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Doug has worked at Evans Distribution Systems for 32 years. He was hired back in February 1989 by John W. Evans. He has worked on multiple accounts and in multiple facilities. Doug started as an Account Manager overseeing the Seagram account and eventually became an Operations Manager overseeing multiple accounts. As he heads into his 2nd retirement, we wish him nothing but the best!
What made you pick Evans and continue to work at Evans for 32 years?
Before Evans, I was working at Mohawk Liqueur handling shipments to Evans. I got to know John W. and Johnny over the years and eventually had the opportunity to interview with them. The familiar personnel is what made me pick Evans. What made me stay for 32 years was the staff hired after me especially Leslie Ajlouny, Renee Baker, Pat Bledsoe, Peggy Cronenwett, Nancy Gallmeyer, Rory Young, and all the other CSRs I’ve had the privilege to work with.
What’s your fondest memory working at Evans and not so fondest?
The fondest memory is playing an integral part of a family owned company and helping to develop the core principles of Evans. It’s been a privilege to work with various customers over the years especially Total Foods and Chrysler.
The not so fondest memory is handling the metal in Ypsilanti. With temperatures below freezing and snow/ice conditions, we had to unload and load metal ingots outside. There was about 8-10 loads a day. “Fondest” is not the word that comes to mind when looking back on this account, but we persevered and got the job done.
What advice do you have for future operation managers and the younger generation entering this industry?
The best advice I can give is to work with integrity and problem solve for the betterment of the customer.
Words from Rich Huziak, Sr. Operations Manager:
Throughout your career, you are lucky to have a chance to work with an individual that truly impacts your life. For anyone that has worked with Doug Eastwood, you know that feeling. Doug has been a leader, mentor, friend, father figure and parole officer when needed; always having the customers and his team members best interest in mind.
His dedication and work ethic are unmatched by many. Trying to beat him to work in the morning is nearly impossible but can be done if you want to start your day at 3am. I have had the honor of working with Dough for 14 years and he has taught me a lot. The one thing I admire the most is his determination. He would start his day at 4am, meet all customers’ requests, and ensure his team went home at a reasonable time even if that meant he had to finish the job himself. I can only hope that my determination is half as strong as his and the black coffee he’d be holding in his hand when you walked through the door.
It is with pleasure and some pain I get to wish my role model good luck and goodbye as he retires for the second time. Leaving a long-lasting legacy of what it truly means to be W.I.S.E.