Each quarter, the Producer Badge is awarded to drivers who are in the Top 10% of the fleet in who exceed the quarterly productivity goals. This badge symbolizes the driver’s hard work and success within Marvin Keller.
Congratulations to the following drivers who earned the Producer Badge for 2025 – Quarter 1!!
Owner Operators – Top 10% Total Revenue for the Quarter
Junrey Montejo & Daniel Nunez Team
Tim Garrett
George Robinson
Terry Hodge
Robert Willis
Company Drivers, OTR – Top 10% Fleet in Total Miles
Branham Team – 50,329
Richard Merrill – 39,505
Bruchman Team – 35,037
William Caldwell – 34,949
Allen Fitzgerald – 34,457
Company Drivers, 4 On/4 Off – Top 10% Fleet in Total Miles
Our company culture is shaped by values, traditions, behaviors, and results—but it’s also defined by great character. The way we treat one another, communicate, and hold ourselves accountable directly affects not only the quality of our work but also the strength and success of our entire team.
At the core of a strong culture is a shared commitment to growth and high standards. One way we assess our culture is by how much time we spend coaching on character, addressing issues like unprofessionalism and underperformance. Toxic traits aren’t ignored; they’re identified and addressed because they impact everything.
Identifying the Red Flags
People with great character make better decisions, overcome more obstacles, and consistently deliver better results. Toxic character traits, on the other hand, create unnecessary friction, break trust, and drain morale. Even one person operating with a toxic mindset can impact the entire operation, slowing down progress, damaging relationships, and compromising safety. These are the attitudes and behaviors we refuse to normalize:
Resentment & Contempt – These attitudes poison relationships and block growth. They foster division instead of unity.
Anger & Aggression – There’s no room for intimidation or volatility in a professional setting.
Selfishness & Narcissism – Trucking requires teamwork and mutual respect. An “all about me” mindset undermines collaboration.
Dishonesty & Duplicity – Integrity is non-negotiable. Anything less puts our reputation and our relationships at risk.
Striving for Something Better
We actively promote and reward the traits that strengthen both individuals and the team. These aren’t just preferences—they’re the foundation of who we are:
Gratitude & Support – Appreciating each other and offering help when needed builds a foundation of trust.
Grace & Assertiveness – We aim to be kind, confident, and direct when necessary.
Care & Humility – We look out for one another and always stay open to learning and feedback.
Transparency & Forthcomingness – Being honest and clear in communication avoids misunderstandings and builds respect.
These values shape how we work and how we win—together.
Growth Is Always on the Table
No one is expected to be perfect, but everyone is expected to grow. We believe in coaching and investing in our people. That said, growth must be paired with accountability. If toxic behaviors go unaddressed, they become a liability to the team, and that’s something we can’t afford. We’re building more than a business—we’re building a workplace people are proud to be part of. That means living our values daily—not just in what we do, but in how we do it. Let’s continue raising the standard and grow and improve together.
Whether you’re just starting your journey as a truck driver or have been on the road for years, you are bound to encounter adversity along the way. From inclement weather and tight schedules to breakdowns, every driver faces challenges. What sets a true professional apart isn’t avoiding adversity, but how they respond when it hits.
1. Maintain Composure Under Pressure
It’s easy to get overwhelmed, especially when faced with an unexpected roadblock—be it heavy traffic, a road closure, or a mechanical issue. It’s natural to feel stressed, but remember: keeping your cool is crucial. Reacting impulsively or letting frustration take over can lead to poor decision-making. Whether you’re new to the industry or a veteran, always take a few deep breaths before reacting to adversity. It will help you think clearly and make better decisions.
2. Prioritize Safety Above Everything Else
When facing adversity, professional drivers never cut corners. Whether it’s bad weather, fatigue, or challenging road conditions, they rely on smart, informed decisions and strict safety protocols—no matter how routine or inconvenient they may seem. At the end of the day, nothing matters more than arriving at your destination safely, even if it means showing up a little later than planned.
3. Effective Communication: Key to Managing Adversity
If you’re dealing with a challenging situation—like a mechanical failure, an accident, or a traffic jam—update your dispatcher regularly, so everyone is on the same page. Good communication can reduce stress, improve problem-solving efficiency, and lead to quicker resolutions. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether you’re new or seasoned, there’s no harm in seeking advice or assistance from fellow drivers or dispatchers. We’re all in this together.
