From September 10 – 16, Van Operator Appreciation Week was celebrated nationwide for the men and women who truly keep us all moving. For Hilldrup, it’s a celebration that we look forward to every year for these hard-working professionals who make our customers’ moves – whether local or long-distance – truly possible.

Hilldrup was excited to host cookouts and provide giveaways plus breakfast treats and more as a way to share our thanks. Here’s a look at what just a few of our branches did to show their appreciation!

Stafford, VA – Our headquarters hosted a cookout courtesy of our Operations team to thank our Van Operators. We fired up the grill for hotdogs, burgers and chicken for our teams to enjoy after they returned from a busy day serving our customers. From shooting hoops on our lot and passing out gift cards, to enjoying a custom cake to congratulate them on all of their success, we had a great time catching up with our team and showing how much we appreciate them!

Richmond, VA – At our central VA branch, a big cookout of hotdogs and hamburgers was held mid-week for our Van Operators to enjoy. In addition to a delicious Chick-fil-A breakfast to round off the week, gift cards were presented to each Van Operator in thanks of all they do for us and our customers!

Raleigh, NC – Our Raleigh team enjoyed a spread of cookout food to enjoy – from burgers and hotdogs to all the delicious toppings! – together. Chips, cookies and sodas were up for grabs to enjoy as our professionals came in and out of the office during their busy week. The office was decorated in Hilldrup colors and a balloon banner of Raleigh’s United number of 754 was displayed to show appreciation for this dedicated team who is a major part of our enterprise’s success!

Charlotte, NC – Charlotte’s Van Operators were treated to breakfast treats to energize them for the work week. Coffee and orange juice were provided alongside a spread of bagels, fruit, muffins, croissants and granola bars. To-go plates and cups were served so that Van Operators could either sit to enjoy their treats or take them on the go!

Greenville, SC – Greenville’s Van Operators were treated to a catered lunch of pulled chicken, pulled pork, mac and cheese, plus plenty of additional sides and sauces to enjoy! In addition, chips, muffins and cookies were available for Van Operators to grab and enjoy throughout the week. An assortment of warm Bojangles sandwiches for breakfast were shared too. Brett Singer also provided gift cards to Van Operators as a token of our appreciation.

Atlanta, GA – In Atlanta, our professionals were gifted a Hilldrup-branded lunch bag to keep their drinks and snacks protected and temperature-controlled while they’re serving customers during peak season and beyond. The Operations team grilled up burgers, chicken and more for a delicious barbeque for all to enjoy outdoors. Inside the office, a spread of toppings, sides and condiments were available to customize their meals. Thank you to Ed Haeussler, Vice President and General Manager as well as Brandi Hatch, Office Manager, for ensuring all of our professionals felt appreciated and for taking a photo with many  of these busy professionals!

Orlando, FL – Our Orlando team held a BBQ and a pizza lunch during the week. The team grilled burgers and hot dogs to keep everyone fed and energized for a busy week of move projects. Each of Orlando’s Van Operators also received a soft-side cooler to keep their waters and beverages cool during these hotter months.

Finally, our President & CEO, Charles W. McDaniel sent a personalized note of thanks to each Hilldrup Van Operator for their commitment to our customers, quality and safety both on and off the road.

We hope our award-winning professionals had a great week and know just how much we appreciate and admire their hard work and sacrifice!

In case you missed it, hear how Team Hilldrup said, “Thank you!” to our Van Operators in our own words by watching our employee-submitted videos posted on Hilldrup’s Facebook and Instagram profiles!

Jordan McDaniel Author