Known for his professionalism and excellent representation of TMC Transportation’s training standards, Matthew Nadeau has been named the company’s 2021 Trainer of the Year.

Of his 10 years of driving experience, Nadeau says he never expected to become a trainer, but he later decided he wanted to help his fellow drivers and share some of the knowledge he learned. And now he’s been a trainer for eight years.

He learned he had won the award while on vacation celebrating his 14^th wedding anniversary.

“It’s definitely an honor to be named,” Nadeau said. “You know, it’s a big deal and it makes me feel like I am being recognized and like I am doing the right thing.”

Nadeau has always been about doing the right thing. He is on his way to surpass training nearly 90 TMC drivers while maintaining a stellar reputation as a solid and safe leader. 

“Matt has taken on 88 training assignments to date and gives every person his all," Nadeau’s Fleet Manager, Taylor Yates, said. “He understands what it takes to succeed at TMC and does his best to instill these habits in his trainees so they can be successful on their own. He is a pleasure to work with, extremely patient, and possesses a strong work ethic.”

Nadeau said adjusting to the driver's lifestyle can be difficult. He notes that many of his trainees come from a variety of career backgrounds, but he does his best to provide them all structure and a bit of peace of mind. 

“If this is a job they (trainees) want to do, I do everything in my power to help them along,” he said. 

Nadeau believes leading with patience is the key to his success as a trainer. He says every trainee comes in with a different mindset, so he tries to convey patience and lets them know they can leave training successfully if they put their mind to it.

He quickly points out, however, his responsibility as a trainer doesn’t end when drivers land their own set of keys. 

“I want to set them on the right path from the beginning,” he said. “Let them know you are here for them and you have their back if they need it. I tell all my guys even when you are on your own and you’re just not sure about something, whether they call me, training or safety, somebody is always here to help them. They are never truly on their own.”

That sentiment rolls over to his personal life, as well, and notes he maintains friendships with some trainees out on the road and at home.

He recalled a time when a hurricane once caused a former trainee to lose power. He invited the driver and his daughter to stay with his family at his Florida home. The night ended with grilling steaks and what he described as a great time. 

“Matt is patient and always willing to help out in any way he can,” TMC training coordinator manager Jeff Geist said. “He has a strong work ethic and focuses on training drivers for success and safety. Matt has definitely earned this award over the course of the last eight years of training.”