Philip Keith Honored as Owner-Operator of the Year

Pictured Left to Right: Rosalie Keith Allely, Kathy Tielens, Philip Keith, Craig Bennett, Bruce Tielens, and Steve King

At the 2018 Truckload Carriers Association’s annual awards banquet, Philip Keith, who is leased to WEL Companies, was awarded the 2017 Owner Operator of the Year. He received a $25,000 cash prize for this noteworthy achievement. Philip was chosen from an elite group of finalists who were selected based on business-owner skills, driving record, their efforts to enhance the public perception of the trucking industry, and the positive contributions they make to the communities where they live.

“We want to congratulate Phil Keith and WEL Companies for this achievement. Mr. Keith was a finalist last year and he certainly deserves this honor and recognition,” said Dave Batterman, Vice President for North Central Utility of Wisconsin. “We’re honored to have both Phil and WEL Companies as customers as they are among the very best in the industry.”

Mr. Keith started driving in 1987, and honed his skills working as a Dispatcher, CSR and Terminal Manager. His first lease purchase with WEL was in 1997 and has had 20 years of safe driving with them. He was honored as the Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association Driver of the Year 2016 and has received three separate Best in Show honors in the World’s Largest Truck Convoy. He and his wife Eva, who has been part of the driving team, also participate in the Trucker Buddy Program. Together, they have logged over 4.2 million miles.