OATS, Inc. Driver Celebrated for 20 Years of Service
March 2, 2009
Rick Slonim thought driving for OATS, Inc. would be temporary when he started on February 18, 1989. He had just left a job in the family business – a group of family-owned retail stores in Illinois – where he had gone to work after college. But Rick enjoyed driving for OATS so much that he’s never left.
Rick says he has held just about every position available at OATS, but enjoys driving the 
most. “Being with the people is so rewarding.” Rick says that the transportation OATS provides is so important, because the demand for transportation in Missouri is so high. “The people that ride express incredible appreciation, both spoken and unspoken.” He points out that the need for public transportation is often overshadowed by the need for public health care and social services, and yet, without transportation, none of the other programs could be utilized. “The general public is unaware of the need. When you drive people yourself, it hits home more than even reading the statistics.”
The route Rick drives in the East Region provides an opportunity to meet people with diverse and fascinating histories. “I get to see every neighborhood there is, and people from all walks of life. There’s no other job like it,” says Rick. He has visited many “nooks and crannies” of the city that most people aren’t familiar with, many of which are rich with immigrants, providing an opportunity to meet people from all over the world. “There’s such a variety of people in my area that ride the bus, and I get to talk to them about their life and their home country.”
When Rick is not driving for OATS, he immerses himself in the world of music. In his spare time, he’s a musician and composer. He says that whereas other jobs keep a persons mind occupied with so many details – driving actually helps to foster his creativity.
Pam Knox, East Regional Director, says “Rick is a great driver. He is well liked by his clients and very helpful to the staff here. He is willing to jump in and help wherever needed and do a good job.”
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Rick Slonim thought driving for OATS, Inc. would be temporary when he started on February 18, 1989. He had just left a job in the family business – a group of family-owned retail stores in Illinois – where he had gone to work after college. But Rick enjoyed driving for OATS so much that he’s never left.
Rick says he has held just about every position available at OATS, but enjoys driving the 
most. “Being with the people is so rewarding.” Rick says that the transportation OATS provides is so important, because the demand for transportation in Missouri is so high. “The people that ride express incredible appreciation, both spoken and unspoken.” He points out that the need for public transportation is often overshadowed by the need for public health care and social services, and yet, without transportation, none of the other programs could be utilized. “The general public is unaware of the need. When you drive people yourself, it hits home more than even reading the statistics.”
The route Rick drives in the East Region provides an opportunity to meet people with diverse and fascinating histories. “I get to see every neighborhood there is, and people from all walks of life. There’s no other job like it,” says Rick. He has visited many “nooks and crannies” of the city that most people aren’t familiar with, many of which are rich with immigrants, providing an opportunity to meet people from all over the world. “There’s such a variety of people in my area that ride the bus, and I get to talk to them about their life and their home country.”
When Rick is not driving for OATS, he immerses himself in the world of music. In his spare time, he’s a musician and composer. He says that whereas other jobs keep a persons mind occupied with so many details – driving actually helps to foster his creativity.
Pam Knox, East Regional Director, says “Rick is a great driver. He is well liked by his clients and very helpful to the staff here. He is willing to jump in and help wherever needed and do a good job.”