Four Branch Rental Managers at Atlanta West Fulton worked together to educate their team. One of them – Zachary Ivey, Branch Rental Manager of Atlanta West – explains:

“In the Atlanta West Fulton district, our main goal for Black History Month is to educate. We have four BRMs here in the district – myself in Atlanta West, Nita Rodney in Downtown Atlanta, Devin Johnson of Atlanta West Fulton and Brandy Harris of Kennesaw – which sets up perfectly for the four weeks in February. Each of us takes the time once a week to inform the members of our district of different people, events, quotes and more that highlight significant moments and achievements throughout history.”

He continues, sharing his perspective on the importance of diversity in the workplace and beyond:

“From top to bottom, our district has plenty of diversity with race, ethnicity and gender. Because of this, it allows for a multitude of different opinions, perspectives and backgrounds. We believe this is a key to success because if everyone thinks the same, there is not much room for growth. Attempting to learn and grow more is something we strive to do on an everyday basis throughout the district. We are dedicated to making this month as informative and seamless as possible.”

L to R: Nita Rodney, Branch Rental Manager; Zachary Ivey, Branch Rental Manager; Joseph Alexander, District Rental Manager; Devin Johnson, Branch Rental Manager; Laprecious Brock, Assistant District Rental Manager; Brandy Harris, Branch Rental Manager

Associate volunteers from the Cleveland District organized a food drive in honor of Black History Month. The district came together to support Black and African American-owned businesses while collecting canned goods for two pantries across state lines. Cory Childress, Maintenance Coordinator, elaborates:

“We organized a canned goods drive for the Freedom Church Food Pantry located here in Cleveland, OH and the Sister Mary Pascal Gray Food Pantry located in Erie, PA. Each canned good donation grants employees a raffle ticket to our basket raffle. The basket prizes feature products from four local Black or African American owned business. Our goal is to give winners a taste of each business' products and ultimately bring new customers to that business, supporting the communities. We had such good participation in February that we’ve extended the drive into March. We can’t wait to deliver what we’ve collected.”

Associates at Penske's Cleveland district pose with their food drive donations and raffle prizes.

Cory continues, sharing how the district also engaged in education and awareness throughout Black History Month:

“Additionally, we worked with Owens Print and Creative Solutions to put together posters that feature groundbreaking quotes from the likes of Rosa Parks, Barack Obama, George Washington Carver and Maya Angelou. Each location received their items to be hung throughout the month of February as we commemorated Black History Month. Furthermore, we highlighted influential Black and African American leaders every Tuesday and Thursday during our shift huddles."

Associates at Penske's Cleveland district hung posters highlighting Black History Month.

The Toronto District held a team lunch in recognition of Black History Month. Branch Rental Manager Eric Boyd says:

“To celebrate Black History Month, we were able to come together as a team and share in some delicious dishes. During the lunch, we spoke about the importance of Black history in general as well as specifically within the transportation industry. Something many of us learned during this lunch was that the APU system that is in so many vehicles today was invented by an African American.”

The District Event Council in Miami – led by Dom Scott, Assistant District Rental Manager; Konstantin Kaufmann, Rental Sales Representative; and Ladarius Brown, Management Trainee – organized a fundraiser for South Florida-based organization, Power U Center for Social Change. Associates who donated money to the organization wore jeans to work on Feb. 11, spreading awareness for the organization and Black History Month. The fundraiser was successful, but Dom says that the opportunity to “shine a light on Black History Month” was of paramount importance.

Dom Scott participates in his district's fundraiser for Power U Center for Social Change.

