Keeping our company running like a well-oiled machine is no small task. It takes teamwork, hard work, and people like Field Support Leader Dutch Diebert, our 2022 MVP award winner.

From analyzing processes and procedures to talking with teams and customers, Dutch works tirelessly to help things run smoothly so we can deliver on our mission of creating relationships and not transactions.

“Dutch plays a key role in inspiring teams across all divisions to push beyond the usual and achieve collective goals,” said Thor Hess, Executive Vice President. “This award is a fitting tribute to his experience, mentorship, and commitment to our team and our customers.”

Rob Gonzalez, VP of Sales, adds, “Dutch consistently models our company values in his daily work. You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who’s willing to go as far to take care of both the customer and the company like him.”

“Dutch and I talk almost every day. It takes a special kind of person to travel as much as we do, especially with teenagers at home,” said Carrie Haiflich, Field Support Leader. “I truly appreciate his service, knowledge, and friendship. I’m grateful he’s part of my team.”

Many of you also echoed these thoughts in your nominations:

“Dutch helped run Brunswick operations for over six months during an intense remodel. He worked many long hours. He’s a true asset and we miss him.”

“Dutch is always there to lend a hand or help when I need it.”

“Dutch’s a great communicator. He helped me share and enforce what I know. He also speaks for the company creating one band, one sound.”

Dutch’s interest in the construction sector was ignited at an early age. “My dad was a home building contractor, and I traveled with him to job sites from the Midwest to the Florida Keys. I went to 17 different high schools before I graduated.”

As he notes, his career journey has been just as diverse. “I’ve worked across many industries, everything from agricultural equipment and oil fields to law enforcement. I’ve experienced the challenges and successes with many roles firsthand, and this helps me identify what teams need to help them do their best work.”

Spending time at every Southeastern branch in the Midwest gives him the unique opportunity to look at a variety of touchpoints, from sales and service to operations and logistics. It also requires him to wear many hats as an observer, listener, problem solver, and team builder.

“Looking for ways to improve means you need to ask a lot of questions and actively listen. Are people happy? Are there any barriers in their daily work? How can we organize better? What’s the customer base like? Are we operating safely, efficiently, and productively? Then every person on the team needs to understand how they play a critical part in achieving our goals.”

Like most jobs at Southeastern, there’s no such thing as a typical day for Dutch. He might be driving to Indianapolis, Indiana, one day and Gallipolis, Ohio, the next. Or, he could be in a meeting talking about improving current processes or rolling up his sleeves and helping out in the shop. That’s the beauty of his role and one of things he loves most. But his favorite part is building relationships with people.

“I like identifying a problem and helping people find solutions. I also really like Southeastern’s focus on us as individuals and that they are genuinely committed to helping all of us succeed. To me, work is the best when we’re all learning and growing.”