Craig Mathis voted Four Star's Employee of the Year

Craig Mathis, who serves as Four Star Freightliner's Safety Director and Customer Advocate, was named Employee of the Year during the company's year-end party employee celebration.

Mathis described the recognition as "truly humbling", after learning he received the most votes from employees. He was hired in 2005 as a parts delivery driver at the Dothan location. He was later promoted to the warehouse and then to the parts counter. He was promoted again to Safety Director and Customer Advocate in 2021.

"This is a moment I will cherish, and it fuels my desire to keep learning, growing, and contributing to our shared goals," said Mathis. “The fact that my contributions have been acknowledged in this way is a testament to the culture of excellence we’ve built together.”

As the safety director, Mathis has led efforts to certify employees in CPR/AED and First Aid. Plus, he works to make sure the company remains OSHA-compliant. Mathis also takes care of Four Star customers by being their advocate. He serves as the primary point of contact for customers, ensuring their needs are met and their experiences are positive. His is pivotal in building strong customer relationships and fostering customer loyalty. And in addition to working for Four Star, Mathis is a state-licensed and nationally registered emergency medical technician (EMT) and volunteer firefighter.

"Craig Mathis is one of the most selfless people I have ever met," said Jerry Kocan, Four Star Freightliner owners and dealer principal. "He has trained and certified over 60 of our team members at 7 locations in 3 states. We are fortunate to have Craig as a leader within Four Star and are proud to award our 2023 Employee of the Year to such a very deserving and unselfish person."

The employee celebration was held Saturday, Dec. 9 at the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort. More than 300 guests representing all seven Four Star locations were in attendance.