Right to left: Charlie Watkins, 4-Million-Mile Driver, and Lisa Seipel, his Fleet Manager at CRST.
That changed when her terminal manager went to another company. He asked Lisa to join and give dispatch a try.
“It was a regional terminal,” Lisa said. “I wasn’t assigned any specific drivers but just handled whatever trucks came in. That was my first exposure to dispatch, and even when they ended up closing that terminal and I switched companies, I was hooked.”
After gaining experience and climbing the ranks, she started with CRST, where she is now celebrating her 25th year. As a Cedar Rapids-based fleet manager of up to 50 trucks, she finds daily motivation in supporting her drivers.
“I’m a driver’s first point of contact when they have issues with loads, payroll or any problem they may have on the road,” said Lisa, who previously held roles at CRST as driver manager and fleet manager.
“I always try to put on a good smile because if a driver is frustrated, they need a good person to talk to. I try to help make it easier for them in any way I can.”
Part of what makes CRST a great place to work is the relationships, Lisa says, and that starts with treating each other with kindness and respect every day.
“We need support from every department to make this work,” Lisa said. “I’ve always been inclined to ask new people to be nice to their coworkers. People will be so much more helpful to you if you just be nice and have some respect.”
Thinking back on her 25 years with CRST, Lisa says she’s incredibly grateful for the opportunity to do what she loves and for all of the relationships she’s formed.
“My managers, the leadership, the drivers – I think the world of them all. I get to know my drivers so well that I truly feel like they are part of my extended family,” Lisa said.
“I’ve been so fortunate to work for CRST for all of these years. Everyone has been so good to me, and I’m so grateful for all of the opportunities I’ve had.”
To learn more about CRST and available career opportunities, visit our website at crst.com.
