October, 2008
Volume 2, Issue 3
A Message From The President
By: Richard Puckett, President/CEO
What’s Inside:
Page
3. . .A Fun Ride!
3. . .A Healthy Hobby
4. . .Company Picnic
8. . .A Healthy Place to
Work
9. . .Listening to Matt
Simpson
9. . .Talking with Victoria
Booth
10. .Biggest Looser/
Nicest Guy
10. .The Biggest Loser
11. . Change and Drive On
11. . Healthy Workplace
Program Update
12. . The American Flag
12. . Cat Merchandise
Areas to Get Facelifts
13. . High Anxiaty
14. . Ten Simple Tricks to
Exercise Your Brain
15. .Safety First
15. .Birthdays
16. .Anniversaries
It was great seeing so
many of you at our company picnic. It’s always exciting for me to be able to
spend time with all of you
in one place. I hope each
of you and your families
enjoyed it as much as I did.
Over the last six
months, I have received
numerous calls and have
had numerous conversations with employees concerned about the economic
times and how it is going
to affect our company and
their jobs. While this is not
a very exciting topic, I think
it is a subject that is on
everyone’s mind.
You can’t pick up a
newspaper or turn on a
television without learning or reading negative
information about the U.S.
economy. If you read or
listen very long, you will
invariably hear about businesses losing money, going out of business, laying
off workers, reducing pay,
and taking other drastic
steps to survive.
Let me assure you—
PMC is doing fine at this
time and we have the ability to perform well even in
a slower economy. I’ll tell
you why:
First, we have been
here for 25 years. We have
a well-seasoned management team that has guided
this company through
many ups and downs. We
have faced many challenges in our 25 years and
we are prepared to take on
the current economic challenges we are presently
facing.
Secondly: our diversity.
We participate in a wide
variety of markets with a
broad and diverse offering
of products and services.
Thirdly is our market
share. Approximately one
out of every two machines
in the markets we serve
came from us. This provides us a great product
support opportunity.
Lastly is our financial
strength. Our balance
sheet has never been
stronger. We have consistently kept our earnings
and steadily reinvested
them into our company.
However, with our country’s current economic
New Team, New Driver
And New Look for 2009
From: Dealer Newsletter September 19, 2008
As previously announced on June 18, Caterpillar has
entered into a multi-year partnership with Richard Childeress
Racing and the #31 Chevrolet team driven by Jeff Burton.
Burton, a 20-time winner in NASCAR Sprint Cup competition,
is currently in the “Chase For The Championship”. It is
the third year in a row that Burton has qualified for the
Championship Chase.
Richard Childress, team owner, is one of the most
successful car owners in NASCAR. His teams have won 11
NASCAR Championships, including six in the Cup series with
legendary driver, Dale Earnhardt.
1
Puckett Today
uncertainty, we could be in for some very difficult times that
of us and our company.
we haven’t faced in many years. As all of you are aware,
Change is not always fun (initially) but change is necour industry and our company have seen a significant
essary if you want to remain successful and I feel very
slowdown in business and we are anticipating further slowconfident that the changes we have been going through
ing.
have made us a better company and have put us in a good
We must manage accordingly. Our management team
position to face our current challenges.
has been working for the past nine months preparing the
While the economy is creating difficult business condicompany for the decreased business levels we are experitions and we have more challenges ahead of us, there are
encing and they are continuing to make decisions that will
still many positive things happening at Puckett Machinery
allow us to successfully manage through these times. We
that deserve noting. A few of the positives that stand out
must all tighten our belts and eliminate waste and inefthe past 12 months include:
ficiencies. We need to make sure we spend money wisely
• The completion of the Gulfport facility renovation and
and only on necessary expenses, more tightly manage our
expansion
inventories and assets, etc.
• The completion of the Puckett Rents Biloxi facility renoFurther, we must be prudent in managing our headvation and expansion
count by being diligent before deciding to replace lost
• The continued growth and development of Puckett
employees and/or adding additional employees. These
Power Systems
decisions will likely result in shifting of responsibilities from
• Implementation of our Healthy You Program
time to time, with many of you being asked to help “pick up
• Substantial increase in “Revenue” business in our
the slack”.
Product Support division along with improved customer
At the same time, we must do whatever it takes to creservice
ate sales, whether machines, rentals, service, or parts.
• PMC remains ranked as one of the top five Cat dealers
Since there is less of it to go around, we cannot take any
in market share
potential business for granted and must passionately
• We are in the process of starting a renovation at PMC
pursue each of these opportunities. We cannot and will not
Hattiesburg
give up market share as we intend to retain at least ½ of
• We are in the process of starting an expansion of
the pie—no matter the size.
Puckett Rents Hattiesburg
Every one of us plays a role in tightenThese are just a few of the positive things
“I can’t help but going on at Puckett Machinery and there are
ing our belts and chasing business and I
ask for everyone’s help and commitment.
be proud and feel many more I have not included. Clearly, we
Our leadership and management team will
accomplished a lot and have a lot to be
confident in where have
continue to make decisions for the longproud of despite challenging business condiwe stand today.” tions.
term. Although more serious than ever
before, we see the current slowdown as
I have been a part of this company for a
part of a normal business cycle and we fully expect the
long time and in all of my years, I have never seen such
economy to eventually rebound and we expect to be here
uncertainty in our economy. If you asked me today what I
for many years to come.
see in my crystal ball for tomorrow, I would answer that I
We want to make decisions now that will allow us to
don’t know. However, I would follow up by saying that this
capitalize on the rebound rather than make short-term
management team is going to stay its course and stay true
decisions that will hurt us in the long run.
to our core values that put us where we are today: IntegAs I look at our company across all departments and
rity; Teamwork; Commitment; and Excellence.
divisions, I can’t help but be proud and feel confident in
In summary, I want everyone to understand that our
where we stand today. At no point in recent history has our
business conditions are changing. We have experienced
company been stronger or better positioned to handle a
unprecedented growth the past 4 to 5 years, but now, we
slowdown than it is right now.
