January's Contractors of the Month

       Clayton Pagels and Jon Swearingen have quite a lot in common- they are both owner operators leased to Mercer and they both live in the same small Texas town- they're neighbors, in fact! Their wives, Patsy Pagels and Lillie Swearingen, are close friends who look after each other when their husbands are out on the road. This camaraderie is priceless- and in the case of Patsy Pagels, lifesaving.
       Patsy had been battling an illness for two months, and despite several visits to her local doctors, she was continuously sent away with no answers. Recently, while Clayton was hauling freight on the west coast, Lillie found Patsy passed out inside her home.

       In an email, Clayton wrote:

"While I was in Fontana, CA, my wife became very ill and was just hours from death if it weren't for our friend Lillie calling 911. Lillie stayed by Patsy's side every step of the way and never gave up even after visiting three different hospitals in the same night. She kept me aware of everything until I got home. That friendship is priceless and we will forever be indebted to Lillie and John. Also, I would like to thank Shane Venoy for all of the phone calls and flowers. Thanks to Ed and Joann Dingman, Wayne Worley, the Berrymans, the Julians and all of our other Mercer friends. Special thanks to the Fontana office for all of their support. Mercer is truly the best company and only hires the best owner operators. Pat and I are proud to be a part of the Mercer family."  

       Like any good friends, Lillie and John Swearingen were eager to help and support the Pagels during this difficult time. Their support and consideration was a gesture of friendship, which stands alone from their allegiance to Mercer. Like recounted in past nominations for Contractor of the Month, the strong ties within Mercer's network facilitate friendship, teamwork and generous acts everyday within the company.
       The Pagels received countless cards and phone calls from everyone ranging from dear friends to vague acquaintances. Clayton says,"I've worked for big companies and little companies- they just didn't have the camaraderie that I like- As far as I'm concerned, this is the best trucking company out there."

Note: After 12 days in the hospital, Patsy is home and doing well.