In today’s episode of Women in Supply Chain, I’m joined by passionate founder and CEO, Kameel Gaines.
With more than 20 years of expertise in sales and recruiting, Kameel is a formidable presence in the trucker recruitment market and the CEO of Rig On Wheels Broker and Recruitment Services. A successful entrepreneur, Kameel is dedicated to transforming the trucking industry by advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Today Kameel will be talking all about her career journey; founding her business from her living room; how recruitment is changing, and the need to meet drivers where they are; and the importance of elevating the representation and success of African American women in trucking.
SHOW SPONSOR:
Supply & Demand Chain
This year, we received over 400 submissions for our Women In Supply Chain™ award, the highest amount of applications not only for this award but also for all of our awards. What’s more, 118 of those applications were submitted by male counterparts, nominating their boss, co-worker, or associate. Last year, that figure was just at 75. Also this year, 39 women self-nominated, a tremendous uptick from last year’s award, which just saw 12 self-nominations. This shows progress. This shows hope that one day, we won’t need an award like this because men and women in the supply chain will be equal,” says Marina Mayer, Editor-in-Chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive. “While there’s still more work to be done, what we’re doing is working. That’s why this award is so important to Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executives. From truck drivers to CEOs, what these winners are doing matters to the future of all supply chains. What these female leaders, entrepreneurs, and supply chain professionals are doing continues to push the needle toward excellence, and every year, I feel blessed to celebrate these wonderful women of logistics. And we’re doing just that at this year’s Women In Supply Chain™ Forum, set for Nov. 14-15 in Atlanta. Go to WomeninSupplyChainForum to register and learn more. We’re all better together. Collaboration is key to promoting and supporting Women In Supply Chain™.
IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
[07.37] Kameel’s career journey, and how she found her way from educational sales to trucking recruitment.
“Trucking chose me!”
[10.38] Why Kameel founded her own business, Rig on Wheels, and why she always had an entrepreneurial mindset.
“I came from an entrepreneurial family, so I wasn’t afraid of it.
[13.42] A closer look at Rig on Wheels; what makes it different; and Kameel’s reputation for innovation and taking a driver-centric approach to business.
“We are very much an advocate of the professional driver. Innovation is very important because evolution is coming, it’s here! We want to make sure that our drivers are ready.”
“Recruitment is changing, and social media is the new CB radio! We need to meet drivers where they are.”
[16.54] Rig on Wheels’ upcoming 15-year anniversary, and Kameel’s laidback approach to the celebrations.
“I’m just excited that my team is excited!”
[18.10] Why Kameel launched the first-of-its-kind Rig on Wheels podcast; her passion for ongoing learning; and why she’s always looking to improve.
“I started educating myself, and looking at other peoples shows. And, instead of looking at them as a spectator, I was looking to learn… How can we do this better? We’re not looking for perfection, but we are looking for excellence.”
[21.46] Kameel’s perspective on the rise of supply chain media, and the innate inclusivity in helping professionals from all walks of life to engage, learn, and communicate in new ways.
“There are a lot of voices, and there’s a voice for everyone – that’s what’s great. Everybody identifies with someone.”
[26.29] Kameel’s previous role as co-chairwoman of the African American Women’s Trucking Association, and the importance of elevating the representation and success of African American women in trucking.
“Representation matters. You can’t be what you don’t see.”
[29.31] The role of mentors in Kameel’s career journey, and how she maintained those relationships over time.
[34.33] Kameel’s advice for the young women looking to follow in her footsteps.
“Open up your eyes to new possibilities, get out of your comfort zone – the world is your back yard.”
[36.47] The one (unexpected) career achievement that Kameel is most proud of.
[37.47] The future for Rig on Wheels.
RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:
You can connect with Kameel over on LinkedIn.
If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more women in trucking, check out 347: Women In Supply Chain™, Seretha Willingham, 275: Women In Supply Chain™, Amani Radman, or 205: Time To Make A Move, with Knichel Logistics.
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