Anyone who lived through the 80s will remember Fred the Baker, the popular Dunkin’ Donuts mascot whose catchphrase “Time to make the donuts!” became a household saying. Fred, played by actor Michael Vale, was so beloved he starred in more than 100 commercials over the course of fifteen years.
In one commercial, Fred shows his son the ropes of donut making. As they rise before dawn and shuffle to the bakery, Fred imparts the secrets of the perfect donut: “Always be generous”, he says while sprinkling lots of powdered sugar on the donuts.
Donny Obhof, our February 2014 Driver of the Month, has never made donuts, but he follows Fred’s rules in his own way. He won our hearts (and his Driver of the Month nomination) when ahead of schedule, he asked if he could make a delivery to a client one day early. The loading dock agreed, and even let him drop off his goods an hour before their official opening time. To thank the guys on the loading dock, Donny brought them a box of fresh donuts. It was a small gesture, but it meant a lot to everyone. When our Carrier Sales Representative, Kendra, thanked Donny, he shrugged off his sweet gesture, saying, “They treat me well, I treat them well.”
Donny’s kindness doesn’t just extend to his colleagues on the road. He’s also a true family man. He’s been with his partner for 26 years now, a wonderful lady who he says is “almost ready to marry him”. They currently have a 17-year-old daughter living at home, who is captain of the cheerleading team and in the running for Miss Teen Ohio. They’re also raising their 10-year-old granddaughter, who struggles with autism. Donny grew up milking cows on a dairy farm in Ohio, but now he travels through Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Tennessee, making deliveries and friends along the way.
We’re sure glad Donny’s one of the great drivers taking care of our clients. We salute his attitude and his generosity. After all, donuts don’t grow on trees. Or do they?
Sow some kindness this weekend,
~ Bob
