July – Dean Pugh, Alsum Transport, Inc
Dean has been a dedicated member of the Alsum Transport team for 33 years, consistently demonstrating the highest standards of professionalism, safety, and teamwork. Over the course of his distinguished career, Dean has driven over two million miles without a single accident. He approaches each day with a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a deep sense of responsibility. Dean is the kind of driver who leads by example, always willing to go the extra mile to support his team and ensure that every job is done right. Dean Pugh is not only a model employee but also a valuable ambassador of Alsum Transport’s core values. His long-standing dedication and impeccable record make him more than deserving of this recognition.
August – Jeremy Gatzke, Marten Transport
Jeremy grew up in WI and started driving semi as a summer job while in college. He has been with Marten since 2020 and has proven time and again how he is the epitome of a safe, courteous, dependable, and inspirational leader in this industry. He was chosen as the Driver of the Year 2024 for the Dedicated Walmart account in Tomah, WI. In addition to truck driving, Jeremy shares his compassion and generosity with the world. He and his wife served as missionaries in a remote village in northern Thailand for five years. There they were responsible for church planting and relief work while teaching and coaching before they returned to the states to resume his career in trucking. He is very community minded and remains involved.
September – Duane Long, Brakebush Transportation
Duane started driving truck at 15yrs old. Duane said he was kicked out of the house at the age of 15 and Jerry Arneson gave him a job on the farm. Jerry taught Duane how to drive. Over the years while working for Jerry along with driving truck, Duane dispatched 50 trucks, handled accounts receivable, IFTA and worked as a mechanic in the garage performing oil changes and grease jobs. Duane has over 7 million accident free miles in the 50 years he has been driving. Over the course of his career, he has driven coast to coast. He has seen how trucking has changed over the years. One of Duane’s sayings for the ELD system when talking to new drivers is very simple. If it’s green it means go if it’s red it means no. Duane enjoys hunting, fishing and traveling when not behind the wheel. He has visited Alaska & climbed the Manitou incline in Colorado Springs.
