Pub2-2021-Issue3

16 Kentucky Trucker continued from page 15 career is making a difference in other people’s lives. Kristeena: My brother Charles and I, as part of the third generation, can affect the lives of hundreds of people, both teammates and families. We both have a vision for the company to grow but grow with a purpose. To be a part of something that is a family legacy that can impact the lives of others makes it all worthwhile. Your motto is, “Everyone is someone.” What’s the story behind that? Lesha: My father always said, “Everybody is somebody, no matter your role in life.” Frequently, he would remind me to be nice going up the ladder, but who knows, you may meet the same ones coming down! RESPECT!! EVERYONE!! Your customer service pledge is, “On Time, All the Time.” Why that specific pledge? Lesha: Nothing’s perfect, but that’s the goal. People want their freight on time, and service is all we have to sell. Rogers Trucking is certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). Why is diversity important in the trucking industry? Kristeena: We became members shortly after I joined the company. I saw the need for the company to be part of a bigger movement. It’s important for everyone to realize you don’t have to fit a mold to be in an industry. Diversity drives innovation, and at RTC, that is what we want to see. If we employ people of different ages, genders and personalities, the company becomes more innovative and can contribute more to society. How has the pandemic affected Rogers Trucking? Kristeena: Just like every company, we’ve put precautions in play to protect our drivers’ and customers’ safety. Their health and well-being have been most important too. We have been affected when multiple drivers have been quarantined at the same time; it has caused issues in shipping. On the mechanical side, Glenn hasn’t been able to get new trucks, trailers or parts. Lesha: It is hard to get anything right now. Like everyone is seeing, the backorders on equipment have caused issues. Most importantly, we worry about the health and well- being of our teammates. What is the biggest impact of being a KTA member? What makes it beneficial? Kristeena: Being a member has allowed me to network with knowledgeable people within the industry. The more you network and the more you are out there, the more opportunities you have. Also, just surround yourself with like- minded people and make friends who will last for years. If you look back at your professional life, what would be three things you have learned that you would pass on to someone looking at trucking as a career? Lesha: My first role in life was being a mother. Trucking came second. My earliest memories are always of a truck being involved. 1. T rust your instincts. Accept change and grow with the times. 2. Do what you love. It’s true that if you do, you will never work a day in your life. 3. Work hard. Be kind and respectful.