Gazette 2014

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The Weldon Gazette Special points of interest: Sales meeting Weldon history New employees April, May, June 2014 Volume 10, Issue 10 Inside this issue: Sales meeting 1 HDAW ‘14 2 AC/Brake Classes 3 Weldon History 4 Birthdays 5 New Employees 6 Store News 7 Salesmen Meeting 2014 We got a word in from Dean Clinton, to get a brief overview of what took place at the sales meeng. Here’s what he had to say: “Weldon Parts just concluded the 2014 Naonal Sales Meeng in Oklahoma City. All indicaons are the goals that were accomplished. There were 12 manufac- turers invited this year. They all had the same message to convey to the sales department: Idenfy the quality points of their product, the benefits, and to tell or show everyone how to sell their prod- uct. The salesmen were given a report card to fill out on each of the presentaons. The speak- ers were graded on 3 categories, Product Knowledge, Selling Points, and Prepared- ness. The results proved to be very good. Between PowerPoint presentaons, and Hands on demonstraons everyone found an abundance of educaonal aspects they weren’t aware of. Bob Shelton, giving a presentaon to the salesmen.

description

Newsletter 2014

Transcript of Gazette 2014

Page 1: Gazette 2014

The Weldon Gazette

Special points of

interest:

Sales meeting

Weldon history

New employees

April, May, June

2014

Volume 10, Issue 10

Inside this issue:

Sales meeting 1

HDAW ‘14 2

AC/Brake Classes 3

Weldon History 4

Birthdays 5

New Employees 6

Store News 7

Salesmen Meeting 2014

We got a word in from Dean Clinton, to

get a brief overview of what took place

at the sales meeting. Here’s what he had

to say:

“Weldon Parts just concluded the 2014

National Sales Meeting in Oklahoma City.

All indications are the goals that were

accomplished. There were 12 manufac-

turers invited this year. They all had the

same message to convey to the sales

department: Identify the quality points

of their product, the benefits, and to tell

or show everyone how to sell their prod-

uct. The salesmen were given a report card to fill out on each of the presentations. The speak-

ers were graded on 3 categories, Product

Knowledge, Selling Points, and Prepared-

ness. The results proved to be very good.

Between PowerPoint presentations, and

Hands on demonstrations everyone found

an abundance of educational aspects they

weren’t aware of.

Bob Shelton, giving a presentation to the salesmen.

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Salesman Meeting 2014 Group Picture

Front Row L t R: Myron Quapaw, Dave Settles, Dean Clinton, Ann Cowles, Stacey Pulley, Cliff McAdoo

Middle Row L t R: Joey Ward, Bob Wilson, Bob Dewald, Rick Simpson, Bill Boling, Bart Norris, Chris Claas-

sen, Andrew Turner, Adam Jensen, Tony Sargent

Back Row L t R: Ron Sykes, George Tilman, Bob Hines, Ron Tapley, Chad Parkhurst, Matt Myers, Bobby

Creech, Curt Weiland, Dakota Thompson. Tim Dawes

—Dean Clinton, sales manager

The manufacturers were D & W Clutch, Dorman HD Products, Gabriel Shocks, Goodyear

Airbags, Kit Master Fan Clutches, Krylon Paint, Marathon Brakes, Maxxima LED Lighting,

Phillips Electric, RSC Chemicals, Smitty’s Lubrications, & TTA/

C. There were 5 other in house topics covered during the sales

meeting.

1st: The Importance of developing a relationship with our

customers

2nd The Ability to Listen

3rd Electronics in our work place

4th Top Selling Categories

5th Review of TSE Signage for 2014.”

Salesmen Meeting 2014 Cont’d

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HDAW 2014 coverage & photos HDAW is a four-day, multi-

faceted, executive business

conference specifically tai-

lored for the independent

HD distributors and their

suppliers. HDAW uniquely

incorporates several benefi-

cial elements for business

development by combining

expert presentations, discus-

sions, educational seminars,

over 1,600 pre-arranged sup-

plier/distributor one-on-one

meetings and a world-class

product expo over 24 hours

of open networking time dur-

ing meals, breaks, and recep-

tions, all into one, power-

packed program. Each year,

HDAW provides attendees with opportunities to listen, learn, and gain

knowledge of the industry's best practices to

take back to their businesses.

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NBN and OMA combined air conditioning certification class

held February 25 at Metropolitan Community College in

Fremont, NE. Chuck Harwell conducted class.

Amy Settles makes sure all the food is ready

for the customers at the Brake Clinic and

Certification Class hosted by NBN and

OMA.