are experiencing a downturn, with further slowing expectAnd this is not by accident. We have gone through—
ed. With this being the case, we must manage our busiand are still going through—substantial changes to make
ness differently than we have in the past few years and
us more competitive, to allow us to improve the overall
this will require change.
service we provide to our customers, to further grow and
I am asking and expecting every employee here to do
expand our business, and to position ourselves to maintain
his or her part in accepting change and making it work. At
our market dominance for many more years.
the same time, I want to reassure everyone that downturns
These changes have included facility expansions,
in the economy like this are part of the normal business
renovations, and new facilities; Puckett Power Systems
cycle and that our company is well positioned to manage
being created with a significant amount of focus and attenthrough these times. We will emerge from this period an
tion given to that business; various policy and procedural
even stronger and better company than we are now and
changes throughout the company; personnel and leaderwill continue to lead and dominate the industries we serve
ship changes designed to get the right people in the right
for many more years.
positions; and a general increase in the expectations for all
2
Puckett Today
A
Fun Ride!
By Adam Cox, Outside Sales Puckett Rents Jackson
A Healthy and
Rewarding Hobby
By: Michele C. Bunch, HR Manager
Why biking?
I had been training to
do a few triathlons and
hurt my shoulder and was
unable do the swimming
leg of the race. I was
focusing on running and
riding until some of my
friends got into doing some
bike races. The racing
aspect of this sport is very
competitive and intense
which I enjoy very much.
I like to be outside
and cycling was a great
alternative to being stuck
in a gym. I have really
enjoyed getting involved in
cycling; although, I have to
admit it was kind of weird
getting used wearing the
cycling shorts Since May,
I have dropped just over
20 pounds and feel a lot
healthier. Having friends
involved also helps me
keep motivated.
How much training?
I try to ride around 100
to 150 miles a week. I do
25 to 35 miles during the
weekdays and longer rides
on the weekends.
Where do I ride?
I ride mostly in Madison
County on back roads.
I have been traveling
on the weekends doing
some training rides in
the mountains. I have a
race coming up at the end
of September in North
Georgia where we will ride
100 miles and climb six
mountains. I recently went
on a trip to Gatlinburg,
TN where I climbed
Clingman’s Dome (highest
point in TN) - this climb
was 20 miles long at a 5
to 6% grade - it was very
tough and took just over
two hours to complete.
I also climbed Cheaha
Mountain in Anniston, AL
which is Alabama’s highest
point and the Six Mountain
Gaps in North Georgia that
we will be doing again later
this month.
Equipment needed.
Cycling can sometimes
get to be an expensive
sport because of the
equipment you need. You
can get into the sport on an
entry-level bike for around
$800 to $1000. The most
important aspect of any
bicycle that you purchase
is to make sure it fits-if it
doesn’t fit then you won’t
be comfortable.
Everybody knows Neil Ware in IT. But only a few know
that he has a hobby that brings joy to children and to
adults during the Halloween and Christmas seasons. You
may have guessed that the hobby involves technology and
you are right.
It started when Neil was surfing the web (not
on company time of course!) and found www.
PlanetChristmas.com in 2006. By 2007, he was into
decorating the front of his house for Christmas in a big
way. He started with 7,000 lights, one controller box with
16 channels and 18 cords hooked in to two power sources.
If you are interested in starting this hobby, Neil
recommends:
1. Prepare your neighbors for what is to come!
2. Purchase your lighting and equipment online at
least 6 months in advance
3. Invest in the $.99 cent cord reels – he has 70 of
them to prevent those tangles that may make you
curse and forget the meaning of the season
4. Planning, do lots of planning
O. K., you may be saying any one can put up lights,
but did I mention that Neil’s lights flash on and off,
programmed to music of the season? Yes, when you drive
by Neil’s home in Brandon during Halloween or Christmas
there is a sign in his yard that instructs you to tune in to
FM 102.3 on your radio. His lights are synchronized to
his seasonal music selections on your car radio with a
professional disc jockey who even gives a plug to CAT
generators! He explained how he accomplished this, but
no (natural) blonde female can explain nor comprehend
this sort of technology. You will have to ask him.
With any obsession, it grows; Neil’s collection now
includes 1,000 Halloween lights, 12,000 Christmas lights
and 48 channels and one dedicated circuit installed by an
electrician.
With today’s economy, I asked how much does this
hobby run up your light bill and much to my surprise, Neil’s
system does not add much cost at all because his lights
are never on at the same time.
And what is the reward? The looks on children’s faces!
Be sure to check out more pictures on
www.postoaklightshow.com.
For me, biking has been
a fun ride to a healthier life!
3
2008 Puckett Machinery
4
Company Picnic
5
Puckett Today
6
Puckett Today
7
Spotlight on Puckett
A Healthy Place to Work
By: Charles Felsher, Product Support Manager
At PMC Hattiesburg we have
worked together to create a
“healthy” work environment.
Mission accomplished; here are
the driving forces that have made it
possible:
Force 1- Our Direction
(Common Goals)
Team Hattiesburg; Sales, Parts
and Service, strive “to meet the
needs and exceed the expectations
of our customers by providing
quality service for all of their heavy
equipment needs”. This statement
taken from our Mission Statement is
truly a worthy challenge. Over the
last 2 to 3 years, Team Hattiesburg
has focused on improving our
overall customer satisfaction which in turn will create
greater PINS. If we sell a machine, we also get to provide
the best Product Support to the customer.
In today’s environment, Service after the sale is critical.
For us selling is a chain reaction; the heavy equipment
Sales Rep makes the equipment sale, the PSSR continues
to support that sale and customer relationship and
everyone in Product Support continues the mission of
excellent service after the sale for the life of the machine.
Our Product Support group is trying to adapt an attitude
of “professional salesmanship”. In the words of Rob
McCollum, “we must hit 10 out of 10”. This is a different
approach than years before; however, times have changed
and everyone needs to be a promoter and everyone needs
to be thinking about that next sale.
