Born in India, I came to the United States when I was in sixth grade. I’ve been working for Dot Transportation since 2007. I like to tell people I drive a truck, but I’m more than a driver. To our customers, I’m the face of Dot. It’s a responsibility I’m proud to have.

What I like best about working at Dot is the family atmosphere the Tracys have created at every distribution center. People know each other. Everybody is friendly and excited to be at work. They really take care of us, and not just with benefits and profit sharing. They host appreciation dinners for drivers and their spouses, and they throw a Christmas party complete with presents for the kids – things you just don’t hear about nowadays.

Last year I had a family issue that upended my schedule. I spoke to my driver manager about it, and they worked around my schedule, and gave me a day off when I needed one. That kind of flexibility is hard to come by. With two boys at home, that means everything.

My career at Dot Foods started in 2007 when they opened up a distribution center in my hometown. I was hired on as an order selector in the warehouse, handling incoming freight and getting pallets ready to go out. Eight months later, I was promoted to warehouse trainer, helping new employees get familiar with the warehouse and equipment. To come in with no experience and work my way up this quickly is a proud accomplishment.

If you ask around you’ll find that my story isn’t the exception, it’s the rule. Dot works hard to make everybody feel wanted. They want you to succeed. At most companies, there’s a disconnect between the top guys and those of us on the floor. At Dot, it’s not uncommon to see our CEO John Tracy on the floor, calling to guys by name, asking them about their families. It makes you so proud to work for somebody who cares that much.

More than a better employee, Dot works to make you a better person. I have two kids, and I’m constantly applying things I learn at work to my everyday life.

I went to work for Dot after college. I started as a District Sales Manager trainee even though I had never done sales before. I learned the business with their help and dedication. Six months later, I became a District Sales Manager. Eventually, I was promoted to Marketing Manager.

Today I am a Senior Business Development Manager, a role Dot created to meet our supplier partners’ growing needs. I like working for a company that isn’t satisfied with the status quo, that takes calculated risks. Dot is constantly analyzing the business and creating positions like mine. At Dot, you’re never along for the ride. Every one of us is constantly moving forward. New goals. New pursuits.

When I started twelve years ago, we hadn’t reached $1 billion in annual sales. Last year we closed out at $3.6 billion. Even with that kind of staggering growth, Dot has never jeopardized their values. It’s still the same family-oriented culture I joined, down to earth and free of ego. As a mother with a family of my own, that means a lot.

A native of the Mt. Sterling area, I went to work for Dot after a ten-year stint in the health and fitness field. I started out as a Freight Picker in the warehouse, but my background in management and leadership made for a quick progression. Today, I’m the Dry Warehouse Supervisor.

The more I get involved in leadership at Dot, the more excited I get. It’s completely unique. We’re in an economic downturn, and we’re hiring people. You’re not going to find too many companies complaining about keeping up with demand, but for us to survive we have to grow. That’s exciting for a guy who likes a challenge.

Dot is a one-on-one culture. It’s the closest to a family atmosphere you’re going to find beyond the dinner table. And the Tracy family is still connected to everything going on, and not just within Dot. The charitable support they provide in Mt. Sterling and the surrounding communities means so much to us, because we live here, too.

I was born and raised in Adams County, and went to school to be a Registered Nurse before coming to Dot. I’m very aware of headcount in my position. When I started 16 years ago, there were 830 employees and two distribution centers. Today, there are more than 3,400 employees and eight distribution centers.

Even with that kind of growth Dot has worked very hard to keep a small-company feel. Senior management leads by example, and has high expectations for both themselves and us. I tell people it’s the hardest job you’ll ever work, but the most rewarding job you’ll ever have.

When I decided to go back and get my Master’s in Business Administration, they made it very easy to get started. I was able to take out a loan for tuition, and Dot reimbursed a portion of it based on my grades.

The Tracy family means so much to this area. They have a business plan for the community just like their own business, and their efforts are equally sincere. I continue to be amazed by their leadership.