Things have certainly changed since Dennis Bradley began his career hauling fuel 30 years ago. The trucks have air conditioning now. They can carry more fuel without returning to the plants as often to refill, and the safety standards are better. Indeed, as Bradley prepares to make his final deliveries and retire on Sept. 3, he’s appreciative of how much improvement he’s seen in his time with the cooperative.
“The equipment has changed dramatically throughout the years. It’s like night and day,” Bradley says. “The company has invested in better trucks, and it’s so much nicer now.”
Access to supplies and parts is another area where Bradley has seen marked improvement.
“You used to have to beg and borrow from other plants sometimes to get the right parts or a tank,” he recalls. “Now, we can get what we need much easier.”
Bradley served as a refined fuel driver for 21 years before switching to delivering propane for the last nine years. He joined the company after MFA Oil acquired Davis Oil Company in Memphis, Mo. in 1991. All along, he’s diligently served Scotland County and the surrounding area. During that time, he has worked with a wide assortment of plant and district managers.
His current plant manager, Tim Findling, says Bradley is “one of the most dependable and knowledgeable people” he’s had the pleasure of working alongside.
While Findling is sad to lose such an asset, Bradley, 68, is ready for retirement.
“This is a young man’s game,” Bradley says while remembering the challenges of the previous winter. “This is the right time for me to go.”
“Of course, I’ll miss my coworkers and customers,” Bradley says. “The way everyone pitches in to help each other is an amazing thing. When we are all working together, things go so much better. I’ve been lucky to have worked with many great people and under several good managers. I want to thank the company for standing by me for so many years. It’s been a great ride.”
Congratulations to Dennis for his 30 years of dedicated service. We wish him the best as he embarks on new adventures in his retirement.
