Smyrna Ready Mix

What was known as Metro Ready Mix [MRM] is now Smyrna Ready Mix [SRM]. I've heard great things about MRM before & they were the top material plant in Nashville, if not TN. When I got hired there, I found out it was different than what I was told in a bad way. I interviewed with a guy I didn't even know was the CEO [Jeff Hollingshead]. He didn't smile or give a good vibe, but I thought he was 1 of those persons that acts that way because they don't know you. He told me it was a hard job with long hours & he needed someone that could endure. I was ready for it. However, when you fill out an application & get hired, your start date includes a brief orientation, then going on a truck with a trainer. It's your fault if you don't ask for a tour & meet people before committing, but when you're thinking about $ & benefits, those are your priorities.

The place wasn't what I expected. Workers warned me that environment wasn't good. Workers were treated like slaves & if they had an issue, they were told they can go work elsewhere. I only had an issue with how the plant was ran & training. It's not a friendly / family environment for the most part, & there seemed to be favoritism. There's 1 trainer there that caused problems, but some of the others were ok. Overall, they need a review program like Maverick's where workers can rate trainers. That's 1 of the reasons they got high turnover. If you view the site's Story tab [smyrnareadymix.com/story.html], you'll see they're advertised as a Christian based company that handles business daily with integrity and professionalism. That's virtually false advertisement because I ironically found that out after I got let go there. I never would've known, & I told that to a guy who worked there when we talked about what happened with me, yet he even knew that wasn't true.

Mike Hollingshead is the owner. He's a good guy but he lets his son [Jeff] get away with stuff. Jeff takes people & life for granted. He firmly stands by if you don't like the job you can leave. He doesn't thank or help you. I think he got offended because I told him about the issues & that there needs to be a better environment. I believe I read 1 of Sam Walton's mottos which was "Listen to your workers. They are your best teachers." About a week later I was told by my manager I had to be let go because it wasn't going to work out. I got let go for no valid reason & I didn't even get a separation notice. I had perfect attendance & was loyal in representing SRM. My manager, 1 of the young dispatchers, & some people in the office were good folks. I even liked the COO [Mike Zagula]. At least he treated me with respect. I can't vouch for SRM though. With it being family owned, I'm highly certain no one else can get promoted there. It's a situation where they make a lot of $ & they feel if it aint broke, it don't need fixed. It clearly needs fixed. I tried to speak with Mike H about it but was unable to. When you got dissatisfied workers mainly because of the CEO & how the job is ran, it needs fixed. You begin to wish that the company would get better people or shut down.

I don't care how much $ SRM makes, it'll never be a great place unless you don't have to be around those kind of folks & circumstances. 1 thing that should be considered is learn about a company before committing, despite how beneficial it is. It's like how I learned of Cassens Transport Co & Jack Cooper before committing. $ aint as important as freedom, happiness, & success. If you don't have freedom to where you obey regardless or jeopardize losing your job, & you aren't happy, you won't have success. One shouldn't compromise morals, integrity, respect, & freedom just to make $. That's 1 thing that has damaged the economy. If anyone feels like they still want to try SRM, stay away from the main plant downtown [2nd Av]. That's where Jeff & a certain trainer is.

 

that's a different screwed up from what i meant, but if people took a stand, they'd force SRM to change for the better. a lot of people complain, yet they won't unite & take action. it takes more than 1 person. how much experience does one need for bulk though?

 

@Chinatown last i checked, Pyles wanted @ least 1 - 2 years experience [can't remember], but the ? i should've asked was if they hire graduates, which is what i'll do when they open. i've done that & got better answers. there's a Bulkmatic in Nashville that was going to hire me but i declined it due to the odd hours. 1 day u can work days, another nights. they got plenty of work though from what the manager / recruiter told me. he was a nice guy & told me that he's up front since drivers would figure it out anyways! im considering a few local options since the notorious 1+ year of verifiable experience is ruining it. thanks for the replies

 

@Chinatown that's good info but do u know how to mention or quote?!
i was considering AWG but there was an issue with HR. i try to avoid working where people can't be respectful & help the world revolve in a good way. a lot of people don't like to look @ other's perspective. it's a hypocritical world we live in & people play for keeps. i thought about trying imi but im researching & trying to weigh my options