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!

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Jordy Simpson, I.T. Manager

Jordy Simpson started with Houston’s as the I.T. Manager in December 2017.

What exactly does Jordy do as the Information Technology Manager? “I am responsible for ensuring that my department makes all the technology play nicely” he explains. Although he has only been here a few months, when asked what he loves about working for Houston’s thus far he said “The people! You’ve all been great in welcoming me to the Houston’s family, and I’m enjoying working with everyone.”

Some of Jordy’s delicious cooking!

Outside of work Jordy loves to cook, “cooking is an active meditation for me, relaxing and enjoyable at the same time.” He focuses on anything plant based as Jordy is a vegan and loves trying new recipes. Board games and card games are a huge part of his life for just the fun of the game and because it allows for getting together with friends to play. He is currently a part of a large DND (Dungeons & Dragons) group as well as a “grab a random game from the shelf” group that meets on a regular basis.

“I love to read,” says Jordy, but admits that he can’t choose a favorite book, “since so many books have different great things about them it’s not fair to say I like one above all others. It’s like with fruit- sometimes you want a banana, sometimes you want a pineapple. They aren’t always interchangeable, but they’re both delicious!”

Jordy enjoys playing Dungeons & Dragons and other role playing games.

As for music- he prefers live music, but when asked about a favorite, again – banana vs. pineapple – it depends on his mood and he loves it all. He also loves the beach and hot weather, and the island of Saint Martin in the Caribbean is the perfect place to find both, “their beaches are made of pure white sand and crystal blue water with warm to hot temperatures.”
Next time you’re in the vicinity of the IT Department, be sure to stop by and say hello to Jordy.

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Get to know Jarrod Bowren, National Sales Manager

Houston’s welcomed Jarrod Bowren (Bore-in) to the family as a Regional Manager on February 20th, 2006, to grow and cultivate current and new customers for the company. He is based out of Derby, Kansas and began working with a region that included 4 states, which eventually expanded to 8 states, and on up to 17 states at a single time.

Jarrod is now the National Sales Manager, which means working with Houston’s 6 Regional Managers and all other departments to continuously service our customers while striving to increase revenue and profits.

When asked what his favorite thing about working with Houston’s is he said, “Having fun with our teammates. Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to work with some great teammates who have become great friends. I was lucky enough to have teammates help me evolve and improve as both a man and a sales rep, now I have the opportunity to carry on this tradition and help our current team grow as both people and Houston’s employees. And of course we have fun while we work and improve!!”

Outside of work, Jarrod enjoys spending time with his family, which includes playing dress up with their two daughters. He also loves hunting for whitetail deer with a bow and fishing for bass. “I love these activities because they are challenging, outdoors, and I can take a break from technology and get to teach our daughters.”

When asked for a random fact about himself, Jarrod said, “I played three sports in high school- Cross Country, basketball,

Jarrod Bowren, National Sales Manager, enjoy hunting and fishing in his off time

and baseball. I received a baseball scholarship my senior year and decided not to play basketball so the swim team asked me to dive. I ended up taking second in our city league in diving. There were only two divers. This was fun and very humbling experience. It was also the first and last time I wore a speedo.”

Other little facts about Jarrod “Born to sell” Bowren- his favorite book is Blink by Malcolm Gladwell, “This book represents combining knowledge and one’s gut feeling to assess situations quickly. I use this strategy daily and this book helped me realize how I was doing this without realizing it.” He also loves all genres of music, “it just depends on the environment.”
Next time you see Jarrod in the office or warehouse, be sure to say hello!

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