Windstar Lines is proudly marking a standout year, as two of its esteemed team members receive top accolades in their respective domains—a true reflection of the company’s supportive, family-centric culture and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Both driver Andy Grecian and master technician Juan Velasquez achieved remarkable victories at the 2024 UMA Motorcoach EXPO, an extraordinary and rare feat for employees at the same company to win in different competitions during the same year.
“I’m really humbled and honored to represent my team,” Velasquez shared. “They’re so good to us, they really care, and I’m just proud to bring this home and show the industry that we take pride in what we do.”
Grecian secured first place in the 2024 UMA International Driver Competition, a major milestone as Windstar’s very first entrant in this prestigious event. Velasquez, meanwhile, claimed the title of Grand Champion in the 2024 UMA Maintenance Competition.
“It was a great achievement for both of them,” said Todd Hackfort, Windstar’s director of operations. “While we knew they were talented, we were really humbled when it happened. It highlights what our culture stands for—excellence and humility.”
Building Relationships—One Drive at a Time
For Andy Grecian, who has been with Windstar for six years, the recognition highlights his professional dedication and his passion for cultivating meaningful relationships with his passengers, many of whom belong to collegiate sports teams.
“I drive a lot of sports teams, so I see the same people all the time,” Grecian explained. “It’s really rewarding, especially when teams request me as their driver. I drive for the University of Iowa’s swim and dive, soccer, track, and women’s basketball teams, as well as the University of Northern Iowa’s soccer team. They’re like family.”
Shortly after Andy’s championship win, Hackfort likened him to his well-known star passenger.
“After the competition, we joked with Andy, saying he’s our Caitlin Clark—just like she’s the player of the year, he’s our driver of the year,” Hackfort added.
The company attributes much of its success to a close-knit workplace culture set by its owners, the Greteman family.
“The team feels like family, and they treat everyone well. It’s part of what makes it fun to work at Windstar,” Hackfort said. “We’ve grown to over 500 employees, but that family spirit remains intact because of the dedication of the three Greteman brothers who own and operate the company.”
Notably, the owners actively model humility and hard work, further cementing a uniquely supportive environment.
“If I’m picking up a bus for the basketball team, I might see one of the owners, Pat, in the wash bay, washing it himself because it didn’t get cleaned in time,” Grecian said. “They’re not afraid to get their hands dirty.”
Championing Excellence in Maintenance
Juan Velasquez’s path to victory in the UMA Maintenance Competition is a testament to resilience and perseverance. Competing for the third time, Velasquez advanced from not placing in his first attempt to second place in his second outing, finally securing the top title this year.
“The competition environment is nerve-wracking,” Velasquez admitted. “You’re shoulder-to-shoulder with champions, but even there, we find ways to support and laugh with each other.”
Velasquez didn’t discover his knack for mechanics until later in life but found his calling through sheer determination.
“I didn’t pick up a wrench until I was about 19, working at O’Reilly’s. I realized I liked to tinker with things,” Velasquez shared. “My family was starting, and I knew I had to make it work, so I went into the diesel program. It was one of the best decisions I made. It just happened to be where I found my fit.”
He credits hard work and attitude as the true differentiators in success.
“It doesn’t matter if you were ‘born to do it’ or not. If you put in the effort, have a great attitude, and really try, you’ll succeed at anything,” Velasquez said.
At Windstar, Velasquez has risen to regional maintenance supervisor, overseeing operations at 13 terminals. His hands-on leadership fosters teamwork and cultivates excellence.
“It’s a culture we’ve built where we roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty together. We don’t just bark orders,” Velasquez explained. “If someone doesn’t fit, even if it adds more work, we’d rather keep a strong team than risk dragging everyone down.”
Culture-Driven Success
Hackfort emphasizes that Windstar’s culture is integral to the success of the company and its team members.
“We don’t claim to know it all, but we’re hardworking and always willing to learn. That’s part of who we are,” Hackfort said. “We don’t see ourselves as better than anyone else. We just aim to outwork the next person.”
Windstar Lines’ milestone year highlights not just individual achievements but also the collective strength of a culture rooted in humility, perseverance, and a shared commitment to excellence.
Source: Bus & Motorcoach News
Image: Bus & Motorcoach News
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