After more than four decades at Origlio, DSR Steve Hennelly is preparing to retire by year’s end. He started as a Driver’s Helper, then worked nights in the warehouse before spending 30 years as a Route Delivery Driver. For the past eight years, he’s been a Brewery Driver, making daily pickups at the Yuengling brewery and delivering that beer to Origlio’s Reading and Philadelphia locations. Steve, who checks in with Dick Yuengling daily, says that great service comes down to being courteous, friendly, social, and on time. And being a top- notch DSR takes patience, learning, and hard work – a CDL A license is something you have to earn, it’s not just handed to you. His biggest challenge? Traffic! But after 40 years, it’s the people and friendships he’ll miss most.
What advice would you give to a new DSR? Be ready to work hard. This type of work is not for the weak, it separates the men from the boys so to speak.
The best advice you’ve ever received is… When I first started, Joey Noble, a former Origlio Warehouse Manager, told me to, “keep my nose clean and I would have a job for life.”
Your favorite local restaurant/bar is… MaGerk’s in Royersford.
Your go-to comfort food is… An Italian pork sandwich with broccoli rabe and Italian long hots.
What’s your favorite holiday tradition? My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. I love all the comforts of being surrounded by family and enjoying a delicious feast.
But the Origlio holiday parties we had many years ago were my favorite tradition. I looked forward to them every year. It was fun to be able to get dressed up, enjoy an evening out in a beautiful venue, while spending time with my spouse, my co-workers, and the Origlio family.
If you could be anywhere, drinking any alcoholic beverage… I’d be on a tropical island enjoying an ice-cold Yuengling Lager or Corona with a lime.
What are you looking forward to most in your retirement? Relaxing and spending time with my family, especially my beautiful wife, Lisa, and not having to wake up at 2:30AM!