Force 2-Commuincation (Speak and Understand the
same language)
Within the last 12 months, our relationship between
customers and our PMC Team has improved drastically.
The communication within the Hattiesburg Team flows
“up and down” within all levels of the organization. This
not only helps the customer, but makes everyone feel
as if they are truly part of the process of satisfying our
customers. Everyone in Hattiesburg has something to
add to the entire team. Everyone’s view is respected and
heard. An engaged employee is a satisfied and successful
employee.
There are several times within a month I will seek the
opinions and the advice of technicians such as Bobby
Richardson, Benny Joe Welch, John Langston, Mickey
8
Friend and many others. The
same holds true with our Parts
Countermen; Danny Dykes and
Charles Jones. Team Hattiesburg
has some great people who can
solve problems in a professional
manner with a high sense of
urgency. The key is to realize we
have these assets and challenge
thinking to provide the customer with
a better overall product.
Our Leaders can make it happen:
from our Main Shop led by Matt
Simpson, our Field Service led by
Steve Hockaday, our Truck Service
led by James Fennell and our Parts
and Warehouse Operations led
by Vic Haddox, we can satisfy our
customer’s needs. All of those
employees along with support from Victoria Booth our
Product Support Administrator and Josh Smith our Service
Planner make for a solid team.
Our challenge is now to plan better, react before
a problem arises and go the extra distance with
professionalism and a sense of urgency. We need to
continue to improve our follow-up with both internal and
external customers. We have come a long way and still
have room to grow.
Force 3-Leadership (A vision for tomorrow)
A lot can and has been accomplished over the last
several years. We have come from a $150K a month
team to a $225K a month team (on average). This task
does not come easily. We have expanded our Main
Shop capabilities by the addition of 4 work bays. We are
currently working on renovating our employee bathroom/
locker room. In the near future we are working on plans
for a new wash rack. We have added several new
technicians with plans to keep growing our facilities and
people. We want to continue the Puckett legacy of being
the best. We want to be the heavy equipment dealer of
Choice. We want to drive out the competition and continue
our successes. When a customer comes to our facility, we
want them to leave with a feeling that they were served in
a caring, professional manner.
With all this being said, if you work in Hattiesburg, your
personal health and your professional health will need to
be strong because we want to grow our business and this
requires energy and passion!
MachineryHattiesburg
Listening to
Matt Simpson
Pictured left:
Brandon Freeman
By Michele C. Bunch, Human Resources Manager
Matt has been on the fast track with Hattiesburg PMC;
joining us in 2001 as a Technician, promoted to Field
Service in 2005 and became the Main Shop Foreman this
year. He is very appreciative of all of the guidance and
support he has received from everyone as he learns his
new role. Matt believes that time management is currently
his biggest challenge as foreman.
Matt beams when he
speaks of his experience
at PMC as a Field Service
Tech. “I loved being out
in the field and having a
machine back and running
before the end of a day.
Plus the satisfaction I got
when that customer would
request me for his next job.”
Matt resides in Forrest
County and is a committed
husband to Jackie and
father to Brandon (8) and
Dawson (5). Jackie home-schools their two boys and Matt
enjoys chaperoning area home-schooled students on field
trips. On the weekend, you may find Matt and his sons
doing some fresh or saltwater fishing.
What’s next for Matt at Hattiesburg PMC? He says he
likes it right where he is.
Pictured left:
Roxanne Temple
Pictured right:
Thomas Everett
Pictured left:
Charles Jones,
Steve Hockaday,
Vic Haddox
Pictured below:
James Hamilton,
Michael Craft,
Grant Parker,
David Barron
Talking with
Victoria
Booth
By Michele C. Bunch, Human Resources Manager
In July of 2000, Victoria was reading the Hattiesburg
American, saw our employment ad, interviewed with
Tommy Delk and has been with Hattiesburg PMC since
then.
Victoria likes the
challenge and the
versatility of her job;
“sometimes I am pulled in
1,000 different directions
and I enjoy helping
everyone.” She admires
and respects the Puckett
family for their personal
approach to doing
business – “at Puckett I do
not feel like a number.” Victoria plans to make a career
with us and she is especially interested in the warranty
aspect of our company.
When asked what her favorite aspect of Hattiesburg
PMC is , she described her appreciation of Charles
Felsher who encourages prayer for staff and/or family in
need at the opening of every branch meeting.
Spend some time with Victoria, and you will learn that
she cherishes time with family.
Need something done in Hattiesburg? Victoria
will accomplish the task promptly, effectively and
professionally.
9
Puckett Today
Biggest Loser/Nicest Guy
By Michele C. Bunch, Human Resources Manager
On the first day of the Biggest Loser
Competition at Hattiesburg PMC,
Carol “Greazey” Atwood came back
from lunch bragging. He had started
his diet that day and had one chilidog,
one regular order of fries and one
milkshake. Wait a minute – this does
not sound like a diet! But for Greazey, it
was one-half of the amounts of food he
usually ate at dinner time. In the coming
weeks, Greazey would abandon his
diet for six-inch subs and lunches from
home including turkey, tuna, pickles,
carrots, fruit and lots and lots of water.
At night, Greazey recommends a
routine of walking 30 minutes after
supper. And now on the weekends,
you may spot him in Covington County
walking a six to seven mile course!
The Biggest Loser
By James Fennell, Truck Shop Foreman
Sometimes the biggest loser is the
biggest winner. Seem impossible?
Allow me to explain. Once upon a
time, I failed at dieting; I failed many
times. Support at home for me was
basically non-existent. Well, unless you
count my eight-year-old son and his
teenage sister constantly pointing out
that: 1.) I look like my due date is fast
approaching, and 2.) my hair has been
AWOL for a while now. It seemed my
only other option was encouragement
at work. I came up with an idea that
would help not only me, but also my
comrades at work. I called my genius
plan: The Hattiesburg Biggest Loser
Contest. The rules were simple.
