July 2009 Contractors of the Month

This month, the O'Farrells participated in the annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree Super Trucks Beauty Contest.

This month, Mercer team, Tom and Debbie Berkel, nominated Curtis and Donna O'Farrell to be Contractors of the Month. They are being recognized for their generous hospitality and eagerness to help others.

When the O'Farrells leased on to Mercer a few years ago, it didn't take long for them to accept fellow contractors as family. The Berkels remember meeting them for the first time in the Louisville office's drivers lounge. Debbie recounts, "They were going through orientation, and we saw them and said 'Hello', but we didn't talk much. I remember that it was so hot that day and we went outside to tarp and tie down our load. The O'Farrells came out and offered to help, and at the time, they didn't even know us. They treated us like old friends."

From this initial meeting in the drivers lounge sprung a great friendship. The O'Farrells continued to lend a helping hand, and it has been much appreciated. Debbie says, "Another time, we broke down and they were in the area. They took us to get parts for our truck, and then we sat out in the parking lot and had a barbecue. It was a great time!" She continues, "Then came Thanksgiving, and we were hauling out in Texas, where the O'Farrells are from. They knew we were in town and invited us and a couple of other drivers to Thanksgiving dinner with their family. I didn't want to impose but they insisted. It was the best Texas-style Thanksgiving you could ask for - just fabulous."

Donna and Curtis have been described as very friendly people who go out of their way to help others. Debbie explains, "Donna is just like a Mom to everyone. She is so smart, and if there is something Mercer related that we are wondering about, she finds out the facts and calls us to keep us in the loop. She could be having the worst day, but she'll always be willing to put herself first. And Curtis will be the first person to ask if he can help, even on the hottest days."

Would you like to nominate someone as Contractor of the Month? Contact Johanna at 502-333-6381 or email jinman@mercer-trans.com