One of Southeastern Equipment’s longest-serving associates will retire on June 19. Jerald (Herbie) Denius has worked as a Southeastern truck driver for 48 years, hauling and delivering heavy equipment orders to the company’s branch locations across Ohio.
A U.S. Army veteran, Herbie joined Southeastern in 1972 as an equipment steamer at the Cambridge Branch. Later he moved to driver and has called it home ever since.
“To give you an idea of how long it’s been, I started out at $1.95 an hour,” he recalled. “Of course, gas was only 35 cents a gallon back then.”
Herbie said being part of Southeastern’s incredible growth over the past five decades has given him a lot of respect and admiration for company founder Bill Baker and the leadership team. “I thank Mr. Baker and the team for what they accomplished over the 48 years I’ve been here. We never missed one paycheck. That’s not something a lot of other companies can say today.”
Throughout his career, Herbie’s commitment, can-do attitude, and fun-loving sense of humor have served Southeastern – and their customers — very well.
“Herbie is and always has been one of the hardest workers and most dedicated people I’ve had the privilege to work with,” said Heath Watton, Vice President of Sales. Herbie’s supervisor, Cambridge Operations Manager John Mihalik, agrees. “Herbie’s a great associate with a great work ethic. But more than that, a great person who will be very missed.”
June also marks Herbie’s 50th anniversary to his wife, Janice. They have a son (Shawn), a daughter (Melissa), three grandchildren, and a great grandson he looks forward to spending more time with.
“This month I turn 72, celebrate my 50th wedding anniversary, and retire from my job. I’m not sure I can handle all the excitement,” he laughed. “I’m going to miss the people most of all. But at 72, you start thinking it’s time to just enjoy life.”