As part of Women’s History Month, we are spotlighting some of the incredible women on the Ruan team! Meet Dakota Eischeid, Dedicated Operations Leader, at the Des Moines Campus.
Q: Tell us a little about your career path and background.
I am celebrating 10 years with Ruan this year. I graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Supply Chain Management and Logistics in 2014 and joined Ruan immediately following graduation in the Management Trainee program.
I started in Salem, VA, working on a grocery account and later moved to Cedartown, GA, and Muscatine, IA, with our customer HNI helping with the transportation management system implementations, dispatching, and KPI reporting. During this time, I was able to travel and assist with various customer start-ups as well.
In 2017, I joined our Des Moines operation, now our Ankeny Operating Center, as a Dispatch Manager then Dedicated Transportation Manager until 2021 when we earned the business of Flexsteel Industries. At that time, I took the Dedicated Operations Leader position starting up and supporting the Flexsteel fleets, as well as another manufacturing customer.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working for Ruan?
The people and culture. I have had the opportunity to work with many team members at Ruan and enjoy having a good support system while working through the various challenges each day brings.
Q: What is your favorite memory during your time at Ruan?
Being able to honor Marvin Trout as Ruan’s 2020 Driver of the Year. Our celebration looked different due to the pandemic, but being able to celebrate his long tenure and career with Ruan alongside his colleagues that had been working together for decades was very special.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Spending time with my husband and our busy toddler. We enjoy different events around the city, as well as all the beautiful parks around Granger where we live.
Q: In what ways are you involved in your community?
I enjoy contributing to United Way, the American Cancer Society, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America each year, as well as volunteering at various community events like RAGBRAI and the Iowa State Fair.
Q: What advice would you share with those considering joining the trucking industry?
Keep an open mind! There are many career paths you can take that fall under the umbrella of transportation, and don’t be afraid to offer new ideas. Just because things have always been done a certain way does not always mean it is the best way.