In honor of Black History Month, the North Bergen District collected school supplies for Martin Luther King Jr. Academy in Yonkers, NY for the second year in a row. This year, they collected and delivered school supplies to a reading program comprised of 60 students in grades one through five. Kevin Burns, Branch Manager; Cherise Challenger, Assistant District Rental Manager; and Kelly Cramer, Assistant District Rental Manager; all had a hand in putting the event together. Kelly shares her experience:

“The kids’ faces lit up when we gave them their new supplies. Because of COVID, they are unable to use the water fountains, so they’d specifically requested water bottles. They were so happy and excited to receive the bottles, giving us hugs and thanks for something that many of us take for granted. To see them so genuinely grateful almost brought us to tears. I felt honored to be a part of this opportunity to give back; I absolutely love that our district could be a part of such an impactful community experience.”

Cherise Challenger delivers school supplies to students at Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy.

The experience was even more impactful for Operations Coordinator, Suzanne Ancrum, because it meant a bittersweet return to her childhood halls. She explains:

“In 2021, a colleague expressed her desire to do something in honor of Black History Month. It was then I suggested we reach out to my former elementary school, the Martin Luther King Jr. Academy in Yonkers, NY. We filled bookbags with school supplies, hand sanitizer and face masks. This year, our District Manager, Daniel Montero, asked me to head up another donation event. When I contacted the principal, she asked us to adopt the 60 students of the higher reading program. She supplied a list of the students’ needs, including their most desired books, and Kevin Burns and I divided the list among the district so that each location could participate. The support was fantastic – everyone who was asked to participate did so happily. I could not ask for a better district to be in.”

Above, L to R: Kelly Cramer, Suzanne Ancrum, Cherise Challenger; Center: Tyler Visentin

Suzanne continues, reflecting on the donation day:

“In the end, every child received a bookbag filled with notebooks, markers, folders and crayons in addition to a book appropriate for their grade level. It was truly an amazing experience – we received so many hugs from the students and staff and seeing the students’ surprised, happy faces meant everything to us. Being back at the school and seeing how much has remained the same was bittersweet for me – it brought up so many great memories I’ve made there.”

Students at Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy in Yonkers, NY pose after receiving school supplies from Penske Truck Leasing associates.

With Suzanne’s passionate leadership and her district’s support, North Bergen will be back again next year, delivering more smiles and supplies in honor of Black History Month.

By Sarah Althen

Tennessee’s tree population – weakened by a series of challenges both natural and man-made – will receive a much-needed boost thanks in part to Penske Truck Rental.

Nearly 75,000 baby trees will be planted across the state on Saturday as part of the Tennessee Environmental Council’s eighth statewide Tennessee Tree Day (TTD).

Seven Penske rental trucks transported the seedlings to holding areas in 10 locations across the state, where they will wait to be claimed by about 15,000 volunteers who will plant the baby trees in yards, farms and other locations.

“Tennessee Tree Day is enormously popular. I am amazed that every year thousands of new people come to participate. There is no end to the well of interested people who want to plant trees,” said Jeff Barrie, CEO of the Tennessee Environmental Council (TEC), a nonprofit dedicated to increasing public awareness about the value of trees and their contribution to the health of the environment.

Benefits of a Healthy Tree Population

Fast beyond their aesthetic value, trees enrich the environment and add value to communities. Trees provide shade that helps cool communities, making it a more pleasant experience for those living in them.

“We also know that trees produce a significant amount of oxygen that enable animals and humans to live,” Barrie said. “We breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide, and trees do the opposite. It is a great symbiotic relationship upon which all life depends.”

In addition, trees help with stormwater runoff during flooding. “We like for people to plant trees near waterways for that reason,” said Cynthia Hernandez, Tennessee Tree Program Manager.

In recent years, ice storms, tornadoes and housing development have all impacted the tree canopy in Tennessee. “The natural disasters alone are the leading cause of tree death and tree loss,” Barrie said. “We think at the very least we need to do our part to replace the trees that have been lost.”

Driving Community Service

This is the third year that Penske’s Nashville location has provided trucks for Tennessee Tree Day. The trucks were loaded up this week with 15,000 trees each for transport to locations across the state. It’s the equivalent of 170 acres of tree canopy being transported in each Penske truck, Barrie said.

Penske truck delivers 10,000 trees to Evergreen Nursery in Johnson City, Tennessee.

