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Packet House Grill with Chef Wes Ellis, “We work in an industry where sure Rich Logistics gives back to the
who used to cook for her Christmas shippers and carriers are being passed community that has supported it over
parties. Now she gets to enjoy his food around for pennies on the mile – and the years, but for how she used it to sus-
– especially the signature Richards Filet in my industry, a penny is a lot of tain herself and the company through
– and doesn’t have to help clean up money,” he said. “It’s great to work with economic hard times.
afterward. someone who sees how loyalty in these “During the most challenging
“I’ve always loved it,” she said of relationships drives better margins in times, you see the true core of some-
Packet House, a Second Empire Style the future.” one’s character,” he said. “I’ve seen
building, which had been an office and Everett also singled out Richards’ Betty be tough and that toughness is
a restaurant in the past. “Lane [Kidd, faith as a reason he admires her. Not built on her faith. That faith is the cor-
president of the Arkansas Trucking only for the way it drives her to make 
Association] says I’m more famous for
the Packet House than my trucking,
and it’s probably so.”
In addition to good food, Richards
and Quarles share a love of travel and
they’re both morning people. They like
to sit in front of the big picture window
and watch the birds flitting among the
feeders while the sun rises. This year’s CVSA event is June 4-6 at roadside inspection
“Tom’s saying is, ‘Life is good,’” she sites across North America.
said.
“Life is great!” he said with a grin. Prepare your drivers BEFORE they hit the road with
One of Betty Richards’ favorite J. J. Keller’s wide range of safety & compliance solutions,
things about being in this business is including:
the relationships she’s built with cus-
tomers, vendors and employees. Danny • DVIRs & Log books • Training programs
Burnett is a vice president and producer • Publications • Cargo securement devices
for Burnett Insurance, which has writ-
ten Rich Logistics insurance for 23 • Seals & placards • And much, much more.
years, and he counts himself among her • Vehicle supplies
fans. • Posters & charts
“She’s a super lady, a sharp busi-
nesswoman,” said Burnett. “I would say
she’s very courageous, too, to grow that
company like she has, through all the
adversity, the economy, that’s happened
over 23 years. She’s surrounded herself
with good people – she’s smart enough
to do that, as well.
“It’s been a great relationship
over the years,” he said. “We’ve been
through a lot together. She’s very loyal
but we’ve tried to do our best to justify
her loyalty to us.” For more information on our products — and to order:
Loyalty also figures as one of her
most impressive qualities to Shannon VISIT jjkeller.com/roadcheck
Everett, a long-time employee of Rich
Logistics and its current chief financial CALL 800-327-6868
officer.
“She’s a great woman to work for,”
said Everett. “Her loyalty to her employ- TM
ees, vendors and customers is some-
thing not very common in our industry. PC 102324

arKansas trucKing report | issue 5 2013 27