Meet a Zum Mechanic Who Keeps Things Running (And Calm) in St. Louis

When Anthony Wilkes began working in student transportation more than 30 years ago, he gained an appreciation for the industry and a nickname that has stuck ever since.

Today, Wilkes — known as “Skip” by his co-workers — is Lead Technician at Zūm in St. Louis, where he handles maintenance and makes sure all buses are in top shape before drivers head out on their morning routes.

“I love where I work,” Wilkes says. “On some days, rollout is really busy. And you (have to) interact with different drivers — when they come to you with a problem, you have to have an answer for them. But you just have to be patient.”

Wilkes is known for his calm, patient demeanor. He works well with his team and with drivers, partly because he has done the jobs himself: After driving a school bus for 17 years, Wilkes worked as a dispatcher, then as a mechanic. He joined Zum last year, when the company announced its partnership with Saint Louis Public Schools.

“Skip has been my right-hand man since Day 1,” says Bob Overbey, Shop Manager at Zum in St. Louis. “I can rely on him any day of the week. He never tells me no when I ask him to do extra tasks or come in early or on the weekend. I don’t know if he knows the word ‘no.’”

Wilkes starts his day at 4:30 a.m., which he prefers (“I’m an early, early person”). Along with handling repairs to any of Zum’s 250+ school buses in St. Louis, he preps them for weekend trips.

“Skip is usually the first in the yard, as he helps open up the gate,” says Richard Lindell, Regional Manager at Zum in St. Louis. “He brings ideas to Operations from his perspective, and they are always helpful. If there is a job, no matter how menial or how elaborate, he is willing to roll up his sleeves and lend a hand. He embodies the Zum spirit, and his work ethic and how he can remain calm in stressful situations is a blessing.”

When he isn’t working, Wilkes likes to spend time at his church, where he’s a deacon; and with his wife and family. (His eighth grandchild, a boy, was born just two weeks ago.)

“My sister and my kids call me all the time, so I really can’t sleep long,” he jokes.

Overbey says Wilkes is a valued part of Zum’s team and always eager to assist anyone who needs it. 

“He’s a real genuine guy,” he says. “He looks out for his co-workers and drivers. He’ll bend over backwards for anybody.”

Says Wilkes: “I just love it. I love the guys I work around. Over the years, you learn how to deal with different situations. (Not) too much stuff gets to me. You just keep going.”