(Warehouse, Logistics and ConnectCare Manager, Little Rock Office)  Anthony Ashcraft has worked for companies that preach about culture – but Datamax is the first he can say actively practices it. 

What led me to Datamax?

My aunt was the Little Rock Service Manager in 2011. She knew I was looking for a new career path and let me know that the Warehouse Manager here had just put in his notice. I came by and took a quick tour of the building with her.

It was obvious that the warehouse needed attention, and I felt like I could make a difference. During my extensive interview process, I was able to speak with some of the employees (of whom I am honored to manage now). I could tell there was a good core group but what was really needed was leadership.

Before my hire date, I was asked to develop a 100-day plan of what I felt needed to be accomplished, and how I felt I could help. I sent my plan to our VP of Operations, Greg Kirtman. I really felt like he valued my opinion and trusted my judgement.

I could tell from the very first visit that the culture was different within these four walls, more so than anywhere I had worked before. I honestly felt like this was a company with an environment in which I would have the opportunity to achieve a stable career path.

My experiences at Datamax:

My number one benefit here is the true work/life balance. I have worked for companies that preached about it, wrote books about it, and taught on it routinely however, never practiced it. I have four kids from 17 down to eight, I want a family life and I want to be able to attend sporting events, award ceremonies and college visit days. At Datamax I can and I’m not judged for doing so.

I also appreciate the professional environment. We have the right to disagree and we do however, we work through the issues and form a plan/process that works for the benefit of Datamax. Having different opinions allows us to see an issue from numerous avenues and not just from our side. I enjoy the fact that we, as the management group, respect the opinions and ideas of others and we honor our systems or initiate positive change.

I am impressed still to this day with how our President Barry Simon walks around each day shaking hands and finding out how his employees are doing. Not just in a passing by manor but in an honest and caring way. Having the head of an organization that is truly committed to carrying out the philosophy of our company speaks volumes.

I’ve also grown individually. During my Marine Corp and Air Force enlistments I learned to take care of number one first. Our upper management team has pushed me to go beyond myself and take on roles in my community. I was recently elected to my local Property Owners Association Board of Directors and have been selected as Vice President. I also help coach basketball and softball in my community. During Hurricane Harvey I spearheaded a relief drive here at Datamax, we were able to take a 26’ trailer completely full of supplies to Port Lavaca, TX and then just two weeks later take an 18’ trailer full of supplies to a community just outside of Houston.

What makes me want to stay at Datamax?

I left Datamax after my second year here for greener grass.  Needless to say, when I was given the opportunity to return, I jumped on it.  I missed the folks that I worked with, the people I was able to lead and the culture that is ingrained here.

Now, I did learn some valuable lessons during the year and a half that I was gone and have been able to apply that knowledge since my return four years ago.  I am here for the long haul now!  What makes me want to stay: the people, the professionalism, the benefits, the fact that we are number one in our industry in our area, and the internal competition to be the best at what we do.