GFL is delighted to announce that Operations Supervisor Dennis Petri of GFL's Horicon, Wisconsin, solid
waste facility has been named the First Place Winner of the 2024 Lytx Coach of the Year award in the
Waste/Construction category!
"Winning the Coach of the Year is a tremendous accomplishment and to have Dennis recognized by Lytx
is a great honor," said General Manager Lonn Walter.
Lytx presents the annual awards to coaches and drivers in five industry categories who demonstrate
outstanding driving behavior and a commitment to safety while improving their companies' leadership
by serving as peer mentors and instructors.
The Lytx Driver Safety Program combines machine vision (cameras and optic sensors), AI and coaching to
accurately detect and correct risky and distracted driving. Lytx technology analyzes the data to allow
drivers and fleets to improve their safety programs.
At GFL, coaches like Petri are able to help drivers implement safe driving practices with the Lytx program.
Petri was invited to the Lytx Executive Advisory Meeting in San Diego, California, on April 8, where he
and the other first-place winners were celebrated.
"It was a real honor to win but it's just part of the job," Petri said.
Petri acts as route supervisor for about 18 drivers. He obtained his CDL 20 years ago and has worked in
the waste industry for 10 years. Petri started out as a driver at GFL and began coaching four years ago as
part of his supervisor job. When an incident occurs, he provides coaching to the driver.
"Being a driver I know what I'm looking for and it helps me coach the drivers on what needs to be done
or what they can do better," Petri said. "Being able to listen to what the drivers tell me is important."
Petri also conducts safety meetings on how to implement safety practices to be Safe For Life.
"Dennis is constantly looking for ways to improve driving habits," Walter said. "His 'do the right thing'
motto resonates throughout his team and obtains their buy-in on our safety programs. As a former
driver himself, Dennis realizes the daily challenges a driver faces and has a great understanding of how to
coach them through many scenarios they may face."
When not coaching drivers, Petri enjoys hitting the open road on his Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic and
going on camping trips with his four teenagers.