July LIL

She Believed She Could

              By: Kandra Dauwe

This month we are putting the spotlight on our first Logistics Administrator, Jennifer Sloan, who goes by Jenn in the office. What better timing too- Jenn is coming up on her one year anniversary with PGT next week!

We are lucky to have Jenn on our team here. She wears a lot of hats and has proven to be a go-to person for just about anything. When someone has a question about carrier set-up, customer set-up, payables, receivables, or any daily task, Jenn is their first stop!

The logistics industry offers a variety of positions. Jenn handles a lot of the administrative tasks throughout the course of the day, but as we continue to grow, so will her responsibilities. The opportunities are endless in this industry, contrary to what most people think of when they think logistics. 

We asked Jenn if the logistics world is what she expected it to be. “Honestly, I didn’t really know what to expect. I just came in with an open mind, was willing to learn and ask questions, and pushed through the hard days,” she answered.

Jenn (far right) with Erica & Natasha at our Independence Day cookout!
Jenn (far right) with Kandra & Cassie at the Freudenfest (Q3 Team event)

Jenn was in the trucking industry for eight years prior to joining the PGT team. She had gotten out of the industry for a few years, but when the opportunity presented itself, she wanted to jump back in.

“When I found PGT and learned about the vision and opportunity, I could see myself succeeding there,” Jenn explained. “I could tell I would be part of something big, so I wanted to get in on the ground floor so I could watch it grow from the start.”

Since we are talking about ladies in logistics, of course we had to ask her what advice she would give to other women thinking about starting a new career path. “I would tell them to go for it and to not be afraid of this industry. It isn’t always easy, but it is definitely worth it. There are so many roles available that it becomes very easy to find one that fits for you.”

When it comes down to it, Jenn’s journey in this industry started with the common motto: “She believed she could, so she did.”

The future is bright- for Jenn and for PGT! We look forward to her continued success.

Meet Justin

Cincinnati Native

Today’s spotlight will introduce you to one of our newest sales account executives. He was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. 

Meet Justin Buchner!

Justin has lived in Cincinnati his entire life. He attended Hondros College of Business and studied business management. 

He married is wife Brittany seven years ago and together they have two children who keep them both very busy with all the sports they play.

Family and money are my biggest motivations in life. I pride myself on being a positive influence in our kids’ lives and I enjoy spending time with them. 

“I have been in different aspects of trucking for over twenty years. This is the first full-blown logistics role I have had, though,” Justin shared. “PGT has been very welcoming since day one. They took the time to train and answer any question I have had. Everyone works together as a team daily, which is not seen in every work environment.”

 Justin believes this is the place to be for anyone interested or even curious about the logistics industry. He’s very familiar with the challenges and fears of making a carrier change, but he feels right at home at PGT. “The positive leadership makes it an easier transition. Everyone wants you

to be part of the success they are experiencing,” he said.

In his spare time, Justin loves going to Reds games and vacations on the beach. He just loves spending as much as possible with his family.

Meet Erica

Family First

We added another LIL to our team a couple months ago! She’s new to the industry, but picked up on it like she’s been here for years! She introduces herself in today’s spotlight.

Meet Erica Willis!

Hello everyone! My name is Erica. I’m a native to New Richmond, Ohio. I married my husband Brad 20 years ago this October. Together we have four lovely children: Madalyn, Logan, Landen, and Macie. We also love our family dog named Brooks.

My family is my greatest motivation. They are my world and I would do anything to give them the best life I possibly can. I pride myself on working hard and setting a great example for my children. I’m blessed to work at a company that supports these aspirations. 

I really enjoy the atmosphere at PGT. Our team is great at what they do, but everyone also knows how to (and isn’t afraid to) have fun together. They’ve all been very supportive of me since day one and have offered up many words of encouragement as I navigate logistics for the first time. I am thankful that I’m able to refer to my coworkers as friends. Everyone has been so welcoming and made me feel truly at home.

