MILE MARKER MONTHLY
WELCOME MESSAGE
This edition, we’re highlighting the first-ever ‘Fuel for Our Future’ company-wide luncheon! Thank you for the enthusiasm you brought to this event through the laughter, conversations, encouragement, and sense of fellowship that filled the room Most of all, thank you for what you do throughout the year.
Here’s to fueling our future together!
KeeshaMcCue Shareholder and CMO
L E T T E R F R O M
L E A D E R S H I P
DEAR SODREL TEAM,
What an incredible afternoon we shared at our first annual ‘Fuel for Our Future’ company-wide luncheon! On behalf of the Sodrel Holding Company leadership team, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended, participated, helped behind the scenes, and contributed to the event's tremendous success. The positive feedback we have received has been truly encouraging and has confirmed something we already knew: there is tremendous value in bringing our people together not simply as coworkers, but as one united team.
The afternoon allowed us to pause from the demands of our daily work, enjoy a wonderful meal, reconnect with familiar faces, meet team members from other locations and divisions, and celebrate the people who keep our organization moving forward.
From our fun, executive introductions and Dave Waddle’s vision-casting message, to the special music, company-wide recognition, Mike Sodrel’s address, door prizes, and closing remarks, every part of the program was designed to recognize where we have been and build excitement for where we are going.
The true stars of the event were our team members. Every day, throughout every location, department, division, vehicle, office, shop, and route, you represent the Sodrel name Your commitment creates our reputation. Your care builds customer trust. Your professionalism protects our future. And your combined efforts make it possible for Sodrel Holding Company and each of its divisions to continue serving people and communities with excellence.
With sincere appreciation,
Shareholder & Chief Marketing Officer, Sodrel Holding Company Keesha McCue
SODREL HOLDING COMPANY FAMILY OF BUSINESSES
Sodrel Holding Company's roots run deep. ‘Pap’ Sodrel began moving mail for the USPS as a ‘Star Route’ Mail Contractor in 1915. Since then, Sodrels have moved mail by foot, boat, horse and carriage, car, and semi tractortrailer In 1976, business diversification began when Mike and Keta Sodrel founded our motorcoach charter business, Free Enterprise Years later, another venture emerged as yet another spoke in our wheel: Student Transit.
AUGUST MOMENTUM
The Next Mile Starts With Us
August has a unique energy Summer is still with us, but we can feel the year beginning to shift. Families prepare for a new school year. Businesses refocus their priorities. August gives us an important opportunity to pause, look at how far we have traveled and recommit ourselves to where we are going next.
Great companies aren’t built through one extraordinary moment. They are built through thousands of everyday decisions made by people who care.
Those actions may not always receive applause, but they are the reason our organization continues to move forward.
For generations, Sodrel has carried more than passengers, freight and responsibility. We’ve carried trust and delivered on our promises.
This August, let’s commit to continuing to serve with purpose, work with excellence, support one another and protect the trust placed in us
The road ahead will continue to require our best Fortunately, our greatest strength has never been a building, a vehicle or a single business division
It’s always been our people
SODREL TRUCK LINES
CONTRACTOR / FREIGHT
E W S W O R T H Y
DAVE WADDLE PROMOTED TO PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OF SODREL TRUCK LINES
Since joining our organization, Dave has distinguished himself as a trusted leader whose commitment to operational excellence, relational business development and customer service has made a significant impact across our companies In his role as Vice President of Operations, he played a pivotal role in strengthening operational performance, extending service capacity, and supporting the continued growth and success of Sodrel Truck Lines.
As President & Chief Operating Officer, Dave will assume extended leadership responsibilities, overseeing the day-today operations of the company while helping guide the strategic direction and long-term growth of the organization as a whole. Dave will continue to focus on delivering exceptional service to our customers, supporting our team members, and advancing the operational excellence that has been the hallmark of our Sodrel legacy brands
Dave’s promotion reflects the confidence that we have in his vision, integrity, work ethic, deep industry knowledge and experience. His commitment to continuous growth and improvement have earned the respect of team members, customers, and business partners alike.
Keesha McCue, Shareholder and CMO of Sodrel Holding Co
“His dedication to our people, our customers, and our mission makes him exceptionally qualified for the role, and we look forward to the future under his leadership.”
Mike Sodrel, Chairman and CEO of Sodrel Holding Co
As we continue to expand our market footprint, our capabilities and strengthen our position in the transportation and logistics industry, Dave’s leadership will play a critical role in driving innovation, supporting operational excellence and driving sustainable growth.
SEASONAL SAFETY
August is Summer Sun Safety Month!
With the end of summer fast approaching, and friends and families trying to squeeze all of the fun they can out of this remaining time, it’s important to remember the rules of safe sun exposure to keep you and your loved ones healthy!
