J.D. Newman, Inc. keeps on truckin'
By Anita L. Sherman
It was all about family and friends Saturday afternoon as the owners and employees of J.D. Newman, Inc. celebrated their new location in Elkwood in a spiffy new building near the Culpeper Regional Airport. The open house featured lots of music, raffle prizes, good eats, balloons and plenty of children with wildly painted faces. It was a party atmosphere.Celebrating not only a new place to do business, J.D. Newman, Inc., a family run company since 1978, will mark a 30-year anniversary this year.
"It all started in 1978 when my brother-in-law Bert bought one truck and a trailer," said Mickey Newman as she escorted tour upon tour through their facilities designed and built by Howard S. Loudin of Louisa County.
"Here is where the drivers can come when they want to rest, get something to eat or take a shower," said Newman of the modern and airy accommodations that serve their two dozen drivers. Other spaces house shelves of parts or boxes of records. "There's a lot of paperwork in this business," chuckled Newman who insisted on having windowed pocket doors to her office where she serves as office manager.
Every corner that she turned, she was greeted by a friendly face of someone who had come that afternoon to share in their success. 'He's about ready to start," said Newman of her husband, Dave Newman, who serves as the company's general manager.
Dave Newman moved from group to group as he made his way to one end of the immense metal building. The crowd of several hundred seemed like Lilliputians when compared to the Gulliver sized tractors that shared the same space for the afternoon festivities.
"Thank you for coming today," said Newman as he looked out appreciatively to the gathering that now had his full attention.
Specializing in hauling bulk agricultural commodities in an area that spreads from South Carolina to the south of New Jersey and as far west as Ohio, Newman praised his fleet of drivers. "I can't say enough about them," said Newman. "They've covered roughly 2.5 million miles with only three moving violations."
One of those drivers, 14-year veteran Raymond Shrock and his wife, Fannie, were among those present. "It's like driving a Cadillac," said Shrock of the large, red rig that he calls home when he's on the road. Equipped with the latest computerized technology, it will literally let you know when something is wrong.
"People know us as service people," said Newman, "we have an absolutely fabulous staff and we wouldn't be where we are if it weren't for this group effort."
"When you rust, you seize up, there's no WD 40 for him," smiled Newman as he pointed to his 78-year-old father, J.D. Newman. "He's enjoyed all this as much as we have," continued Newman of his father who would soon lead off the line to the barbecued pork, baked beans, potato salad and hot dogs.
With Bealeton, Virginia still painted on the doors of the tractors, the Newmans found it more advantageous to move to Culpeper when they needed more space. "They're a group that likes to do business," said Newman of several of the Culpeper County supervisors who were there including vice-chairman Larry Aylor and Brad Rosenberger (Jefferson) and Sue Hansohn (Catalpa).
With drivers, maintenance and shop workers and valued customers and friends that span several decades, Newman hopes to be around "another 30 years."
"We want you to help us enjoy and share this time, you have no idea how gratifying it is to have your support, today is about having a great time," said Newman as music by Kool and the Gang echoed the mood of the afternoon.
"Celebrate good times, come on."
"There's a party goin on right here
A celebration to last throughout the years
So bring your good time and your laughter too
We gonna celebrate your party with you."
J.D.Newman, Inc. Is located at 21404 Business Court, Elkwood, Virginia 22718. Telephone: (540) 829-0770 or Fax (540) 829-4923.