Chuck gives a pre test for air condition-

ing certification class at Metro Communi-

ty College in Fremont, NE. Hosted by

NBN and OMA.

Dallas Settles and George Tilman watch

closely for instructions at the Air Condition

Certification Class Hosted by OMA and NBN.

Aaron Nelson tips his cap to

Chuck Harwell as he listens to

Chuck explain the “do's and

don'ts” at the Brake Clinic and

certification at Metro Communi-

ty College in Fremont, NE—

hosted by NBN and OMA stores

& conducted by Chuck Harwell

and Wayne Arnspinger from

NTN.

In this photo, Wayne Arnspinger from NTN explains

the proper bearing adjustment and what to do and

how to read if a bearing is good or bad. This brake

clinic and certification class was held Monday,

February 24 in Fremont at Metropolitan Community

College. It was hosted by NBN and OMA stores.

A / C C i t r e s c n i t i o a s f a l C

Photos from Steve Settles, NBN mgr.

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A/C 609 CLASS IN WOODWARD ON MARCH 13,2014

North bend. Snow before brake

class. BURRRRR!

BRAKE CLINIC IN HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS

Wayne-NTN. CLASS AT WOODWARD PRIDE

TRANSPORTATION

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Joey Ward listening to CHUCK during a brake class in

HOT SPRINGS,ARK

Chuck at lunch with DOT AND TROOPERS.

Pictures from Adrienne Rodriguez, Elk City

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Customer Assistance Safety Issues “When the tractor & trailer dash control valves are pulled (placed in the park position) all the air in the spring/parking brake chambers on both the tractor and the trailer will be exhausted at several points on each axle that is equipped with parking spring brakes. This can take two to three seconds to fully exhaust, and be quite loud. After the vehicle is parked, and the service brake pedal is applied (depressed toward the floor) air from both the primary & secondary air reservoirs will have to fill empty air lines going from the foot control valve to both the front and rear axles. On the front axle, the air will continue to flow through a quick release valve, and out to both the right and left service brake chambers until they have fully pressurized, this takes less than a second, but makes a distinct air flow sound, that may be misconstrued as an air leak. At the same time, the rear service chambers also must be filled, again making a distinct sound of air flow. If there truly was an air leak, it would continue with an audible hissing noise for as long as the service brake pedal was held in the applied position, or until one, or both the service reservoirs were depleted. I hope this helps in clarifying your con-cerns.”

Rick Mello

Senior Technical Services Representative

ASE Certified Master Truck Technician

ASE Certified Master School Bus Technician

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In 1955 Dean and Leon formed a partnership under the name Weldon Industries and the

WELDON name (meaning well done and weld-on) was born. Weldon took on a different

direction in 1959 when it reversed from the skid business and Dean and Leon joined in the

business of servicing trucks and selling parts in North Bend, Nebraska. Leon assumed the

jobs of office manager, sales manager and was in charge of farm construction (erecting corn

bins and cribs) and Dean focused on repairing and rebuilding semi-trucks and trailers. During

his time in New York State, Leon met and married Alladee Laing, who he celebrated a 50th

Wedding Anniversary with, on June 30, 2001. He and Dee moved with four small children to

North Bend, Nebraska in 1959. During the sixties they had two more daughters and Weldon

Industries, Inc. continued to progress, expand and be successful. In addition, Leon became

interested in city government, first serving as a councilman on the North Bend City Council

and then becoming the town's mayor. During his time as Mayor many streets were paved in

North Bend and North Bend became involved in EMCOG...Extra Metropolitan Council of

Government. In 1971, the business expanded to Oklahoma City, Ok, and in 1972 Leon moved

with his family to Moore, Oklahoma to run that division. In 1975, Leon incorporated Weldon Parts, Inc., in Oklahoma City,

and Dean continued on with Weldon Industries in North Bend. With the motto "One Call Gets it All!" Weldon always focused

on customer service and even when hard times hit Oklahoma with failures of the oil and gas industry, Weldon continued to

grow and gain high esteem in the industry. Leon gradually retired as his health declined and the Weldon dream continues in

the hands of sons Dave and Daryle. Leon would say that his "hobby" was work and there was no harder worker than he. We

interviewed Dave Settles, President of Weldon Parts Inc., and got some more insight on the history of Weldon.