Everyone who wanted to enter paid an
entry fee of twenty dollars; there was a
weigh-in every Monday, and whoever
lost the most weight in pounds won the
total amount. The competition was set
for Monday, June 2nd through Friday,
August 1st.
The contest actually generated
a lot of interest. People from all
departments signed up, including: one
salesman; a PSSR; a couple from
the parts department, including the
10
parts manager; several technicians;
two foremen; our product support
administrator; the local warranty guru;
and even the product support manager
stepped up to the challenge. A total of
thirteen of us were on the roster, two
hundred sixty dollars was the prize, and
the diets began.
The enthusiasm level was high, the
trash talk was flying, and the threat of
honey buns was constantly taunting us
all, but all ended well. The results were
really amazing. It stayed somewhat
close at first, but it didn’t take long to
separate the proverbial “men” from
the “boys.” Finally, the results were in.
Carroll (Greazy) Atwood won, with a
total weight loss of 37 pounds. Second
place was Harry Mauldin, who lost 35
pounds. Yours truly lost a meager 17
pounds. Combined we lost a total of
163 pounds. Definitely a step in the
right direction! Although it was called
the Biggest Loser contest, we were all
truly winners for taking some initiative
and making an important change in
our health. Biggest Loser II is now
underway, and the results should be out
shortly after the Company Picnic.
Before coming to PMC, Greazey
worked on truck engines for 27
years, owned his own business and
acquired a nickname that stuck.
He describes himself as the “class
clown” of the shop, getting along
with everyone.
He is very proud of his wife
Deanna, daughter Tessa (25) and
son Toby (16).Greazey enjoys
taking an active role as President of
his children’s Band Booster Club.
According to Greazey, it was
his fellow coworkers that made the
Biggest Loser Competition fun. “We
all shared what we were eating,
how we were exercising and picked
on each other!”
Puckett Today
Change and Drive On
By: Gerald Tindle, 6 Sigma Black Belt
One of the most
important aspects of
Six Sigma is being able
to ease the process of
change for personnel
and to help them realize
the benefits of change.
For most people change
is something that is not
accepted with open arms,
and the truth of the matter
is; most people do not like
change. People become
comfortable in their habits
or surroundings whether
it be how they perform
at work, where they live,
who they call friends, or
where they are employed,
thus making change very
intimidating.
Here at PMC, PR,
and PPS we will all be
going through some
type of change in the
coming months with our
new Healthy Workplace
program. I would imagine
that for some of our
employees this could be a
very stressful time. Once
again most of us do not
like to see change, but this
is another case in which
change can be beneficial
for everyone.
At the first of the year
we will become a tobacco
free workplace. Those
who are using tobacco
are not being forced to
quit using all together just
while he or she is in or on
company property. For the
ones who decide to tackle
this lifestyle change and
become tobacco free, it will
be very beneficial to the
employee, his/her family,
and possibly all of us at
PMC, PR, and PPS.
Instantaneously the
employee will be saving
money on their monthly
insurance payments and
will also be saving the
money that was being
used to purchase the
tobacco. There will also
likely be a reduction in the
out-of-pocket expenses
an employee sees at
the doctor’s or dentist’s
office due to this healthier
lifestyle. An intangible
benefit the employee will
see is an improvement
in the quality of life for
that individual and just a
better overall feeling about
themselves. With this
improvement in quality of
life comes the benefit come
the tangible benefits of
less doctor visits and less
insurance claims for PMC.
In order for you to be
successful in quitting or
making any change in your
life, you must possess:
•The “want to” quit
•Drive or desire to quit
Without both of these
characteristics it will
be extremely tough to
succeed in quitting. A
program that is being
offered to all employees
that will aide in the drive
to quit is the cessation
program. This benefit is
being offered one time
to employees free of
charge to help in their
quest to become tobacco
free. The program along
with the aforementioned
characteristics will assure
each of you a successful
shot at your goal of quitting
and making a valuable
change in your life... Don’t
get me wrong, this is
not going to be easy as
change never is. Then
again, in life anything worth
having does not come
easy.
Good luck to all of those
who are trying to become
tobacco free!!!
Healthy Workplace Program Update
By: Barry Dubuisson, Benifits and Employee Relations Manager
It has been three
months since Puckett
Machinery Company
kicked off the Healthy
Workplace Program, and
positive results are already
being seen through out
the company. Tobacco
users are taking advantage
of Puckett Machinery
Company’s Tobacco
Cessation Program,
competitions are being
held at various stores to
promote weight loss and
fitness, employees are
scheduling their Healthy
You check-ups, and this
month we will roll-out our
Health Risk Assessment.
The Health Risk
Assessment is a series of
health and life style related
questions that members
of the Healthy Workplace
Program will be asked to
complete. The answers will
then be analyzed by Blue
Cross & Blue Shield. Each
member will then receive
valuable information
concerning their health
and health risk factors. A
great feature of the Health
Risk Assessment is that
it will let members know if
their “health age” is greater
than their actual age. If
this is the case, members
will receive information
that will identify what is
causing the differences
in their “health age” and
their actual age, and make
recommendations to help
start the narrowing of this
gap. Instructions on how
to access and complete he
Health Risk Assessment
will be published as soon
as we get the green light
from Blue Cross & Blue
Shield.
How often do you eat
fast food? Have you
ever thought about the
nutritional content (ex.
calories, fat, cholesterol,
sodium, etc.) of the menu
choices at your local fast
food restaurants? If so,
keep an eye on your mail
box. All employees will
receive a very informative
nutritional guide to fast
food in October. Eight
local fast food restaurants
are featured with 104 menu
choices. If you are like me,
you will be very surprised
with what you will learn
from this nutritional guide.
11
Puckett Today
The American Flag and Puckett Machinery
Company Proudly Wave
By Jan Broadus, Service Planner Gulfport PMC
In hostile territory,
modified Boeing 707’s with
multi-mode radar systems
provide surveillance of
the lands behind enemy
lines. Recently, one of
these technically-equipped
planes carried an American
flag in honor of Puckett
Machinery Company.
