Happy Women’s History Month! As our country celebrates and recognizes the many contributions of women in our communities and workplaces, we are spotlighting some of the amazing women at Ruan! Meet Pamela Herman, Dedicated Transportation Manager, in Otsego, MN.
Q: Tell us a little about your career path and background.
I started at Ruan in 2019 as our Fleet Supervisor, then I was promoted to Fleet Manager, and now I serve as our
Dedicated Transportation Manager. I previously worked at a logistics company, where I had roles in dispatch, operations, claims, payroll, accounting, and more. By learning these positions, I gained the tools needed to be successful and grow within the company. It helped me understand the flow of the business, how all areas were intertwined, and how one area could significantly affect another by decisions being made or processes being implemented. Ultimately, I was promoted to director of operations, where led operations in North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Nevada, and Arizona.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working for Ruan?
I enjoy everything about working for Ruan. While Ruan is a large company, they have successfully managed to continue to make it feel like the family-owned business that it is. Ruan recognizes and appreciates everyone for the work being done, empowers all team members, and is transparent from the top down. Ruan especially stands by their Guiding Principles, which is what drew me here to begin with.
I love the camaraderie within our operations and the support and respect that everyone gives one another. I am happy to see the time invested and the acknowledgement of how important it is to not only recruit drivers, but also to retain our current drivers.
Q: What is your favorite memory during your time at Ruan?
I have so many great memories thus far with Ruan that it is difficult to pick just one. One recent humbling memory was just over the Christmas break when one of our drivers lost his wife to cancer. Many of the drivers reached out to management wanting to know if they could give their vacation time to this driver, because he had lost work due to her hospitalizations and he also was having to take care of their children. They wanted to help not just their co-worker, but their friend. This is what being a team is all about. So, my greatest memory to date, by far, is the care, respect, trust, and dedication that I get to see these drivers show for Ruan, our customer, me as their manager, and for each other as a team.
Q: What excites you about Ruan’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts?
I am excited about the efforts being made regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. It is more important than ever to work toward ensuring team members of all backgrounds feel valued for who they are and what they do for our company. Putting focus on this area will help to make us a better and stronger company.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy spending as much time as I can with my kids and grandkids. We love to travel and experience new foods and surroundings. During the cold North Dakota winters, I like to be curled up on the couch with a roaring fire while I crochet or complete puzzles. We also attend as many University of North Dakota hockey games as we can! In the summer, we spend time at our lake house on the water, and attending as many concerts as possible. I also enjoy wood working and small home improvement projects.
Q: In what ways are you involved in your community?
My husband and I volunteer for Toys for Tots. We also donate to many non-profits within the area. I try to volunteer as much as I can for the North Dakota Autism Awareness Foundation.
Q: What advice would you share with those considering joining the trucking industry?
If you want a rewarding, fast paced, fulfilling job, then this is it! If you enjoy problem solving and thinking outside of the box to find resolution, then this would be a great fit for you. If you enjoy serving your communities and the nation, then this is where you belong. Transportation is not just a job; it is a way of life and a mindset. Our industry is continuously changing and evolving, but it remains a consistent need for every single person in the world.
Without the trucking industry, life would be much more painful for most. So, if you want to feel that you are helping the world and the economy, then this is the right job for you!