How did Weldon Industries transmute into Weldon Parts Incorporated? “The company started as

Weldon Industries. The headquarters was North Bend, Nebraska because they were both from that

area. They first began selling parts from that location. In the early 70’s they opened a store in

Oklahoma City. That store became the headquarters of Weldon Parts. The company split in 1975,

with the store in Nebraska remaining Weldon Industries. They effectuated the split by physically

dividing the inventory. Since the Nebraska stores had more inventory and need for inventory, Leon

(who owned Weldon Parts) used the excess inventory to open a store in Tulsa. They were separate

companies for the next 35 years. In the late 2000’s, Gordon and I would occasionally discuss

putting them back together, but it never went anywhere until 2010. Ironically, the first real push

toward a merger happened at Disney World after the 2010 Truck Pride meeting. As Amy and I

walked around with Dallas and Beth , Amy asked them when they were going to sell to us. I was

surprised to following week from Gordon asking if we were serious. Gordon and I worked through

the Summer and had a deal by September. In October 2010, we began to run the two businesses

as one and formally merged on January 1, 2011. “

Looking on how far we have come, how have we grown as a company? “In 1978, when I went to work full-time, we had 2

stores, with less than 10 employees. As of today, we have 18 stores in six states with over 160 employees. Our growth has

been slow and steady, opening a new store, on average, every 2-3 years. We have grown by not forgetting what got us this

far.”

What made Dean and Leon start a truck parts company? “When Weldon Industries started in the early 1950’s, selling truck

parts would have been the furthest thing from anyone's mind. The company originally sold adjustable metal skids to the

paper mill industry. Dean fabricated the product, while Leon sold and kept the books (a pattern which wouldn't vary

much over the years). By the late 50’s that business pretty much ran its course, but they kept the company going by

doing whatever they could to keep it running. This included selling and erecting grain bins, and repairing trucks for

local farmers. As time went on, Dean’s mechanical skills became well-known and the repair business was thriving. As

they grew they began to stock parts for their shop. In addition to keeping the books, Leon began selling parts on the

side. The rest, as they say, is history. “

How did the children become involved with the company (i.e. Dave and Daryle Settles, or any others)? “As to how

the children of Dean and Leon get into the business, I can only speak for myself. From the beginning, I knew that

there was a place in the business if I wanted one, but I never felt pressured to join it. I started working after school at

14. I did the usual starting stuff, sweeping, emptying trash, etc. my favorite chore was actually filing, because I got to

see who we were buying from and selling to. After I got my law degree, Leon asked me to come work full-time. At

the time I had 3 offers from law firms in Denver. Those of you who knew Leon, won’t be surprised to learn that he

offered to match the lowest. In a preview of my bargaining skills, I accepted. It was not a particularly radical choice. I

knew it was a solid company. I found the business interesting—and I was assured that the goal was to make it bigger.

I never regretted that choice. “

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Before settling in Oklahoma City, did Leon or Dean ever think of any other place to call home for headquarters

rather than Oklahoma City? “I wasn't around when the decision was made to put a store in Oklahoma City. I don’t

know why Oklahoma City was chosen as the place. I can make some educated guesses from what I know. I think the

idea from the beginning was to eventually split Okc from the rest. It was the first store not in Nebraska or Iowa, and

much further from North Bend than the others. Leon once told me they wanted this store to be a days’ drive from

North Bend, close enough to share parts, not close enough to compete. Okc fit that requirement. I know the first

time I heard anything about opening in Okc, was shortly after we had come down to watch a Nebraska football

game in Norman. When they first opened, they had a local person, named Bill Pulliam to help start up. The relation-

ship did not last long. I don’t know why. “

Do you feel the company is headed in the right direction with the next generation employees? “I am pleased with

the number and quality of younger people coming up through the company. We have a good talent pool. They key is

to continue to develop it. I was encouraged by last year’s Next Gen meeting. I was hoping for a lot of good ques-

tions, and that is what we had. I am puzzled when I hear people complain about the work ethic of people coming

into their companies. I have not seen that as an issue. In most cases, the problems we have to work through are

because they are young, not lazy or disinterested. Most of the younger people are being recruited by those already

here. Clearly a good sign. Our challenge is to make Weldon a rewarding enough place to work, so that this trend

continues. “

Did you ever think that Weldon would be as efficacious as it is today? “It has always been our goal to grow and

become better at what we do. Our ownership has always been ok with plowing money earned back in, to fund fu-

ture growth. We should be pleased about our position in the industry, but never take it for granted. We have to im-

prove continuously if we mean to keep pace. “

Where do you see the industry going in 10 years? “Some trends I see emerging:

Our competitors are going to be bigger and fewer. FleetPride is the most obvious, but not the only exam-

ple. When I started here in the 1970’s, there were 7 independent parts companies in Okc, and the local dealers were mostly customers, not competitors. Of the 6 competitors we had, 3 went out of business, 2 are owned by FleetPride, and 1 is owned by Rush Peterbilt. Now we compete with national chains (FleetPride, TruckPro) and multi-location mega dealers (MHC, Rush).