Jay Broadus, son of Jan
Broadus of Gulfport PMC,
is a member of that crew.
The 7th Expeditionary
Airborne Command
and Control Squadron
Joint Surveillance
Target Attack Radar
System is outfitted with
radar, communications,
operations, and control
subsystems. Equipped with
18 operator work stations,
the aircraft orbits for 10 to
12 hours per flight. Each of
the six sections—including
communications techs,
airborne mission systems
specialists, surveillance,
operations, intelligence,
and Army specialists—has
a key role in the overall
success of each sortie.
It’s detached from the
116th Air Control Wing at
Robins Air Force Base,
GA, and is comprised
of active-duty, guard,
reserve, and sister-service
members. The team works
together to detect ground
movement and provide
Army Common Ground
Stations with moving target
indicators. Ground or air
forces deal with threats
based on surveillance
information they provide.
The Soldiers on
board are a key part of
the information sharing
process. They provide
near/real-time access
to imagery that enables
members on the ground to
react to what’s going on in
the area of operations. All
of that information-passing
is possible because of the
unique radar systems on
the Boeing 707.
From everyone here,
thanks Jay, and all your
crew members for the job
you do and the protection
you provide all of us!
Jay Broadus (Jan’s son) standing
beside the mission flag, which
was dedicated while his plane
and crew were in the air over Iraq.
This flag is now proudly displayed
at Puckett Machinery’s Jackson
facility.
Cat Merchandise Areas
to
Get Facelifts
By John Chesney, Director of HR and Advertising
Our Cat merchandise sales areas
in our stores are getting a brand
new look.PMC’s retail areas will be
updated with a new appearance and
new inventory, one by one. Every
location’s setup will vary because
of the space available, but each of
these areas will have bright yellow
graphics and the words “Official Cat
Merchandise”. And each location
will have a really nice selection of
Cat merchandise to choose from.
As much as possible (based on the
space available), we’ll have similar
items in inventory.
We’ve already completed our
12
updates at the Jackson store and the
response from our customers and
employees has been great. We’re
stocking lots of neat, reasonablypriced items for men, women, and
children. Already, sales have been
good and it’s rare to walk by this area
in Jackson and not find customers
doing a little browsing.
The next store we’ll be doing
will be our Hattiesburg facility.
We’ve designed the graphics and
they’re in production now. The
merchandise for this facility is on
order and has already begun arriving
in Hattiesburg. We plan to begin
actually setting up the Hattiesburg
retail area during the month of October.
Following our setup of the Hattiesburg
store’s retail area, we’ll begin working on
the one at our Gulfport location. Natchez,
Meridian, and Brookhaven will follow soon
afterwards.
Be sure to keep an eye out for these
changes as we make our way around to
each store!
Puckett Today
High Anxiety
By Rick Apple, Vice President Power Systems
In recent days we have
worked hard to satisfy our
customers’ needs with
hurricane preparation
for both Gustav and Ike.
During this time we fielded
dozens of calls from
existing customers needing
their generators serviced
prior to the storm and
others who were seeking
rental generators to keep
their facilities operational
during a potential power
outage. As our call volume
increased, so did the
stress levels, tension and
irritability of everyone at
Puckett Power Systems.
During the height of this
challenge, a wonderful
thing happened; I watched
all of our people pull
together to work to satisfy
our customers’ needs. Our
Jackson conference room
turned into a command
center, fielding calls
and coordinating rental
requests from throughout
our territory. Our service
group worked long hours
making sure that key
customer emergency
systems were operational
and prepared for the
worse. Everyone played a
key role in making sure we
responded accordingly to
this critical situation.
During these unusual
events we can expect
high levels of stress and
anxiety. But to be quite
honest, we all experience
varying levels of stress
each and every day.
In recent days we have
worked hard to satisfy our
customers’ needs with
hurricane preparation
for both Gustav and Ike.
During this time we fielded
dozens of calls from
existing customers needing
their generators serviced
prior to the storm and
others who were seeking
rental generators to keep
their facilities operational
during a potential power
outage. As our call volume
increased, so did the
stress levels, tension and
irritability of everyone at
Puckett Power Systems.
During the height of this
challenge, a wonderful
thing happened; I watched
all of our people pull
together to work to satisfy
our customers’ needs. Our
Jackson conference room
turned into a command
center, fielding calls
and coordinating rental
requests from throughout
our territory. Our service
group worked long hours
making sure that key
customer emergency
systems were operational
and prepared for the
worse. Everyone played a
key role in making sure we
responded accordingly to
this critical situation.
During these unusual
events we can expect
high levels of stress and
anxiety. But to be quite
honest, we all experience
varying levels of stress
each and every day.
According to a variety
of research reports, the
percentage of Americans
who are stressed at work
is high and growing.
The National Institute of
Occupational Safety and
Health has found that
29% to 40% of people
are “extremely stressed
at work”. Many are on
the verge of or feeling the
symptoms of burnout. As
stress at work continues to
become more common, it
is important to find simple
ways to adopt and practice
stress-reducing strategies.
One thing to remember
about stress, it can affect
all of us. If we ignore the
symptoms of stress, we
can experience physical
and emotional health
problems. And our mental
state is affected, making
us less focused at work,
placing you and your
coworkers’ safety in
possible jeopardy. A first
step in getting help for
stress-related problems is
a willingness to talk about
what is going on and listen
to input from family and
coworkers.
Here are a few simple
suggestions from Elizabeth
Scott, M.S. on dealing with
stress at work:
1) Start your day off
right:
Eat a good breakfast,
plan properly, and have
a positive attitude. “This
is a new day!”
2) Ask for help,
information and
assistance:
Keep open lines of
communication with
your supervisor. Know
the expectations of your
role at work and meet
with your supervisor to
help you with strategies
and developmental
plans.