4. Embrace Problem-Solving
Truckers are often on their own when problems strike. A professional sees adversity as a challenge to overcome, not a reason to complain. The key is to stay resourceful and solution-oriented. For instance, keeping tools, extra supplies, maps, and an emergency plan on hand can make a big difference. The more prepared you are, the better you’ll handle situations like mechanical issues, route changes, or missed delivery windows.
5. Learn and Grow from Every Setback
No driver is perfect, and we all make mistakes at some point in our careers. A true professional learns from their experiences, regardless of how difficult or frustrating they may seem at the time. Reflect on what went wrong and think about how you can approach the same situation differently next time. Even after years of driving, there’s always room for growth. Learning never stops, and every challenge is an opportunity to become a better driver. The Drive MK App is the perfect tool to share knowledge and learn from other drivers.
6. Represent the Industry with Pride
You may be new to trucking, but you’re already part of an essential industry. The way you handle adversity reflects not only on your professionalism but also on the trucking industry as a whole. Being courteous at rest stops, maintaining a positive attitude, and adhering to industry standards helps elevate the profession’s reputation.
As a seasoned driver, you’re a role model for newer drivers. When you face adversity, others are watching how you respond. Demonstrating professionalism and patience—even in the face of challenges—helps create a positive image for the entire industry.
Professionalism is contagious. When one driver leads by example, others often follow.
Conclusion: Professionalism is Key to Overcoming Adversity
Whether you’re new to the road or a seasoned pro, adversity is inevitable—but how you handle it is what sets successful drivers apart. With the right mindset, preparation, and professionalism, every challenge becomes an opportunity to grow. Stay calm, prioritize safety, communicate effectively, and approach problems with a solution-focused attitude. No two days in trucking are the same, but a professional mindset helps you navigate even the toughest situations—and come out a better driver because of it.
Below is our current leaderboard for our Referral Campaign. 10 referrals so far with Jon’s team in the lead! Keep up the good work. If you have been talking to a potential driver and they fill out an application, make sure they fill out your name in the referred section! The campaign ends on April 30th.
If you have any questions, call recruiting at x 225 or 280!
Jackpot Referral Campaign:
Refer a driver and help your team win the jackpot! The team with the most referrals wins limited-edition MK apparel!
How it Works:
Each Driver Manager and their drivers are on a team.
Teams can communicate and collaborate easily through the Drive MK app.
We’ve got recruiting materials like brochures and business cards ready to go – just reach out to your Driver Manager!
Your Driver Manager will help you stay on track, promote the referral program, and keep the team motivated to hit those goals.
The more drivers you refer, the more you and your team can earn. Let’s work together to win big!
Referral Bonus Blitz:
We know how important it is to find great talent, and we appreciate the effort it takes. That’s why, for this campaign, we’re doubling our Referral Bonus from $1,000 to $2,000!
$100 for each driver application & 500 MK Pro-Points
$2,000 Bonus: $850 paid out once seated; $575 at 3 months; $575 at 6 months
Team Amy:
EDISON AGUILA, JOHN BERGIN, MICHAEL BOOKER, HAROLD CAIN, ANTHONY DENT, TIMOTHY GARRETT, ANTHONY GILIO, NICHOLAS HARJUNG, TERRY HODGE, CHRISTOPHER HOPPER, TIMOTHY MCBRIDE, DOUGLAS MCCLENDON, MARK MCKINLEY, BOBBY MILLER, CHRIS MILLER, RHONDA MILLER, JUNREY MONTEJO, ERIC MORAN, RANDY MURPHY, KEN NEWBY, DANIEL NUNEZ, WADE OWENS, JAMES RHEINECKER, GEORGE ROBINSON, OMER TERRY, CHRISTOPHER THOMAS, DAVID WARD, AND ROBERT WILLIS
Team Andrew:
