Ruan is proud to announce that Matt Fleming, Maintenance Operations Leader, graduated from the American Trucking Associations’ LEAD ATA program. LEAD ATA participants gain real-world experience and in-depth industry insights, as well as a new network of industry peers, enhanced leadership and management skills, and a thorough understanding of the ATA and the industry it represents. By selecting a diverse group of candidates, this program represents the many different segments, regions, and fleet sizes that make up the trucking industry.
We took a few minutes to learn more about Matt’s experience. Check out our Q&A below!
When did you start at Ruan? What is your leadership journey at Ruan?
I started at Ruan in April 2013 as a Transportation Supervisor at our Park Avenue location in Des Moines, Iowa. My primary role was dispatching for our bulk cement customers, but throughout my first two years with Ruan, I was able to learn a lot through the complexity and dynamics of the different operations at our hometown location.
Throughout the years, I have held multiple different manager roles, including Assistant Terminal Manager in 2015, Terminal Manager in 2016, and then Operations Team Leader in 2017. These roles focused on leading our Park Avenue location and the operations that were supported under its umbrella. In June 2020, I was promoted to Dedicated Operations Leader for the North Central Operating Group, where I led operations primarily in Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri. In October of 2023, I transitioned to the maintenance department, where I am currently a Maintenance Operations Leader leading our Maintenance teams in the West, Central and East regions.
What did you gain from the LEAD ATA program?
The LEAD ATA program provided me with the opportunity to learn about various issues and policies within the trucking industry at a much deeper level. Throughout the year-long program, we were able to network and learn from both ATA staff members and experts in the field, who provided valuable insights into policies, industry trends, advocacy strategies, and much more that only being a part of LEAD ATA could provide.
Our class was filled with diverse candidates with backgrounds ranging from operations to finance, technology, marketing, and more. These candidates provided views, opinions, ideas, and collaborations that amplified the learning experience. Additionally, this program provided many opportunities to continue to develop my skill sets including communications training, group and individual projects, and team building.
What did you take away from the program?
One of my biggest takeaways from the program was gaining valuable connections within the trucking industry. Throughout the year, I developed a deep bond with not only my classmates, but through multiple opportunities to network with ATA staff members and industry experts. I had the opportunity to attend multiple different ATA conferences and visits to their Headquarters in Washington, DC. Additionally, we participated in a Call on Washington that provided a unique experience and a great understanding of exactly how the ATA and its team members advocate for our industry’s top issues. ATA is our industry’s voice on Capitol Hill and helps pave the way for our industry to continue to be the backbone of America.
We are pleased to announce that Blake Grolmus, Vice President of Safety, will participate in LEAD ATA’s 2024-2025 class. Congratulations to Matt and the 2024 LEAD ATA class!