If someone every asked me about joining our PGT team, I would advise them that they have to be willing to work hard. The job isn’t always easy, but the payoff is definitely worth it. You never have the same day twice and you never know what challenge you’re going to run into- and that keeps things interesting! Jumping head first into a new company in an unfamiliar industry can be difficult, but I’ve grown professionally and personally every single time I come into the office. Who doesn’t want to grow and become better?

One of my favorite things to do outside of work is being creative. I love helping my daughter with her paintings, cooking unique meals, and starting a new home renovation. Creative outlets allow me to relax. 

What’s great about PGT- they give me the ability to use those creative outlets in the office as well! They allow me the opportunity to brainstorm and come up with new ideas, even as the new girl on the block!

Power of PGT with Jake

High Risk = High Reward

We’ve spent some time sharing the impact PGT has had on many of our associates lives. Many of those videos have been with those that have joined our team more recently. 

Today, we are sharing why Jake took a leap of faith to join PGT on day ONE. It was risky, but he believes it has paid off tremendously. 

Listen to the video to find out why he took the risk and the benefit it has had.

Then, take that same leap of faith Jake did two years ago and join our team! It has paid off for Jake and can do the same for you!

Meet Thomas

Local Marine to College Grad

Tomorrow is Independence Day!

It only seems fitting that our staff spotlight today is a local Marine! Today we introduce you to Thomas Gibbs!

Thomas grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and graduated from Glen Este High School. After high school, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. During that time he was deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

After the Marine Corps, he attended college at Carson-Newman University in Tennessee where he played four years of football and received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. 

Thomas is married to his wife Alissa. They are expecting their first child in September. They also have two “dumpster dogs” named Carson and Winnie. What is a dumpster dog, you ask? Thomas found Carson tied to a dumpster when he was a puppy and they both like to eat trash!

His main motivation in life is providing for his family. Thomas wants to allow his family to live as easy of a life as possible and is willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen.

He made the jump to join the PGT team this year and he enjoys the atmosphere here the most. “Everyone is fun to work with and it is very much a team-oriented effort,” Thomas explained. “If you like a laid back but motivated workplace, this is the place for you.”

Fun fact about Thomas: he has lived in five different states and two other countries in the last ten years!

Power of PGT with Taylor

Do your Research!

We’ve heard from several of our team members over the last few weeks. They’ve given us insight as to why they chose PGT over everyone else- because, let’s face it, everyone seems to be hiring these days! Some explained what they love about coming to work every day, and others shared about themselves and what PGT has done for their families.

Today, we hear from Taylor. He took a different approach and explained what steps he took leading up to accepting a position with PGT. He tells you what he did and why he took the leap of faith. 

Give it a quick listen to find out what he’s talking about.

Meet Pat

Cincinnati Born & Raised

Our first Outsides Sales Executive joined us a few months ago. He is making big strides and setting the standard for the role. 

Today, he will introduce himself. Check it out!

Meet Pat!

I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, currently living in Symmes Township. I went to Moeller High School and attending the University of Cincinnati where I was a member of the 2005-2006 men’s basketball team coached by Andy Kennedy.

I have been married for ten years to my wife, Becky, and we have a very talented and wonderful son named Bryson. We have a family dog- Bohdi the Pitbull!

I am just starting my career in the logistics industry. I joined PGT a couple months ago and have no regrets. I pride myself on self-motivations, adaptability, strong self-confidence, professionalism, positivity, honesty, and integrity. My greatest motivation in life is my family and doing everything I can to create the best opportunities and life for them. 

I highly recommend PGT for anyone who wants to break into the logistics world, or even for people with years of experience. It is safe to say I fell in love with PGT as early as the interview process. You take one look around and get a great family vibe. Everyone is working together like a true team should. I have all the confidence in the world in our owner and president. The sky is the limit for PGT and its employees.

