FIXTITLE Omar Abraham.docx
RISE ABOVE
The Story
Of
Omar Abraham
To exceed, is to go beyond any expectations; to outperform, excel, or surpass a set standard. Providing the finest customer satisfaction requires an ideal code of high expectancy. Contributing exemplary service during all business transactions insures customer loyalty. Finding skillful people with the desire to perform at such a level is not as common as one would think, making those infrequent situations that much more appreciative.
Omar Abraham of Kent, Washington was awarded by Move Management, Inc. (MMI) as their 2015 Driver of the Year. His current position as a contractor for Graebel Van Lines he holds proudly, as he should, being he earned the title every step of the way. Over the course of 16 years with the company, he worked his way up little by little, gaining him the recognition of his peers. MMI selected Omar as their recipient from among 100+ drivers, for his dedication and display of admirable efforts.
At the age of 20, Omar took the advice of a friend and landed a job with Graebel Van Lines as a helper, eagerly ready to do anything and everything requested. From loading and unloading trucks, he managed to secure a position as a key leader in his department. In 2004, he married his high school sweetheart, Susana. He then made it his primary goal to provide for his household the best he could. By 2007, Omar attained his CDL, became a contractor, and purchased his first truck. A 1995 Freightliner box truck.
His success over the years is the validation he reaps for choosing the trucking industry as a career. Before moving to the states at 17, his future plans were unknown. As a young child, born and raised in Peru by a single mother, his biggest dreams only consisted of what he knew. With one younger sister, Omar was the man of the house. He never shied away from working in order to help support his family. Aside from them, his second love was the game of soccer. He had played the sport from a very young age. As he grew older he considered playing soccer professionally. Growing up, they had family in Seattle that he had visited with as a teenager. Being away from the only area he knew as home, he could see the many possibilities. Seattle offered a new life outside of soccer. After graduating high school, he and his family made the move. He was working at a film company developing photos when a friend instructed him to go to Graebel Van Lines.
That one decision changed Omar’s entire direction in life. Equipped with the moral compass of knowing what needs to be done in order to advance in the long run is a gift without a price tag. It cannot be given or taught. The conscience to do things the right way, no matter the circumstances or how tough the situation, was engrained into Omar’s ethics long before he found his own identity at Graebel Van Lines. Omar truly believes in performing at the best of his capabilities, simply because anything less is not enough. He states, “I place high standards for myself and the work that I do for others. I learned at the very beginning that what you put into your job is your final result. If you put in ‘average’ work, then that is what you will accomplish; average results. I don’t work that way. Mainly because I’m constantly wanting to improve what I do.” In doing so, by providing his customers excellent service, he has proven over and over again that his method of reasoning is undeniable. That individuality has earned him the admiration he deserves, and has helped catapult his career within the company.
“My job allows me to meet new people every day, but that’s not even the greatest part. I’m that guy that likes to exceed people’s expectations. The best part of my job is when a client explains how many times they have had to move, but their experience with me has been the best thus far… that is what makes me happy! Far surpassing my customer’s outlook of how business was handled by the time my job is done, is my goal on every job.”
As I listen to Omar I think to myself, surely his motivation has to run dry sometime, right? Everybody has their share of down days. I asked, What then? Without skipping a beat, he responds with, “On a really bad day, what always helps is thinking about something positive. For me, it’s what else is waiting on me at home; my wife. Whatever is causing my day to go sideways will all go away once I get home. She is what I’m doing all of this for. And as long as everyone remembers that people are relying on you to do great and that you’re not alone, you will find your footing again. Think about who or what you’re really working for then that will give you an extra push. Works every time!”
Before his days as a moving helper, Omar’s history in transportation consisted of driving a vehicle with only four wheels. He didn’t have family already in the business and he never day dreamed about driving a semi as a child in class. He does admit that the larger trucks intrigued him. He says, “At the time, being able to drive a truck was not me at all. I had to learn everything about them. I knew absolutely nothing of the sort. So I took it as a personal challenge moving forward. And now, here I am.”
