This month is Women’s History Month. As part of our ongoing appreciation for our employees, we are reflecting on and getting to know some of Spot’s difference makers. These people improve the Spot Experience for our customers, partners, and our employees. Please read below about their career journey, challenges they have faced, and the success they have achieved.
Tanisha Deuett
Carrier Resources Manager
Tell us about your background, and your path to working at Spot?
Before coming to Spot, I had never worked in the logistics industry. I had an insurance background with finance and business for my education. I worked for two major insurance companies for over five years. So, I had to Google what a 3PL was before applying, but through Spot’s training and the hard work I put in, I am now a Carrier Resources Manager.
What has been your biggest success at Spot, and what sets you apart as an employee?
When I started at Spot, it was just one other person and me in our department. The Carrier Resources department was starting out and was a catch-all for everyone’s challenges. So, my biggest success is growing the department to what it is today. I love continuously improving the department, developing new processes, partnering with different departments, figuring out how we can help one another, and making this a great workplace.
What sets me apart as an employee is my willingness to get things done. I always want to follow through and complete the tasks I said I would do. Follow-up is critical in such a fast-paced industry.
The other thing that sets me apart is my ability to be kind and professional, especially in challenging situations when kindness is not reciprocated. Doing the little things right – telling somebody that you appreciate their help and that they are awesome at what they do, showing sincerity, kindness, and compassion, goes a long way, especially in a male-dominated industry. I think the industry could use more. Fun fact, when I interviewed, one of the manager’s concerns was that I was too soft-spoken, and he was afraid I would be unable to tough it out. Eight years later, here I am! My benevolence is what has gotten me this far. I would imagine it is refreshing for people to encounter.
What are some challenges you have faced as a woman in the logistics industry?
Ironically, a challenge I have faced is related to the very thing I just spoke about… kindness. People tend to mistake my kindness for weakness. So, it is like I must flip a switch sometimes to help people understand that I mean business. I do not scream, yell, holler, or use profanity, but anyone in this company will tell you that, “Tanisha is a bulldog!”. So, when I need to be a bulldog, I am. But most of the time I get to be a butterfly.
How has Spot supported you in your career?
My relationship with upper management has been great since the beginning. Their support and trust have been critical in helping advance my career. They know that when my team and I receive a task, we will execute. Them trusting who I am as a person, my judgment and character have been very important to me.
To my knowledge, I was also one of the first women at Spot to have maternity leave. I love that they supported me and figured out a plan for me to be away from work with my family and return to my job later.
What advice would you offer to women interested in working at Spot and the logistics Industry?
Working at Spot… do it, my advice is to do it, go for it; it’s a great company. Eight years later, there has never been a day that I rolled out of bed and said, “Oh my God, I have to go to work today.” Even when you are dealing with frustrating people, angry carriers, and other issues my department deals with, I’m happy to come to work. I love the fact that we get to contribute to Spot’s goals and processes. Your opinion matters, you matter as a person, and that is what is most important to me at Spot.
And remember, you add value… we need more women in logistics, so do it!
Virginia Dellinger
Senior Account Manager
Tell us about your background, and your path to working at Spot?
I started at Spot in 2021. It was my first job out of college. I knew I wanted to go somewhere within the supply chain and logistics industry. I played soccer in college, and I knew that the industry was competitive, and as a competitive person, I would be a good fit. I just knew I put out that competitiveness and could bring it into my role.
I started at our old office in Charlotte, so I’ve seen Spot develop and grow. I’m about to hit my two years and have been able to grow a business pod with two other members.
What has been your biggest success at Spot, and what sets you apart as an employee?
My biggest success is the relationships I’ve formed with my current customers. A lot of people don’t have that. For example, I’m invited to one of my customers’ weddings in Chicago in June, which I’m excited about.
These relationships are a huge success; A success that I’m a part of not only their work life but their life outside of work. That is one thing that sets me apart as an employee. People in our Charlotte office will also tell you that I can be very loud. I have no issue giving my opinion to anyone who wants it.
What are some challenges you have faced as a woman in the logistics industry?
Some of the challenges I face are that I cannot be taken as seriously because I have a different personality than the prospects and customers I call on.
In this industry, there are a lot of older men. You could say they don’t always want to change their ways. They know what they’re talking about, and why would they want to listen to a 23-year-old girl? So just not being taken seriously and feeling like I can go overlooked. No matter how hard you try to put yourself out there, sometimes you’re just not going to get acknowledged as you hoped, and that’s a challenge I still see happening.
How has Spot supported you in your career?
Spot, of course, has supported me in building my book of business. Of course, I put a lot of energy and effort into that, but I want to hit on Cole Dorney’s business unit and the support the employees and coworkers have given me. There are only two girls on the team, and they have never made me feel like I’m any less. They have always included me in everything. And it’s funny, but they will try to relate by saying things like “slay” or “girl boss,” which I appreciate, but it really speaks to the dynamics of our team, and the support they consistently give.
What advice would you offer to women interested in working at Spot and the logistics Industry?
My advice is to use your voice and never be afraid to say anything. Use your voice; your feelings are valid, and you don’t necessarily have to be “one of the guys” to be successful.
