December 17, 2009 in Northfield, MN – The Minnesota Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, is proud to announce that Matt Otte, truck supervisor of Taylor Truck Line Inc., was honored with a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of his employee who serves in the Minnesota National Guard and Reserve.

According to ESGR member, Norm Hecimovich, “The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, who like the citizen warriors before them, have answered their nation’s call to serve.  Mr. Otte was nominated for being highly supportive of SGT Lawrence Brown’s military service.  Supportive supervisors are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units.”

As Taylor Truck Line owner Rob Taylor sees things, there's nothing very complicated about building a successful trucking company. There are just three rules: Pick up and deliver on time, all the time; do everything possible to service your customers; be open minded and completely honest. Rob learned these principles from his father Jerry, who began trucking full time in 1957, and soon established himself as a man to whom "customer service" was more than a mere slogan. It was the foundation of his business. Slowly, but solidly, Jerry began to add trucks to his fleet, always careful not to grow beyond his ability to provide customers with the highest quality service, and drivers with a fair, friendly place of employment. In 1989, Rob bought the company from his father and, after several years, began expanding its dry van and flatbed operations. Today, Taylor Truck Line is a thriving carrier, transporting a variety of products across the country.

As the 1.3 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions with America’s borders and beyond, ESGR will continue to be the resource for the employers of citizen warriors. ESGR recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of the law, and resolves conflict through mediation.  More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling Carolyn Ashworth at 651-282-4285.