Team Member Spotlight: Bob Symonds

September at RaceTrac is about celebrating Truck Driver Appreciation Month and honoring our tireless Energy Dispatch team. Throughout the month, we’ll be featuring a series of team member spotlights, offering a glimpse into the backgrounds and stories of some of the individuals who drive RaceTrac’s success forward! ?

Rainbow Over Alabama

Originally from Indiana, Robert (Bob) Symonds got his start with an education in mathematics and jobs in the banking sector. As a newlywed starting a family, he gave that life his best for several years. But in his heart, he knew happiness would only be found with change. ?

After completing driving school, Symonds earned his CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) in 2007. He hauled freight, bread, groceries and even medical supplies. But it was when his family saw a rainbow appear during a job-scouting trip to Alabama that he knew he’d found home. ?

“I suppose I’m still a Hoosier at heart,” says Symonds. “But I love getting out on the road each day and seeing the beauty here in Alabama.” ?

After his old company went out of business, Symonds did a search for professional driver jobs in the area and found RaceTrac. ?

“The training was thorough,” added Symonds. “For someone who had never hauled fuel, it was great. They really take their time with safety, making sure you are completely comfortable before they cut you loose to drive on your own. Then, they monitor you closely, checking in to make sure you have everything you need to succeed. Supervisors even take the time to ask about home and make sure you are finding a healthy work/life balance. They really do it right.” ?

? While he has only been with the company for a little over a year and a half, Symonds has already earned the nickname “B-ham Bob” from colleagues like Market Supervisor Melvin Williams. ?

“B-ham Bob goes above and beyond every day,” says Williams. “He really embodies The RaceTrac Way by putting people first. Serious but gentle, Bob never takes the credit. Instead, his focus is on ensuring that he and his team are happy and safe by identifying and solving issues before they become problems. He truly has a servant’s heart.” ?

As RaceTrac continues its expansion into Alabama, Symonds has taken the time to make friends at the new stores he serves. He’s been proactive in identifying improvements at drop locations, ensuring work is simpler and more enjoyable for store managers. ?

“I was meant to be a truck driver,” says Symonds. “I honestly love coming in to work every single day. I only wish I had found this job long ago. We get to work with top-notch equipment and are provided all the support we could ask for. Energy Dispatch and RaceTrac have been good for my family.” ?

When he’s not on the road, Symonds enjoys spending time with his wife. A schoolteacher herself, the two find contentment holding hands and watching a little television or dining out together. And while he doesn’t claim much of a bucket list, ever since moving to Alabama, Symonds has wanted to see a NASCAR race at Talladega.?