of our business in Canada has been a conduit to making new trucks sales. I envision this becoming
more of a focused profit center where we place as much emphasis on our used trucks as our new. I am working towards having better
visibility of all our used trucks within the Canadian branches and also working to establish a used truck standard for lot-ready trucks. As
time goes on I hope to develop a supply network for purchasing quality used trucks similar to that of our US counterparts. Ultimately, I
envision increased used trucks sales, increased commission opportunities for our sales staff, and increased profits for the company.
Chuck Peterman Director - Fleet Sales & Marketing (U.S.)
What is your background and what do you bring to Inland?
My background in the trucking industry started over 23 years ago. Almost 17 of these years were with
PACCAR, Inc. where I held several positions including National Account Manager for PACCAR Financial
Corp. as well as Region Manager and General Sales Manager for Peterbilt Motors Company. For the five
years prior to joining Inland, I held the position of Vice President and Director of New Truck Sales for The
Larson Group, a large Midwestern Peterbilt dealer group.
What attracted you to Inland?
Professionalism, commitment, reputation and the potential for significant fleet sales growth are a few of
the things that attracted me to Inland.
What potential do you see for our fleet sales? What plans do you have in your new position?
The opportunity for fleet growth within the Inland AOR is significant. With the team we have in place, supported by our World’s Best
products, services and facilities I am confident we are going to see significant fleet sales growth over the months and years to come. My
plans are to continue to partner with the Inland sales team to aggressively attack every opportunity.
Matt Allen Director - Service Operations (U.S.)
What is your background and what do you bring to the new position?
I’ve been in the trucking industry in some capacity most of my career. I’ve spent time in heavy equipment
and also the tire industry. Because of my sports background, teamwork and leadership can accomplish
a variety of goals. What do I bring to my new position? That’s a hard question to answer, I’d rather let
results speak to that. I prefer to accomplish goals and achieve results in a TEAM environment; If I had to
narrow it I would say, servant leadership. I don’t see myself as the best and brightest at what I do, but if
you pull together a team, you can be one really strong person.
What has kept you at Inland over the years?
When I came to Inland, I had goals and a young family. I wanted to be the best mechanic in the industry
(yes, they called us mechanics way back when and I never worked on the Ark, lol!) As I grew and matured,
I was given the opportunities to achieve my goals. As my vision broadened, I was coached and mentored by some of the best people you
can ever work for. Mark Zucker played a big role in my development - he believed in me and my goals and gave me opportunities to
realize those achievements. Inland is a rock solid company that cares about its employees. The opportunities I have received at Inland have
allowed my wife Lisa and I to raise our children and provide them with the opportunities to realize their goals in life.
What potential do you see for our service departments in the U.S.? What plans do you have in your new position?
I see tremendous potential in all of our dealerships in the US. We have some of the best people in the industry. This will allow us to be
the dominating force in all of our markets. I’ve had great success in my past positions because of the people I’ve been blessed to have
worked with. In my new position, I hope to see people develop and realize their full potential for our customers, Inland, themselves and
their families.
Wiyani Prayetno Director - Reporting & Compliance
What is your background and what do you bring to the new position?
I have experience working at a global public company and at an accounting firm. My background is quite
broad, involving complex accounting, financial reporting and tax compliance matters. I am passionate
about understanding Inland’s business operations. I think it is critical to understand the operations in
order to fully understand what the numbers are telling you and vice versa.
What attracted you to Inland?
I was attracted to Inland for a variety of reasons. I had heard great things about the people that worked
at Inland and I wanted to be part of a successful private enterprise with its roots in BC.
What potential do you see for Inland? What plans do you have in your new position?
Inland’s potential is huge. We have great people and great products – a winning combination. In my new position I will work closely
with Andrew Johnston in strengthening our accounting functions and will bring fresh ideas to the table. I think that we must challenge
ourselves to constantly look for new and better approaches to problems.
Ray Rivera Director - Finance & Insurance (California)
What is your background and what do you bring to the new position?
I began my career working in the commercial equipment finance division of a multinational bank in the
late 90’s. It was there that I learned the nuances of credit and risk rating. Since then, I have been in credit
and sales working with customers, directly and indirectly, to help them secure the funding necessary
for their equipment acquisition. The first half of my career was spent on the commercial equipment
banking side and the second half has been spent on the dealership side. I think my banking experience
helps me guide customers while they are considering the many financing choices available based on
their specific needs.