The trucks have played an important role in the success of TTD.

“Penske, for the past three years, has been very generous in supporting the event by an in-kind contribution of trucks,” Barrie said. “It makes our event possible. It would be much more expensive if we didn’t have that support from Penske.”

Volunteers will plant 12 tree species native to Tennessee: Bald Cyprus, Eastern Redbud, Gray Dogwood, Hybrid Chestnut, Northern Red Oak, Nuttall Oak, Pawpaw, Pecan, Red Mulberry, Shagbark Hickory, Shellbark Hickory, Virginia Pine and Wild Plum.

The trees are bare-root seedlings, which means they have no soil at the root. The seedlings are kept in bags during the transport process to protect them during the trip to one of 10 hubs across the state.

While young trees are more resilient, and weather the transport and transplanting process better, it is important to plant the seedlings as soon as they are removed from the bag to prevent their roots from drying out.

Impact on Future Generations

TEC has aided in the planting of nearly 742,000 trees across Tennessee since 2007 and the nonprofit has a goal of planting a million trees by 2025.

When mature, the tree planting will result in 8,500 acres of new tree canopy providing wildlife and pollinator habitat, 11 million tons of carbon dioxide captured, 26 billion gallons of rainwater filtered, and oxygen produced for more than 2 million Tennessee residents every year, according to TEC.

Yet, another important benefit is planting a seed of conservation in the minds of the next generation of Tennessee residents.

“The greatest thing is families will watch the trees grow as their kids grow. And those trees will be on their property for decades and perhaps generations,” Barrie said. “They will reap the benefits of the trees they plant.”

“One of the best ways people can help the environment and the community is to plant a tree,” Barrie said. “Penske makes it doable and affordable for us to do this for thousands of people in Tennessee, so we greatly appreciate the support.”

Visit www.tectn.org/tennesseetreeday for more information about the event.

By Bernie Mixon

“Black History Month is important to me because it celebrates and recognizes the huge contributions that Black women and men have made and how we continue to shape society today,” Nita Rodney, Branch Rental Manager, GA – Penske Truck Leasing.

Nita Rodney, Branch Rental Manager

“Black History Month is a month where we are able to celebrate our achievements – not only for us but for other people to learn where we came from and our history,” Sherina Fillus, Assistant Rental Manager, FL – Penske Truck Leasing.

“Black History Month is important to me because it helps me think about our previous leaders. That inspires me to strive forward and to set an example for new and future leaders,” Jonathan Jubilee, Branch Manager, FL – Penske Truck Leasing.

Jonathan Jubilee

“Black History Month means honoring the challenges so many African Americans faced, educating society on the challenges they still face and celebrating the challenges they’ve overcome. It also encourages me to reflect on my life and the opportunities that I have earned as the result of so many leaders before me fighting for what is right for all people,” Carlos Love, Assistant District Manager, MI – Penske Truck Leasing.

“Black History Month is important because it gives us a chance to reflect on our past accomplishments and also it gives us inspiration to move our communities forward,” Jermaine Johnson, Lease Sales Representative, TN – Penske Truck Leasing.

“Black History Month is American history! It is important to learn, appreciate, and acknowledge our contributions to science, textiles, Civil Rights, politics, medicine and so much more! Knowing what we were capable of in our past empowers us to know how we can shape the future of humanity,” Kim Hamilton Lee, District Rental Manager, VA – Penske Truck Leasing.

Kim Hamilton Lee, District Rental Manager

“Black History Month is a reflection of the strength of our people. We’ve been through a million things and we happened to prevail,” Annabelle Weir, Maintenance Coordinator, FL – Penske Truck Leasing.