Other distribution channels are moving into heavy truck parts. The automotive parts companies have a long history of wanting to play in heavy duty. They haven't done much yet, but they have too many re-sources to disregard. Look at a Grainger catalog and you will see some very familiar items.

As I mentioned before, truck dealers have moved from customer to competitor. There is a movement among the larger ones to go around their PDL’s and buy directly for their parts operations. Many of them are importing parts directly. The parts sales portion of their business strongly resembles FleetPride.

It should be obvious to everyone what the internet has done to produce sales all over the economy. We shouldn't discount probable effects on us. While it is hard to see how they will do much in the way of technical products (foundation brakes, air brake system, suspensions), much of our recent growth is in some non-technical lines (lights, mirrors, fluids). It doesn't take a lot of imagination to foresee some im-pact there.

The answer to combating these is to make and reinforce customer connections. Ask yourself why you buy

things from other than Walmart or going online. Your answer will tell you what we have to be in the fu-ture.”

What made you expand the business? “No business stands still. You are either moving frontwards, or backwards.

You have to expand to move forward. This doesn’t just apply to new branches. It also covers new product lines,

new or improved internal processes, new services, etc. A key reason for new stores is to keep gaining volume.

This is a volume-driven business. The more you buy, the better you get treated. This fact explains the rise and

necessity of groups like HDA/Truck Pride. Geographical expansion helps spread risk and opportunity. We are not

overly dependent on Oklahoma natural gas, Florida timber and fruit, or Nebraska grain. Expanding keeps things

interesting, whether a new store, new line, or new salesman. Obviously we have to make every expansion pay

off. They are fun but can’t become an expensive hobby. “

Do you feel the current ownership is doing its best as following in the footsteps of Dean and Leon Settles?

“From the days of Dean and Leon Settles right after WWII to today, the basics of a successful business haven't

changed. Give your customers their money’s worth. Be the best at what you do, and don’t be afraid to charge for

it. Raise the stakes in dealing with employees. Treat them as individuals. Share winnings with them. On the other hand,

don’t be afraid to ask more of them than your competition does of their people. Dean and Leon would have nothing of

working smarter, not harder. Their expectation was that you work smarter and harder. They would surely be pleased

that their company is back as one. I think that they would also like what our place is in our industry.“

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Just because he calls it the "batcave" doesn't change

the fact that Batman lives in his parent's basement.

Did the inventor of the door knocker win the No-bell

prize?

I overheard someone call me a model! Well, actually,

they said "poster child for mandatory sterilization",

but I knew what they meant.

I completely disagree with Kay Jewelers. I believe it

is more likely that on any given Friday or Saturday

night, more kisses begin with Miller Lite than a

piece of jewelry.

The way people confuse "too" and "to" is amazing two

me.

Ogre's Pearls of Wisdom

Provided by Scott Hillen, Nbn 10

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Helpful Hints for the Great Outdoors

With warmer weather soon to set in, I'm sure many will be looking to

go camping and otherwise enjoy the great outdoors. In order to make

your trip a little easier, here are a few helpful hints:

Lint from your navel makes a handy fire starter. Warning: Remove

lint from navel before applying the match.

When camping, always wear a long-sleeved shirt. It gives you

something to wipe your nose on.

Get even with a bear who raided your food bag by kicking his

favorite stump apart and eating all the ants.

A hot rock placed in your sleeping bag will keep your feet warm. A

hot enchilada works almost as well, but the cheese sticks between

your toes.

The best backpacks are named for national parks or mountain ranges. Steer clear of those named for landfills.

While the Swiss Army Knife has been popular for years, the Swiss

Navy Knife has remained largely unheralded. Its single blade

functions as a tiny canoe paddle.

Modern rain suits made of fabrics that "breathe" enable campers to

stay dry in a downpour. Rain suits that sneeze, cough and belch, how-

ever, have been proven to add absolutely nothing to the wilderness

experience.

You'll never be lost if you remember that moss always grows on the

north side of your compass.

You can duplicate the warmth of a down-filled bedroll by climbing

into a plastic garbage bag filled with several geese.

