Tank Talk is a quarterly publication produced by United Petroleum Transports Send announcements and articles to Shari Ardies at: Tank Talk 4312 S. Georgia Place Oklahoma City, OK 73129 or sardies@otl-upt.com

TankLTa K U N I T E D P E T R O L E U M T R A N S P O R T S

2011 4th QTR

Grand Master Danny Byars 2012 Driver of the Year

In a ceremony held January 26, 2013 in downtown Oklahoma City, UPT celebrated twelve outstanding Driver of The Year nominees, ultimately awarding the grand prize to Danny Byars who proudly represents our Oklahoma City CSC. Danny has been an exceptional representative for over 15 years. Having been chosen as the Oklahoma State Professional Driver of the Year for 2009 along with the UPT Driver of the Quarter award in 2002, Danny now can proudly display our largest honor alongside his many other achievements. Danny has safely logged over 1.4 million miles for UPT, making safety his number one priority every day at work and at home. We congratulate Danny, his wonderful wife, Pauline, and their two children on this incredible achievement. continued on page 5

The annual banquet has been moved to Saturday December 7, 2013. This year’s event will be held at the Renaissance in downtown Oklahoma City. More details will follow in the upcoming months. In conjunction with the annual banquet, we will continue to have our annual driver round table and manager meetings. Please mark your calendars!

Changing things up!

Save the Date!Greg & David Price Wyoming Elk Hunt

Greg

Chief Operating Officer

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Scott Hunt

Maintenance

David Keegan VP Maintenance

UPT has spent a great deal of time and effort recently on change. We are implementing new technology in the truck with PeopleNet; in the shops with TMT; and, in the office with TMW. We recently moved in to our new Baytown facility and are currently building a new shop there. We are spending quite a bit of time focusing on the CSA Basics, as well as the proposed HOS changes. We

are currently taking delivery of the new tractors - again new bells and whistles equals change. Ultimately we don't want to change anything simply for the sake of change; however as technology improves, we compete on new and more challenging levels. These give us opportunities to add value for our customers through things such as enhanced customer reporting, electronic invoicing, and many other services. As technology improves, we also have an obligation to test and understand the new products on the market. While testing doesn't mean we will purchase a product, it provides a hands-on assessment to understand the pros

and cons. The best way to do that is to engage and solicit feedback from our professional drivers and staff. Obviously poorly communicated change can lead to confusion, so we have to explain what we are doing, who's doing it, when, and how. On the other hand, doing nothing while our competition moves forward puts our existing and future business at risk. Imagine what would happen if an automobile manufacturer decided to sell last year's models instead of rolling out new ones. I think it is safe to say their market share would decrease quickly as the competition advertised their new cars.

I'll end with two quotes:

"Your success in life isn't based on your ability to simply change. It is based on your ability to change faster than your competition, customers and business."— Mark Sanborn

"If you want to make enemies, try to change something."— Woodrow Wilson

Our goal is to balance our efforts between the things we do well and the things that we can do better. Please make safe choices today.

In 2002, UPT began ordering our company trucks with onboard collision detection systems. Those systems simply created an audible tone and light on the dash when other objects were moving closer to our units. It was an expensive addition to the truck, but it was believed to be a need in our industry and would ultimately be required by DOT. These systems have evolved and improved over the years. Over the past eleven years, UPT has added the collision detection systems to all company trucks. This creates issues with our professional drivers who have the task of determining how a system works based on the model year. Manufacturers are now producing their version of these systems, which adds to the confusion. Collision detection systems operate as a monitoring device that assists the driver when traffic presents a problem. Warnings are based on a one, two, three second warning

system. If traffic speed and the UPT truck speed are constant, the system does nothing. As the closing distance decreases, time is the measurement. At three seconds to impact, light tones and warning lights activate. As the time