“Black History Month is about recognizing our history: the pain, the barriers, but also the accomplishments. It’s a chance to look back and see how far we’ve come. Black History Month is about more than a history of pain, slavery and limitations. It’s also about highlighting the Black trailblazers, inventors and entrepreneurs. As we evolve and heal, it is also important, especially for our youth, to celebrate Black achievements and Black excellence. It’s crucial for them to see Black role models that are successful in roles that they generally don’t see in mainstream media like finance, real estate, entrepreneurship, trades and more,” Gilles Makanda, Recruiter, ON – Penske Truck Leasing.

Gilles Makanda, Recruiter

“Black History Month is so important to me because it’s an opportunity to celebrate people who helped shape society – especially Carter G. Woodson, the father of Black History Month,” Motaz Gerais, Area Rental Manager, GA – Penske Truck Leasing.

Motaz Gerais, Area Rental Manager

“Black History Month is important to me because it’s about unity: the coming together of our groups of people to enjoy each other, appreciate our history and respect ourselves,” James “JR” Houston, Management Trainee, FL – Penske Truck Leasing.

“Black History Month is very important to me because it pays tribute to the unimaginable sacrifices my ancestors took so people like myself will be treated equally with honor and respect,” Justin N. North, Manager – Consumer Operations, FL – Penske Truck Leasing.

Justin N. North, Manager – Consumer Operations

“Black History Month is specifically important to me because we’re able to learn so much in-depth information about our backgrounds and our culture. We’re also able to celebrate the contributions of Black history to American history,” Heidi Henville, Manager – Consumer Operations, FL – Penske Truck Leasing.

Heidi Henville, Manager – Consumer Operations

“Black history is important to me because it is the cornerstone of society: it is at the edge of making history and being history,” Reshard Young, Diesel Tech III, FL – Penske Truck Leasing.

“In order for me to be where I’m at today in my career in and in my life, a lot of people had to make sacrifices. It is important to me to set a month aside to champion some of these people and their achievements as well as to show my gratitude and respect,” Brandon Rose, Assistant District Rental Manager, GA – Penske Truck Leasing.

“I am mixed, but I have always had to embrace my Black side a little tighter despite being 65% Irish. Being mixed, I felt like I had to try a little harder, run a little faster, focus more consistently and be a little bolder. To celebrate my Blackness, my fierceness and my resilience, I always watch The Color Purple with my mom and The Frog Princess with my daughter. I read My Friend Martin with my kids and show them pictures from when we used to go on equality marches. My stepfather was a (white) activist; he tells the stories of standing up for justice. We celebrate our culture year-round. We eat black eyed peas on New Year’s Eve (for luck) and enjoy community bonding on Sundays. Even though February is Black History Month, I live it and celebrate it daily,” Erica Starks, Management Trainee, IL – Penske Truck Leasing.

Erica Starks, Management Trainee

Among the constants in Adrianne Hawthorne’s life has been her desire to bring her artistic vision to life in a splash of vibrant colors.

While the graphic designer for Google dreamed of showcasing her art for others to enjoy, it wasn’t until she turned a Penske rental truck into a pop-up shop that her dream came true.

Now, the Chicago artist has a boutique of her own that she uses to showcase her work, as well as the work of other artists, to pay it forward and help them live out their artistic dreams.

“It worked out because having the Penske truck showed me that I could do it,” Hawthorne said. “The truck fueled my desire to curate a boutique.”

Do-It-Yourself Inspiration

Hawthorne had been living in California for a while when she began to long for the Windy City and the familiar places back home. So, she packed up her apartment and made the cross-country move to Chicago.

She was unemployed for a time, and she felt the need to be creative. So, she took on a 100-day project dedicated to creating something each day.

With each piece, she began to amass a body of work, which she decided to show in her apartment. “A bunch of people came and bought the art, and I realized I can be an artist who actually made money,” Hawthorne said.

After the success of the apartment art show, Hawthorne and her boyfriend were driving in Chicago when she spotted a yellow Penske truck in traffic. Then the idea came to her: Why not have a pop-up art showing in a Penske rental truck?

“When I told him my idea, he thought I was nuts, but I said, ‘Think about it. It’s a small space. Most people use rental trucks to move things. How cool and unexpected would it be?” Hawthorne said.

