Hilldrup Chairman Charles G. McDaniel Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award

Charles G. “Charlie” McDaniel, Chairman of The Hilldrup Companies, Inc., is the recipient of the Moving and Storage Institute’s 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award for Distinguished Service.  McDaniel received the highest honor bestowed by the moving industry at an awards banquet during AMSA’s Annual Education Conference & Expo in Phoenix on February 23.

A former AMSA chairman, McDaniel became only the third president of Hilldrup in 1976, a firm his father acquired from its founder, R.G. Hilldrup, in 1940.  He also served on the Board of Directors of UniGroup for 22 years and is a former board secretary-treasurer.  Hilldrup, among the largest United Van Lines agents and one of the most-honored, is the only United agent to have received its President’s Quality Award three times; and its Customer Award choice 15 times.  

During his tenure, McDaniel has been an industry leader, and among the first to create his firm’s own employee training center, complete with a furnished model three-bedroom home.  Involved in many charitable and historic organizations, his family home is an 18th Century historic landmark known as The Sentry Box. He collects Civil War carbines and enjoys hunting, fishing and music. He is a graduate of the University of Richmond.

“AMSA is thrilled to honor such a respected and innovative leader in our industry with our Lifetime Achievement Award,” said AMSA President and CEO Linda Bauer Darr.  “Charlie McDaniel has set the highest benchmark for quality and customer service, and is extremely deserving of this recognition. We are proud to be able to call Hilldrup a member,” added Chip Dircks, MSI chairman.

The Lifetime Achievement Award for Distinguished Serviceis presented each year by AMSA’s Moving & Storage Institute to an individual who has demonstrated leadership, professionalism and integrity and made a significant contribution through technology, operations and/or sales innovation that has led to industry growth and advancement.

Recognized as a prestigious symbol of leadership, innovation, integrity and service, the award is given to an active AMSA member with at least 20 years of service in the moving and storage industry.  The recipient must have contributed to the planning, promotion and execution of a special project and/or have advanced the industry through technological development, services or techniques.  Additionally, the winner must have enhanced the overall public image of the moving and storage industry through leadership within the community.

The Moving & Storage Institute Board of Directors, state association executives, past recipients of the award, and AMSA's Board of Directors nominate and vote for the winning candidate.  The identity of the winner remains confidential until the award is announced during AMSA’s Annual Education Conference & Expo.