The quiet but essential work that keeps a business running smoothly often goes unnoticed until something isn’t quite right. Les Maxey, Director of Operations at Sonny Merryman, has been the steady hand behind the scenes for over 30 years, ensuring that every facility hums along without a hitch. With his retirement approaching at the end of 2024, Sonny Merryman bids farewell to a dedicated team member who has played a crucial role in the company’s success.
Les’s journey to join the Sonny Merryman team began in the nearby Rustburg, VA – home to the original headquarters of the company. After graduating from Rustburg High School, he enrolled in the Central Virginia Community College’s automotive technician program. His early years were spent in local service centers, until a fortunate turn of events led him to run his own shop in Rustburg. It was during this time that his path crossed with Sonny Merryman Inc. as a customer of his shop, eventually leading him to officially join the company as a service technician in the late 1980s.
However, Les’s career took an serendipitous detour when he seized the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream of working with a NASCAR team in the Busch Grand National Series. “During that time, I worked on racecars and went over the wall at tracks across the country changing tires. It was an exciting time and one I’ll always be glad for,” said Maxey. The thrill of the racetrack proved to be a memorable chapter, but Les ultimately found his way back to Sonny Merryman.
Over the years, Les climbed the ranks within Sonny Merryman, eventually assuming the role of Director of Operations. Throughout his tenure, he witnessed the company’s growth firsthand, overseeing various facility projects that left a lasting impact. From the expansion of the company’s Evington headquarters in 2003 to the establishment of satellite locations across Virginia, Les’s hands-on approach and leadership were instrumental in each endeavor. Perhaps the grandest of the many facility projects on Les’s resume was the purpose-built Hampton Roads location in Chesapeake, which opened in 2016. Les managed the nearly $6M project from land purchase to opening.
“What made these projects exciting for me was that I not only did a lot of the design, but I also put in a great deal of hands-on work in the process,” said Les.
These facilities stand as a testament to the years-long work and dedication Les has poured into Sonny Merryman’s growth, both through its footprint as well as its business-success. As he prepares to embark on a well-deserved retirement, Les won’t be putting down his tool belt as he has a couple projects of his own, he’s looking forward to.
“I’ve got two classic cars sitting in my garage – a his and hers pair for me and my wife, Patsy. It’s time to wipe the dust off and restore them, and I look forward to doing that in retirement.”
Les’s departure leaves a void within Sonny Merryman, but his legacy of hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.