LIL: June Lady of the Month

June LIL

By: Kandra Dauwe

Each month, we are recognizing the women in the office. I (Kandra) am interviewing these awesome ladies to show that women can work in logistics even with the stereotype that it is a man’s world. So, let’s get started with our first “Lady in Logistics.” She’s the first LIL you think of at Premier Global Transportation. This month, I sat down with our Director of Administration, Cassie Laker.

"A strong woman looks at a challenge dead in the eye and gives it a wink."

As we said in our previous blog, we are so excited that ladies make up 20 percent of our office, not to mention we are bringing on more as we go. I asked Cassie questions about the industry, her feelings about it, and her experiences.

One of the biggest hurdles Cassie sees that causes lower number of women in the logistics industry is that most people get hung up on the idea that logistics is only doing the dirty work- loading and unloading trailers, transportation, being on the dock, etc. However, there is so much more to logistics and many different opportunities available. 

Cassie has been with PGT since the early days, for over a year and half. When asked what advice she had for women considering a career path in logistics, her response was pretty simple. “Just look at all of your options,” Cassie explained. “See if any of those opportunities fit into your goals and if they do, take the leap of faith. Really, that applies to anyone, but I think women are hesitant to step out of their comfort zone when it comes to the unknown.”

As someone who has been in various roles in logistics for almost 14 years, she encourages employers in the industry to make hiring women a priority. “You’d be surprised at the different dynamic women can bring to this industry,” she stated. “Just reach out to them, educate them, and make your presence known in their world.”

Many women feel like they are treated differently in the logistics world, but luckily Cassie has never felt that. “I have always worked for great companies with bosses who value everyone equally.”

That is definitely the norm here at PGT. Cassie’s final comment was, again, pretty simple: “I never thought I’d be in this industry. It wasn’t even something I considered. I was given the opportunity and it has stuck. PGT offers me the ability to do the things I love with the people I love, so I think it will be for the long haul (no pun intended)!”

Cassie with her niece at the Duke vs Louisville game this past season as one example of doing the things she loves with the people she loves most! (GO DUKE!)

As the Director of Administration, Cassie wears many hats. She handles accounting, human resources, onboarding, IT, payroll, marketing, reporting, and anything else that comes up throughout the day. She’s our go-to person in the office and is a key piece in our team’s success.

Selfie Day

Say Cheese

Today is national selfie day! Of course we had to participate. 

Something so simple ends up being a fun moment in the office. That’s what it’s all about! Check them out below. Who’s your favorite?

Brandon

Cassie

Erica & Kandra

Tony & Jake

Jason

Jenn

Justin

Natasha

Sam T

Thomas

Father’s Day

Happy Father's Day

Sundays are for associate spotlights, so what better spotlight today than all the PGT dads around the office. We have several dads in the office- some with years of experience, others with a little one on the way. No matter where they are at in their fatherhood journey, we know they’d all say that being a dad is their best accomplishment! And we’d have to agree.

Happy Father’s Day to all the PGT dads out there! We hope you have the best day today! You deserve it.

“I’m proud of all the things I’ve accomplished in life, but nothing beats being a dad to Pax and Croix!”

– Tony Uhrina –

“The best part of being a dad is coming home after a long day and seeing the excitement on my kids faces. It instantly puts me in a good mood!”

– Brandon Cliffe –

“Being a dad is being a role model, a rule setter, and sometimes a rule enforcer, but always a die-hard fan.”

– Paul Vezina –

“I love being a dad more than anything in the world. It can be tough at times, but seeing my daughter’s smiling face at the end of the day makes everything worth it!”

– Sam Titus –

“The best thing about being a dad was my first pair of Air Monarchs and the dad jokes!”

– Rob Johnson –

“There is no truer love than being father. My son Bryson is easily the best thing that has ever happened in my life. My favorite thing about being a dad is getting to share in his life experiences and teaching him how to become the best man he can possibly be.”

– Pat Watt –

“I’m looking forward to Louie making his debut in September.  I can’t wait to have a little buddy to watch Ohio State and Bengals games with and be mini-me for Halloween.

– Thomas Gibbs –

“I love everything about being a dad.”

-Chad Rugenstein-