Mike LaCount
Load Star
STAR Employee of the Month: Mike “Little Mike” LaCount Celebrates 30 Years at Load Star
This March, Load Star is proud to recognize Mike “Little Mike” LaCount as our STAR Employee of the Month. But this month is even more special—Little Mike is celebrating his 30-year milestone with the company! His unwavering dedication, strong work ethic, and passion for his job have made him the backbone of operations at Load Star.
“Mike has a lot of heart and passion for his job. His experience at Loadstar really makes him part of the backbone that helps to make day to day operations run as smoothly as possible. He is somebody who I believe truly cares about his work and does the best he can to ensure that orders are put together and trucks are loaded as efficiently as possible. He plays a vital role in our success, and we thank him for his many years of dedication!”- Daulton Smith, Shipping Manager
Mike’s journey with Load Star began on March 9, 1995. Before joining the company, he worked for Coca-Cola as a delivery driver for four years. However, the demanding schedule left little time for family. Seeking a better work-life balance, Mike turned to a friend of the family, Mike Miller, who helped him get his foot in the door at Load Star. From the moment he started, Mike was committed to proving himself. Over the years, he took on various roles, from working on floors to supervising second shifts, and now currently working on the yard with shipping and receiving, he plays a crucial role in keeping operations flowing smoothly.
When asked what he loves most about his job, Mike’s answer was simple: independence and accountability. He takes great pride in ensuring that trucks are loaded correctly and efficiently, making sure everything arrives at its destination safely. What may seem like an ordinary task to some is a challenge and a reward for Mike. Like a game of Tetris, his job is strategically stacking trusses and products on trucks to maximize space and stability. His passion is seeing trucks loaded properly and knowing his work contributes to successful deliveries. Over the years, Mike has become an expert at his craft. With just a glance, he can determine how to fit materials efficiently onto a truck. His experience and problem-solving skills make him an invaluable asset to the team. When faced with a tricky loading situation, his coworkers turn to him, knowing he’ll find a solution.
For Mike, Load Star isn’t just a job—it’s family. He proudly represents the company even outside of work, showcasing his pride on social media, wearing his Harbin apparel and in everyday conversations. Unlike large corporations where employees can feel like just a number, Load Star fosters a close-knit environment where everyone is valued. Mike speaks highly of his time with Harbin Lumber Company and the people he has had an opportunity to work with, especially the management of Chris Moon and Westley Harbin, who exemplify the same kindness and support outside of work as they do every day at work. The family-oriented culture at Load Star has played a significant role in Mike’s long tenure with the company.
While Mike is dedicated to his job, his greatest joy comes from his family. He married his wife in 1994, and they’ve been together for 31 years. They have two daughters, Michaela and McKenzie, both of whom earned Harbin scholarships for college. Michaela is now a school teacher and McKenzie works as a safety director in Atlanta. Mike is incredibly proud of their accomplishments. Outside of work, Mike enjoys spending time with friends in the mountains, going on Jeep adventures, and making frequent trips to Disney—15 times and counting! He and his family are also active members of New Bethel Baptist Church, where he’s involved with the youth.
Mike’s dedication to his job and his unwavering work ethic are deeply rooted in his faith. His guiding principle comes from Colossians 3:23: “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” This verse encapsulates his approach to work and life. He believes in showing up, being accountable, and doing the right thing—not for recognition, but because it’s simply the right thing to do. After 30 years, Mike remains as passionate about his job as he was on day one. Even before taking a vacation, he ensures everything is in order for the next day, often handling extra tasks to ease the workload for others. His dedication and reliability make him a true cornerstone of Load Star.
Mike “Little Mike” LaCount, we celebrate you, your 30 years of hard work, and the lasting impact you’ve made on Load Star. Thank you for your commitment and for being a role model of dedication and perseverance. Here’s to many more years of success!