MONTGOMERY, Ala. (June 19, 2026) – Four Star Freightliner recently celebrated the graduation of the fourth class of its Leadership Development Program, recognizing employees who successfully completed an intensive eight-month journey focused on leadership growth, operational excellence, team culture, and personal development.
The program, facilitated by Scott Brown of Leader Rocket Consulting, is designed to strengthen leadership capabilities across the organization and prepare employees to lead with greater purpose, accountability, and impact. Throughout the program, participants were challenged to reflect on two key questions: “What will you build?” and “What will you become?”
“We invest in development for our team, and we feel the best way to accomplish this is through a Leadership Development Program led by an experienced, proven developmental leader in Scott Brown,” said Jerry Kocan, Dealer Principal of Four Star Freightliner. “This program not only assists our team with their on-the-job responsibilities but their personal development as well. It is enriching to watch their growth.”
Graduates recognized during the June 17 ceremony included:
• Joe McElvy, New & Used Truck Sales, Montgomery, Alabama • Cindy Mathews, Regional Director, Dothan, Alabama • Tim Kirkland, Shop Foreman, Valley, Alabama • Mike Klamer, Warranty Director, Montgomery, Alabama • Chad Norris, New & Used Truck Sales, Valley, Alabama • Dan Crowder, Field Services Manager, Montgomery, Alabama • Judson Coburn, Parts Manager, Montgomery, Alabama • Sam McLaughlin, Leasing Manager, Montgomery, Alabama
Employees who successfully completed the program but were unable to attend the graduation ceremony included Chris White, Service Manager at the Georgiana, Alabama location, and Billy Spivey, Government, Utility and Refuse Account Manager whose homebase is at Four Star’s Albany, Georgia location.
Throughout the eight-month program, participants explored leadership principles that can be applied both professionally and personally.
Cindy Mathews said one of her most meaningful takeaways was learning to become a stronger team player and remaining open to the perspectives and contributions of others.
For Tim Kirkland, the program reinforced the importance of emotional intelligence and its role in effective leadership.
Chad Norris, who was recognized by fellow participants for his commitment to mentoring others, emphasized the importance of supporting teammates and helping them succeed.
“Be here for each other,” said Norris. “They’ll be better at their job because of it.”
Sam McLaughlin reflected on an analogy shared during the program about removing rocks from a river
The Leadership Development Program reflects Four Star Freightliner’s ongoing commitment to investing in its employees and developing leaders throughout the organization. By strengthening leadership skills across departments, the company aims to create a stronger culture, improve organizational performance, and better serve customers throughout Alabama, Georgia, and Florida.
About Four Star Freightliner Four Star Freightliner prides itself on providing customers with world class truck products from Daimler including Freightliner and Western Star. We also offer TICO trucks and a full spectrum of services. It maintains one of the most comprehensive networks of dealerships and service centers in the Southeast region. There are 8 locations to support customers’ needs: Montgomery, Ala.; Dothan, Ala.; Valley, Ala., Georgiana, Ala.; Tifton, Ga., Valdosta Ga., Albany, Ga. and Midway, Fla. Visit us online at fourstarfreightliner.com.
