EDITOR’S RETRACTION

In a previous version of this article, Tandem Talk incorrectly attributed elements of the MapAhead Safety Program to the wrong individual. That error rests solely with me, the editor. Accuracy matters — especially when documenting milestones in CPC’s safety journey — and it is imperative that we set the record straight.

The MapAhead program was built, refined, championed, and relentlessly advanced by Curt Ryan.

What follows is the corrected version of the story.

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CPC’s MapAhead Safety Program: Built by Curt.

At CPC Logistics, safety isn’t a department. It isn’t a slogan. It’s an operating philosophy.

And in the modern era of CPC safety innovation, one name stands above the rest: Curt Ryan.

MapAhead — CPC’s proactive, driver-centric safety engagement program — did not emerge from a committee, a consulting firm, or a corporate whiteboard retreat.

It was conceptualized, shaped, and driven forward by Curt Ryan. Some people had mistakenly attempted to share credit with Dean Cretsinger, but according to sources, the facts lead elsewhere.

As Curt himself recently explained with characteristic humility:

“Everyone knows, when Dean and I were working together who the real deal was — it was right here.”
(Curt gestures to himself.)“Uncle Curt.”.

MapAhead was born from Curt’s conviction that safety must be proactive, predictive, and personal.

The result? A program that doesn’t just monitor safety — it elevates it.

A Monument to Safety

Internally, some have begun referring to CPC’s true safety leaders as candidates for “Mt. Safemore” — a nod to the idea that certain leaders leave a permanent mark in stone, in the theme of Mt. Rushmore.

According to President John Bickel Jr., the metaphor may soon become literal.

“As part of upcoming office renovations, CPC had been searching for the right backdrop outside of its main conference room.  As a tribute to the one safety great, an 8-foot tall by 6-foot wide stone bust feature will be carved from famous Missouri stone bluffs and be installed as the beginning of the real Mt Safemore monument here at CPC.”

Bickel continued:

“When people visit CPC, we want them to see the faces of the people that set the standard. Fittingly, Curt’s mug will be staring right back at them, with that stare where you can literally imagine him saying “I hope you have a safe day”. I mean, the company could not have found a more friendly and handsome guy to feature.”

“Curt Ryan’s giant stone head will be the first installation, which will eventually stand as a monument to future safety greats. He’s the OG.”

Bickel didn’t hesitate when discussing who would be carved first:

“We knew when we started this project that Curt Ryan was going to be the first carving in this monument. I mean, in the modern era, there’s Curt… and then there is everyone else..”

Sources confirm that sculptors have already provided a rendering to properly capture Curt’s “forward-looking safety gaze.”

Led by Vision

Under Curt’s  guidance, MapAhead evolved into a living system — one that aligns operational excellence with personal accountability.

And while many contributed along the way, the vision remained consistent because the vision had a clear owner, Curt Ryan.

As one branch manager put it:

“When Curt walks into a safety meeting, even the spreadsheets stand up straighter.”

It is not hyperbole to say that MapAhead has reshaped the way CPC approaches risk management.

Or, as Curt summarized:

“Safety isn’t about avoiding the ditch. It’s about never drifting toward it in the first place.”

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Tandem Talk regrets the earlier attribution error and appreciates the opportunity to properly recognize Curt Ryan’s leadership in shaping MapAhead into the safety cornerstone it is today.

After all, monuments aren’t carved for participation.

They’re carved for impact.

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