The TMC Leaders of Tomorrow (TLoT) program – which began two years ago with the inaugural class -- set its sights on identifying and cultivating the next generation of TMC leaders. The program, as reported by TLoT class members, fosters valuable business relationships while preparing individuals to take on leadership roles in TMC and the transportation industry.
“The key objective of the program is to develop a strong foundation for these talented individuals to take on future leadership roles using a well laid out curriculum that factors in three key core principles: Team, Train, and Transform,” said Abhishek Bharadwaj, national sales manager for Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products and chair of TMC Leaders of Tomorrow.
Recent graduates
Ten members of the program recently graduated and were honored during TMC’s 2019 Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition in Atlanta.
“Seventeen more members have signed up for the 2020 class and we have more than 14 identified for the Class of 2021,” Bharadwaj added.
The 2019 graduates included:
- Amanda Schuier, Quality Transport Co.
- Bryan Stewart, JB Transport
- Chuck Kerr, FedEx Freight
- David Piliro, Dunbar Armored
- Matt Nolan, FedEx Freight
- Daniel Mustafa, TravelCenters of America
- Brandon Pashby, Ozark Motor Lines
- Brandon Fackey, Clark Power Services
- Mark Kennedy, Swift Transportation
Participant feedback
According to current TLoT participants, the program is meeting its objectives.
“The learning opportunities of the TMC [Leaders] of Tomorrow program are invaluable,” said Daniel Mustafa, assistant manager for technical development at TravelCenters of America. Mustafa is a member of the TLoT Class of 2019. “I’m excited that there are so many cool requirements for TMC Leaders of Tomorrow. While I’m knowledgeable in the technician area, others in the class have experience in (Recommended Practices) development that will help me widen my horizons.”
Other TLoT participants have different insights. “I really enjoyed hearing what they’re doing in the industry and getting a ton of great information from others in the class,” said Brandon Pashby, warranty administrator for Ozark Motor Lines, Inc. “I expect my involvement to create more leadership opportunities both in my job and with TMC.”
Much of what the TMC Leaders of Tomorrow program offers happens during TMC’s events. TLoT participants stay in touch in-between meetings and delve into lively conversations during meetings.
“My take-home information (from TMC meetings) has been trends in equipment, where technology fits into what we see in our current fleet,” said Dave Piliro, director of maintenance for Dunbar Armored, adding that he’s all ears when TMC talks about future changes in fleet maintenance. “(TMC provides) education and information to help maintain a fleet and keep up with the latest technology challenges we face each day.”
“TMC is going in the right direction with tackling equipment maintenance issues. TMC and I have similar goals: to make our equipment more reliable. I plan on being part of making that happen,” Mustafa added.
Getting involved
Fulfilling one of the TMC Leaders of Tomorrow program requirements, Wayne Skinner, manager of worldwide fleet equipment engineering for FedEx Express, volunteered as vice chair for the S.11 Sustainability and Environmental Technology Study Group where he works with his mentor Marc Clark, also from FedEx Express.
“One aspect of ongoing career development is Wayne’s choice to participate in TMC activities where he will create a network of other fleet leaders and manufacturer representatives,” Clark said. “Others could learn from his commitment of self-development and taking on roles to influence the changing requirements of the transportation industry.”
Established TMC members recognize the fresh perspective brought to TMC’s working groups by the TLoT participants.
Brandon Fackey, fleet manager at Clarke Power Services, currently serves as the co-vice chair of S.16’s Developing and Leveraging the Next Generation of Leaders Task Force. “As a millennial himself, Brandon is uniquely qualified to help us understand the millennial mindset as we work to set up succession planning for those nearing retirement age,” explained Peter Savage, TMC’s S.16 Service Provider Study Group and director of fleet solutions at Clarke Power Services.
“We will all be adopted by TMC Study Groups where we’ll learn what it’s like to help with RP (Recommended Practices) creation, chairing Task Forces, and other projects,” said Amanda Schuier, director of marketing for Waller Truck Company, adding that her TLoT participation has resulted in many great ideas that she uses at her job.
How to sign up
The TMC Leaders of Tomorrow program is open to “up-and-coming” fleet maintenance professionals in their early 40s or younger who have a minimum of five years’ experience working in the trucking industry and are employed by TMC member companies. The program is also now open to associate members if there are open spots available after catering to the nominations received for fleet candidates.
Participants must attend four consecutive TMC general meetings (the Annual and Fall Meetings) in a two-year period. During these meetings they must attend all Technical Sessions, several Study Group sessions, all Study Group meetings to which they are assigned, attend all TMC Leaders of Tomorrow training sessions and events scheduled during the TMC general meetings, complete and pass online TMC exams, and participate as TMCSuperTech judges during the Fall TMCSuperTech Competition.
“This is an amazing opportunity to learn and grow with these individuals,” said Bryan Stewart, director of maintenance for Jones Logistics, LLC. Stewart will speak at his upcoming Class of 2019 graduation. “I met so many new people and have so many new resources to draw from.”
Overseeing the program, Bharadwaj continues to look for ways to tweak the TMC Leaders of Tomorrow program. “I’m excited about the ‘Torqueing Your Leadership Skills’ session that we have added to the curriculum. The session will be a great opportunity for TLoT candidates to ask important leadership and career-oriented questions to current and past TMC leaders in an informal setting,” he said.
Janet Howells-Tierney serves as the director of council development for TMC, the only industry association that is focused solely on truck technology and maintenance. She is responsible for the recruiting and building of TMC's membership, and also functions as the primary member services link for TMC's membership of more than 2,400 industry practitioners.
