The new motto going forward in the MVP office now that Debbie Porter is heading into retirement will be What Would Debbie Porter Do? Not to sound sacrilegious, because I think God has a sense of humor similar to Debbie’s: dry, clean, humble. She knew how to poke fun at herself in her position to get a good laugh during some tough conversations.
Debbie’s first job was at a mom-and-pop drive-in in Amory, Mississippi at 14 years old making $1.00/hr Cash. She claims,” The statute of limitations has run out for that violation.” Porter obtained her BS degree in Psychology from Mississippi State University. Her next job included being a legal secretary and laborer on the construction team at Tenn Tombigbee Waterway. Next in 1980 she was plant/personnel secretary at General Cable in Pearl, MS, and was promoted to Personnel Director in 1988. McCarty was bought out by Tyson Foods and Porter worked as Personnel Director until she resigned in 1998 to home school her children.
Porter started MVP Sonics part-time in June 2000, as her husband, Barry Porter was the only GM/ Partner at the location in Brandon, MS from 1988-2021. Debbie recalls, “My first memories with Sonic go back to 1988 when Barry helped open Sonic of Brandon. I was expecting our daughter Rachel. I craved steak sandwiches and banana splits. It is a miracle that she didn’t arrive asking for one or the other! Another time, I wore the Sonic cup at a crew rally because an employee did not show up. Imagine that! Most of my memories are of my Sonic family and the relationships developed over the years. Working with my spouse was never a problem, but it did limit dinner table conversation…especially since all of our children worked for Sonic at some point in time.”
Debbie reminiscences, “There are so many great experiences! One especially fond memory was when I had the opportunity to share about Buddy McClain at the Sonic National Convention and our company when he was awarded the Great People Award. Another awesome memory was when Buddy McClain and Bruce Vaughn delivered a Harley Davidson to Barry at the Brandon Sonic! I loved my job, but my memories aren’t about the audits I conducted or the reports I sent out. My memories are about the people I worked with.”
It is easy to see how the career paths she chose led her to being HR Director with MVP for over 20 years. Helping MVP grow into a successful business. Porter has a talent for listening and communicating with employees that needed her direction. MVP Wishes Debbie the best moving forward. Not everyone has the gift of “Human Resources,” but Debbie will have us all wondering at some point in the future. What Would Debbie Porter Do?
Debbie’s legacy includes Jason Porter (Anne), Michael Porter, Rachel Puckett (Ryan) – Grandchildren – Brianna Porter, Jack and Kinley Puckett and their baby brother who they will meet in October. Debbie states, “Many people helped me along the way. My husband, Barry, taught me to look at human resources through an operator’s eyes, Bruce Vaughn taught me the value of a question, and Buddy McClain was an awesome mentor and encourager. Clark Spencer and Andy Alsobrook always made time to listen. Every conversation taught me more about Sonic and the value of relationships.”
