At Coca-Cola Consolidated, we believe that our Teammates are the essence of our Company. They’re the ones who bring our mission and values to life every day, in every bottle, in every community. We love to highlight their stories and celebrate their achievements, because they inspire us to be better and to do better.
Take Vintage Reconditioning Technician III Skip Hinson for example. We’re grateful he made time to share his journey with Coca-Cola Consolidated with us. Skip shares his story of hard work, dedication and passion that spans more than four decades.
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Q: When did you first start at Coca-Cola Consolidated?
A: “I started working at Coca-Cola Consolidated in 1979. It was a different time, that’s for sure. It was good then, but I think it is far better now. We have had a lot of great changes when it comes to equipment, growth and evolution. In the beginning, working here was just a job for me. I grew to love being here.”
Q: Tell us about your job roles.
A: “I started in route sales. It was all brand new to me. I am appreciative of the ones who helped train me and push me. Eventually I was able to get on the truck, get my first route, build it up and work it well. That’s where I started.
Over the years, I changed positions multiple times. For example, in 1986 I was promoted to a management position as a service manager, then I pivoted in 1990 and became a technical services supervisor, then moved into the fountain division until 2003. From there, I switched over to the refurbishment department and stayed a few years. I moved around mostly due to the company continuing to expand and opportunity to grow with it.”
Q: You retired in 2021. Why did you come back?
A: “I did retire in 2021. At the age of 62 I was going to retire early, but I didn’t want to just sit around doing nothing afterwards. The Company approached me about coming back part-time. So, we sat down and we worked out a plan. This Company has been extremely good to me all these years. I was only out for about six months before coming back part-time in Vintage Restorations.”
Q: What advice would you give someone looking to get into Vintage Restorations?
A: “My advice would be to make sure you have a talent for mechanical and electrical repairs. Get the training to know the ins and outs. Also, you need to be artistic. You need a critical eye. Nobody can really do the same things you can do. You want to be the best you can be, do the best work you can do, so the customer is fully and completely satisfied.
Outside of this job position, coming to work for Coca-Cola Consolidated is the greatest piece of advice I would give. This is a great company. For as long as I have been here, there have been opportunities for growth, great Teammates and good work. Never give up and do the best you can do.”
Q: Do you have a favorite machine you’ve worked on?
A: “In some ways, all of the machines I have worked on while being a part of the Vintage Restoration team have been my favorite. Each experience is great. But I do have a favorite! My favorite machine that I have worked on has to be the 1959 Cavalier-CS 72. To me, that is the most aesthetically pleasing vending machine that has ever been designed. It is just a fabulous looking machine… simplistic in design, but beautiful. This is a machine that will run for a long time. Definitely my favorite. And not just because that was also the year I was born.”
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And just like the 1959 Cavalier-CS 72 he worked on, Skip plans to run for a long time too. Bringing old machines back to life isn’t just his passion, it’s a calling. And it’s one he’ll continue to answer for as long as he can.
