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Ryan, Director at Forward Air: Advize Career Interview

A career journey starting with an internship and evolving through a 14-year tenure at CH Robinson, followed by opening a Chicago office for Forward Air, showcases the power of networking and adaptability.

This Director's path highlights the importance of versatile communication, effective team leadership, and a "work hard, play hard" mentality.

The interview reveals a collaborative and challenging industry where success requires embracing change, persistent motivation, and a proactive approach to networking, even starting with undergraduate involvement in organizations like the Supply Chain Management Association.

A Director at Forward Air prioritizes mentorship and career development within their team, finding fulfillment in helping others advance.

The interview provides valuable insights into entry-level positions, such as carrier representative and account coordinator, and emphasizes the importance of building relationships early in one's career.

The dynamic nature of the transportation industry, including high-demand fluctuations and diverse career aspirations among employees, is also discussed, providing a realistic perspective of the field.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Ryan Dromgoole

Director

Forward Air

Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey

University of Denver & Masters in Transportation

Industrial, Supply Chain Management

Operations

Operations and Project Management

Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School

Watch all of this Advizer's videos below

Career Path Of A Director At Forward Air

Ryan's career path, beginning with an internship at the Grand Canyon State Games, evolved from initial aspirations in the sports industry to a successful 14-year tenure at CH Robinson, a third-party logistics company, after realizing "there's definitely a lot of competition" in sports. This was followed by opening a Chicago office for Forward Air, leveraging extensive networking developed through "volunteering on their alumni association board" and nonprofit board participation in the intermodal industry.

Career Path Of A Director At Forward Air

Main Responsibilities of a Director at Forward Air

Ryan's main responsibilities as a Director at Forward Air center on leadership, "helping to develop people" and ensuring "clear expectations," while maintaining a calm yet highly motivated team in the urgent world of large-scale freight shipping. This involves managing high customer expectations and keeping the team focused on their tasks amidst the pressure of a constantly moving operation.

Main Responsibilities of a Director at Forward Air

A Day in the Life of a Director at Forward Air

A Director of Logistics Services at Forward Air starts each day with a team check-in call, focusing on different themes throughout the week, such as "Motivation Mondays" and "economy Tuesdays". The rest of the day involves one-on-one meetings, vendor negotiations, sales calls, and metric analysis to address team challenges and expand the company's portfolio.

A Day in the Life of a Director at Forward Air

Most Important Skills for a Director at Forward Air

Ryan, a Director at Forward Air, emphasizes the critical importance of versatile communication skills for success in their role, highlighting the need to effectively communicate with "C-E-O type levels" as well as "a trucker." This necessitates clear communication across all levels of the organization, ensuring everyone understands company announcements and the impact of industry changes on their individual roles.

Most Important Skills for a Director at Forward Air

Favorite Parts Of Being A Director At Forward Air

Ryan, a Director at Forward Air, finds the most rewarding aspect of the role is "seeing the development of the folks on the team," mentoring newer employees, aligning projects to their career aspirations, and celebrating their advancement into new opportunities. This highlights a focus on professional growth and development within Ryan's team.

Favorite Parts Of Being A Director At Forward Air

Biggest Challenges Faced By A Director At Forward Air

Ryan's biggest challenge as a Director at Forward Air is motivating employees with varying career aspirations; some are "career focused or driven," while others simply want a "nine to five job." The key, according to Ryan, is finding the right motivational strategies to create a "win-win" for all.

Biggest Challenges Faced By A Director At Forward Air

Favorite Parts of Working in the Logistics Industry As a Director

Ryan, a Director at Forward Air, enjoys the collaborative nature of the transportation industry, citing "a lot of fun getting to know people in other companies" and working towards shared efficiency goals. The cyclical nature of the industry, with periods of "high demand fluctuations," further emphasizes the value of this collaborative spirit and allows Ryan to witness the career growth of industry professionals.

Favorite Parts of Working in the Logistics Industry As a Director

What Type of Person Thrives in the Logistics Industry, According to a Director at Forward Air

Forward Air's Director, Ryan, describes thriving professionals as those who enjoy "challenges" and a "non-monotonous day," embracing change and prioritizing multiple challenging situations. This highlights the dynamic and fast-paced nature of the industry, requiring adaptability and a "adrenaline-seeking" approach.

What Type of Person Thrives in the Logistics Industry, According to a Director at Forward Air

What A Director At Forward Air Wishes They Knew Before Entering Logistics

Ryan, a Director at Forward Air, advises that the transportation industry doesn't always reward hard work; "just because you put in the hard work doesn't necessarily mean you get a reward," requiring persistent motivation despite facing continuous challenges and infrequent positive feedback, even when things go smoothly.

What A Director At Forward Air Wishes They Knew Before Entering Logistics

Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Carrier Representatives

Forward Air's Director, Ryan, highlights "carrier representative" as a primary entry-level position, involving work with trucking companies servicing major clients—"the stores that you shop at, the brands that you buy"—to move freight. Other entry-level options include client-facing roles like "account coordinator" or "account supervisor," particularly suitable for candidates with prior client management experience.

Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Carrier Representatives

Significant Career Lesson From A Director At Forward Air

Ryan's most significant career lesson centers on the importance of networking: "Network, network, network," attending industry and non-industry events, and volunteering to build a strong network that can help solve problems and potentially open future opportunities. This proactive approach has proven invaluable throughout their career, highlighting the power of relationships in navigating challenges and advancing within their field.

Significant Career Lesson From A Director At Forward Air

College Experiences That Helped a Director at Forward Air Succeed

Ryan's success stemmed significantly from undergraduate networking within the Supply Chain Management Association at Arizona State University, where attending speaker events and "getting a business card and sending a follow-up email" fostered valuable connections that later translated into career opportunities. This proactive networking strategy highlights the importance of building relationships early in one's career journey.

College Experiences That Helped a Director at Forward Air Succeed

How Identity Has Influenced a Director at Forward Air's Career

Working throughout college instilled a "work hard, play hard" mentality, enabling a balance between school, career, and personal life; this approach, maintaining "a perspective of why you do what you do," has been crucial for navigating the challenges of a demanding career and staying grounded.

How Identity Has Influenced a Director at Forward Air's Career
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