The weather is getting warmer, which means it’s time for another flagging season to get underway. Our opening day consists of early morning traffic setups, stop-and-go paddles, and the smell of asphalt. There are no fans to cheer us on. Still, there is a general understanding that our traffic control flaggers keep our community and our business partners safe as they work diligently to improve Maryland’s infrastructure. 2021 will mark our tenth season of wearing class three reflective vests and hard hats donning the Kennedy logo.
Our flagging division really embodies the Kennedy mission to empower clients, talent, and community through our service and our vision to improve the lives of those we work with. Yes, our flaggers provide a sense of security to our clients as they work, but it also creates a sense of opportunity for a job that is typically categorized as “day labor.”
Our goal has always been to provide the highest level of flaggers to our clients. We understood this could only be accomplished by providing a better quality of life to our employees. It starts with a livable wage but also includes consistency and advanced notice of job locations. No one is lined up at our door at 5:00 AM, waiting to be dispatched. The flagging program also offers an opportunity for growth as we represent more positions than just flagging. In addition to receiving a reliable paycheck, our flaggers can use these jobs to build references and advance their careers. Several of them do take advantage of these opportunities.
I was reminded of this recently through witnessing the persistence of Mr. Dodson. Mr. Dodson first started with Kennedy Services in August of 2015. He has been one of our most reliable flaggers, working for countless projects and clients over the years. In January 2020, he started a promising role with the school system before the pandemic hit, and he was furloughed. Luckily, our flagging program never stopped, and he could continue to work until another great opportunity became available. At the beginning of this year, he started a new career opportunity with an international company, and he is flourishing. We look forward to witnessing what happens next for Mr. Dodson.
Mr. Dodson is just one of many success stories that come to mind. Mr. Thompson started in July of 2011 and played a pivotal role in building the flagging program in its early years. He was rewarded for that effort and promoted to a county position in November 2012 before becoming a county employee in May 2014. Another great story is that of Mr. Johnson. Mr. Johnson was not a flagger for long before earning a shot at an entry-level position in 2014. Today, he still works for that leader in equipment sales, continuing to work his way up the ladder.
All of these success stories should only be attributed to the hard work and dedication of the employees. Our role, along with our business partners, was only in creating these opportunities for them to shine. We continue to work together in providing a higher caliber of traffic control safety and chances to develop talents and careers.
Matt Sarant is a proud member of the Kennedy Services family. Kennedy Services is one of Maryland’s oldest independent, woman-owned staffing services, located in the heart of Baltimore City.