continued on page 3

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Think Safety First

Robert Moore VP Risk Managment

Risk Management is beginning our annual “Safety: Back to Basics” courses this quarter. Currently, we have completed courses at our DFW, Houston, Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Phoenix locations. Much like last year, the courses are designed to provide our team with crucial safety information. So far, the feedback we’ve received has been positive. I’m excited to once again have the opportunity to discuss these important topics with each of you in the coming weeks. We will begin rolling out several new programs this year during our safety basics courses. First, our Service Improvement Team has developed a 24-hour hotline for drivers to call in the event that you have questions about a particular loading procedure or location. The team is made up of Risk Management team members, Driver representatives, and other corporate support personnel. Calling the Service Improvement Hotline will likely help you avoid costly spills or contaminations. The number to call is 877-908-9732. We will soon begin outfitting your trailers with decals that include the hotline. Secondly, we have revised the Professional Driver Bonus Program to provide you with a greater earnings potential. The program will be discussed in more detail at our safety basics courses; however, the amount available for safe drivers has more than doubled over previous bonus plans.

to impact decreases, the tones get louder and lights brighter to warn the driver traffic is closing quicker than expected. The warning system is just that, a simple warning system, unless the truck is fully engaged in cruise control. While in cruise control, the system would be interactive, which means the truck would apply brakes, reduce engine speed, and activate engine brakes as needed. The 2014 models now have a newer version called “integrated.” Simply, the truck no longer has to have the cruise-control engaged for the system to activate truck components. These integrated systems, still uses the 1, 2, 3 second rules as in the past. However, systems now are integrated so that the truck will apply brakes, reduce engine speed and activate engine retarders as required to keep the collision spacing, in seconds, consistent. This does not take away the ability of the driver to make decisions, they still have operational control. The collision detection system is just an added feature, “another set of eyes” when the traffic becomes intense. Many automobiles produced today have similar systems. Seeing this information on commercials showing how brakes are activated when backup camera sees an object, just tells me this technology is here to stay. If you have any questions feel free to contact me at dkeegan@otl-upt.com.

Finally, UPT’s recruiting efforts remain strong. We’ve welcomed approximately 20 new drivers in the first quarter. I’d like to personally thank our Recruiting Department for their efforts, our Operations Group for their commitment to ensuring we have safe driver capacity, and finally all of you that have referred a driver. As we move into the busiest time of year here at UPT, my hope is we continue to focus on safety in everything we do; whether at work, at home or in between. Thank you for all that you do on a daily basis and please have a safe day. As always, if you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me at rmoore@otl-upt.com.

continued from page 2 ... Maintenance

$afety = $uccess

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$afety = $uccess Winners Receive $100 Visa Gift Card & 5000 Seamless Reward Points

Ricardo AdameDanny AdkinsJackie Adkins

Michael AlemayehuDavid AlexanderJohn AlexanderNoel Altoran

Raymond AmadorDaniel Andrade

Carl AndrewDavid ArevaloTerance Atkins

James AvilesCurtis BaconBilly BakerRodney BallTerry Barnes

Bobby BeatonWilliam Beatty Jr

Ardis BeatyJerry Belton

Robert BentonTimothy BernaObie Billings SrRobert BlevinsRoger BobbittJohnny BoboCharles BockDustin Bond

Quincy BrannonCarter Brengman

Roland BrownCharles BryantRobert Burgess

Daniel ByarsGilbert Camarillo

Jorge CamposFrancisco CastanedaAntonio CastellanosTony ChanthalangsyMalcolm Chiasson

Johnathon ClevengerThomas CliftonTravis Collins

Dolores ContrerasTimothy Costa

Glarince Covington

Nigel CrawleyRobert Cross

Kristia CrumptonJames Crutchfield

Richard CuppDanny Dartez

Jose DavilaDennis DavisRegenial DavisMichael DaytonLuis Delgado

Robert DelosierClint DevaderHassan DiwanLarry Dixon

Robert DodsonDavid Dye

Kenneth EcholsRay EmoryPaul EvansDavid EvesJohn Ewing

Theodore FlemmingJackie FlintGreg Flores

Lawrence FloydJoseph Ford

Stanley ForsythUlises Garay

Antonio GarcesDaniel GarciaLuis GarnicaRandeep GillRodney GillStacy Glover

GlennGoddardWilliam Gomez

Harold GoodmanHumberto Granados

Boyce GrayCraig Grays

Christopher GreenJohn Grimes

Rickey GuilloryRobert HaileyJohnny Hall

Jason Hallisey

Robert HamillDwight Handley

Jerry HayesBruce HellerLarry Helm

Frankie HendersonChristopher Henry

Juan HernandezMilton HernandezRene HernandezAllen HickmonJoel Hoffmann

Nathaniel HoustonKermith JohnsonTommy JohnsonCharence JonesThomas JordanJaime Juarez

