News | News Archive | Fall 2001

Quality Salutes Bert L. Bennett Jr. Parting Thoughts Growing Again ... Dealer Corner Celebration Time at Our Hotels Pinnacle Award Hospitality Employee of the Year Digging for Gold 2001 Employee Service Awards

Fall 2001 News Core Ideology To do it because it is right To treat others as we would like to be treated To be financially responsible To be better today than yesterday

Quality Salutes Bert L. Bennett Jr.

Mr. Bert L. Bennett, Jr. not only played a vital role in the success of Quality Oil Company but also has been noted as one of the most influential individuals in the history of North Carolina politics ...

I remember the day years ago (and I will not divulge how many), that I walked through the sales department noticing cartons of eggs on almost every other desk (and it wasn’t even close to Easter). As I was pondering this great mystery, I practically ran into a tall, slender gentleman who politely inquired as to whether I had gotten any eggs. He explained that his daughter had chickens and that they “just lay too many eggs for us to use.”

He then introduced himself as Bert Bennett and apologized to me for not knowing my name. I explained that I was new to the company, which immediately led him to inquire about my family, where I grew up, and how I liked my new job. He said he sometimes brought peaches or apples to work and he would make sure I got some. I thanked him and left with my eggs and a wonderful impression of Mr. Bennett that I have never forgotten.

Bert Bennett will never know how that conversation calmed the nerves of a young and easily intimidated new employee and how impressed I was that he took time for a somewhat lengthy conversation with a payroll clerk. But for those of us who are fortunate enough to know him, this is not surprising. And for those of you who have not had the opportunity to meet him, there is no better time than the present.

Bert L. Bennett, Jr. was born in Winston-Salem on January 22, 1921. He was the middle child and only son of Bert L. Bennett, Sr., who, along with Joe H. Glenn, Jr. acquired Quality Oil Company in 1930. Bert Bennett, Jr. grew up alongside the young organization and worked many summers doing various jobs in the company from driveway salesman (similar to the modern day gas station attendant) to fuel oil driver.

Mr. Bennett attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he was a member of The Golden Fleece and Order of the Grail and was President of the Student Body. He graduated from college in 1943 at the height of WW II. He entered the United States Navy, where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant and was involved in the “D-Day” invasion of Normandy.

He began working full time with Quality Oil Company in 1947, as branch manager. It was apparent from the start that Mr. Bennett had inherited his father’s knack for dealing with people, negotiating contracts, and dealing with the politics of the oil business. He was named a general partner in 1951.

By 1958, all of the active partners had passed away, leaving Mr. Bennett and James K. Glenn, Sr. at the helm of the thriving organization. Their era, lasting over thirty years, saw the company become an industry leader. It was one of the first in the area to incorporate the “self-serve” idea. Through their leadership, Quality demonstrated a distinctive understanding of the customers’ needs and stepped out early to incorporate the convenience store and gas house concepts. Hotels were introduced as a way to diversify the petroleum organization and eventually proved to be a tremendous success. Mr. Bennett was instrumental in Quality’s development of properties throughout the Winston-Salem area. Mallard Lakes, and Town & Country residential developments as well as Parkway Plaza Shopping Center were a few of his successes.

In 1990, Mr. Bennett retired from Quality Oil Company after forty-three years of dedicated service. The vision and innovation that were demonstrated during his era left a legacy that continues even today.

J.F. Kennedy greets Bert Bennett

Bert Bennett, the father of eight children and seventeen grandchildren, not only played a vital role in the success of Quality Oil Company but also has been noted as one of the most influential individuals in the history of North Carolina state politics since World War II. As campaign manager, he was instrumental in Terry Sanford’s successful bid for North Carolina governor in 1960. Two years later, he was Chairman of the State Democratic Executive Committee. Mr. Bennett was the leading candidate for governor in 1964, but declined to run, deciding instead to work behind the scenes helping to groom future candidates for political office.

In more recent times, he has been credited with the success of Jim Hunt’s political career. Hunt has had the rare opportunity to serve as governor of North Carolina for four terms, which many have said would not have been possible without Bert Bennett’s guidance. Although Mr. Bennett has purposely cut back much of his political activity, he continues to be sought after by candidates for both state and local office who desire his political advice and blessing.

Aside from his political accomplishments, Bert Bennett has been active on several boards of directors. These boards have included First Union National Bank, Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce, Forsyth Memorial Hospital, and United Way. He is involved in numerous charities and non-profit organizations throughout the state.

While compiling research for this article I was amazed and impressed by Mr. Bennett’s achievements. He is admired and respected throughout the state.

