A Handcrafted Tradition: The Story Behind Our 2024 Holiday Card

In a world of digital convenience, there's something magical about a handcrafted holiday card. Each December, as our team reflects on another year of connecting people and packages, a special tradition unfolds in a small workshop. Helen Hobbs, wife of Am-Tran president Jim Hobbs, carefully designs and handprints our annual holiday cards using a small platen press, each one infused with thoughtfulness and care.

Celebrating our people

This year's card celebrates something truly special about Am-Tran: our people. The 2024 design features a woodblock portrait of Unna, a beloved team member who has been with Am-Tran since its earliest days. "When I stepped back and reflected on this year," Helen shares, "I really thought about the family that the company has become. Unna embodies that spirit perfectly – she knows everyone, understands every role, and has been a hub of connection in both Am-Tran and the courier world throughout her career."

The Craft Behind the Card

Creating a woodblock portrait is no simple task. "It's really hard to carve a person," Helen explains. "Each step – from concept to sketch to carving to print – can affect the likeness. I spent the longest time on the drawing and took my time with the carving because I wanted to get her just right." The attention to detail shows in the final result, where Unna's characteristic warmth shines through in her eyes and smile.

Handcrafted with Purpose

This personal touch in our holiday card reflects something fundamental about Am-Tran itself. We're not just a delivery service – we're a community of real people who step out of their vehicles and make genuine connections with each customer. Our team members tend to stay with us, growing professionally and personally while building lasting relationships with colleagues and clients alike.

The handcrafted nature of these cards – designed and printed in-house by a family member – speaks to who we are as a company. We're a thoughtful, tightly-knit small business that values personal connection above all else. Each card represents hours of careful work, from the initial concept through to the final print, with Helen perfecting everything from ink consistency to print registration.

A Tradition That Carries Meaning

As we send out these cards, each one carries a piece of our company's heart. They're more than just holiday greetings – they're a reflection of the personal touch and human connection that makes Am-Tran special. In featuring Unna, we celebrate not just an individual, but the spirit of dedication, warmth, and family that defines our entire team.

This tradition has become more than just an annual practice – it's a way to strengthen our bonds with customers and celebrate the people who make Am-Tran what it is. As we close another year, we're grateful for team members like Unna who exemplify our values, and for traditions like these that help us share our story with the world.

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