What has kept you at Inland over the years?
Inland has the best reputation for quality and service in the industry. The corporate culture is second to none. It’s like a family and that is
rare for a large organization.
What potential do you see for our future in California? What plans do you have in your new position?
I think the future in CA looks bright. With a focus on the fleet market segment and support from Paccar, we should be well positioned
to capture a greater share of the market. I plan to focus my efforts on supporting truck sales with offering financing solutions for our
customers. I will be traveling to each of our CA locations on a regular basis and setting up customer visits with our sales staff. The goal is
to help truck sales sell trucks and capture as much of the financing opportunities as possible.
Inland Interests: Troy Knight & Zak Kinder
I just finished a competition up in Prince George on October 3rd,
2015. I had gone up there with the intention to qualify for the
open class for the BC provincial competition in July of 2016. I have
already qualified for the BC’s in my age category (Masters 40-50 yrs)
but I wanted to compete against the younger generation as well,
so I had decided to enter the Iron Ore classic in Prince George. I
succeeded in qualifying as I placed second in the open class and
I also received “best poser” for the bodybuilding category. What I
found interesting was the first place winner of the heavy weight
class, Zak Kinder also works for Inland. Zak is a 4th year apprentice
on the truck side with our Prince George branch. I know we both
worked very hard to achieve the optimal results for this competition.
I dieted for 18 weeks and shed 25lbs to get to a competitive result.
It’s very taxing mentally and physically and definitely a lifestyle of
discipline and dedication to the sport.
Submitted by Troy Knight
Troy Knight (Left) & Zak Kinder (Middle)
Photos From Around Inland
The Albuquerque team surprised Don Balestrieri for his
birthday on September 2nd!
The Penticton service team poses for a quick photo.
The 2015 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
The Home Office team during Halloween
Erwin in Langley gave their Bull Moose a fresh
coat of Link-Belt red
Nevada Cosby of Penticton finished 4th at a charity
bathtub race!
Home Office employees participate in one of
Boyd’s games during a summer food truck event
The Home Office team poses with Jyrki Lumme, a
former Canucks defenseman, during their annual
Christmas party at a Canucks game
Didn’t see your branch in this issue? Share your content with us!
We are always looking for great stories and pictures from around the company. Things to keep in mind are: cool things that
employees are doing outside of Inland, company events, new hires and great ideas or projects that an employee should
be recognized for. Don’t worry about its significance, just send it our way and we will see how it fits in the upcoming
newsletters! Please send all content to Tom Willcox ([email protected]). Thank you!
Staying healthy on the job: tips for maintaining physical health at work
The statistics say it all: we are spending more and more time at work. Unfortunately, with a heavier
workload, increases in injury and illness can sometimes follow. Being unwell not only impacts your
quality of life, but can also affect how efficiently and productively you work.
Below are some suggestions to help you stay fit and healthy on the job:
Your workspace needs to fit YOU. Most people spend everyday in front of a computer, talking
on the phone or using machinery and these repetitive motions can take a strenuous toll on your
body. Ergonomics ensure that the design and arrangement of your work station allows for safe
use. Setting up your workspace properly will limit headaches, eyestrain, back and neck pain and
can prevent chronic conditions including carpal tunnel syndrome—a painful nerve disorder of the
wrist and hand.
If you mostly work at a desk you should:
• Use an adjustable chair to customize the height, back and arm rests to your body. Your feet should rest comfortably on the ground and
your thighs should be parallel to the floor. Items that you frequently use must be within arms reach to prevent bending and twisting.
• Your keyboard and mouse should be just below elbow level and close to the body. Keyboard trays can help and will keep your wrists
straight.
• Ensure your computer monitor is at least one arm’s length away from you. The top of the screen should be at eye level, and the monitor
should sit directly in front of you.
If you spend most of your work day standing or on the move, consider the following:
Ergonomics are important to all work-related tasks. Consider how you access regularly used tools or machinery and be sure to eliminate
movement from the waist. Vary your postures, alternate repetitive tasks and practice safe lifting procedures—don’t lift a weight you can’t
handle. Ensure you bend your knees to put the weight on your legs rather than your back.
Make stretching a regular part of your work routine. Muscular tension and pain caused by repetitive work activities is very common.
Try these simple exercises right at your workstation to relax your muscles and energize your spirit. Do these stretches often throughout
the day to prevent injury, not only when you are tired and stiff.
