Axing The Competition – Bend Celebrates 2021 HVP Win

“Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.”

– Vince Lombardi

In 2021, a year removed from the “covid lock-downs” the Bend terminal was in a prime position to make a run for its first HVP Award. With the new metrics in place, the team was favored early on the year to be a contender. Coming off a strong 2020, in which the team exceeded hits BPH & Labor %/rev goals at an 85% clip, the team was ready for the next step. When asked about the team’s performance early in the year, Inbound Lead Joe Warner said “its easy for us, we control the controllable.” The impact of the teams performance early on in the year cannot be understated. Although Bend, Oregon is an area many Californian’s like for its beautiful summer weather, it’s also a winter paradise. Early into the year, as Marcus and Joe’s breath could be seen across the dock as they loaded trailers, the team stepped up. In the first three months of the year, Bend jumped out to a commanding 20 point lead. With the pavement only getting dryer, a better start couldn’t have been imagined.

As the weather started to change, the teams mindset did not. In the early spring of 2021, they looked to build on their strong start to the year, and they did. By the end of July, the team had a strong lead with only a few teams within striking distance. Knowing that winter was coming, the team buckled down and continued to run never before seen productivity numbers for the terminal. When asked about the squads lead coming into fall, Outbound Leader Jason Streeter said, “all gas, no stinking brake.”

With only 3 months left in the year, the Bend terminal faced adversity head on. An early winter wasn’t going to stop this train. The team pushed forward into the frigid months with no plans on wavering. In the last quarter, the team extended their lead by winning the October and November months. By the time December was coming to an end, their first HVP victory was all but won.

The team celebrated its hard fought win by throwing axes together at Unofficial Logging co! A great time was had by all. As it goes, a 4 round tournament was made and if you ever need an Axe Throwing partner, find Joe Cook.

Thank you to the Bend team for their countless hours of dedication and hard work. The team has always stepped up regardless of the challenge!