News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Averitt President Wayne Spain will retire Friday after more than 43 years of service.
Spain said when he started out at the company in 1980 he was number 65 on the employee roster. He said as he prepares to leave a company of over 9,000 employees, he has some advice that has remained true throughout the years.
“We found out a long time ago here that good people usually know good people,” Spain said. “So do something that you would enjoy and also be selective with the people that you work with. Those two things are very very important.”
Spain said he was 31 when he came to Averitt and he had worked other at places but none that he enjoyed as much.
Spain said one of the things he enjoyed about the Averitt approach was attention to the journey. And he said that journey will continue after he has gone.
“Our business is a team sport,” Spain said. “We approach everything from a team perspective.”
Spain said his excitement for the team continues even with his departure.
“I’m proud of what the company has been able to accomplish,” Spain said. “But more importantly, the future with the team that has come to Cookeville, I promise you they are Averitt people through and through.”
Spain said the scary part of retirement is that from a hobby standpoint he doesn’t really have anything specific.
“I’ve been involved in a little bit of everything,” Spain said. “I play a little golf. We’d like to spend more time with family. And we plan to spend some time at our place on the coast.
Spain said he has been talking with other recent retirees and everyone seems to go in a different direction.
“I haven’t found my direction yet, but I am looking forward to spending more time with family,” Spain said. “But leaving here will take some getting used to.”
