Internet searches of “How do I get around a non-compete” and “Cost of employment attorney for non-competes” are one of the rising topics in the last 10 years. Some non-competes last for one year while others may be valid for three years, but breaking a non-compete can result in fines up to $250,000. In specialized industries, it may make getting another job much more difficult. Three main parts of a non-compete agreement are: Duration, Scope and Geography. A non-compete agreement prohibits the employee from competing with the business directly or indirectly for a specific duration of time after employment has ended. They may attempt to prohibit the employee from things such as:

• Working for a competitor company or competing individual
• Starting a company that offers the same products or services
• Developing competing products or providing competing services
• Recruiting former colleagues to join their new business

Businesses decide to enforce non-compete in order to protect:

• Trade secrets
• Confidential business or professional information
• Company relationships with specific
• Specialized training

Employees who sign a non-compete agreement, who then attempt to find new work, can be stuck with fear of getting fired or sued. It often does not matter whether the employee left by choice. Being forced to sign a non-compete agreement is a reason some employees may choose to abandon the job offer — they do not want to put their future work prospects on the line. Here at PGT Services, we believe if “You take care of your people, they’ll take care of you.” Even though a non-compete is not as popular as it once was, employers still use it to threaten employees when leaving. We do not see the value in threatening legal action if an employee leaves. Competition is competition, leads are leads and training is training. None of it is patented PGT Services, and there is no reason that we need to legally force it to be as such.

This spring brings a new tool in the fight against cancer: flowers. Daffodils are a universal symbol of hope and life, and they are at the center of the American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days® event. This year’s event will deliver thousands of flowers across the country to raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer. PGT Services is partnering with the American Cancer Society in this effort.

In addition to providing smiles for those in need, the event raises funds for the American Cancer Society’s life-saving mission of attacking cancer from every angle. The Society works tirelessly to create awareness and impact, to build communities to support those affected by cancer, and to help with access to treatment. They empower people with information to outsmart cancer, launch innovative research, and develop game changing approaches to addressing the cancer burden for all people.

Now through February 21, 2023, you can join PGT Services in support of the American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days by donating. Your donation will enable the Society to save more lives by helping people stay well, helping people get well, finding cures, and fighting back against cancer.

Acting as resources to support and mentor their team members, PGT Services kicked off our Carrier Solutions Advising program. These advisors are a direct point of contact for new carrier solutions reps, guiding them through training, onboarding, and career development. From brainstorming and troubleshooting to simple encouragement, the program also encourages collaboration among the carrier solutions team.

Senior carrier solutions reps, Jaz, Cody and Abby, are the inaugural program advisors. They’ve reflected on their new roles and the excitement with the new program.

Transportation. Getting commodities from point A to B with safety, service, and execution. This is why we are in business. But what brokerages often lack is the hands-on experience of the drivers they are working with. At PGT Services, we believe every employee should learn the basics of loading and securing the commodities we transport every day.

Enter PGT Trucking’s Blairsville, PA training facility. This immersive opportunity enables our employees to learn side-by-side with drivers how to properly load, secure, and protect commodities like steel coils on the back of a flatbed.

This required training for every employee provides them first-hand experience, a crash course in industry terminology, and an expanded view of what it takes to deliver a product successfully. We sat down with four of our employees who recently completed the Blairsville training to see what they took from this experience.

How did this training push you out of your comfort zone?

“Although I report to my cozy office in Sewickley, PA Monday–Friday, I had the opportunity to learn what proper flatbed securement looks like with first-hand experience,” said Gracie Voigt, Marketing Manager. “Not only was this day full of first-hand training, but also learning about the terminology of the transportation industry, equipment that is discussed every single day, and meeting some amazing PGT drivers.”

What was your biggest takeaway?

“I left with a much greater appreciation for truck drivers,” said Vianca Corpuz, Carrier Solutions Rep. “I did not realize the time, energy, and technique it takes to safely secure these flatbed loads. I understood the big picture, but the details of loading, securing, and delivering a load was so eye opening.”

What was your experience meeting and training with the drivers?

“It was so cool to meet all different types of people, drivers, all trying to accomplish the same goal from all across the US,” said Joe Peduzzi, Carrier Solutions Rep. “It feels awesome to truly be a part of a close-knit family!”

Did this change your perception of the transportation industry?

“Coming from someone completely new to the industry, I was a little nervous for this training, but I had the absolute best day full of learning,” said Amber Baker, Account Manager. “I walked out of that training so confident about my ability to communicate on the phone, understanding verbiage better, but also holding myself to a higher standard while selecting a reliable carrier that will live up to our PGT standards!”

How would you say this experience impacts the PGT Services culture?

