Marv Bennett, HTrans Fleet Manager

Marv Bennett started in October 2017 as the Fleet Manager for HTrans, after a 4½ year stint with Sysco as Transportation Supervisor. Prior to Sysco he had been everything from a driver and dispatcher to a terminal manager with over 30 years in the transportation field. As Fleet Manager, Marv’s primary job entails working with the drivers: hiring, training, safety, EROAD electronic logs, accidents/incidents reporting and review. “We’re always looking to improve from one day to the next” says Marv.

“I like the family atmosphere in which everyone works together, and I especially like the challenges that I find looking at HTrans and Houston’s through “fresh eyes” or a new perspective. When I come across something, I like to improve it.”

Last summer, Marv spent a week in New Orleans where he attended a course called “License to Lift,” at the Industrial Safety and Rehabilitation Institute. The course specialized in the anatomy of the human back and proper lifting techniques. “Since the course was in New Orleans the locals planned time to show us around. And boy did they – Bourbon Street, the French Quarter, and fine dining on real Cajun food. While we were there, we took a 2 ½ hour drive to eat BBQ at the famous ‘The Shed’ BBQ in Mississippi. As you can tell I’m a bit of a ‘foody.’ It was a great experience and I’d like to go again.”

Speaking of food, Marv likes to barbecue, and has competed for the last 5 years with the Pacific Northwest BBQ Association. He is also a certified barbecue judge and has been the head judge for the annual Fourth of July BBQ contest in Dallas, where he lives.

Marv likes to take his travel trailer and camp along the Oregon Coast with his wife, Kerri. South Beach, near Newport, is their favorite camp ground, as it’s where the crabbing is usually pretty good. They are joined most of the time by their three kids and their families- including 5 grandchildren. It’s a great opportunity to barbecue, play horse shoes, and just relax with family around the campfire.

Marv has never been to Disneyland and will be making his first trip there this summer with Kerri, and his son Kris’ family. Marv is excited to finally earn his mouse ears!

While Marv likes all kinds of music and can’t seem to stick to any one genre for long, his favorite artist is Jimmy Buffett. After seeing Jimmy’s show 5 times, Marv figures that makes him an official parrot head. For Marv, there is also nothing better to read than a new BBQ cookbook from his all-time favorite BBQ champion Myron Mixon.

Be sure to say hello next time you see Marv, and ask about his most recent barbecue competition, or recent recipes. We’re all dying to try out a sampling of Marv’s barbecuing handiwork!

The post Getting to Know: Marv Bennett appeared first on Houston's Blog.

Grilled Chicken Kabobs

Tasty coconut makes chicken delicious. Photo Credit: Stephen Kruso

Ingredients

½ cup Coco Lopez® Cream of Coconut

½ cup lemon juice

2 teaspoons chicken bouillon

1 teaspoon marjoram leaves

½ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ to ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into chunks

Red and/or green bell pepper, cut into chunks

Fresh pineapple chunks

Directions

Combine cream of coconut, lemon juice, bouillon, marjoram, garlic powder and crushed red pepper in a bowl.  Pour over chicken and peppers in a plastic bag or shallow dish, marinate in refrigerator for 4-6 hours.  Remove chicken and peppers from marinade; arrange on skewers with pineapple.  Heat the marinade thoroughly.  Grill until chicken is done, basting frequently.  Serve with hot cooked rice.

Visit the Coco Lopez® website for tasty drink ideas!

The post It’s Time for Barbecue! Chicken Kabobs appeared first on Houston's Blog.