Greetings, Fleet Champions Driving Through Life’s Storms,
At NTSI, we have always believed our purpose is not just to teach people how to drive—but how to drive SAFER. Because at the end of every route, the real goal isn’t just reducing liability or hitting benchmarks; it’s ensuring every driver, every passenger, every family member—human and furry alike—makes it home safely.
This Thanksgiving week, as many of us pause to reflect, we are reminded—profoundly and personally—that safety and awareness are the bedrock of gratitude. This truth hits home for us, quite literally, as we count ourselves thankful that a cherished colleague in our Pacific Northwest Division—where NTSI is headquartered—and her husband, who we also hold dear as part of our extended NTSI family, are still here to see another holiday roll into town with their beloved 18-year-old dog, Bandit.
Last week, during the once-in-a-century bomb cyclone that battered the Pacific Northwest, our NTSI family faced an unthinkable brush with tragedy. Trusting her instincts and heeding weather warnings, our colleague and her husband left their home just hours before a towering fir tree, uprooted by the storm, came crashing down. The tree struck the very spot where she had been sitting, and heavy debris fell onto Bandit’s bed, where he had been peacefully sleeping. Had they stayed, the outcome might have been devastating.
Instead, they and Bandit emerged, shaken but unharmed. Their home, however, was split in half, and countless belongings were lost. In the days that followed, the kindness of neighbors, family, and coworkers—all of whom were themselves without power, heat, or internet as the entire town of Issaquah was hard hit—became their lifeline, offering warm meals, steady encouragement, and a place to begin rebuilding. It’s a stark reminder of life’s fragility and the essential role of community when the ground beneath us shifts.
This story doesn’t just highlight the raw power of nature or the value of following the guidance of experts; it’s a testament to resilience, grace, and the support systems that hold us steady. Gratitude isn’t about glossing over hardship or tallying blessings like a ledger—it’s about recognizing the strength found in connection and the courage it takes to keep moving forward, even when the road is unclear.
For fleets, gratitude takes on a practical yet deeply meaningful form. It’s knowing that the drivers we train come home safely. It’s partnering with companies that prioritize defensive driving not just to save money, but to save lives. It’s the privilege of making roads SAFER for everyone, mile after mile.
As you navigate this week—whether you’re facing rain-slicked highways, end-of-year pressures, or the lively chaos of holiday gatherings—pause to appreciate the safety systems, teams, and communities that keep you grounded. Gratitude, after all, isn’t just a feeling; it’s what we create together—through awareness, action, and care.
From all of us at NTSI, thank you for letting us travel alongside you. May your week be filled with safety, support, and warmth as you make your way home to those who matter most. 🏡🐾
