Lubben Named 2014 ‘Golden Wheel’ Award Recipient by MAX Transit

Thomas Lubben was named as the 2014 “Golden Wheel” Award recipient by the Macatawa Area Express at an awards cookout lunch on Aug. 8.

Thomas was chosen from a field of nine employees who were nominated for this annual award by their fellow employees, and then selected by the management team.  Nominees must meet nine criteria for excellence in the areas of: productivity; reliability; teamwork; adherence to policies and procedures; workplace safety; positive attitude; customer service; accident/incident free and integrity.

Thomas was presented with a plaque and a gift in a presentation by MAX Director Linda LeFebre and Operations Manager Katie Driesenga. Thomas, who was unaware he was receiving the award, was accompanied by his mother, son, daughter, and grandson.

“Thomas joined MAX as a bus operator in 2006, where he immediately made a good first impression by following transit system rules, and being highly reliable and on-time every day,” LeFebre said during the presentation.  “While he is quietly confident, he is always professional and polite. His calm and collected demeanor has often helped diffuse situations with customers that could otherwise have easily escalated. Above all, he is a safe driver.”

During the awards lunch, bus operators with a perfect safety record for the year were given “Road Warrior” certificates and lapel pins.