Michael KeaslerJimmy Keck

James KennellRicky KerschnerPhillip Killerlain

Kenneth KirkwoodJames Koger

Michael LandryLawrence Lauziere

Ricky LawrenceReginald Levine

Richard LevinsonHarold LewisPenny LewisLevell LogginKeith Long

Michael LoveMichael LoweOscar Loya

Milton LucasLance Lynch

Varinder MannRyan MarlerTodd Martin

Baldemar MartinezEugene MateiuDarris Matlock

Michael MccarleyBradley Mccoy

Milton McdonaldDelvage Mcintyre Jr.

Paul MeadersJose MedinaRonald MeekRobert MelvinJesus MendozaJames MercerMarion Miles

Douglas MillionJoseph MitchellTerrell Mitchell

Noe MolinaJeffrey MonroeMichael MooreJuan MoralesW C Moseley

Christopher MyovelaAlkarim Nasser

Eduardo NavarroJorge Navas

Raymond NelsonGarry Northrup

Ron OkersonAlexander OrtizMiguel Osorio

Fred PerezJohnny PerezRuben Perez

Latron PerkinsCharles PetersRonald Pierce

Harvie PinkertonTerrell Pitts

Gaylen PlunkJose QuintanaDaniel ReidRoy RelifordWilliam RichTroy Rikert

Clyde RobersonBilly Roberts

Mitchell RobertsArturo RodriguezRichard RodriguezRichard RodriguezSergio Rodriguez

Terry RorabaughDonald RossiterMichael RowlettBobby Russell

Vali RusuJeffrey SadlerAdam Sage

Dennis SendzikJames Shephard

Glen ShippJames ShockleyRonald Shults

Ronald SietmannManjinder Singh

Scott SkinnerThomas SmithEdward SniderNathan Snyder

William SpillmanMickey St. Andrie

Paul StarnesBradley StunkelJeffery Tatum

Carl ThederahnStasen ThompsonRobert ThorntonJohn ThurmanJesus TorresPaul Triplett

Glenn VansteenburghFelix VelazquezClifton VergeDavid WattsGene Webb

Thomas WhaleyJimmy WhitakerJames WilemonLee Wilkomn

Kareem WilliamsLarry WilliamsLarry Williams

Timothy WilliamsWarren Williams

James WooldridgeChristopher Woolever

David Yowell

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Career Driver Path ~ Achieving Excellence

A $500 referral bonus will be paid to any UPT employee or lease driver who recruits a new driver to the UPT family. $250 paid at the new driver’s 30 day anniversary and another $250 at 180 days. What a great way to put additional money in your pocket!

Master Level 2Brad Mccoy

Charles SimpsonClifton Verge

David AlexanderErnest WalkerGreg CannonHarold Webb

Joe OchoaJuan Rivers

Leroy PeacockManuel UrrutiaMichael JonesMynor Carpio

Obie Billings SrRobert Watkins

Rogers BroussardStacy Glover

Stasen Balmer

Master Level 1Aaron Ortiz

Antoine GoodsonDaniel DartezDavid Yanc

Fred RobbinsJr Ferguson

Juan HernandezLarry Helm

Levell LogginLewis FranklinLuis Morales

Michael BrisenoRyan Marler

Stasen ThompsonTerrell MitchellTyrus MahsetkyWillie Figueroa

Senior Level 2Aundre Burrows

Billy RobertsDarmasce ThomasDarrell Culverhouse

David ArevaloDavid Kyle

Dennis PetersonDerek Kelly

Eullis JohnsonFrankie Henderson

Glen ShippJackie Flint

James MeridythJesse TurmanJohn Barats

Johnny SnyderKenneth Patterson

Luis GarnicaMilton Hernandez

Milton Lucas

Grand Master Garwin Parker

Hector RamirezJames LittleLouie Vigil

Patrick JacksonQuincy Brannon

Senior Master Aaron YandellDonnie Smith

Hernan OrsorioManuel WilliamsMichael MitchellMiguel OsorioRicky CampbellTerrell Wallace