Women will change the world, and that’s true. Don’t hide behind doors; open them.
Emily Buening
National Account Director
Tell us about your background, and your path to working at Spot?
I was born and raised in Carmel, IN, and was raised by extremely hard-working parents who taught my sister and me to prioritize our professional growth and personal enjoyment. I played ice hockey for 17 years, where I started to see the importance of teamwork, discipline, and character. I originally thought I wanted to work in the sports industry in some capacity, but that quickly changed after a couple of interviews with Spot. It just felt different than the other companies I had interviewed with. When I started at Spot, it was completely new to me.
What has been your biggest success at Spot, and how has Spot supported you in your career?
The opportunities at Spot are endless. Being in sales, I can create and grow my book of business and control my income. There are only so many companies where you are presented with this kind of opportunity right out of college. For Spot to see that in my 22-year-old self was a sign of their support from day one. With Spot, I learned how to work alongside, manage, and create relationships with people from all over the country.
What are some challenges you have faced as a woman in the logistics industry?
Like many careers, working in the logistics industry comes with numerous challenges. Personally, I do not believe being a female is one of them. I have been given the same opportunities as my counterparts at Spot.
What advice would you offer to women interested in working at Spot and the logistics Industry?
Be confident. You may look around the room and initially see fewer women than men, but that is changing. You are no less qualified than any of your counterparts. Work for a company that values you. A company that values your worth makes going to work much more enjoyable and will ensure you have the resources to succeed in your role.
Alexis Kolo
Carrier Sales Manager
Tell us about your background, and your path to working at Spot?
I’m from Lafayette, IN, and I went to Purdue University. I studied political science, which has absolutely nothing to do with logistics. But then I moved to Indianapolis, started working at a life insurance company, and honestly, I just did not vibe with life insurance.
So, I started working for another 3PL in Indianapolis. When COVID hit, that company went virtual, and it just wasn’t an option for me. I started looking for a company that would work for me. I found Spot and started working as an account manager in Carrier Sales. I was in Carrier Sales for about a year and got promoted to a Zone Manager in Indianapolis. From there, I oversaw between eight and ten people. When Spot expanded to Tampa, I moved there, and now I am in charge of Carrier Sales for that office.
What has been your biggest success at Spot, and what sets you apart as an employee?
My most significant success since I’ve been in a leadership role has been helping other people succeed. I like seeing people who start with no knowledge of the industry, and it clicks, and they start doing really well. Even if you don’t have experience, you can do well in logistics because it’s about relationships and how you build those relationships.
What sets me apart as an employee at Spot is that I’m always available. I have everyone save my cell phone number. When I’m unavailable, I make sure they know who to call to solve their problem… they never have to wait for an answer.
What are some challenges you have faced as a woman in the logistics industry?
I think the biggest challenge in logistics is getting used to hearing “no” all the time. You have to have pretty thick skin to succeed. Turning that “no” into a “yes” or turning that “no” into a “not right” now is a skill that helps a lot.
How has Spot supported you in your career?
In my career, Spot has allowed me to grow, and I’ve learned quickly. They have given me the tools to learn from the start. Mariah Gordon was my first zone manager and someone I still admire today. And Ryan Scott has been such a good leader. He’s so analytical and knows so much about this industry. Spot also continues providing ongoing leadership training and education, which has been great for me.
What advice would you offer to women interested in working at Spot and the logistics Industry?
I would tell them what I tell everyone, “Don’t take rejection to heart.” It’s very easy to take it personally or say, “Why am I not doing as well as someone else?” Everything isn’t always going to work out your way. But knowing that makes it a lot easier to turn a no into a yes. Again, it’s about relationships, so build as many as possible. They will help you in the long run.
Jada Wallace
Carrier Account Manager
Tell us about your background, and your path to working at Spot?
I have always been interested in business and seeing how companies are growing. Learning about where Spot started and its growth made it stand out to me. Then I talked to the recruiting team here, which solidified that this was where I wanted to be.
What has been your biggest success at Spot, and what sets you apart as an employee?
There have been some stand-out moments, like winning Employee of the Quarter and then winning Employee of the Year three months later, but my most significant success has been building my book of business at Spot.
And my work ethic and how I work are what set me apart. My position can be 24/7, and that’s how I treat it when I have to. I am going to give you 150% every day. Even when I have a slow day, I like to think about what I can do to make myself better tomorrow and the next day.
What are some challenges you have faced as a woman in the logistics industry?
Drivers and dispatchers expect the person on the phone to roar back at them, regardless of gender, so getting used to how people speak in the industry can be challenging.
How has Spot supported you in your career?
From the start, Spot took the time to sit down and train us in everything we needed to know about the industry and our jobs. From the axles of a truck to how to book loads, I have been given training and support.
Additionally, my biggest support comes from having your coworkers and managers beside you, ready to help solve any problem you run into. If there is anything I need help with or need help understanding, the answer is one turn away from me. Working with people like that is huge.
What advice would you offer to women interested in working at Spot and the logistics Industry?
Go forward, do it. Just go for it with Spot. If you are a woman curious about working at Spot, know you have many shoulders to lean on when you need them. It is just incredible here, so go for it; apply today!