Schneider IPO: 5-million-mile driver Bob Wyatt honored to ring NYSE Opening Bell

Editor’s note: This is the first in a two-part series looking back at Schneider’s Initial Public Offering (IPO) as “SNDR” stock began trading April 6. Part two, coming Friday, will look behind the scenes at the New York Stock Exchange.

April 6, 2017, marked a major milestone in Schneider’s 82-year history — the day Schneider Class B common stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “SNDR.”

Nothing could be a more fitting tribute than to have a driver, the lifeblood of our company, ring in the occasion. And no driver is more deserving of the honor than Bob Wyatt.

Bob Wyatt’s driving career highlights

• 5 million safe miles — and counting (one of only two drivers in Schneider history to reach that milestone).
• 44 years with Schneider — and counting (most tenured associate in Schneider’s fleet of over 11,000 company drivers).
• International Driver Excellence Award recipient from the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA).
• Inaugural inductee into Schneider’s Haul of Fame recognizing drivers with at least 3 million safe driving miles and/or 20 consecutive years of safe driving without an accident or safety infraction.

Bob Wyatt rings the NYSE Opening Bell®

Bob Wyatt was front and center at 9:30 Friday morning to ring the bell at the Exchange, with Wall Street looking on from the trading floor, Schneider executives and members of the Schneider family behind him on the platform and thousands watching live around the country.

“From day one of planning, we wanted the honor of ringing the opening bell to be a representative of the hard-working associates that provide the difference for our customers,” Schneider CEO Chris Lofgren said. “I believe Don Schneider would be proud seeing Bob at the podium representing the company that he entrusted us with to carry out his vision and leadership. Bob is the epitome of Schneider and our culture — the standard for all professional, safety-focused drivers.”

The look on Bob’s face while ringing that bell says it all.

Bob also got to sign the Bell Ringer book, something typically reserved for CEOs.

Thanks to Bob and all of our fantastic drivers for your great work in helping Schneider mark this historic occasion!