Peter Pugh, FedExForum: Memphis, TN
Located in Memphis, Tennessee, the FedExForum is the premier place for events in the Mid-South. With Memphis being home to some of the most eminent musicians and two winning basketball teams, the “Grind House” is always hosting top performers and players. Whether it is a Tigers or Grizzlies game or concert, The FedExForum hosts more than one hundred events a year. Peter Pugh, the Senior Director of Operations at the FedExForum says “In order to bring in over hundred events a year, we have to transform this building, and doors will have to open on time”.
With large productions, heavy stages, and late nights, the FedEx Forum’s staff has the incredible task of converting the space in less than a few hours. Fans and concert goers are relying on the team to have the Forum ready for showtime. While it seems like magic, The Lilly Company is the true answer to the Forum’s conversions between events. The Lilly Company came in from the very beginning to help the FedExForum; they provide all the products, parts, service, and anything else they would need. When the staff needs to lift the floors, stack things into bays and decks, and so much more, Toyota forklifts and pallet jackets make that process quick and efficient. Willie Fisher, the FedExForum conversion supervisor, says “If anything is over 100 hundred pounds we grab the forklift. Without the Toyota Forklifts, we couldn’t do our jobs around here”.
The reliability, strength, and durability of the Toyota forklifts is emblematic of Memphis and “The Grind House”. They all work hard and take a beating, but they keep on ticking. With the Lilly Company’s service and maintenance, the FedEx Forum staff can rely on the forklifts and pallet jacks at 2 or 3 in the morning to get the job done. Nate Johnson, the FedExForum Operations Manager emphasizes that “The Toyota Forklifts and the Lilly Company are just as much as part of our team as our staff. We know we can always count on them”.