• Head tilt. Place your right hand on your left shoulder and slowly bring your ear towards your right shoulder without turning your head.
Hold this for five seconds and then switch sides.
• Neck rolls. Slowly roll your head to the right, down to the centre and over to the left. Repeat in the opposite direction.
• Shoulder circles. Sit up straight and slowly roll your shoulders forward ten times and back ten times.
• Side stretch. Reach your arms out to the side and then clasp your hands above your head. Lean your upper body to the right side. Hold
for five seconds and then switch sides.
• Back curl. Hold your right shin and lift your leg off the floor. Bend forward and curl your back reaching your nose to your knee. Repeat
on the other side. This exercise will also stretch your legs.
Make healthy eating choices. Often unhealthy foods are easily accessible in the workplace and, when you’re hungry, it’s hard to avoid
them. Combat mid-work slump with healthy snacks including: yogurt, fruit, vegetables and nuts. Never skip breakfast—it fuels your mind
and your metabolism.
Start moving. Sitting at a desk or completing repetitive tasks can be mentally and physically draining. Take every chance to move around
at work and be sure to change positions at least every 30 minutes if possible. Get away from the workplace—take a lunchtime walk, choose
to take the stairs and if driving pull over and take in a view. Just by getting up and moving around, you will feel less tired and more focused.
Wash your hands regularly. Good hand hygiene, when done properly, is your best defence against illness. Wash your hands throughout
the day and keep a bottle of hand sanitizer with you if you can’t get to a sink. Try to keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
Get a good night’s sleep. Catching up on your zzz’s not only boosts your immune system but also improves your memory, concentration
and reaction time. Limit your caffeine consumption while at work to improve the quality of your sleep.
This article was originally published on Shepell’s WORKHEALTHLIFE.COM. As an Inland employee, you can log in to this website through our EFAP
program.
Coffee Break
CROSSWORD (CLUES IN ENGLISH & SPANISH)
1
*Hint: clues may come from stories in the
current or previous Inland Info newsletter!
Horizontal
2. Kenworth ____900
4. Inland Pick’em Top 10 employee
7. BCTA Executive Board Member
11. Bull _____
12. Boxer/Equipment Coordinator
14. Employee __________ Survey
16. Office health stretching exercise
2
3
5
4
6
8
7
9
10
12
11
Vertical
1. Director - Finance & Insurance, CA
3. Number of BC dealerships
5. Inland bodybuilder
6. Case equipment type
7. ____healthlife
8. New Phoenix branch municipality
9. Director - Reporting & Compliance
10. Type of equipment on Inland Info header
13. Canada _____ Resources Expo
15. ______footballpool.com
16 The World’s ____
13
14
15
16
2015
This NFL season, 103 Inland employees laid $20 on the line to take
part in the inaugural Inland Pick’em league. Albuquerque and
Home Office have shown that they spend the most time on
Sundays sitting on the couch.
As we enter into the last few weeks of the regular
season, tensions are high and the competition is
tough. I recently made the switch from eight required
picks per week to 15. This will hopefully help spread
out the records a little more to decide a clear winner!
This is the first year that a sports pool has run across the
entire company. Due to popular demand, we may see
some hockey or golf pools in the near future!
Good luck on the rest of the year!
Tom Willcox
STANDINGS
1
Wayne MacLeod
2 Steve Goodman
3
ABQ (87-39-0)
HO
Boyd McConnachie HO
(86-40-0)
(85-41-0)
4 Anthony Marin
ABQ (85-41-0)
5 Brin Connah
KAM (84-42-0)
6 Belynda Mitchell
HO
7
LANG (83-43-0)
Zach Bourn
(84-42-0)
8 Bill Currie
HO
(83-43-0)
9 Barb Hanslien
HO
(83-43-0)
10 Corey Timms
HO
(83-43-0)
Referral Program Reminder
Don’t forget that Inland offers Referral Bonuses if you refer your friends to us and we hire them! We offer $1,000
for Managers, Sales Consultants, Certified Technicians and Qualified Parts People. We also offer $500 for Admin
Staff and Apprentices. The referral form must be completed and submitted to management before the candidate is interviewed. Please
keep an eye on the Job Opportunities section of our website to see what openings we have. If you know of someone who might be a
good fit for Inland, please ask your manager for a referral form.
INLAND-GROUP.COM