3) Stay organized:
Being organized with
your time means
less rushing, not
procrastinating and
more time to react
to those unexpected
interruptions in your
routine.
4) Be comfortable:
Another surprising
stressor at work is
physical discomfort.
Make sure you wear
proper shoes and
clothing appropriate for
your work environment.
Also, be considerate of
others with office and or
shop noise that may be
distracting to your fellow
workers.
5) Exercise:
This could be as simple
as walking to lunch.
Many people are
feeling the ill effects of
a sedentary lifestyle.
Exercise can help you
blow off steam, lift your
mood and get you in
better shape. (I need to
work on this one!)
6) Keep perfectionism in
check:
Being a high achiever
can help you feel good
about yourself and allow
you to excel at work.
Being a perfectionist
on the other hand, can
cause you and those
working around you to
be stressed. Strive to
do your best and then
congratulate yourself on
the effort. Your will feel
better and have more
success stories.
7) Listen to calming
music on the way
home:
They say “Music soothes
the savage beast!”
Combating the stress
of a long day at work
with your favorite music
on the drive home can
make you less stressed
when you get home
and more prepared to
interact with those you
love when you arrive.
Continued on page 14
13
Puckett Today
Top 10 Simple Tricks To Exercise Your Brain
By Mark Stibich, Ph.D.
something to think
about. The next day,
choose something else
to observe.
6. Go a Different Way
Drive or walk a different
way to wherever you
go. This little change
in routine helps the
brain practice spacial
memory and directions.
Try different side streets,
go through stores in
a different order -anything to change your
route.
Your brain’s fitness
depends on how much it
is used. Every time you do
something new or different,
you create new neural
pathways. These simple
tricks will help give your
brain a workout.
1. Use Your Opposite
Hand
Spend the day doing
things with your nondominant hand. If you
are left-handed, open
doors with your right
hand. If you are righthanded, try using your
keys with your left. This
simple task will cause
your brain to lay down
some new pathways
and rethink daily tasks.
Wear your watch on the
opposite hand to remind
you to switch.
2. Only Use Lists as
Backup
Lists are great, but we
can become too reliant
on them. Make your
grocery list, but then try
to shop without it. Use
the list once you have
put every item you can
think of in your cart. Do
the same with your “to
do” lists.
14
3. Learn Phone Numbers
Our modern phones
remember every number
that calls them. No
one memorizes phone
numbers anymore, but it
is a great memory skills.
Learn a new phone
number every day.
4. Prepare One Story
Every Day
Each morning think
up one story that you
will have ready to tell
people. The story can be
about something recent
or from your past. Try
to figure out the most
entertaining way to tell
the story. If someone
calls or stops by, you
will have something to
talk with them about.
It will make you more
interesting while
exercising your memory.
5. Observation Games
Each day pick a specific
thing to observe. You
may decide to pay
attention to what people
are wearing one day.
Everywhere you go,
and on TV, note how
people dress and think
about why certain
people dress the way
they do. Give your brain
7. Break the Routine
Do thing in a different
order. Eat breakfast for
dinner. Do your errands
first thing in the morning.
Drink coffee in the
afternoon. Do your daily
tasks in a new order.
Notice how the change
feels and what is good
or bad about the new
order.
8. Solve a Problem
Pretend you are starting
a business and think
about how you would
solve a problem.
What would you sell
and to whom would
you sell it? Who are
your competitors and
how would you beat
them? Give your brain
something to chew on.
The next day, pretend
your are starting an
organization to fight
hunger -- what new
ideas can you come
up with? Have fun with
problem solving to make
new connections in the
brain.
9. Make Lists
Lists are wonderful.
Making lists helps us to
associate items with one
another. Make a list of
all the places you have
travelled. Make a list
of the most disgusting
foods you have eaten.
Make a list of the best
presents you have been
given. Make one list
every day to jog your
memory and make new
connections.
10. Read a Book
Pick a book on an
entirely new subject.
Read a novel set in
India. Learn about
economics. There
are many excellent
popular non-fiction
books that do a great
job entertaining you
while teaching about
a subject. Become an
expert in something
new each week.
Continued from page 13
Stress robs us of
the simple things that
life has to offer. Work
stress has significant
health consequences
that range from colds
and flu – to more serious,
heart disease and
metabolic syndrome (www.
americanheart.org).
The most simple stress
reliever I have found in
my life is a simple smile.
It will relieve your stress
and definitely that of
your coworkers. One
recommendation…when
listening to that favorite
music on the way home,
try singing a little too!
Puckett Today
Safety First
By: Martin Butler, Safety & Environmental Manager
We are in the process of reevaluating the entire Puckett
Machinery Company safety program. We will be trying to
incorporate new and improved ways for the presentation
of the safety meetings to make them more interesting, and
also to make them less repetitive. I would like to thank
all the employees that have made comments to me both
negative, and positive about the current program. Without
your input, we can not make the needed changes. I would
like to encourage anyone with comments about how this
program affects you both negative and positive to contact
me at any time at the Jackson office. All comments are
greatly appreciated, so we can continue to improve your
safety program.
Team Rand took the checkered flag in the latest
season of the Race for Safety. I would like to personally
congratulate them for their hard fought victory. Thanks
to all the teams for their serious participation in the latest
season, and for taking the safety program seriously. We
look forward to the next season, and having the points
even tighter as we all work toward the goal of 0 accidents.
The Hattiesburg teams are already looking toward
performance enhancing goals by slimming up the
workforce with their biggest looser campaign. The first
round of their program has gone so well, that they rolled
immediately into the second round to keep the competition
going. Congratulations to all the participants, and we hope
that you all continue to meet your goals.
Happy Birthday!
SEPTEMBER
Andrew Taylor
Randy Harrison
Michael Wheeler
Brooke Burkette
Todd McNeil
Ryan McGraw
Darrell Taylor
Joe Lawrence
Ben Puckett, Jr.
