A+ accounts are the norm for this quarter’s Vending Route Driver of the Year winner. Joe Connolly, a driver for Sirness Vending Services out of Rochester, N.Y., carries a large route and still stands out. His managers praise his focus on account retention, customer satisfaction and increasing revenue.
The first in every way
Larry Bach, route manager at Sirness Vending Service, nominated Connolly and considers him one of the best that has ever worked for him. “I have had over one hundred drivers work for me,” said Bach. “Joe is always the first one to work each morning. He always finds a way to make decisions that are the best for the customer and our company. He has perfect attendance.”
Connolly is able to maintain this high level of quality despite stocking an average of 3,600 units per day. He designs all his machine planograms and does his own ordering. He also works well with the other drivers. “He is always willing to help with everything that comes up. He is an amazing team player,” said Bach.
His customers are always satisfied
In fact, Connolly is so successful, Bach gives him Sirness Vending Service’s most elite accounts because he knows Connolly will go the extra mile to take care of them. He always keeps his equipment clean, filled and working to an A+ standard. “We can take potential clients to any of his customers without telling him,” added Bach. “We are very fortunate to have Joe Connolly as one of our route drivers.”
Connolly will be awarded a check for $250 for winning the quarterly RDY contest sponsored by Mondelez International and Automatic Merchandiser. He will also get a chance to win the final Route Driver of the Year award presented at the NAMA OneShow in April 2014. Nearly a hundred drivers have been nominated for this award and were given a numerical score based on years as a driver, miles traveled, accidents and citations, thoroughness, customer compliments, truck condition and sales.
“Sirness is proud of the work of all of our route drivers, and we truly appreciate the work the team does on a daily basis,” added Bach. “We are so happy for Joe [as the third quarter route driver winner].”
Outside of work, Connolly values family above all else. He spends his free time with wife, Cassie, and their new 10 month old son. He’s been in the vending industry for only 6 years, but already exemplifies what the industry would define as the perfect route driver.
