Each year, Thomas Built Buses dealers from across North America come together for a two-day meeting. Top leadership from Thomas Built Buses (TBB) as well as Daimler, parent company of TBB, offer industry insights, announce new and upcoming technology, and share data gleaned from the previous year. It’s an exciting time for both dealers and Thomas Built Buses as the entire TBB community is able to collaborate and share with one another unlike any time throughout the year. The President’s Club Banquet caps off the two-day meeting. During the reception, dealers and their employees are recognized for their accomplishments from the previous year. Team Sonny brought home top honors last year at Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium in Texas, and this year proved to be no different in Orlando’s Seaworld Park.
Western Region Sales Manager, Cory Compton, was awarded Gold Eagle status in the Wings of Eagles Sales Program. The program recognizes Thomas’ top performers who demonstrate an unparalleled commitment to providing excellent customer service and possess an unmatched level of knowledge about Thomas products. Since joining Team Sonny at the beginning of 2015, Cory has consistently achieved a new level of recognition in the program each year.
Sonny Merryman Inc. Trainer, Daniel Droog was recognized as a Platinum level trainer. During 2017, Daniel lead a variety of both on-site customer training sessions as well as workshops at Sonny Merryman Inc. locations across the state. Daniel has been a leader in the Thomas Built Buses training program, building hands-on training models and curriculum that has been adopted by other dealers across the country.
For the third consecutive year, the parts team achieved Gold level status, the highest ranking possible. Parts manager, Derek Shelton accepted the award on behalf of the Sonny Merryman Inc. parts team. Sonny Merryman Inc. currently operates three locations across Virginia, employs five outside parts sales representatives, more than 10 parts analysts, and will be opening a fourth location in Greater Richmond this summer.
The company again achieved President’s Club Platinum status, joining the ranks of the manufacturers top performing dealers. To conclude the night, Sonny Merryman Inc. was awarded the Southeast Region Dealer of the Year Award, naming the company as one of the top five dealers in the entire Thomas Built Buses network. Sonny Merryman Inc. was also specially recognized for its long-standing relationship with Thomas Built Buses, partnering with the manufacturer as a dealer for more than 50 years. Of the entire Thomas Built Buses network, Sonny Merryman Inc. is tied as the second longest tenured dealer for the manufacturer.