Debbie Tulloch Retires from Hilldrup with 25 Years of Service
Congratulations and best wishes to Debbie for her 25 years of service to our customers and organization!
What do our Claims, Accounting, Fleet Maintenance Shop and Operations all have in common? At one point or another, Debbie Tulloch was a part of each Hilldrup department. With 25 years of service to Hilldrup, Debbie – who has supported countless Van Operators and moves across her career – is moving into retirement at the end of October 2025.
As our Van Operator Qualification Coordinator, Debbie is responsible for ensuring that not only does Hilldrup hire the best drivers in the industry but that we retain them as well. The job requires early mornings, late evenings and plenty of accountability for making sure that everything is in order. And thankfully, Debbie is a shining example of this value. Earlier this year, Debbie was honored as a Value of the Year Winner for Empowered Accountability – earning her company-wide recognition and a check for $5,000.
Recently, Debbie took time to chat with us about the moving industry, working at Hilldrup for 25 years and her plans for what’s next.
Hilldrup: When did you begin working at Hilldrup and what was the company like at that time?
Debbie Tulloch: I started in March 2000 – it was a much smaller company back then. Both as far as employees and the building itself. It was just one floor at that time. I was working in Claims, and then Billing, when construction of the second floor was taking place. I worked many jobs over the years – Claims, Billing, Accounting, Operations, the Maintenance Shop, then back to Operations.
What does a typical day look like in your role?
Operations never has a typical day! You come in and work on one thing and then midstream need to pivot to other things which is the nature of the business and job. I usually arrive around 7am and in Operations, it can be later in the evening that Van Operators are back, and things are wrapped all to do it again tomorrow.
I support everybody and anybody that drives a truck for Hilldrup – employees, contractors, local, long-distance and even drivers at each of our branches. I go over what classes [relating to safety, those required by the Department of Transportation, etc.] they need, if any, their application, medical info, background checks, their PSP [Pre-Employment Screening Program] and MVR [Motor Vehicle Record], etc.
Van Operators will email, stop in or call for support or updates – but every day is different.
And our Drivers’ Lounge here in Stafford – you worked on that as well?
Yes, that was a big project and one that all the Van Operators who visit really appreciate. They can rest, do laundry – just hang out. Not every agency is that welcoming or accommodating to Van Operators. I keep things stocked, clean and organized – making sure everything they may need is there.
What will you miss most about Hilldrup?
The people, but especially the drivers with the last 3 or 4 years being back in Operations. They know you’re there to help them and so that adds to the family aspect of working at Hilldrup. They’re not just coworkers – they’re my friends too.
Did you have a mentor or someone at Hilldrup that you really looked up to or had an impact on your career? If so, could you share a little bit about them and their influence?
There were two strong influences during my career. Randy Rantz – he worked closely with me and taught me a lot about Operations. And Caesar Lovett – who worked with me and together we made a great team. He taught me everything it takes for Van Operators to be successful. The moving industry is the moving industry, but we’ve built a great team here [in Operations] thanks to both of those men.
What are your plans for retirement?
My plan is to enjoy life! I don’t know what I’ll be up to next…. It’s been go, go, go – so I’m going to relax.
Your retirement and season of rest is more than deserved, Debbie! Thank you for your commitment and accountability to us all, and congratulations on your next chapter!
From our drivers to our senior leaders, Debbie’s commitment to each professional within our organization has made a lasting impact on individuals and our entire company branch-wide.
