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From Small Town to SWA

dkarstens
Explorer B

Starting a new job often invokes mixed feelings of excitement and intimidation. At Southwest, though, we’re known for making everyone feel like an important part of the Team from day one. At the Nashville International Airport (BNA), our new Employees quickly find a friend and mentor upon meeting Operations Supervisor McQuiddy Bragg. Since 2001, McQuiddy has served as a BNA Station Training Supervisor, and welcoming New Hires is one of his favorite parts of the job.

“I enjoy introducing new Employees to Southwest Airlines and giving them the tools to succeed,” McQuiddy said. “Also, the training world is constantly changing, and I like the challenge of keeping up-to-date with the most current information and delivering it to existing Employees.”

On June 6, 1987, McQuiddy was a Southwest New Hire himself. While he was in school, he worked for a baggage delivery service and another airline, where he met several Southwest Employees. He liked the Company atmosphere, so after he graduated, he applied for a job. McQuiddy began his SWA career as a BNA Ramp Agent, and a year later moved to work at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). While in PHX, he joined the Operations Team. He again headed west in February 1991, when he transferred to San Diego International Airport (SAN) and was quickly promoted to SAN Operations Supervisor. McQuiddy then moved back to PHX as an Operations Supervisor in July 1992. He remained at the Station until September 1998, when he returned to BNA.

“After 25 years with Southwest, I have so many memories; it is really hard to narrow it down to one favorite,” McQuiddy said. “Southwest has given me, a person from a small town in Tennessee, the opportunity to work and live all across the country and make many fabulous friends.”

One Fellow Employee who is fortunate not only to work alongside McQuiddy, but also to call him a friend, is BNA Operations Supervisor Johnny Miller.

“McQuiddy is a go-getter and does whatever is needed to get the job done without any complaints at all,” Johnny said. “When needed, and if training and Operations Admin duties allow, McQuiddy freely jumps in to help fill any voids that the Operations Supervisor Group may be experiencing. McQuiddy could easily just be an Operations Supervisor and let some other Supervisors take over these jobs, but he has basically taken on two jobs at once and runs with it. This not only sets an example to the New Hires whom he trains, but it is also a sense of inspiration to his fellow Supervisors that have been with the Company for a number of years.”

McQuiddy’s hard work has not gone unnoticed. He was named Supervisor of the Quarter both in 2003 and 2006, and he was Co-Supervisor of the Quarter in 2008.

“He is a perfect example of someone who goes above and beyond on a daily basis,” Johnny said.

When he’s not at work, McQuiddy enjoys camping, cycling, traveling, going to University of Tennessee football games, and spending time with his wife, Beth.

McQuiddy certainly knows how to Live and Work the Southwest Way, and his involvement with Southwest has taught him quite a bit.

“One thing I’ve learned is to be good to the Company, and the Company will be good to you,” McQuiddy said.

We appreciate you and all your hard work, McQuiddy!