The canoe paddle, a simple device used to propel a boat, should

never be confused with a G-nu paddle, a similar device used by Tibetan veterinarians.

I hope this helps in your summer adventures. Be safe!

~~contributed by Scott H. (ZNBN)

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Birthdays Bart Norriss MAC 4/01

Robert Hines NBN 4/03

Louis Thomas OKC 4/04

Ron Tapley JAX 4/05

Adrienne Rodriguez ELK 4/12

Sara Douglas OKC-HQ 4/13

Dakota Thompson WWD 4/15

Debra Lander OKC-HQ 4/19

Andrew Turner OKC 4/20

Angelo Bevacqua ORL 4/26

Stacy Pulley TUL 5/01

Dick Wesley OMH 5/01

Leon Murrin MAC 5/02

Dustin Berends WWD 5/03

Robert Gray MUS 5/04

Bob Dewald PYT 5/06

Katelyn Alderman JOP 5/12

Kim Dunsworth DAL 5/14

Derek Matzek OKC-CORP 5/15

Caleb Janway TUL 5/20

Jerry Robinson TUL 5/20

Ron Inglish OKC-CORP 5/26

Dean Clinton OKC-CORP 5/28

Scott Albert NBN 6/05

Aaron Nelson NBN 6/12

Louis Quintero HOU 6/13

Duane Stetson GRI 6/13

Charles Wade TRANSFER 6/13

Brittany Thompson PYT 6/16

Jose Becerril PYT 6/18

Kayla Matzek WWD 6/23

John Sikes OKC 6/26

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New Employees

Marquis Carter PENN-BRAKESHOP 01/13/2014

Albert Martinez PENN-BRAKESHOP 01/13/2014

Andrew Turner OKC 01/20/2014

Aaron Wyssman ELK 02/04/2014

James Krebbs ELK 02/17/2014

Jarod Hill JAX-BRAKESHOP 03/03/2014

Claire Phillips JAX 03/17/2014

Ryan Bayless JAX 03/24/2014

Samantha Davis MUSK 03/31/2014

Name Location Start Date

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NEWS REEL

When five struggling single moms put aside their differences to form a support group, they find inspiration and laughter in their new sisterhood, and help each other overcome the obstacles that stand in their way.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

“ ”

“ ”

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CAJUN POPCORN BALLS You will need:

2 cups Steen’s Syrup

1 Tbsp. butter or margarine

1/4 tsp. salt

2 qt. popped corn

Instructions:

Boil Steen Syrup and salt over a low fire,

stirring constantly. When few drops tested

in cold water become brittle, add butter.

Pour over the popped corn, mix and shape

into large balls.

Cajun Jambalaya You will need:

2 lbs. shrimp

2 tsp. oil

1/2 lb. smoked sausage

Onion

3 cloves garlic

1 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes

1 cup long grain rice

1 1/2 cup water

Parsley

Cayenne, salt, pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

Saute sausage for bout 3 minutes. Stir in seasonings until tender. Add parsley, tomato,

rice, and water. Stir and add shrimp. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Add cayenne, salt, and

pepper, then cover. Cook for about 20 minutes. Continue to check rice and stir, then enjoy!

Recipe courtesy of Joey & Jenny Ward, Little Rock, Ar.

Recipe courtesy of Joey & Jenny Ward, Little Rock, Ar.

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1 pint strawberries

1 large mango, preferably manila or

champagne

¾ cup chopped fresh cilantro (one

small bunch)

¼ red onion, minced

1 whole jalapeno, minced (seeds re-

moved if you prefer less heat)

juice of 2 limes

1 tbsp. honey

1. Chop up the strawberries and mango into very small bits.

2. Place in a bowl with the cilantro, minced red onion and minced jalapeno.

3. Add honey and lime juice and stir well.

Cinco de Mayo Recipes

1 1/2 ounce(s) Jose Cuervo Tradicional

1 ounce(s) cranberry juice

1 ounce(s) fresh squeezed lime juice

1/2 ounce(s) simple syrup

1 splash ginger ale

1 wedge(s) lime

Cuervo Tradicional El Diablo

Mix all ingredients in a highball or rocks glass.

Top off with ginger ale.

Garnish with a lime wedge.

Strawberry Mango Salsa

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Treats for the Fur Babies

Makes about 3 dozen treats*

1 (5 ounce) can tuna, no salt added and packed in water, drained

1 cup oat flour*

1 large egg

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 heaping tablespoon dried catnip

Bacon “Bark” Dog Sticks

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. In a large bowl whisk together the egg, milk, honey, bacon fat, and bacon.