DENNIS ANTHONY, E’LANNA AUGUSTUS, TRAVIS BARTELS, CHARITY BATTLEY, MICHAEL BODINE, TERRANCE BOGAN, OBDULIO BONILLA, CHEYENNE CLARK, TA-TANICA COOPER CRUZ, DIAMANTE COVINGTON, BRIAN DOUGHTY, JEFFREY EFIRD, BENJAMIN FOSTER, ELIJAH GREENWOOD, JAMES HARRIS, PHYLLIS HILL, CODY HUFFMAN, JORDAN KALE, JLONNIE MCLEOD, JONATHAN MONTGOMERY, DMARKIS NEAL-TAYLOR, BOBBY PALMER, TERRANCE PARKS, DEVON PLANTE, MICHAEL SAPP, GEORGES ARNELD THEODORE, JERMAINE WILSON, AND TODD WRIGHT
Team Jon:
TINA BARLOW, LARRY BLANKENSHIP, JESSICA BRANHAM, TERRY BRANHAM, EMMA BRANNON, DAVID BRUCHMAN, KIM BRUCHMAN, DEBORA COLEMAN, BRIAN DISKIN, ERIC DONEY, KERRI DOSS, RYAN ERNST, ALLEN FITZGERALD, MOLLY GRIBLER, JASON GRIGSBY, CIERA HAYMER, EDWARD HREZO, CHRISTIAN JOHNSON, KIMBERLY KUFFEL-GILLARD, CODY LAMAR, ERIK LOY, DALTON MEDLEY, CLAYTON PATRICK, SCOTT SEARS, CAROLYN SHOEMAKER, HUGH SHOEMAKER, DARIOUS WILLIAMS, AND SHAVETTE WILLS
Team Kanen:
DUSTIN BAUMBARGER, ROBERT BENTON, JEREMIAH BRUBAKER, WILLIAM CALDWELL, DEVIN DUNCAN, DAN EMEL, MARK FAVREAU, JERRY FROST, ERIC HAHN, SEAN JOHNSON, MARK JORDAN, JOHN KLEDZINSKI, KYLE LUESMANN, JACOB MERCER, ORVILLE MERRILL, RICHARD MERRILL, SCOTT MILLER, JOHNATHON NEUMANN, BLAKE NORMAN, CHRISTOPHER PEARCE, FRANKIE RICH, JORDAN RICHARDSON, FRANKLIN ROJAS, DANIEL SCHMITT, DARRELL SEAMAN, DAMIEN STRONG, AND WESLEY THOMAS
We’re always working on business development at Marvin Keller; no company ever grew by resting on its laurels. That’s why we’re always striving to gain new customers and expand our lane options with existing customers. Customer freight bids can be unsparing and even long-standing customers can be seduced by the cheapest bid. Our sales rep, Dan, is always bringing in new leads and has landed the company several new customers in his short tenure so far. Here’s an overview of what’s new so far this year.
Krusteaz
Our most recent acquisition is the baking company Krusteaz. You’ve undoubtedly seen their baking mixes at the grocery store. Many of you have run their lanes to Continental Mills in Hopkinsville KY. We will be running some lanes directly through the customer out of Effingham and Hopkinsville to various locations in IL, GA, KY, and others. These new loads should go live in the next week or so.
Shasta
Those of you who run south may have run a load or two for Shasta Beverages, a soda company. These lanes run from Gainesville GA to Alabaster AL or Montgomery AL. While it’s only a couple of lanes right now, as long as we provide good service, we have our foot in the door to open up new business with them.
KBX
While we’ve been running loads for KBX for a while now, our consistent good service has allowed for more and more lane opportunities. Pennington AL to Elwood IL has been a steady lane for several years now. What started out as a decent way to get back to IL, despite incurring quite a bit of deadhead miles to get there, has become a major hub in the south region. With the proliferation of drivers based in the Carolinas, we’ve created a “micro network” of business down there that makes coming to the Midwest during a work rotation unnecessary. We’ve started running Hartsville SC to Pennington AL, getting us directly where the freight is with no deadhead. The Shasta lanes to AL are also lining up with these. And we’ve recently acquired a Pennington to Olney IL lane in addition to the Elwood, allowing us to return IL drivers home easily. With Pennington being drop and hook, it has become a high velocity lane.
Primient
We’ve been running for Primient for a while, but we were recently awarded a Decatur to Charlotte NC lane, a lane we had been running through a broker. We always want to work directly with customers and the rate is increased by cutting out the middle man.
Growing a business doesn’t happen overnight. It happens in little steps, often one lane at a time, and small changes add up. Sometimes all it takes is one or two customer lanes replacing broker lanes, or a few thousand deadhead miles every quarter to add up to major gains. MK will continue to push forward, grow our customers, improve our service, and continue to be successful. Your part in this is to provide the excellent service necessary for us to remain a carrier of choice. MK’s success is your success.
