Pace Culture Warrior Alishay Allen
Pace is proud to announce Alishay Allen, Class A Driver – Pace Memphis, as our newest Pace Culture Warrior! Alishay was nominated for her leadership and relentless servant spirit.
Alishay’s Background
Memphis Class A Driver Alishay Allen earned her Class A Driver status in the United States Army. Stationed at Fort Hood, Texas for eight years, Alishay was a Motor Transport Operator designated 88M. According to the U.S. Army and NCO Support.com, Transportation Corps soldiers must be of the highest quality with unparalleled motivation and self-discipline.
Lucky for Pace that after her service, Alishay heard from a friend driving for Pace that our Memphis team was recruiting a Class A Driver for line hauls to Arkansas. She was hired for the job and moved to the Memphis area to begin the next phase of her career.
A Great Leader, Selfless Service
Those who nominated Alishay for Culture Warrior describe her as “always being one call away. She is a great leader and inspiration to her fellow coworkers. She demonstrates selfless service and integrity each and every day.”
During her first year at Pace, Alishay has experienced a great deal of growth in Pace’s Memphis operations. “It’s evolving right in front of our eyes,” she said. “When I was first hired, there was one shift. Now there are three.”
A Conversation with Alishay
Keeping Pace spent a few enjoyable moments with Alishay, learning what drives her to Always Improve.
KP: Please tell our readers about your average day serving Pace’s customers.
I drive the Memphis to Little Rock, Arkansas line haul. Normally, I get on the road at 2:30 AM. I arrive a little earlier to do my safety checklist and help with getting the load organized, if necessary. The load includes freight for Gap, Guitar Center, Mast L Brands, and Sally Beauty, among others. Sometimes on the way back, I make a stop in West Memphis, Arkansas to pick up freight bound for Memphis.
KP: What does Pace’s Core Value, Always Improve, mean to you and your job?
The way to learn is to listen more than you talk, take notes, and realize that there’s always room for improvement. Even if you think you’re the best, there’s always somebody better than you. If you want to be the best, then you always want to try harder and learn how to do something better every day.
KP: What about being of service?
For me, being of service means always being willing to lend a helping hand when it’s needed.
KP: What’s your take on Getting the Job Done?
Getting the job done goes hand in hand with service. It means to go above and beyond expectations to make certain there are no hiccups, and that I do my part with the rest of the team to get the freight to its destination in a safe and timely manner. That’s why when occasionally there is a night when we’re not able to find some of the freight in the warehouse, all of us pitch in, including me, to find it and get it on the trailer.
KP: You mentioned arriving at the destination safely. What does safety on the job mean to you?
Safety is very important when driving commercial vehicles. The Army and Pace have emphasized that to me during my career. I try to get at least nine hours of sleep each day, so I am alert and have the energy to do my job. I also want to be well aware of my surroundings at all times, both in the warehouse and on the road. I do a safety check before each trip. I watch for others on the road and am always thinking that safety is a number one priority. One wrong turn can destroy your life or the life of another person.
KP: Who is an inspiration in your life?
Definitely my grandfather. He has a family-owned trucking company and runs a diesel mechanic shop. He has a tireless work ethic. He’s an outstanding husband, father, and friend to many people. I hope to one day reach the potential he portrays each day. I hope to be the kind of person he is.
KP: What is one inspirational thing you’d like to share with your Pace teammates throughout our network?
To my teammates, I say continue to strive for progress, not perfection, but always work towards improvement, each and every day.