Terry RorabaughVali Rusu

Senior Level 2Paul TriplettRobert Allen

Roland Brown

Senior Level 1Anthony Benjamin

Evan LoukasJames Aviles

Jose VelazquezLatron PerkinsOscar VenzorPenny LewisRodney Ball

...Driver of the Yearcontinued from page 1

(L-R) Perez, Starnes, Clark, Roseen, Byars, Price, Thurman, Woods,

Doyle, Jordan, Johnson and Whitaker

$500 Referral Bonus!

The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (volunteer representatives of DPS) selects each year’s 12 nominees and 1 award winner based on safety statistics, attitude and overall performance. To be named one of the top 12 drivers in a fleet of over 600 drivers is exceptional. We extend our gratitude and appreciation to the 2012 Professional Driver Nominees; Daniel Doyle Albuquerque; Ruben Perez Dallas/Ft. Worth, Larry Dixon Houston; Tommy Johnson and Brad Whitaker Odessa; Tim Clark and Ron Woods Oklahoma City; Kevin Jordan San Antonio, Paul Starnes Shreveport, John Thurman Tulsa and Doug Million Wichita.

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Robert “Bob” Roseen, from our Houston CSC, was honored as the “Recruit of the Year” during the annual awards banquet. Joining our team in April of 2012, he brings with him more than 35 years of professional driving experience. Bob is first and foremost a family man. His family is his highest priority, so before he gets into his truck or works with any equipment, he starts by taking a few extra moments to perform safety checks. He and his wife Shannon, of 16 years have three children, Robert, Blake and Mikalia. Tony Cupples joined the Shreveport team in March of 2008 and was named 2012 “Technician of the Year.” We commend Tony for his leadership and management during last year’s operations changes and success. Tony’s hobbies include hunting, fishing and riding dirt bikes. Tony believes he can repair most anything mechanical. Tony would like to thank his family for being an inspiration to his success; parents Woody & Mary and his brother Donald.

Roseen & Cupples Receive Top Honors Charlie Stein Receives “HaWa” Award

The Board of Directors of United Petroleum

Transports, in a closed meeting Saturday morning, January 26, 2013, unanimously voted to bestow the Company’s highest non-driving recognition award to Charlie Stein, the Southern

Region Business Development Manager.

The award was officially presented to Charlie during

our annual Awards Banquet, much to her surprise and the cheers of her peers and associates. Joining UPT in July 1999, Charlie has worked tirelessly in both operations and sales, building lasting relationships with key vendors, customers, professional drivers, and staff. Her leadership and vision have helped to make UPT the largest fuel carrier in Texas and solidifiy our reputation as a dependable, consistent, and safe carrier of choice. Charlie’s personal sacrifice, character, integrity, and loyalty throughout the years stand as a testament to the values which shape her life. Each and every day Charlie has embodied the characteristics and attributes set by Harold G. Wall, for whom this award is named. It is then only fitting for her to join David Keegan as only the second recipient of this most distinguished award. We are privileged and honored to have Charlie as a valued member of our UPT family.

(l-r) Robert Moore - Bob Roseen

Tony CupplesHarold Wall

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Happy Anniversary

Welcome Aboard!

15 YearsCarrol MondenKristi Murphey

Steve Cummisky

10 YearsDaniel AndradeVictor Richard

Wayne Gannaway

Jeff Norling is our new Regional Safety Director for the Central Region, and will be based out of the Dallas / Ft. Worth area. Jeff is a twelve year veteran of the Kansas Highway Patrol and has a total of 18 years law enforcement experience. In his role with the Kansas Highway Patrol, Jeff was a CVSA certified inspector, as well as a new carrier entrant Safety Auditor. He is also currently a Master Sergeant serving in the Kansas

Air National Guard where he has completed tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Jeff received his Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Emporia State University. He and his wife Shelly have three children; Rachel - 16, Aaron - 18 and Rebekah - 21, who is on active duty with the United States Air Force.

