Austin Outdoor focuses  relentlessly on creating premier properties and building lasting relationships; occasionally that passion is expressed in surprising ways.  Our natural tendency is to think of “building lasting relationships” with people – clients, vendors and employees – but that apparently that doesn’t extend quite far enough. 

Like any multi-location business, we keep track of the assets the company owns; there’s a set process for acquiring new assets and disposing of old and worn-out ones.  That’s usually a rather routine, even dull, although very necessary process.  Recently, however, a message from Grant Hawkins, Branch Manager in Savannah, came through to the fleet administrator accompanying a vehicle retirement that made me stop and do a double-take:

“I regret to inform you that truck 79 has passed away.  We had a specialist on site and with our assistance we could not bring her back. I am sure that we all have our fond memories of “damn 79” as she has been called.  The one thing that I will always remember about her is that I could smell her from a mile away therefore always knowing where I parked.

If you have any special memories I am setting up a blog—“damn smelly 79” @ austinoutdoor.com, please feel free to comment.  In the meantime I need to haul her smelly behind away. I have someone at DIXIE MOTORS that has offered $500.00.  Please inform me of how to handle as buzzards are circling as we speak…it is still emotional to see her in this condition.”

“Old 79” is a 2004 F350 Crew Cab with 271,000 hard miles on her; she carried many crews and hauled much equipment in our continuing quest to create premier properties.  May she rest in peace…