When you’ve spent 40 years with the same organization, your story becomes part of its story. For two Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company employees, Ronnie Arnold, Make Ready Center technician, and Roger Vote, senior field sales manager, four decades of service have meant more than just showing up to work—it’s meant building relationships, adapting to change, and taking pride in being part of something bigger than themselves. Their careers tell stories of hard work, loyalty, a deep commitment to the people and communities they serve, and a genuine love for what they do.
In April, Arnold and Vote, both based at the company’s Bolivar branch, will be honored at Ozarks Coca-Cola’s annual service award luncheon. Their four decades of service represent the longest tenure being recognized by the company this year.
Most of their Ozarks Coca-Cola careers have been spent at the Bolivar branch. The two co-workers began their employment at age 19 in December 1985, just a day apart. Vote was hired to work the night shift loading trucks, and Arnold started as a route driver. Both still remember their first days on the job: Snow and ice were everywhere, and the bay doors in Bolivar were frozen shut.
“I have always been proud to say that I work at Coca-Cola, and the Bolivar branch has always felt like family,” said Vote. “I started here as a teenager, and the Rice family and management have always treated my family well. My career at Ozarks Coca-Cola has allowed my family to have many opportunities and a good life.”
Arnold and Vote have not only spent their careers together, but Arnold is also responsible for introducing Vote to his wife, Glenda.
“Roger first met Glenda while delivering Coke to the beauty shop she worked at,” said Arnold. “The following weekend, Roger and I were driving around Dunnegan Park, and we ran into Glenda again. I had known Glenda since kindergarten and reintroduced her to Roger.”
Roger and Glenda married in 1987 and will celebrate 39 years in August.
Four decades of service mean going through countless changes in the company and the industry—including career advancements. In 1988, Arnold and Vote were both promoted to account manager, and each has since held several roles in sales and operations.
“In 1985, we had fewer than 50 SKUs,” Arnold recalls. “Today, we have more than 650. Technology has helped us move forward, but there are exceptions. I feel like in many areas, email, text, and phone calls have replaced face-to-face relationships. I enjoy doing business the old-fashioned way.”
Over the years, Arnold and Vote have traveled millions of miles, served thousands of customers, hired and trained new associates, and built lasting friendships. Their dedication is evident in their work, relationships, and the example they’ve set.
“I have made a lot of friends with customers and colleagues throughout the years,” said Vote. “I hope they remember me as hard working, someone who took pride in their job, but most of all, a friend.”
After 40 years, Arnold and Vote have done more than build careers—they’ve upheld the Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper standard through hard work, pride, and the kind of service that helps the company deliver on its promise of ‘The Ozarks Way, Every Day’.
