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didn’t want to give up; she didn’t want nies, and the like. as much as the next-highest finisher.
to be a failure; and above all, she knew “Getting the Supplier of the Year Richards is also a regular supporter of
how many people were depending on was something special,” said Richards. the Dorcas House, a Little Rock non-
her for their jobs. “And there were only five ladies out of profit that helps young women, unwed
“We didn’t lay anybody off,” she the 83 awards given.” mothers and children, filling boxes with
said. “I just got out there and kicked Today, said Richards, the company clothes and other necessities; and of
rocks and talked to Jesus every day.” is better and stronger for having sur- the Samaritan’s Purse, an international
Even after GM was back in opera- vived that era. disaster relief program.
tion, there were tough times to get “It’s a sad story,” she said of the “You shop year round to put stuff
through. economic crisis, “but it has a happy in boxes,” Richards’ husband, Tom
“It was still slow, and I believe we ending.” Quarles, says from across their airy
were probably down a total of 13 weeks Rich Logistics isn’t the only one living room, smiling. “You do the shop-
in 2009, total,” she said. “We got smart- benefitting from that happy ending. ping” he said grinning at Richards, “and
er and stronger and worked together as Having appealed to a higher power for I usually do the other stuff.”
a team and just moved ahead. We got guidance during the hardest economic “When he’s talking about my shop-
things taken care of.” times, Richards is seeing to it others get ping, it’s that kind of shopping,” she
And that spirit of teamwork paid the same kind of help she got. says, smiling back. “I shop from January
off. In 2011, Rich was nominated as a “That’s why I do the cereal drives to October buying for them.”
General Motors “Supplier of the Year,” and everything; I’m giving back,” she Richards and Quarles will celebrate
and the carrier won the award in 2012 said earnestly. “Everything could be their second wedding anniversary in
– a remarkable accomplishment consid- gone in a day’s time.” January. They’ve known each other
ering how small Rich Logistics is com- She’s talking about the annual since about 2006, when both were
pared to some of the 20,000 companies Summer Cereal Drive to benefit the married to their previous spouses and
that supply General Motors, companies Arkansas Foodbank, and this year Rich Quarles was also involved in the truck-
like Union Pacific, mega-large motor Logistics took home top honors by ing industry in Camden.
carriers, international shipping compa- donating 28,000 boxes of cereal – twice 

lEss frustration hErE. morE produCtivity hErE.

DefenD your company anD your
Drivers with a legal Defense plan Call Jim C. Klepper, Esq.
DesigneD By anD for truckers. 8 0 0 - 4 1 7 - 3 5 5 2
Drivers Legal Plan @DriversLegal www.driverslegalplan.com

arKansas trucKing report | issue 5 2013 25