When Hurricane Milton hit Florida’s gulf coast, impacting our Largo-based TACO Seating team, the entire TACO family – across both Metals and Seating divisions – rallied together as one. United in our commitment to each other, our teams stepped up with immense care and support to ensure our Florida team members had the essentials they needed during this challenging time.
Every single team member, regardless of department, came together to make this relief effort possible. However, we’d like to give a special shoutout to the Sparta Customer Service Team, who reached out to our colleagues both before and after the storm to check in on them and their families, making sure they were safe and equipped to handle the storm’s effects. Their care and commitment set a powerful example, helping us assess and respond to needs quickly and effectively.
Our Sparta Operations Team also went above and beyond, gathering and organizing crucial supplies for the team in Largo. Together, they filled a TACO semi-truck with essentials like water, food, tarps, gas cans, hygiene products, and even baby supplies—going the extra mile to make sure our TACO Seating family had everything they might need. Their dedication and efficiency made it possible to provide this rapid and vital support.
Sparta Manufacturing Manager Ron Huffine stands inside the semi-truck loaded with hurricane relief supplies destined for Largo, Florida.
On the night of October 10, Shipping Manager Gene Bray and Driver Billy Manus set off from Sparta with the truckload of supplies, navigating difficult roads to bring relief directly to the TACO Seating facility. In Largo, TACO Seating General Manager Favian Diaz and Production Manager Romeo Duarte worked tirelessly, checking on team members and coordinating with the arriving truck.
When the Sparta team arrived, the TACO Seating facility was still without power, but spirits remained high as Favian and Romeo gathered employees and their families to receive supplies and enjoy a freshly prepared meal. The team from Sparta fired up grills to cook burgers, hotdogs, and all the fixings, giving everyone a much-needed break and a chance to connect over a shared meal. As Favian put it, “Seeing everyone come together like this was inspiring. We left with full stomachs, lifted spirits, and a renewed sense of hope.”
Sparta Shipping Manager Gene Bray with TACO Seating Production Manager Romeo Duarte during the cookout.
TACO Seating team members during the supply distribution at the Largo, Florida-based facility.
By October 14, TACO Seating had reopened, thanks to tireless recovery efforts. "Despite personal challenges, the majority of our passionate team members came in to work today, driven by their commitment to serve you,” said TACO Corporate Human Resources Manager Hana Nash. “This resilience reflects our team’s dedication to each other and our strong partnership with our customers. We remain focused on meeting your needs and delivering the quality and service you expect from TACO."
We are immensely proud of each TACO team member who played a part in this collaborative effort. From the Customer Service Team’s early check-ins and care to the Operations Team’s coordination and delivery of supplies, and everyone in between, this collective effort is a true testament to what it means to be TACO Strong. Thank you to Gene, Billy, Romeo, Pedro, Favian and every team member who supported this relief effort—your dedication exemplifies the TACO family spirit at its very best.
