The magic of what we do together and the Cox Culture is alive and well — thanks to all of you .
This last year has been a time of investment and transformation . Did you know that since the beginning of the pandemic Cox has invested in or purchased 39 companies ? We have welcomed more than 8,000 new employees to Cox . And we have improved the performance of our businesses on almost every metric . You will read more about that throughout this edition of InSide Cox .
Cox Communications has brought on over 370,000 new residential customers with fewer trouble calls , fewer disconnects and fewer truck rolls than we used to see with a smaller base . The addition of Segra to our portfolio will allow us to greatly expand our commercial offering across a huge swath of the eastern United States ( think Savannah to Pittsburgh ). Thank you to everyone at Cox Communications for getting us through a very busy time in better shape than ever . More to come on Cox Communications ....
Meanwhile , at Cox Automotive our journey into mobility has taken on new meaning . A slew of new acquisitions welcomes some of the brightest minds and most advanced technology in the world to our company . Fyusion allows us to produce state-of-the-art imaging that will transform our operations at the auto auctions and beyond . Dickinson Fleet Services is on the road to being the nation ’ s largest and leading mobile fleet services provider . Spiers New Technology is the nation ’ s leader in battery diagnosis , re-use and logistics . You ’ ll also hear about some major developments on the international side of the business including Fleetmaster and Codeweavers . Autotrader . com is back on top of the highly competitive auto listings business . We released the most functional digital retailing solution in the industry , allowing for the first-ever platform where customers can buy , finance , sign for and receive a car — completely online .
Finally , many of you saw the successful IPO of Rivian , a company we have invested in and been working closely with for a long time . It has done a remarkable job of moving the electrification of trucks into the near future . We congratulate RJ Scaringe and his entire team on a major milestone and accomplishment .
We are also making great strides in diversifying into new businesses and investing in new ways to make the world a better place . Our new initiative 34 by 34 will empower more people to live more prosperous lives . BrightFarms is leading a transformation of the agriculture industry by reducing water use , lowering our carbon footprint and bringing our communities and kids fresh , healthy , local food . We think that our recent investment in Axios , a new national journalism platform , will bring us into the future of journalism . This is so important in a world struggling through social wars , a pandemic , divisive politics and an appalling lack of cohesive leadership . We can play a role in bringing people together , healing our planet and having some fun in the meantime .
In addition to finishing out the year and celebrating our accomplishments , this December is special for another reason . Cox Communications President and CEO Pat Esser officially retires at the end of this month . I ’ ve already shared what an exceptional leader Pat ’ s been , but his more than 40 years with Cox have impacted each of us in many ways . Before it even had a name , Pat has lived our Purpose and helped build a better future for the next generation — one that we ’ re all benefiting from today . It ’ s now our responsibility to continue this important work .
My family and I wish Pat well on his retirement and thank him for all he ’ s done at Cox . Incoming President Mark Greatrex has big shoes to fill , but he has my total confidence and trust that he will grow and further improve what we ’ ve built with Cox Communications . We ’ ve come through so much together . Your resilience and dedication through it all have been inspiring .
From the bottom of our hearts , my family and I want to thank you for all you ’ ve done , and all you ’ ll continue to do in the future . I ’ m looking forward to seeing what we accomplish together in 2022 and beyond . And I look forward to seeing more of you IN PERSON very soon !
Follow us at @ AlexTaylor _ Cox and @ CoxEnterprises
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