Clay Speights
David Terrell
Glenn Conway
Joshua Woodall
Derrell Fletcher
Gary Sanford
Martin Butler
Patrick Magee
Lawrence Bates
Anthony Miner
Mike Coleman
Joshua Marchand
Lee Brooks
Jay Barrett
Harry Mauldin
Justin Williams
Ryan Bruce
Bill Holland
Greg Biagi
William Wilkie
Jimmy Gray
Lamar Puryear
Kenny Slater
Odell Stephens
Grant Beaube
Glenn Roberts
Carolyn Schuchs
James Fennell
Heath Sharp
Johnny Williams
GPT
PRJ
PRJ
JXN
JXN
PRJ
JXN
BKN
JXN
PRH
JXN
PRB
MDN
JXN
MDN
JXN
HBG
GPT
PRJ
JXN
PRB
JXN
PRJ
HBG
MDN
HBG
GPT
BKN
GPT
JXN
JXN
GPT
PRJ
JXN
GPT
NTZ
HBG
MDN
JXN
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
7
7
8
8
9
9
10
10
12
12
13
14
15
16
18
20
22
23
24
24
25
25
27
27
27
27
28
28
28
29
29
29
OCTOBER
Daniel Burrow
Tommy Delk
Benny Jones
Chad Windham
Robert Cole
Matt Simpson
Prentiss Bates
Kendall Husley
Jason Martin
Chris Wilkinson
Glen Driskell
Richard Stuart
James Byrd
Richard Puckett
David Watts
Rick Alley
Barry Dubuisson
Todd Driver
Tommy Kendall
Cynthia Purvis
Glen Nelson, Jr.
Richard Davis
Jody Jones
Gary Lyons
Gabriel Steiner
Stan Robinson
Ronnie Henderson
Kevin Cochran
Clay Guess
Jim Webb
Thomas Wallace
Brian Howard
Delores Keen
Kenny Miller
Fred Morris
Katherine Stokes
Grady Cospy
Ronnie Kirkland
David Powell
JXN
HBG
MDN
JXN
HBG
HBG
JXN
GPT
JXN
JXN
JXN
HBG
HBG
JXN
HBG
GPT
JXN
PRJ
PRJ
JXN
PRB
GPT
JXN
PRH
GPT
JXN
PRB
PRH
PRJ
GPT
PRH
JXN
JXN
HBG
GPT
PRH
JXN
JXN
JXN
2
2
2
2
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
7
9
12
12
13
13
14
14
14
15
16
16
16
17
18
19
20
20
20
21
22
23
24
24
25
26
28
29
Windy Harvey
Bobby Allen
Jerry Sledge
GPT
GPT
PRJ
30
31
31
NOVEMBER
Fred McNair
Roxanne Temple
Luther Watson
Carl Warrick
Billy Clark
Hope Dodson
George McMillon
Brad Smith
Brandon Freeman
Craig Cummings
James Hamilton
Sam Reid
Steve Weatherford
Samuel Williams
Bob Bowman
Roanld K. Farmer
Carl White
Danny Bales
Seth Hester
Michael Jennings
Cassie Vincent
John Simmons
Daniel Chester
Ronald A. Farmer
Wendy Justice
Harry Kimmel
Michael Ledkins
Mark Lambert
Scott Glover
Jeffrey Campbell
Rob McCollum
Jerry Addison
Jim Cauthen
JXN
HBG
PRB
GPT
GPT
PRJ
PRJ
JXN
HBG
HBG
HBG
GPT
JXN
JXN
JXN
JXN
PRJ
JXN
GPT
PRH
JXN
PRH
PRM
GPT
JXN
GPT
PRB
JXN
JXN
PRB
HBG
JXN
JXN
1
3
3
5
6
8
9
9
10
12
12
12
12
12
13
13
13
15
16
17
17
18
21
21
21
21
22
23
25
27
28
29
30
DECEMBER
Peggy Pugh
MDN
1
Kenneth Wells
Arron Chunn
Chuck Mohler
Butch Roy
Jesse Shaffer
Adam Cox
Nate Friday
Steven Warren
Bill Morgan
Justin Ward
Vic Windham
Edward Perry
Artis Corley
Thomas McInnis
Steven Brumfield
Bob Beasley
Brian Edwards
Carroll Atwood
Donnie Hampton
Justin Waltman
Mitch Harris
Sid Burke
Gary Gilmore
Ben Puckett
Victoria Booth
Bruce Beckman
Phillip Griffin
Red McMinn
John Rand
Josh Monk
David McMaster
Eugene Davis
Wayland Brewer
John Vaughan
Dana James
Steven Wells
JXN
MDN
BKN
NTZ
MDN
PRJ
JXN
PRJ
JXN
MDN
JXN
GPT
HBG
PRJ
BKN
JXN
PRJ
HBG
JXN
JXN
JXN
JXN
MDN
JXN
HBG
MDN
JXN
MDN
NTZ
JXN
GPT
NTZ
PRM
JXN
HBG
JXN
1
3
3
4
4
6
6
7
8
9
9
10
11
11
12
13
13
14
14
14
15
16
16
16
17
18
19
19
19
21
22
25
26
29
31
31
15
Puckett Today
Anniversaries
July
Benny Jones
Dale Williamson
Vic Windham
Steve Weatherford
Gary Gilmore
Buck O'Neal
Richard Allbritton
Hugh Crosby
Bill Allen
Robert Raborn
Bill Morgan
Lujeanne Burney
Sonny Day
Shannon Yates
Victoria Booth
Fred McNair
Jay Ford
Darrell Taylor
Jeff Young
Matt Simpson
Ken Archie
Gary Lyons
Donnie Hampton
Johnathan Yowell
Johnny William
Brandi Gilbert
Todd Steele
Archie Marks
Jim Cauthen
Jessie Ginn
Josh Smith
Lemuel Lewis
Samuel Williams
Michele Bunch
Kelly Cospelich
MDN
JXN
JXN
JXN
MDN
GPT
JXN
JXN
JXN
GPT
JXN
JXN
JXN
PRH
HBG
JXN
PRB
JXN
JXN
HBG
JXN
PRH
JXN
PRJ
JXN
PRJ
PRH
PRB
JXN
PRJ
HBG
JXN
JXN
JXN
GPT
1970
1972
1973
1975
1978
1980
1980
1992
1992
1995
1995
1998
1998
2000
2000
2000
2000
2000
2001
2001
2002
2003
2003
2004
2006
2006
2006
2006
2006
2006
2006
2007
2007
2007
2007
JXN
JXN
HBG
GPT
HBG
PRB
PRB
GPT
MDN
MDN
PRB
BKN
NTZ
MDN
JXN
MDN
PRJ
PRJ
MDN
PRH
JXN
JXN
GPT
JXN
JXN
PRJ
HBG
JXN
HBG
PRJ
JXN
1969
1978
1980
1987
1997
1998
1998
1998
1999
2000
2000
2001
2001
2001
2002
2002
2004
2004
2004
2004
2004
2004
2005
2005
2005
2005
2005
2006
2006
2006
2007
August
George Whitfield
Alan Adcock
James Fennell
Joey Skrmetti
Charles Jones
Brent Sanders
Brian Wheat
Joe King
Bruce Beckman
Arron Chunn
Michael Ledkins
Chuck Mohler
Carter Austin
Red McMinn
Demetra Yancy
Justin Williams
Thomas McInnis
Michael Wheeler
Candice Brown
Ray Dearmon
Danny Bales
Mike Coleman
Micky Midence
Adam Johnson
Anthony Grant
Donald Price
Jason Chain
Glen Jones, Jr.
