Hilldrup Celebrates “Network of Strength” at UniGroup’s 2025 Learning Conference

Hilldrup was excited to participate in UniGroup’s 2025 Learning Conference in St. Louis, MO from Feb. 23 – 25. Inspired by this year’s theme, Network of Strength, agents from across the country took advantage of the exhibits, philanthropic events, breakout sessions, keynote speaker and even our very own Learning Conference Party: Unite to Ignite! Our party, inspired by the theme of superheroes, included a flash mob to the music of Boom, Boom, Pow with our partner agents throughout the UniGroup network.  Also, during the Learning Conference, agents and individuals who exceeded industry standards were recognized and celebrated.

Here are the awards that Hilldrup was honored with during this year’s conference:

2025 Operations Excellence Award – Carl Tisdale

Congratulations to Carl Tisdale, Director, Fleet Planning on being honored with the 2025 Operations Excellence Award! This accolade recognizes one professional each year who demonstrated exceptional performance in operations and who is passionate about teamwork, professionalism, and achieving common goals across the UniGroup network.

Carl was presented with this award by 50-year industry veteran Randy Rantz who retired from Hilldrup in 2021 as Senior Vice President, Operations.

“First, I would like to thank my family for always supporting me and being there every day. I would like to thank Mr. Charles G. McDaniel and Charles W. McDaniel for believing in me and giving me every opportunity to grow in this industry,” shared Carl. “There have been two very important men in my life that have taught me so much. One being my father who always told me to work extremely hard, don’t expect anything – you earn everything – and always try to be fair in every way. The other is Randy Rantz who has been with me longer than anyone else in my professional life. Even though he is retired now, still when I get in a difficult situation, I ask myself the same question I have asked since I have been at Hilldrup: What would Randy do? I wouldn’t be here today accepting this award if I had not followed in the footsteps Randy walked every day. Lastly, I want to thank the entire Hilldrup family for everything they all do to make and keep Hilldrup successful in the industry.”

Customer Excellence Award – Winner; 850+ Annual Shipments

UniGroup is proud to recognize the top achievers dedicated to agency quality performance. Awards are based on customer survey results and van line star ratings in the areas of claims, safety, RDBS (revenue distribution and billing system) and quality labor. Honorees are chosen in size categories, which are determined by the total number of household goods shipments registered annually. The agencies who receive these coveted awards are recognized as the very best in total quality performance for their size category. Hilldrup is now an unprecedented 28-time honoree!

President’s Club Winner – $19 Million

President’s Club award winners demonstrate excellence in annual booked linehaul revenue. Revenue generated by agencies under common ownership are combined under the parent; however, individual agencies achieving $8 million or more in revenue are also listed separately.

“As a recipient of the 2025 President’s Club Award, we are proud to accept this recognition which would not have been achieved without the invaluable support of the UniGroup family and headquarters team,” shared Chares W. McDaniel, President and CEO, Hilldrup. “This award, along with the others we are being honored with, speaks to the unwavering commitment and outstanding work that Hilldrup’s professionals, including our Van Operators and service teams, display each day to deliver the best experience for our loyal customers and clients. Together, we remain driven and focused on achieving Hilldrup’s vision to be the best moving services company, period. Thank you all!”

Hauling Award, Household Goods – 2^nd Place

The top three agencies producing the greatest hauling revenue in the Household Goods or Logistics business segments are recognized for their outstanding work. For this award, the revenues of agencies under common ownership are combined.

Fleet Safety Award, 3 Million+ Miles – Superior Performance

UniGroup’s Fleet Safety Award recognizes UniGroup agents with the best driver safety scores.

UniGroup Inner Circle Award

The Masters Club is a recognition program for United and Mayflower agency representatives highlighting outstanding sales performance. Within Masters Club, a “best of the best” group receives special recognition – the Masters Club Inner Circle.

• National Account – 1^st Place, Onie Girton
• Inner Circle Award, National Account – 4^th Place, Robert Gallucci
• Inner Circle Award, Residential – 4^th Place, Pete Ball

United Sales Achievement Award

United salespeople and agency staff all over the country work hard to keep UniGroup running strong. Agencies recognized here are the top bookers in United’s Household Goods business segments.

• National Account – Household Goods, 1^st Place
• National Account – Government – CFA, 1^st Place

UniGroup’s 2025 Learning Conference was an exciting and informative event for all agents who participated. Congratulations to all who were recognized during this year’s Conference!

Linda Rivera Author

Linda Rivera is Hilldrup’s VP, Customer Experience & Process Improvement, where she leads its Customer Service and Customer Assistance teams. She champions process improvement and serves in many philanthropic programs including the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce. Linda joined Hilldrup in 1995 and holds a bachelor’s degree in business.