Penske Pop Up

It was different from the craft shows she was participating in to show her art. She called her Penske truck show “PenskePozz,” a play on words that had special meaning for her.

Her brand, Ponnopozz was created in 2018 and named after two imaginary friends she had as a child called Ponno and Pozzer.

“I named my business after them as a tribute to my younger and creative self who was not inhibited by anything,” she said. “When I got older, I started to worry about what people thought, and I didn’t blossom until recently. It’s all about going back to your younger creative truth.”

With the name for the pop-up fresh in hand, her next step was to make preparations for her art show.

“The trucks are yellow, which is one of my brand colors, and I love that the trucks have that clear roof so the light can come in,” Hawthorne said. “It was perfect. I loved it.”

View of the Penske rental truck turned pop-up art show venue.Photo courtesy of Mark Ukena.

After renting the truck from her local Home Depot, Hawthorne drove it home empty, but it did not stay that way for long.

“Basically, I put hooks along the center panel in that truck, and I hung paintings,” Hawthorne said. “I put a rug and a folding table in there. I had fabric samples because I do fabric design, and I had my prints for sale in little baskets.”

“Some people would actually walk up to the truck and browse the prints without getting in, but a lot of people wanted to get into the truck because you could look at all of the artwork that way,” she said.

That experience taught Hawthorne more than the value of her artwork. It stoked her dream to have her own art space.

“It was so much fun to decorate the truck and have my own baby boutique for one day,” Hawthorne said. “It was enough to finally push me over the edge and rent a studio. It showed me that I could do it and people would come out for it.”

From Pop Up to Ponnopozz

Fresh from the success of the PenskePozz pop up, Hawthorne moved ahead with finding a space for her art boutique. She didn’t have to go far.

On the day of the pop up, she noticed a small, 400-square foot basement studio for rent. It was the perfect place for her art.

Hawthorne describes her creative style as colorful maximalism, a mix of mostly bright and some muted colors. “Sometimes I paint abstract forms of plants but in maximalism. It is very detailed with lots of layers. I believe more is more,” she said with a laugh.

“I see pallets of color in my head all of the time, so I try to paint those. When you are an abstract artist, you don’t have to paint a person or something, you can paint the colors and shapes,” Hawthorne said. “Color is what inspires me always.”

She opened her Ponnopozz boutique in November 2019 – just a few months after the Penske pop-up show. “I always thought curating a boutique would be fun because you would be in total control of what you want someone to experience,” Hawthorne said.

Hawthorne’s boutique is awash with bright, cheerful colors. In addition to her own work, Hawthorne also carries work from a local business or artist.

“I love to focus on female-owned or black-owned businesses. I have candles in here, soap and mugs and tea and purses, and things I didn’t actually make,” Hawthorne said. “They are from people I met doing shows and other people I came across. I didn’t want it to be a store with just my work in it. I wanted to showcase other artists and other makers as well.”

Hawthorne pictured inside her current location.Photo courtesy of Amy Lynn Straub.

Recently, she moved into a larger location across the street from her first boutique and where she parked the Penske truck for her pop-up.

As Hawthorne reminisced about her journey, she credited Penske’s role in making her dream of owning her own art boutique come true.

“Having nice trucks with roofs that allow light to come through and allowing for uses in ways other than just moving boxes, it gave me my canvas,” Hawthorne said.

By Bernie Mixon

Penske Truck Leasing today announced it has completed the acquisition of the assets of Rochester, New York-based DeCarolis Truck Rental, Inc., a transportation company providing full-service truck leasing, rental, maintenance and repair services to a variety of customers primarily in the food processing and distribution, consumer distribution, and freight-hauling industries.

The acquisition adds approximately 2,350 tractors, trucks and trailers to Penske’s existing fleet, and adds several facilities throughout upstate New York. Penske is now integrating DeCarolis’ facilities, staff, vehicles, and processes into its existing network.

By Kim Harmsen