Perhaps an even greater accomplishment is the fact that with all of his many responsibilities he still takes the time to share eggs with co-workers, to show employees attending a sales outing how to feed his geese, and to routinely ask about your day and your family. Oh yeah ... a few months after Mr. Bennett gave me the eggs, his secretary called me and said, “Mr. Bennett brought in some apples today. He said to make sure you got some.”

  — by Tracy Harmon

Parting Thoughts

Kirk Glenn

As I approach the twilight of my career, I think back over the years (more of them than I want to admit) and try to point out the main ingredient that makes Quality and Reliable distinct from our competitors. The answer, our core ideology, is our guiding beliefs inherited from and instilled in us by our predecessors. They were our unwritten way of life, but now in print are more enforceable than ever. More times than should happen, others have pointed to our core ideology and in a nice way reminded me that I was straying.

“To do it because it is right” and “To treat others as we would like to be treated” must be our way of life. I cannot overemphasize the importance of our treatment of our customers, fellow employees, and vendors. When in question, put yourself in others’ shoes and the answer suddenly becomes clearer and in most cases is what I call a “no brainer.” Remember the feelings of others at all times, even when you are having a bad day.

Now for a few parting thoughts - some good and some maybe not so good:

• Empowerment means to let someone do their job in their way - not yours. Always easier to say than do, especially for me.
• Simplify rather than complicate. Don’t try to impress everyone with how intelligent you are by using big words –or worse yet – too many words. Most of what we do is only complicated if we make it that way. Only brain surgery is brain surgery.
• If you don’t watch your dollars, you won’t watch the hundreds and one day you will wonder why you are out of money.
• Always ask the price. If you don’t, sooner or later you will pay too much.
• He or she who says “I” too much will destroy the team effort.
• If “Corporate America” does it, don’t do it. Avoid bureaucracy at all cost.

As most of you already know, I will be retiring at the end of the year, but I’m not going far, so I will be available to remind all of you “To treat others as you would like to be treated.”

Obviously, my next career will not be in “Corporate America” or as a writer.

  — by Kirk Glenn,

Growing Again ...

Woody Weavil (in truck) left to right: Christie Ledford, Tim Barnes, Dale Cornatzer, Grady Galliher, Rad Barnes, Kevin Benfield, William Carter

Welcome — Davie Oil Company!

We would like to welcome Davie Oil Company of Advance into the Quality family. They were purchased on June 29, 2001 by Quality Oil. Davie Oil supplies home heating oil and propane gas to customers in Advance, Mocksville, Yadkinville, Clemmons and Winston-Salem. Yes, I said propane gas! (Be on the look out for the addition of propane service in our Winston-Salem office.) In addition to Davie Oil, we welcome the stations they service: Farmington Exxon, Gunter’s Exxon, Bixby Grocery and L&S Grocery of Advance as well as Hollar’s Grocery of Yadkinville. A big THANKS to all of the Davie Oil staff for your help in making our transition period a success! We are glad to have you with us and look forward to an exciting and successful future!

  — by Danny Stroud & Sam Maphis

Dealer Corner

Bill Overby

“Good Luck, and Best Wishes ...”

Bill Overby, Dealer at Coliseum Shell for 35 years, has retired effective June 30, 2001. Bill and his brother Roy opened Coliseum Shell, a brand new facility for Quality Oil Company, on June 11, 1966.

Bill started his service station career working for his brothers-in-law, Roy and Junior Dawson, at the Northside Texaco during the early 60s as a mechanic and station attendant. He then followed his employers to Holiday Gulf on Reynolda Road with visions of one day operating his own station. His dream came true with the opening of Coliseum Shell at 3009 North Cherry Street in Winston-Salem.

Bill Overby 1966

Bill and brother Roy worked hard during the early years, opening seven days a week, 365 days a year for seven years before either took a day off from work. For decades their vacations were few and far between. Sharon, Bill’s daughter, came into the business in June 1976 as a cashier and part of the management team. Bill’s son Billy, came aboard as an attendant and mechanic during 1996. Roy left Coliseum Shell in 1992 to pursue other business ventures.

Bill is very proud of his wrecker service and lawn equipment service that started as diversifications of Coliseum Shell, Inc. Bill and his wife, Sandra, plan on spending a lot of time traveling and visiting the Las Vegas and Atlantic City casinos. They also want to spend time at their 150-acre farm in Frances Cove, N.C.

Bill, thanks for all of your hard work and loyalty for the last 35 years. Enjoy your retirement. You certainly earned every moment of it.

From all of us at Quality Oil Company and Reliable Tank Line, we wish you the very best. We are proud to have had you as a business partner.