Artis Corley
Adam Cox
Jason Martin
16
Matt Oliver
Kendall Husley
Derek Taylor
Willie Kirksey
PRB
GPT
HBG
GPT
2007
2007
2007
2007
Joseph Martin
Mark Aycock
PRJ
JXN
2007
2007
JXN
GPT
JXN
HBG
HBG
JXN
JXN
PRB
HBG
GPT
PRJ
PRJ
PRJ
GPT
JXN
JXN
HBG
PRH
JXN
BKN
MDN
HBG
GPT
JXN
MDN
PRH
1979
1990
1991
1991
2000
2001
2001
2001
2004
2005
2005
2005
2005
2005
2005
2005
2006
2006
2007
2007
2007
2007
2007
2007
2007
2007
JXN
JXN
PRJ
JXN
PRH
JXN
BKN
GPT
NTZ
GPT
PRB
PRB
GPT
GPT
JXN
GPT
GPT
1975
1989
1997
1998
1999
1999
2001
2005
2005
2005
2005
2006
2007
2007
2007
2007
2007
November
September
Lamar Puryear
Bobby Allen
Jan Broadus
Raymond Kulhavey
Hattie Harris
Chad Windham
Ronnie Kirkland
Sherry Patterson
Todd Puckett
Skip Bishop
John Bays
Edward Bagwell
Ron A. Farmer
Brandon Yarbrough
Cassie Vincent
David Armstrong
Chris Mitchell
Neil Ware
Glenn Conway, Jr.
Regina Cook
Fred Morris
Ben Puckett, Jr.
Michael Lewis
Edward Perry
JXN
GPT
GPT
JXN
JXN
JXN
JXN
JXN
JXN
JXN
JXN
MDN
GPT
MDN
JXN
JXN
GPT
JXN
PRB
GPT
GPT
JXN
JXN
GPT
1975
1976
1977
1990
1992
1995
1997
1998
1999
2000
2000
2003
2003
2003
2004
2004
2004
2004
2005
2005
2006
2006
2007
2007
GPT
MDN
JXN
JXN
JXN
PRH
JXNq
HBG
JXN
JXN
JXN
PRM
JXN
JXN
JXN
MDN
PRB
HBG
GPT
PRB
PRJ
PRM
JXN
JXN
JXN
PRJ
PRM
JXN
JXN
PRH
MDN
JXN
MDN
GPT
JXN
GPT
1971
1972
1989
1997
1997
1998
1999
2000
2000
2000
2001
2002
2002
2003
2004
2005
2005
2005
2005
2005
2005
2005
2005
2005
2006
2006
2006
2006
2006
2006
2007
2007
2007
2007
2007
2007
October
Lysle Roberts
Walter Baylor
Walter Stitt
Mark Lambert
Phillip Griffin
Charles Luckett
Glen Driskell
Steve Davis
Jennifer Parker
Eddie Stokes
Delores Keen
Brent Phillips
Matt Holleman
Mitch Harris
Allen Sanders
Justin Ward
Adam Nelson
William Mauldin
Windy Harvey
Chad Carroll
Eddie Dear
Daniel Chester
Josh Monk
Daniel Stewart
Chance Huss
Ryan McGraw
Brian Easley
Keith Wysong
Josh Raggio
Don Shimfessel
Howard Johnson
David Powell
Kevin Rosewall
Carl Warrick
Grady Cospy
Wesley Allen
Bill Farlow
Bill Holland
Henry Gaddis
Vic Haddox
Carroll Atwood
Brad Wells
Robbie Landry
Wade Kennedy
Rob McCollum
J.J. Ward
Debbie Shows
Derrick Heard
Bennett Myers
Eugene Evans
Doug Wedgeworth
Don Lunceford
Patrick Magee
Brandon Tisdale
Lindsey Case
Trent Priest
Joshua Hopkins
Roxanne Temple
James Ray
Tommy Wilmoth
Jesse Shaffer
Michael Sullivan
December
Denny Zimmerman
Jennifer Keys
Lynn Spencer
Lynn Lawrence
Michael Jennings
Hastings Puckett
Joseph Lawrence
Jason Gibson
Byron Tims
Jeremy Braden
Dave Gowen
Scott Byrd
Mitch Sevell
Dale Martin
Bill Glassen
Michael Brown
Jerrod Ladner