COLLEGE PARK, Ga.—One of the many reasons why we list U-Haul as a great company to work for are the benefits we get as team members. Even 30 years ago, before such ideas as the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) were thought of, and when current marketing company storage manager (MCSM) Vicki Pittman of UHC of Western Georgia first applied to U-Haul, it was regarded as a company that truly cared for its team members.
“I was 27 and a single mother when I started my career with U-Haul in 1985,” Pittman recalled. “I needed a full-time job with benefits to support and care for my children. U-Haul fit my needs perfectly, and I seem to fit U-Haul perfectly, too.”
Growing with U-Haul
During the 90’s, Pittman took her job as a reservation manager (RM) very seriously.
Pittman started out as a telemarketer for U-Haul Moving and Storage at Covington Highway at a time when U-Haul was offering a myriad of rental items and other services. Pittman, under the direction of then-General Manager (GM) Jerry Neal, quickly learned about all of the items U-Haul rented.
“It was quite the learning experience,” Pittman insisted. “We rented things from VHS players and movies to all things lawn and garden related, as well as concrete machines and bucket trucks. We also sold Christmas trees. Jerry was the best ever at selling those, and he was a great Santa, too.”
Pittman continued to work exclusively in sales until 1989 when she struck a new path and became a traffic controller. For much of the ’90s she was a reservation manager (RM) for UHC of Central Georgia, and also worked as a MCSM, GM, customer service representative (CSR) and field relief manager (FRM) before settling into her current position as MCSM.
Incredible experiences
Pittman (left) hard at work at UHC of Central Georgia.
Pittman has had her fair share of incredible experiences while working at U-Haul. One such time was when she met U-Haul co-founder L.S. “Sam” Shoen. This meeting helped her know she found the right job because she saw how much he truly cared for the Company and the people who worked for it.
Pittman even got to see the magic of Hollywood up close because of U-Haul.
“One experience I will always remember is the thrill of watching ‘RoboCop 3’ being filmed right outside my office window and being able to bring in my sons to watch,” Pittman related. “The look of amazement and joy in their eyes is something I will always hold dear in my heart.”
Family tradition
Pittman with her son, Danny, who is an area field manager (AFM) for UHC of Atlanta North.
Maybe it was that experience or something else about U-Haul that inspired Danny Pittman, Vicki’s youngest son, to join the Company. Danny currently works as an area field manager (AFM) for UHC of Atlanta North.
“I am proud to say that my youngest son works for U-Haul,” Pittman proclaimed. “I believe he loves his job just as much as I do.”
Looking back on her career, Pittman credits learning the tools and qualities of being an effective manager to her first teacher: Neal.
“He was an excellent trainer. He provided me with everything I needed, and gave me the confidence to know that this is the job I love and enjoy coming to every day,”Pittman praised. “He was a positive influence who made me want to be the same way to others.”
Loving where you work was something at the front of Pittman’s mind before she started with U-Haul. Thirty years later, it’s clear she made the right choice.
Congratulate Vicki in the comments below! After all, 30 years is quite an achievement.