Some of the most meticulous, careful drivers are rookies. They’re not as skilled and they’re not as comfortable on the road, but they’re focused on everything they need to do to safely drive the truck. Because of that hyper focus, they are much less likely to have a critical crash than a veteran driver. Sound hard to believe? The vast majority of critical crashes involve drivers with more than five years of experience. Why do you suppose that is? It’s because rookies are still learning, their jobs haven’t become familiar, and they haven’t become complacent.
Safety complacency is the tendency to overlook repetitive tasks necessary for safe operation of the vehicle. When you do a job for a while, you gain familiarity and you form normal patterns of behavior. Eventually, this behavior becomes second nature and you can repeat it almost without actively thinking about it. While routines can be very helpful, they can also cause safety hazards. When you become comfortable, you don’t tend to pay as much attention. You are more prone to distractions, such as reaching for a phone, flipping through the radio stations, watching the scenery, etc. When you let your guard down, you open yourself up to mistakes.
There are ways to prevent complacency by making small changes in your workday.
Make slight changes to your routine, do your pre and post-trip inspection duties in a different order than usual or do MORE than necessary. Break at a truck stop you haven’t used before. Most drivers have favorite lanes they like to run and different parts of the country they prefer. Ask for a trip somewhere you haven’t been before. Take familiarity out of the equation; break your normal patterns. While it’s normal for drivers to want to be familiar with their routes, that can create complacency.
Make pit stops. If you’re feeling distracted or tired, stop somewhere and walk, stretch, or get something to drink. Do anything that will break the monotony.
Learn something new; do regular ongoing safety training. Safety is an integral part of company culture and is not to be compromised.
Be open to new technology. Dash cams can now use AI to detect if a driver looks distracted or tired. These technologies may seem intrusive, but they can save lives.
Be willing to accept new challenges. Not being challenged leads to complacency and decreased responsiveness to environmental stimuli.
Critical crashes have ended careers and bankrupted trucking companies. A few years ago an MK driver had a critical crash due to complacency. The fallout from something like that takes a long time to dissipate. Please pay attention, avoid complacency, and avoid becoming a statistic. We want everyone to arrive at their destinations and return home safely. Don’t drive with your brain on autopilot.
Drivers for Marvin Keller are expected to have a strong moral and ethical character; it’s part of our culture. The best drivers and employees have high moral character, and those who do are the most successful and most likely to advance in their careers and be good leaders. What does having a moral and ethical character mean? To have a strong moral character is to have a set of positive traits and behavioral characteristics that reflect an ethical code of fairness and responsibility while acting with integrity. These people consistently make better decisions than those with undesirable traits. Here are some examples of moral character traits.
Honesty: Honesty is truthfulness in word and deed. An honest person doesn’t deceive others or manipulate facts. They admit when they’re wrong and work to improve themselves.
Personal Responsibility: Having accountability for your actions and the decisions you make is necessary. A moral person takes responsibility for their role on the job or in personal situations and works to remedy mistakes without getting angry or deflecting blame.
Respect for Others: Having respect for others involves acknowledging another’s worth and treating them with courtesy and dignity even when you disagree. You don’t always have to agree with someone, but those with strong morals understand that sometimes you just have to agree to disagree.
Trustworthiness: Simply put, people can rely on you to do what needs done when it needs done.
Courage/Integrity: Those with moral characters exhibit the courage to stand by their convictions and defend them. At MK, we will always defend our culture of values. A moral person has integrity, a strong code of morals and ethics that they will not compromise. It often takes courage in the face of adversity to avoid the temptation to cut corners or compromise one’s values.
Kindness/Humility: No one wants to work with an unpleasant, arrogant person. Treating others with kindness is imperative in the workplace, where a toxic person can ruin the work environment for everyone. Simply offering to help or showing genuine understanding for others can make a world of difference.
Positivity: When you look at everything in a positive light, you are opening yourself up to greater problem-solving ability. Each challenge is an opportunity, not a roadblock.
Those with strong moral character exhibit the gamut of positive traits, not just one or two. In our never-ending quest for self-improvement, we must take a hard look at our own behavior and examine what we need to change. If you see the above list and find that you are lacking in some of these traits, never fear. Sometimes all it takes to improve is to learn and become aware of our own behaviors before we can improve.