Kathy Goode has joined the UPT team as our new CSC Manager in Houston, TX. Kathy comes to us from Sun Coast Resources, where she held several positions over the past 10+ years. In her previous role, Kathy regularly worked with UPT and was recognized for her professional approach and work ethic. In addition to her significant knowledge of the industry, Kathy’s

hands-on leadership style fits nicely with our culture. Prior to her service at Sun Coast, Kathy actually worked in dispatch for UPT in Houston. When she is not working, Kathy relaxes by raising her eleven year old daughter, Hannah, and spending time with her three grown sons Nicholas, Wesley, and Charles.

David Withers joined UPT in January and will be assuming the role of the Director of Driver Recruiting. David will be based in Dallas, TX and will be responsible for all aspects of Professional Driver recruiting and retention. David comes from Central Transport, Inc.,

in Dallas, TX where he spent the last seven years in employee relations and recruiting. Previous to his time at Central, David held similar positions with Ozark Motor Lines and MS Carriers/Swift, both in the Memphis, TN. David and his wife Deidre have three children; Kayleigh (15), Jaden (10) and Wyatt (9).

Benefit on-line open enrollment starts April 8 to 22 for plan year 2013 – 2014.You must be a full time employee & employed by the Company for at least 90 days. There are 4 Open Enrollment Meetings schedule on April 4, 9, 11 & 17. All UPT employees have access to Paycom’s Employee Self-Service feature. If you need further information on how to access this, please contact Benefit/Compensation division or email benefits@otl-upt.com.

5 YearsRaul Valdez

Aaron YandellJoanne Miley

Mackey BeattyPam Hayes

Rick NewhouseRobert BlevinsWayne Clark

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LMTA Truck Driving Championship The 2013 Louisiana Motor Transport Association (LMTA) Truck Driving Championships (TDC) were held in Baton Rouge, LA on March 22-23. One hundred-six (106) drivers totaling 171 million accident-free miles participated in this year’s event. Truck Driving Championships are designed to test a driver’s knowledge and skill in a three-part challenge consisting of a written examination, pre-trip inspection and field test. Ron Holte, Shreveport Center Manager, was selected to participate as a judge working side by side with the DPS. The written test comprised of 50 questions and the pre-trip had 14 defects in which the driver had 8 minutes to find. Two that stood out most to Ron Holte was simulated drugs in the overhead cab compartment and an I.E.D planted under the front bottom of trailer. Yes a bomb! All these are planted to simulate real life scenarios. “Working side by side with the DPS officer in the judging event changed my perspective 100 %.,” said Holte. Our Shreveport CSC was represented by Grand Master Mickey St. Andrie and Grand Master Paul Starnes. Mickey placed 2nd in the tanker division and Paul received honorable mention. Shreveport also received an award for outstanding achievement in highway safety in the 3 to 6 million miles category. Holte said three things stood out for our team and was very apparent throughout the whole event; Safety, Family and Seamless. “We all do this unconsciously, as it is part of the heritage the Price family instills in us all. I am very thankful I had the opportunity to represent UPT and certainly encourage all fellow team members to take the time to go to their own state sponsored event.”

Arizona Trooper Jim Armstrong joined Robert Moore, VP Risk Management, and Safety Directors Jeff Norling and Alfredo Alvarez speaking about CSA as a part of the Safety Basics 2013. CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) is a major safety measurement and reporting initiative of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The overall goal of collecting this safety performance and equipment maintenance data is to reduce accidents by pinpointing and addressing areas of concern. The desired result is safer highways for everyone.

Safety Basics 2013

Misaki and Willie Gunter V, son of OKC Technician Willie Gunter IV, were married on December 20, 2012 in Dallas, TX. Willie is an E4 in the US Navy commissioned on the USS John McCain and stationed in Onasaka Japan.

Congratulations

(L-R) St. Andrie, Holte, Starnes

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Oh Leading the country in g o a l s against average

and securing nine shutouts in a row,

USAO sophomore Bryan Byars was named Sooner Athletic Conference Defensive player of the week last fall. In October, Byars posted his eighth and ninth shutouts in a row while collecting three saves a piece against conference opponents.