3. Stir the flour in, ½ cup at a time until full incorporated.

4. Knead the dough until fully combined.

5. Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface into a 4” by 12” rectangle.

6. Using a pizza cutter, cut out 4” by ½” sticks until all the dough has been used.

7. Line the sticks on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 30 to 35 minutes.

8. Cool completely before serving.

9. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

1.Place a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2. In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a blade attachment, combine drained tuna, oat flour, egg, olive oil and catnip. Blend until mixture is smooth. It will be thick but pliable and not terribly sticky.

3. Roll dough into 1/2 teaspoon balls and place on prepared cookie sheet. Use a skewer to press an X-shape into each cook-ie ball.

4. Bake cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until they are dried on top and slightly browned. Allow to cool completely before offering to your kitty.

5. Place treats in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to seven days.

Makes 24

Ingredients: 1 egg

1 ¼ cups goat’s milk (dairy milk is okay as well) 1 tablespoon honey

4 tablespoons bacon fat ¼ cup bacon, crumbled 2 3/4 – 3 cups Oat Flour

Crunchy Tuna Cat Treats

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Awesome Pets of Weldon

“Before and After pics of Wendy aka "Dog." Megan

the cat can be seen just behind my husband's head.

Dog still sleeps next to Mike on the couch.”—Debra

Lander, Okc HQ

“Proud new mama Isabelle with

her babies: from left to right the

kittens are: Valentine, Angel, (born

on February 14th), and Lovey and

Banshee (born on February

13th).”—Scott Hillen, Nbn

Chuck...just hangin’ in the sink! 18

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Names With

L to R:SIDNEY BOLE, VIC BENEDICT, TOM COLE, JERRY ROBINSON, LEON REESE, ANN COWLES

L to R:MYRON QUAPAW, NORMA JO QUAPAW, CALEB JANWAY, STACEY PULLEY, PAUL PHELPS

Putting

Faces

“Tulsa Crew”

“Tulsa Crew”

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“Orlando Crew”

L to R: Joe Cruz, Danny Moore, Curt Weiland, Bobby Bader, Anna Thompson, Dale Wenzel, Angelo Bevacqua

“Houston Crew”

L to R: Ron Mache, Bob Wilson, Louis Quintero, Eddie Hansen

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Pictured above are some photos from a program put on at Bruce’s church back in December. It

was called "Two From Galilee". Bruce played the part of Jacob, Joseph's father, just before

Jesus was born.

Other Store News

—By: Bruce Gay, WWD mgr.

Chris and Tracy Claassen's

20th wedding anniversary is

on May 14th. Chris is in

outside sales in the Grand

Island, Ne store. They have

two boys, Alex, 18, and

Zach, 12.

—Chris Claassen, GRI

Chuck with Redfish

Chuck’s boat ready to go!

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Other Store News Cont’d

Pictured above are some photos of Debra Lander’s garden before, and three years later.

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TRANSFERS

“The first quarter of 2014 has flown by and the transfer department has had its share of adven-

tures.

Between weather and driver shortages it's been quite a challenge to get the trucks to all loca-

tions consistently.

But good news is on the horizon!

Our second Penske truck should be in service by April 1st and our new full time driver (Robert

(Rob) Gray, formally of the Muskogee store) will take over the driving duties from Caleb soon

thereafter.

(A big thanks to Caleb for filling in for a few weeks)

I look forward to a consistent and stable schedule in the coming weeks.

(We might even get the graphics on the trucks!)

PURCHASING, INVENTORY

New products, new vendors and new opportunities. This year has been an active period for the

inventory and purchasing personnel. We are continuing our focus on chemicals and fluids with

the transition to direct suppliers and name brand partners.

Spray paint, anti-freeze and lubricants are items used by all our customers and the changes we

are making will give us additional opportunities to be a full service supplier.

Stay tuned, were just getting started!

BIG TRUCKS, BIG PARTS, BIG SOLUTIONS, WE GET IT.

We believe this statement is a simple way for us to explain to our customers who we are and what

we can do. We do understand the unique vocabulary and challenges of the heavy duty trucking

industry.

We don't do small and we don't want to.

Big trucks feed my family (and yours).

EMBRACE THE BIG!”

Penn’ s Corner We got a chance to see what our Penn location has been up to and got

in contact with Daryle Settles to get an overview of what’s been going on.

Here is an excerpt from him:

—Daryle Settles, Vice President

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The Weldon Gazette

April, May, June 2014

Edited by: McKayla Johnson

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