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Not every man and his dog can boast a lifetime on the road together making their community’s parcel deliveries, but that’s exactly what Whangarei Courier Franchisee Craig Hausman and best mate ‘Brutus’ have clocked up.
The popular pair was recognized on Thursday, September 21, 2017, along with 260 other Fastway Courier Franchisees across the country from Northland to Southland as part of the company’s first Courier Day.
The ‘Courier Day’ was designed to get Fastway’s head office team out from behind the desk and behind the wheel.
It was a chance for the company back office support team to get a taste of what it takes to be a Courier driver and Fastway’s Chief Executive Scott Jenyns is looking forward to hitting the road.
“Our Courier Franchisees are out and about every day, rain, hail or shine. They do a remarkable job day in, day out, and we as a company want to officially recognize that.” Mr Jenyns said.
Pole Position
Ten-year-old foxy ‘Brutus’ normally assumes ‘pole position’ right next to Mr Hausman on the front seat. They have both spent the past ten years collecting parcels and making deliveries for Whangarei’s commercial and retail sectors.
Craig started with Fastway twenty years ago but says since teaming up with ‘Brutus’ the pair has become a favourite fixture about town.
“I definitely have my regulars who know Brutus well, my customers love him and he knows how to work his canine charms. There is one particular lady who carries doggy lollies around with her waiting for Brutus to arrive. Needless to say that he is a bit overweight and can no longer see his ribs!” Mr Hausman said
Semi-retirement
Now in his twilight years, ‘Brutus’ is in semi-retirement, only working three days a week. Mr Hausman said that Brutus has ‘had a great run’ but the days can be long, out the door at 5 am and home at 5 pm.
It is not uncommon for Mr Hausman to pick up around 220 parcels a day and hand deliver up to 200.
“I love my business because every day is different, I am out meeting different people all the time … I even picked up my wife on the job!”
Mr Hausman met his wife Cheryl at the local flower shop, one of his delivery points, 17 years ago.
Since then, Fastway has become a family affair for the pair with Cheryl now working in Fastway Whangarei’s regional office.
September 21 marked Fastway’s National Courier Day and Mr Hausman said, ‘bring it on!’
“It is great to be officially recognised on Courier Day for all the work we do. I think that the head office team will gain an appreciation for what we do on the front line and with them rolling their sleeves up, I might even save some lifting!”
Photo Caption:
Hausman with his Partner Brutus
