Northwest Driver Celebrates 15 years with OATS, Inc.

When Gary Hughes retired from Wire Rope Corporation of America after 32 years of machinery maintenance, he soon realized that his wife had new plans for his time – including helping with the housework. So Gary decided he needed a part-time job.

Gary began his second career in 1996, as a driver in the Northwest region for OATS, Inc. After serving as a driver for about seven years, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and was no longer able to pass the driver’s physical. But that didn’t end Gary’s time with the organization, who offered him a position within the office maintaining the building and the vehicles. This is what Gary so cheerfully does today, and he is happy to say, his MS has remained pretty manageable.

When asked what has kept him with OATS these past 15 years, Gary says the people make all the difference. “It’s a great place to work – the people are great. It’s like a family.”

Gary has been married 36 years and has 2 sons, a daughter and 4 grandchildren. In his spare time, he and his wife escape to their place at Truman Lake to relax and get away. Sometimes they also take their grandchildren.

Beth Langley, Northwest Regional Director for OATS says “Gary is a very dependable and conscientious employee who always tries to help the drivers. He has a consistently positive attitude and helpful nature, which makes him a delight to work with. I enjoy his positive attitude and the way he jumps in to tackle the job whenever change occurs.”