Pub. 1 2020 Issue 3

Kentucky Trucker 13 KyTrucking.net The last year has been unprecedented, to say the least. What are two things that you have learned from past experiences that are helping you navi- gate now, in your own career and this past year in regard to KTA? I would have to say, first and foremost, adaptability. I don’t think anyone started 2020 with the idea of being where we are now. The second would be vigilance with situational awareness and responding appropriately. What is the takeaway for you as a small business leader from this extraordinary experience that will guide future business decisions? The takeaway for me is watching the industry bench- marks — know what others are doing — and don’t hesitate to reach out to colleagues. I think this is where membership in KTA is so beneficial — you have industry colleagues to reach out to for informa- tion and advice. I would also say that when you are given advice from colleagues, take it. There’s a lot of industry knowledge available from colleagues that make general business decisions easier. There’s a wealth of knowledge, and people are generally willing to share it. Are you involved in any civic or charitable organizations? I am. I have served on numerous industry boards and committees that regulate the trucking industry. I teach at a couple of local colleges, and I write speed- ing tickets on the weekends! In both colleges (Ivy Tech Community College and Indiana Wesleyan Univer- sity), you’ll find me teaching various business courses, marketing courses, capstone courses, and I’ve taught off-site at Heartland Payment Systems. For Indiana Wesleyan, I teach primarily in the graduate and MBA programs for human resource management. When I said that once you’re in law enforcement, it becomes near impossible to walk away — well, I didn’t walk away. I am still on the city police force as a part- time officer in Austin, Indiana. I am also heavily involved with the Jeffersonville High School Marching Band. One of the great things about Usher Transport is that we support our local high school band. I’m the “truck driver” guy who pulls the band trailer. If you look back at your career and life, what would be three things that you have learned, that you would pass onto a younger member within the auto industry? First, I would say, learn to listen. When you are trans- mitting, you are not receiving. That’s a lesson I learned from Donnie Carroll. Next, I would say to know when you are wrong. We all hate to be wrong, but when you are, admit it and move on. And finally, include every- one. People need to be noticed, needed and heard. When the people around you take ownership, it is not just your idea anymore, and everyone wins. That’s a powerful lesson in leadership. If you could describe the best day in this business, what would it look like? The day I retire and move to St. Augustine, Florida! On a serious note, and this is probably my safety director’s background speaking, the best day for me is when everyone returns safely home. Luckily, I have many of those! Operations wise, I would say zero claims, all customers paying on time and no problems. And sadly, I don’t have many of those! Tell us about your family. I have been married since 1992, that’s 28 years. My wife, Sheila, is a doctor of physical therapy. We have two children: Kaitlyn, who is a freshman at Indiana University, and Christian, who is a sophomore in high school. Do you have any unusual hobbies? I have very little free time, and when I do, I spend it with my family. I will say this, however; I do enjoy the occasional weekend getaway, and I am known for allo- cating some time to find a great sushi bar.