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and can be caused by excessive exposure to the intense UV rays of the sun Sun safety is important at all times of the year, but especially during the summer months when outdoor activities bring us together to create new memories around bonfires, beaches, and barbeques!
To keep yourself safe:
Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen that filters out both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 15 or higher before you go outside. Reapply every 2 hours, and immediately after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
Buy a pair of UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes from sun damage
Drink lots of fluid and stay in the shade when you can!
Try a self-tanning lotion or spray and avoid the damage prolonged UV-ray exposure can cause!
HEALTH & HEADSPACE
UPCOMING EMOTIONAL / PHYSICAL HEALTH CALENDAR
Sept. 1 - 30 st th Suicide Prevention Awareness
National Recovery Childhood, Blood, Ovarian, Prostate, and Thyroid Cancer Awareness
World Alzheimer’s Awareness
Sept. 6 - 12 th th National Suicide Prevention Week
Sept. 10th World Suicide Prevention Day
Sept. 30th National Women’s Health and Fitness
Oct. 1 - 31 st st Depression and Mental Health Screening ADHD Awareness National Down Syndrome Awareness Breast Cancer Awareness
Oct. 4 - 10 th th Mental Illness Awareness Week
Oct. 10th World Mental Health Day
Oct. 16th National Mamogram Day
Nov. 1 - 30 st th
National Family Caregivers
American Diabetes Lung, Stomach, and Pancreatic Cancer Awareness
National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness
Nov. 1 - 7 st th National Diabetes Education Week
Nov. 2 - 6 nd th International Stress Awareness Week
Nov. 21st International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
Emotional health calendar dates courtesy of Ameena “Dr. K.” Kemavor. Physical health calendar dates courtesy of Healthgrades.
COMMUNITY BUILDING
CREATING MEMORIES TOGETHER!
Once again, thank you for the enthusiasm you all brought to last month’s ‘Fuel for Our Future’ luncheon!
One of the most memorable moments of the day was the surprise arrival of our new company mascot, Eddie the Eagle! As “Fly Like an Eagle” began to play, Eddie made his grand entrance and immediately brought a sense of fun, laughter, and energy to the room. He posed for photographs, greeted our team members, and certainly made an unforgettable first impression. Eddie represents strength, vision, confidence, and the ability to rise above challenges—all qualities that reflect the spirit we want to carry into Sodrel’s future. Our future is bright. Our foundation is strong. And when we move forward with shared purpose, appreciation for one another, and a commitment to excellence, there is no limit to how high we can fly.
That is why employee appreciation and recognition will continue to be an important part of our culture. We want our team members to know they are seen We want great work to be acknowledged We want milestones to be celebrated. We want communication to be strengthened. Most importantly, we want every employee to understand that they have a meaningful place in the Sodrel story.
TO OUR CHIEF CULTURE OFFICER
KATHEY MORGAN AND EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT RACHEL RAY FOR ALL YOU DID TO MAKE THIS EVENT A GREAT SUCCESS
Mile Marker Monthly has featured many feline and canine friends and can’t wait to see more of our team’s pets in future editions! If you don’t have a pet, here are some stats on the health benefits of pet ownership:
According to the U S Department of Health and Human Services’ NIH (News in Health) monthly newsletter, having a pet can decrease stress, improve heart health, and even help children with their emotional and social skills.
Studies have shown that interacting with animals can decrease cortisol (a stress-related hormone), lower blood pressure, reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and boost your mood!
Pet ownership isn’t one-size-fits-all, and the pet that’s right for you might not be right for the rest of your family or loved ones. Knowing how to care for and feed an animal is part of owning a pet. Do your research and make the right decision based on your living situation, overall health, and companionship preferences!
*We’d love to see pics of your animal family member(s)! Send snapshots and descriptions to kmccue@sodrelholdingcompany.com
SSYMPATHY YMPATHY SSUBMISSIONS UBMISSIONS
If you’ve experienced the loss of a loved one recently and would like to honor their memory, send an email with their name, how they’re related to you, and a 200-character limit description of them to kmccue@sodrelholdingcompany.com, and we’ll include it in our next issue.
Send your prayer request to kmccue@sodrelholdingcompany.com and we’ll be sure to lift it up. Please specify whether your request is private or can be shared in our newsletter for others to join in prayer.
“THERE IS NO MAN LIVING WHO ISN’T CAPABLE OF DOING MORE THAN HE THINKS HE CAN DO.”
– HENRY FORD
Dear Sodrel Holding Company Team,
We hope you've enjoyed this issue of Mile Marker Monthly. Take advantage of how you can connect with us through group activity outreach, prayer and sympathy requests, and Company Creatures: Mascot Mutt & Feline Friends submissions! We love learning more about our Sodrel team and hope this newsletter becomes a way for employees from all Sodrel businesses and divisions to connect.
Let’s keep going, together!
-Keesha,McCue Shareholder & Chief Marketing Officer Sodrel Holding Co.