“PGT Services is always striving to ensure excellent training inside the office setting, but the company has truly gone above and beyond by providing this hands-on learning experience for ALL employees,” said Gracie. “I am truly so happy to be a part of this amazing team and culture.”

PGT Services, headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, is a nationally recognized transportation brand with over 40 years of history. Flatbed is and always will be their cornerstone of expertise, but over time PGT Services has evolved into a multi-modal transportation services provider. Their growth and expertise in the metals and building products industry have made them a reliable transportation expert to many high-profile customers across various industry verticals.

“As a flatbed specializing transportation partner with 40 years of steel hauling imbedded in our roots, we look forward to the opportunity to serve and grow with the partners of the North American Steel Alliance,” said Justin Burgh, PGT Services Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Pricing.

Introducing the two faces that represent PGT Services’ Managed Transportation, these experienced professionals have a combined 27 years of working with Flatbed, Dry Van, LTL, Container, Air and Expedited freight management. Together they bring a wealth of connections and knowledge for Managed Services.

PGT Services has been recognized for third place overall for the 2022 Pittsburgh Business Times’ Fast 50 List for fastest-growing companies in the Western Pennsylvania region. This program recognizes privately held companies reporting the strongest revenue acceleration from 2019 to 2021. PGT Services placed first in the revenue category of $20-50 million. All spots 2 through 10 saw triple digit revenue growth.

Making the Fast 50 has been no small feat. A firm needed to manage significant growth in revenue, despite being challenged in unimaginable ways by the pandemic. Employees of PGT Services attended the Westin Convention Center Hotel on August 25 for the awards ceremony and celebration.

Established in 2020, PGT Services has grown into one of the top transportation providers for numerous companies around the US. PGT Services thrived in a fluctuating market where premier customer service, competitive pricing and strong partnerships were critical.

Vice President Justin Burgh reflected on the first two years of PGT Services: “It was a battle for our employees to find their place in the competitive market. I believe that the changes in the way customers conducted business during the economic slowdown are now the norm and that allowed us to find a spot. Moving forward I believe those changes are here to stay, which will create more opportunities for our company as we continue our journey.”

This is the first year the PGT Services has received this honor.

We hear you, and we are taking action! Recruiters are often seen as the middle man between the company and the candidate. The hiring process becomes unfavorable for the candidate when the recruiter no longer has their best interest in mind. The hiring process often leads to distrust between the candidate and the employer. Whether you believe recruiters or not, it is in their best interest to help you make the right decision for your career. Your impression of PGT Services throughout the whole interview process is a reflection of our organization. The experience you have interviewing with us is designed to give you the freedom, support and guidance you need to find your next opportunity with PGT Services or elsewhere. Of course, as a recruiter representing PGT Services, we want what’s best for our organization, and part of that is the happiness of the people we hire. Here is why PGT Services’ hiring process is different:

1. For that first round of interviews we meet at your availability. We are able to work around your schedule — going through multiple interviews with multiple companies is not very feasible for a person that is still employed. The stress of whether the Wi-Fi will work from the parking lot, or if a coworker will overhear you in a conference room is avoidable by flexible meeting times.
2. We won’t require a cover letter. More than likely the cover letter you are about to submit is Google generated and not personalized. Many of you would prefer to pick up the phone and explain why you are qualified for the position. We would love to hear that passion in your voice. If you take pride in your cover letter, it doesn’t hurt to share it!
3. Entry level is entry level. Entry level is for anyone that can use an introduction to the logistics industry. Our entry-level position will not require 3-5 years of experience. Career growth will happen at PGT Services. There is no corporate ladder — if you work hard there will be a reward! Sometimes seeing how it’s done from the bottom up will lead to success as you get promoted.
4. Let’s have a conversation. We will ask you a few questions, but don’t be afraid to have some character. No reason to have a script, we want to get to know the authentic you.
5. A quick thank you or no thank you is better than a no response. We try not to overextend our hiring process. We ask that you do the same.

  As recruiters, we have the opportunity to focus on your personal and professional goals. With an incredible team and growing business, we want a person who will help us succeed. A good recruiter will take into consideration personal responsibilities, financial needs and career plan to see if our organization would be a good fit. But, what standards do we expect in an interview?

1. A well-tailored resume. Don’t forget to bring multiple copies. No need for fancy paper or even for it to be printed in color. But, at the bare minimum, we need a resume.
2. Dress to impress! You perform better when you are confident in your clothes. Your suit doesn’t have to be expensive, but if you look the part you very well might get the part. How good does that sound?
3. Be on time. Life happens and, if that is the case, there are plenty of ways to communicate. Do your best to be on time. Be 5 minutes early, or even 10 minutes early if you have to. Expect traffic, prepare for weather and give yourself extra time in case there is a coffee spill.

First impression matters. Personality will carry the rest.