Be Like Mike: UPS Working In A Pandemic

"... IT'S THE NUMBER OF TIMES YOU GET BACK UP."

Name: Mike H.
Profession: UPS Driver
Location: Atlanta, GA
 

When we conceived the "Get Back In The Game" interview series, we immediately thought of our UPS driver, Mike. We believe he epitomizes integrity, resiliency, and the utmost dedication to his craft. Mike's workload during this pandemic has quadrupled!

At Cobbler Union, we heavily rely on Mike to arrive on time, pick up customer packages, drop off imported product from our factory, and make sure returns and exchanges arrive safely and undamaged. Customer satisfaction has driven our success, and we slowly earn trust, over time, by doing the hard things well. He helps us build our customers' trust - delivering and receiving on time.

Without Mike, there would be no Cobbler Union during this pandemic. We hope you are as inspired as we are.

Here's what he has to say:

Mike, there's been no working from home for you during the pandemic. While many people have shielded themselves from the virus, you've come to work every day since this crisis unfolded. You've been a hero and our most important business partner. I'm not sure people know or appreciate how hard you guys work.

How would you describe this pandemic from such a unique view point?

Mike H: "I was taken back to start with, but then realized I was blessed to be able to provide for my family, and it took a lot of extra work for me even after I got home. After being hammered all day, I still have to remain conscious to not walk in the door. First thing I do before seeing my family is undress in my garage, go straight to the shower, and then wash my uniform. 

I've been working late hours and don't like it, but I kew some people weren't able to get out and expose themselves to the virus. Many people had to order online to get what they needed, and I had to deliver it to them. It put a lot of stress on my wife and me because we had to work, be a school teacher, be a mom, be a dad, and find the time to play with our kids too."

How has the pandemic affected you personally and professionally?

MH: "I have to say that I was a little nervous about it because I have a son who has a lower immune system, and we had to be extremely careful around him. Luckily, nobody in my house has gotten it, and other than a handful of friends, my direct house has been blessed to be free of any form of this virus."

How many packages do you deliver/pick up daily? Is this a significant increase compared to pre-COVID?

MH: "My route typically ranges between 150-250 on average for this time of the season. However, since the pandemic began my truck has between 350-425. Now in terms of pick up, volume has almost quadrupled and I have had some days where they would have to send me another truck to complete the last few pick up's. It's been very hectic at times, but we push on!"

How do you prepare mentally/physically for this influx? Do you feel protected and safe to complete your tasks daily?

MH: "I start my morning with a little bit of reading from my Bible app. I just try to make sure that I tackle my day with positive thoughts, prayers, and music. Do I feel protected and safe? At times I can say yes, I'm always sanitizing but sometimes I do forget to grab my mask at the last second... it's just TOO HOT."

With the increase of online shopping, do you think you'll be able to manage the increased workload through the end of the year? Are you expecting an even greater uptick in working hours and labor since holiday is less than 5 months away?

MH: "Yes, I do think that we are pretty much already into what we call 'peak season'. Aside, from having online sales go to their highest numbers yet, I think we are about to slide right into the holidays."

If you had to give our customers who has been in a bit of a funk or a bit depressed, or anyone else for that matter, any advice to get 'back in the game', what would it be?

MH: "It's not how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up!"

What are you most optimistic about right now?

MH: "Even though we might not be able to see it, the sun is always shining above the clouds... We have to go out there and just do it." 

Thanks for all of your hard work and dedication, Mike! Thank your UPS driver today!