Woodbury's Friendly 'Marty the UPS Guy' Retires

Folks tend to recognize Woodbury resident Marty Hoschette, but they’re never quite sure why.

“It’s hard to tell when I’m not wearing the ‘browns,’” he said.

Hoschette, 50, recently retired as a UPS driver after 25 years, and people around town know him for his friendly demeanor.

“When I opened my salon he came in and remembered where I use to live,” said Sara Gruett, owner of Salon Bambino in Woodbury. “He said, ‘You’re the lady who had a daycare,’ and remembered I have four kids. He remembered my crazy household and my golden retriever.”

It’s easy to get to know people after a quarter century, Hoschette said, and being friendly is just part of the job.

“You don’t want them using FedEx or the Post Office,” he said with a laugh.

His wife Jill said he’s always getting recognized around Woodbury.

“Our kids are 9 and 10 and they just roll their eyes and say, ‘Someone from his route,’” she said.

Hoschette—who called himself a positive person and said he’s always had an easy-going personality—spent the past week saying goodbye to his regular customers

“He is a Woodbury icon,” Gruett said. “And honestly, who doesn’t like getting something from UPS. He gets to deliver the fun stuff.”

Hoschette said he would miss his job and seeing people, and he’s taking a few months to figure out what he’ll do next.

And once people do place him?

“If they see me at Cub or church and they recognize me, I give ’em a hug,” Hoschette said.

Bits and Bites

Hoschette has never had problems with animals on his route.

“Years ago, I was taught to carry dog treats, so I’ve never gotten bit,” he said.

Hoschette has never had a crash on the job. He attributed that record to his motto: DDDTC.

“Drive defensively, don’t take chances,” Hoschette said.

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