The Story Behind Hight

[h_hero label=”The story behind Hight” heading=”“I’ve been expecting you.”” lead=”The first words James “Jay” Hight said to Rudy Diaz, told in Rudy’s own words. Hight Logistics carries his name.” cta=”Get in touch” cta_url=”/contact/” alt_cta=”Back to About” alt_url=”/about/”]

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This account is published as Rudy Diaz wrote it. It has not been edited or shortened.
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[h_quote cite=”Rudy Diaz” role=”Founder, Hight Logistics”]
“I’ve been expecting you.” These were the first words spoken to me by Mr. James ‘Jay’ Hight upon my arrival at Virginia Episcopal School in Lynchburg, Virginia. I still remember the day like it was yesterday. It was a warm and rainy summer day filled with green lawns, big trees, and brick buildings, all of which were a stark difference from Watts, CA. I was wearing khaki shorts, a white T-shirt, sandals, and a UCLA baseball cap when I met Mr. Hight, who came out of his home with an umbrella in hand and was eager to greet me. He was clearly ready for the rain. Mr. Hight, like many of the teachers at V.E.S., lived on campus.
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[h_photopair a=”3220″ b=”3219″ cap_a=”Virginia Episcopal School, Lynchburg, Virginia” cap_b=”Rudy Diaz and Mr. Hight at V.E.S.”]

[h_quote cite=”Rudy Diaz” role=”Founder, Hight Logistics”]
During my four years at Virginia Episcopal School, Mr. Hight (also the school’s librarian) was my 9th grade English teacher, an advisor, a proofreader for my English essays, a person I could joke with, a fan of the sports I played in, but most importantly, he was a sincere friend. He taught me the importance of writing ‘Thank you’ cards to my classmates’ parents who hosted me at their homes or to anyone who did something kind like take me out to dinner during parents’ weekend or after one of our games. Writing thank you cards seemed like such a simple thing to do back then, but now I realize the importance of this simple act and the value of thanking someone for their time, energy, and generosity through a written note.

It was because of Mr. Hight that I was able to attend my first Broadway show in New York City and see Phantom of the Opera in person. I’ve always loved the theme song, so this was a nice treat for me. I also got to visit Princeton University because he felt that it was important that I visit a friend of mine who had attended the same high school and see such an iconic educational institution in the USA.

Little did I know, but Mr. Hight was expanding my awareness of the arts, culture, and exposing me to other parts of the country. Even after I left high school, he continued his cultural education by taking me to important landmarks in his hometown of Lexington, Virginia which expanded my awareness of United States’ history. I attended college near my high school, which allowed me to quickly stop in to see Mr. Hight every now and then. Mr. Hight and I stayed connected, for the most part, by writing letters or emails throughout my summer breaks in high school, my college years, my first years back in California after college, and through a few short visits to Virginia from Los Angeles.
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[h_photopair a=”3221″ cap_a=”Rudy Diaz and Mr. Hight, during one of the later visits”]

[h_quote cite=”Rudy Diaz” role=”Founder, Hight Logistics”]
Mr. Hight developed cancer and died on April 26, 2013. He was laid to rest in his hometown of Lexington, Virginia on May 2, 2013. He is truly missed by many. I miss his humor, our talks, his funny, but meaningful letters, which he would send by snail mail, as he called it, and our friendship. However, his legacy lives on and he is very much alive in my heart. It is for this reason that Hight Logistics Inc. was established as a business name on November 1st, 2011. This is one way that a man of grace, compassion and love can be remembered in history.

Thank you for taking the time to read about Mr. James Hight and learning how his impact on my life led to the name of our company, Hight Logistics Inc. I am honored to have known him, and it gives me joy that Hight Logistics and its team of staff can be of service to our customers’ and partners, just as Mr. Hight was of service to others during his lifetime here on earth.
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[h_section ground=”ice” heading=”The values|the name carries.” width=”text”]
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Mr. Hight’s grace, compassion and love left a lasting impression on Rudy, and the company was named in his honor. The values below are the ones Hight publishes and works to: accountability, adaptability, loyalty, patience, respect, integrity, honesty and reliability. We strive to demonstrate these actions in our decisions, rates, and service on a daily basis.
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[h_cta heading=”Now you know the name.|Here is the operation.” lead=”Origin, destination, equipment and volume is enough to start a conversation.” cta=”Request a rate” url=”/contact/” alt_cta=”See what we do” alt_url=”/services/”]