News & Announcements

Russell Reid / Mr. John held their 1st ever Truck Rodeo and Family Picnic on Saturday, April 19, 2008.  The rodeo gave drivers an opportunity to showcase their driving skills and test their knowledge of regulations and procedures.  The event was held in conjunction with a family picnic, which gave family members and fellow employees alike a chance to see firsthand the talent and proficiency needed to perform the work of the company on a daily basis.

Over 20 drivers participated in the rodeo competition, which served to promote safe and efficient driving skills and knowledge of applicable Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations.  The competition consisted of a written test as well as an obstacle course which featured tight turning elements, diminishing clearance, serpentine routes along with reverse moves and precision parking exercises. Contestants were divided in to three classes and instructed to maneuver through the course in a certain order and within a certain time frame. Each participant was then judged on his skill level at executing each move with time added for mistakes.

During the competition, expert narration was provided which explained each move to attendees.  Contestants honked and waved as they drove by the finish line past the crowd of cheering guests and family members. 

In addition to the truck rodeo competition, there were a variety of activities and games which were enjoyed by all.  Kids bounced around an inflated ‘bounce house’, played with a variety of toys and games as well as participated in contests and activities organized by the DJ; MR Productions.  Adults were also invited to participate in some of these activities which included a water balloon race and tug of war.  Those adults who weren’t able to participate in the truck rodeo were able to test their skill at the toilet races, maneuvering their motorized toilet around an inflated race track to the finish line! 

Following a delicious catered lunch from Twin Oaks Catering, everyone gathered around for the awards ceremony and prize drawings.  Winning drivers in the Tractor Trailer class were 1st place – Kevin Groff, 2nd place – Kyle Bracken and 3rd place – RJ Wyble.  Winning drivers in the Service Truck class were 1st place – Dave Santiago, 2nd place – Bud Long and 3rd place – Joey Osolinski.  Winning drivers in the 5K Vac Truck class were 1st place – Bill Schwertfeger, 2nd place – Danny Cals and 3rd place – Pete Sposato.

Attendees were thrilled and excited to hear about each excellent door prize which was announced along with the name of the vendor who provided it.  We are very grateful to the generosity of the 22 companies who donated prizes; Achievement Products; Airgas Safety; Black Tie Services; Central Jersey Supply; Champion Uniform; Charter Partners; Checkmate Resources; Coleman Vacuum Tank; Del Vel, Durawear; DWS Scudder; Grainger; Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis LLP; Hose Shop; Innovative Management; Lawson; PC Scale; Peirce Equipment; Satellite Industries; Taylor Oil; Troil; Vacuum Sales; and Zep.  Thank you all!