  — by Danny Brown

Celebration Time at Our Hotels

left to right: John Sorrell, Asst. Manager, Betty Parsons, Guest Service Rep., Tricia Jackson, General Manager, Mickie Holland, Director of Sales

Our Success is our Employees

How does a company stay successful? During times of economic downturn, the only way to stay ahead of our competition is to have the best employees in our award winning hotels.

Betty Parsons, Front Desk Clerk, Hampton Inn & Suites in Cary, N.C. was recognized by the Wake County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and was awarded the Isaac Hunter Service Award. The following article was taken from the May 11, 2001 Tourism Live. Way to go Betty!

Betty Parsons isn’t happy unless she’s around people and working to make them happy. The front desk clerk at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Raleigh is always informative and entertaining with guests when they check in, says Mickie Holland, Director of Sales at the Hampton Inn.

But while first impressions are critical, Parsons’s service doesn’t stop with check in.

Holland recalls a recent situation when Parsons went above and beyond the call of duty to assist a frequent guest. The guest arrived with all warm-weather clothing since on his last trip to the Triangle, the weather had been summer like. But on this trip, the Triangle was in the midst of a cold snap. So Parsons went home and got a jacket from her husband’s closet for the guest to borrow.

Parsons also has a movie collection at home and brings various selections to the hotel for guests to borrow during their stay. Always enthusiastic and upbeat, Parsons says she got the hotel bug shortly out of college. She was teaching tennis - which she continues to do - and took a job at a Holiday Inn. “I thought it was exciting meeting people from all over the world,” says Parsons, who majored in drama and minored in sociology in college. “I can travel without traveling.”

Parsons’s drama background comes in handy when assisting guests. “I’m a great actress. The show must go on,” says Parsons in explaining how she can remain upbeat even when she’s had a bad day. And she remembers names, another byproduct of her drama experience, which helps repeat guests feel at home.

Parsons has been the front desk clerk at the Hampton Inn & Suites for two years. She has been named employee of the quarter and routinely receives more positive feedback from guests than anyone else at the hotel. “She gives great service to our guests and special attention to their needs every moment she is here,” says Holland.

  — by Rob Hill

This team is committed “To Treating Others As They Would Like To Be Treated.” Congratulations to Hampton Inn Columbia!

Pinnacle Award

Hi-Five!

Cheers and high fives to the Hampton Inn Columbia for receiving their second consecutive Pinnacle Award from Hilton Hotels. This award is based on the hotel’s overall product and service scores as measured by the Guest Satisfaction Rating System. It takes strong day-to-day focus and commitment by each employee to exceed the guests’ expectations.

  — by William Pittman

Hospitality Employee of the Year

Amy Blackburn, Asst. General Manager; Kaye Grooms, Breakfast Hostess; Scott Styron, General Manager.

The Lake Murray Convention and Visitor’s Bureau recognized Kaye Grooms, Morning Hostess for Hampton Inn, in Columbia, S.C., as Hospitality Employee of the Year. Kaye is a five-year employee with the Hampton Inn, and she treats every guest as she would a guest in her home. Below is a letter from a guest that sums up why we all love Kaye. Wow to you Kaye!

Dear Hampton Inn Management,

Kaye is the heart of your Hampton Inn on Harbison Boulevard in Columbia, SC. She has such a wonderful intuition with people. When we sit down and have breakfast, it feels like she is our “mom” watching over us at “her” breakfast table. I have seen her put a smile on even the grumpiest morning person. She has a special gift with people. She truly understands or puts herself in the other person’s shoes. She hugs us goodbye and tells us we’ll see her soon. She shares with us stories of her family, three children and a wonderful husband. To truly be this happy with everyone, you must be a truly happy person within. We wish “Mama Kaye” would serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner! She is truly lucky to be blessed with a good heart and soul.

Sincerely,

Kathy, Mark & Michelle Proviano

  — by Rob Hill

Digging for Gold

The Sleep Inn Winston-Salem has received its second GOLD AWARD from Choice Hotels. Gretchen Robertson, Franchise Service Director, presented Art Williams, General Manager, and his staff with the 2001 Gold Hospitality Award during a luncheon for the award winning staff.

This success is neither a happy coincidence nor a one-time event. It is a series of decisions to serve, made by each hotel team member over and over again ... moment by moment ... guest by guest ... day by day. The hotel has exhibited a commitment to take pride in the quality of their hotel’s product and service. The Gold Award salutes the outstanding performers as the stars of the Sleep Inn system. Once again, this team has demonstrated that they are indeed “Better Today Than Yesterday.”

2001 Employee Service Awards