Byars lead the country in goals against average (0.18), giving up just two

g o a l s in the 11 games of the season. With 19 shutouts in a season and a half, B y a r s was only two games away from

tying Assistant Coach Alexis Vizarelis’ career shutouts record. This was the second time during the season Byars received the SAC Player of the Week honor. Bryan is the son of Grand Master Danny and Pauline Byars.

Wichita Professional Driver Tony Chanthalangsy and wife Tiffany welcomed a baby boy last month. Austin Chanthalangsy was born on February 3rd, 2013.

Madeline Price is a big sister! Romi and Kirby Price, son of VP Kevin Price, welcomed their second daughter. Isla Price was born January 14 weighing 7.5lbs.

Charlie Stein, BDM, and Bruce Stein, RM, welcomed their first grandchild! Their daughter Sara Stein welcomed Lane Everett Schuler into the world on January 2, weighing only 5.4 pounds.

Ronnie Coronado, Professional Driver from our Abilene center is the proud "PaPa" of his first grandbaby, Kaislee Grace. She was born on January 9, 2013 weighing 6.7 lbs and 20” long. Ronnie works in the Waco area.

Isla

Lane

baby

Austin

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS

NO GOAL!

Applications for the 2013 scholarships are now available through many of our industry partners. More

detailed information can be found on their websites. TMTA Web site is www.tmta.com. Applicants must be high school seniors or graduates, an employee of or a dependent of an employee whose company has a TMTA membership in good standing, to which UPT has. The Oklahoma Trucking Association has the Wilburn Williamson Memorial Scholarship. Qualifications can be found at www.oktrucking.org.

Kaislee

EXERCISE...EX...ER...CISE...EX...ER...CISE

BACON!

...EGGS...AR...SIDES...FOR BACON...

Are you making good EXERCISE choices?

4312 S. Georgia Place Oklahoma City, OK 73129

Central Region: Lance Anderson (DFW) Northern Region: Daniel Dartez (OKC)Southern Region: Joseph Ford (HOU)Western Region: Antonio Castellanos (PHO)

Central Region: James Michot (SHR)Northern Region: Charles Bryant (AMA) Southern Region: Bruce Abbott (HOU)Western Region: Steve Balmer (ABQ)

2013 1st Quarter

2012 4th Quarter

Many don’t know this, but Oklahoma City is the official training city for several classes of US Olympic row teams, and has also played host to international competition trials. Every day in the spring and summer you will find teams practicing up and down the Oklahoma River just south of downtown. I can’t help but drive by and think how effortless it looks from my point of view. It looks effortless because these are the world’s best row teams and they have put in countless hours of practice and building trust. Each position on a row team is strategic and plays a critical role in the success or failure of the team. When each member performs their specific tasks the overall result is a harmonious team working together towards a common goal. Even one member of the team diverting from their tasks will cause the entire team to get off course. I wonder if the same can’t be said for trucking. Our team is larger, but each of you has specific, critical parts to play to ensure our overall success. From the shop technician, to the accountant, to the manager, to the professional driver and every position in between – we all have vital roles to play. Any one of us getting off course impacts the entire team. Our goal should be harmony.

Our goal should be positive team work. Our goal should be for the casual onlooker to see UPT and think what we do is effortless, or as we say around here… Seamless. We have recently rolled out a new program, Seamless Rewards, to better recognize and celebrate the UPT family and our successful teamwork. In particular I want to focus our attention on Team Blue recognition opportunities. Replacing the outdated ‘Gotcha Doing Something Good’ program, Team Blue is intended to be used day in and day out as a way for each of us to recognize the best qualities in each other – those qualities, goals, and character traits found in our Company Vision and Mission statement. Take the time to learn more about Team Blue and how you can recognize and be recognized for living and cultivating the UPT way of doing business. Like the mighty Olympic rowing teams, with each of us contributing in our own unique, yet critical ways, we will continue to enjoy and celebrate success for many years to come!

Driver of the Quarter

Matthew Price VP Culture & Marketing