Closing in on two decades of trucking, Omar explains that driving his truck now is like second nature. The entirety of his job allows him to be himself and excel. Finding a trucking company that values his hard work and authenticity makes for the perfect match. At Graebel Van Lines, Omar is able to mentor drivers. It is easy for him to relate to the other guys because he has been in their shoes. It’s genius, Graebel Van Lines pairing him with other ambitious individuals who can take notice of Omar’s experience and heed his advice. The up-and-coming can grow in knowledge, while Omar continues to lead by example. It’s a win-win! He adds, “Seeing people happy at the end of a move and knowing that drivers I have mentored are also happy, that is what it’s all about.”
Omar narrowed it down to two gentlemen that both played a significant role in his career; Bill Burlison and Dave Shanko.
“Dave opened many doors for me to grow. And Bill made it possible for a regular, hourly worker, such as myself, to become a contractor. I respect them both and admire how good they are at what they do. Bill and Dave are great at motivating and bringing their point across as to what needs to happen. Plus, they have good communication skills. Together, they have influenced my course here with the company. It’s been their guidance and support that wills me to pass that on to the next guy. Graebel Van Lines wants to help build you for success. They invest in you. They understand that without drivers, there is no Graebel.”
Another reason Omar has remained loyal to Graebel Van Lines are the close friendships that he has formed with the office staff. He, along with a few other personnel began working for the company at the same time. He continues, “For example, our Operations Manager started when I did and we’ve become good friends. We have all grown together as a team. There is no drama and everyone does their job. I guess that is why we have such a great work environment; the comradery of the group stays on a positive note.”
Omar owns and operates a fleet of four trucks, with four movers and one additional driver. His enthusiasm to grow seems to never cease. Once employed as a helper with no substantial intentions, using only an unlimited imagination on a mission to be the best possible version of himself continues to lead him. He states his desire to bring on at least two more drivers in the near future. For now, he puts in 50 to 60 hours a week, giving him over 1 ½ million accident-free lifetime miles.
During his time off Omar enjoys spending quality time with Susana. She handles all of his paperwork, and helps keep business organized. Often times the couple jump on the road together and escape to their favorite visiting spots around the southern parts of California, near the beach. The two had dated throughout high school and remained in touch, even after Omar relocated to Seattle. At 22, with his career at work on the right path, he hit a streak of luck and was reunited with Susana. Less than two years later they were wed.
Susana agrees with Graebel Van Lines when they refer to Omar as a professional and very responsible. Knowing how humble and modest her husband carries himself she gives us a tad bit more. “He is a fun person to be around and is an extremely hard worker. He has a good gauge of judgement; good criteria. Not everybody has that. I think that helps make him a good leader,” she says. “Also, the main key to his success is that he enjoys what he does!” Being able to see the impact Omar has on his co-workers and the joy he brings to all of his customers lifts her spirit. While Omar’s love for his wife shines through in everything he does, the amount of happiness they share cannot be hidden. Instead it is what strengthens one another. When empowered with a passion and supported with respect a person’s dreams are limitless.
When Omar returns home every evening, Susana looks forward to hearing about his day. Seeing him happy doing what he loves for a living makes her just as happy too. His job allows him to reach all cornerstones of life that he wishes to impact. Being a contractor he has full control, working completely hands-on, but as his own boss. He is able to help guide other drivers, provide advice, and teach. Also, working so close with his clients he is able to ensure their needs are met, rising above average customer service. Then when the work day is over he gets to relay how great his day unfolded to Susana, who patiently awaits to hear all of his daily details.
Omar has been awarded one of the company’s highest honors as a driver and continues to earn multiple accolades for his safe driving and mileage. However, from his prospective, he is simply functioning the only way he knows how. His real prize is being able to share it all with Susana.
“Omar, you are the love of my life and I am so proud of you and the good man that you are. I know that this is just the beginning for you. You deserve all of it and so much more!” -Susana