Ciardi began working with Hermann in March 2015 as an owner-operator and is most proud of his ability to service a dedicated account. “For the last couple of years, I’ve had the privilege of basically taking personal care of a large cosmetic care company, headquartered in France,” he recounted. Ciardi takes pride in representing such an important account and always makes sure customers’ needs are filled. “These customers are now like family; I buy them breakfast occasionally, and they rely on me as a competent liaison between them and Hermann. I take this as a badge of honor and do my best to make my company proud.”
Ciardi got his start in this industry over thirty years ago as a way to provide for his wife and kids. “Trucking provided the means for me to properly care for my family. I’ve done it all from driving, working the docks, safety, OSHA, and even terminal manager over the years,” he said.
Some of Ciardi’s favorite memories come from the family functions the company organizes because it allowed him to connect with and meet the people you work with outside the office. “We had one in a park in South Brunswick, and I was blown away by the fact that the company spared no expense to make sure employees were comfortable and well fed,” he said. Ciardi recalls everyone bringing their families out, including department heads and managers, and he remarked, “I don’t remember any other company doing that for employees just because.”
The most important job to Ciardi outside of work is parenting. “I managed the lives of five super humans who constantly make me proud of the men and women that they have become,” he reflected. He also enjoys writing, racquet ball, soccer, and cycling.
Ciardi’s greatest achievement outside of work was writing, Inspired 365, a book he wrote with his first child, which is available on his website. Additionally, he and his wife, Kerry-Ann, have volunteered for their former high school’s Past Student Association for over twenty years now. Through this association, Ciardi and his wife have been able to, “pay for scholarships for a vast number of underprivileged kids, build computer labs, buy band equipment and most recently, help purchase the school’s first school bus.”
“I am extremely proud to say that Hermann has graciously sponsored our fund-raising events the last couple of years. Thanks for allowing me the time to show gratitude to a great company who has allowed me the wonderful opportunity to provide for my family through employment. It is a great company to work for and I sincerely mean that.”
When asked to describe Hermann Services in three words, Ciardi said: Adaptability, family, and leadership.
Thank you, Ciardi, for being such a committed owner-operator and great addition to Hermann Transportation!