JB Hunt West - Intermodal
Shane O'Connor - Director of Intermodal Operations - Stockton, CA
Where are you from? A tiny community of 282 people - Minden City, MI (The Thumb!)
Tell us your JB Hunt history... Held all sorts of roles in our Chicago Intermodal Terminal from 09-12, Ramp Manager in Denver for 18 months, followed by Operations Manager in Seattle for 23 months. Recently moved to Stockton, CA as Director of Intermodal.
Family: 1 older brother
What is your favorite thing about your career? Helping people work together to make a difference.
How many pairs of shoes do you own? 6
If money was no object, what would you do all day? Travel the world by boat and train.
Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest? Vin Scully - a fantastic storyteller.
How many pillows do you sleep with? 2 at home, 3-4 when traveling.
If you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would it be? A duck.
What was your favorite subject in school? Psychology. Some eye-opening approaches to how people think and process information.
What's the tallest building you've been to the top of? Willis Tower
How would your friends describe you? A walking sports almanac or sorts, fairly reserved and modest with a sneaky sense of humor.
If you could hire someone to help you, would it be with cleaning, cooking, or yard work? All three can be somewhat therapeutic, but someone who could cook tasty/healthy meals consistently would be really convenient.
What motivates you to work hard? Respect of my peers/co-workers and taking care of my future family.
What is your biggest fear? Free-falling.
What are 2 things nobody knows about you? I have lived in 6 states and a big fan of candles.
Karen Adams - Operations Ramp Manager - Spokane Valley, WA
Where are you from? Phillipsburg, KS
Family: I am the oldest of 5
Tell us your JB Hunt Story: I started with JB Hunt in 2008 at the South Gate, CA location as a Local Fleet Manager at night and held various positions at that location including Regional Fleet Manager, IC Fleet Manager, Load Planner, Dray Coordinator and Team Mom. I am currently Ramp Manager in Spokane, WA.
What is your favorite thing about your career? Every day is a different puzzle to complete.
If you had one piece of advise to give, what would it be? It's not only the first impression you make, it's the impression you continue to make. Every dday is an interview.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, who are the three people you wouldn't mind being there with? My husband, Mike, and our children, Nick and Ben.
What did you want to be when you were younger? A nurse.
What makes you laugh the most? My children. I have 2 teenagers, so the thinking is a little unusual these days.
Aside from food, water, and shelter, what one thing could you not go a day without? Coffee.
What is something nobody knows about you? I hate frogs.
Jake Wofford - Regional Operations Manager - South Gate, CA
Where are you from? Alma, AR
Tell us your JB Hunt history... I started with JB Hunt in June 2010 as a Logistics Engineer for the DCS Design team. In January 2012 I was promoted to a Logistics Engineer position supporting West Region Intermodal Operations, which led me to move to Hermosa Beach in August. Then, in April 2014, I was given an opportunity to move "into the business" as an Operations Manager for South Gate Intermodal nights, weekends, and regional.
Family: My folks and my three brothers are all back in AR/OK. We are trouble when we all get together.
What is your favorite thing about your career? The diversity of experiences and challenges to overcome. I've spent the majority of my time with JB Hunt in over my head, so there's never a dull moment and there are plenty of chances to grow personally and professionally.
How many pairs of shoes do you own? 9 if you count flip flops, slippers, and snowboard boots.
What did you want to be when you were younger? Michael Jordan from Space Jam.
What was the last book you read? Would you recommend it? Currently I'm reading The Lonely Planet Guide to Bali and Lombok to get ready for some travel this month. I would highly recommend it if you think surfing, monkies or volcanoes are cool.
If you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would it be? Razorback. Woo Pig Sooie!
What was your favorite subject in school? Statistics.
How would your friends describe you? In the last 48 hours I've been called "Earthquake Jake", "Cupcake Jake", and "Jake the Flake".
What makes you laugh the most? Truck drivers. South Gate has some comedians.
If you could hire someone to help you, would it be with cleaning, cooking, or yard work? D) All of the above. When I'm not working, I like to play.
What are 2 things nobody knows about you? 1) My dad tells me that I was named after his favorite dog. He would ride around town on top of the can of his pick--up truck and jump off while moving at high speeds to chase other dogs. At age 5 he got hit by a car and died. Nobody saw it coming. It was a real tragedy. 2) I once challenged Imanuel Magee to a foot race. He cheated and beat me. I'm still waiting for a rematch.
Nick Martin - Logistics Engineer - West Region Dray Operations
Where are you from? Fayetteville, AR
Family: 2 parents and 1 younger sister who still live in Arkansas.
Tell us your JB Hunt Story: I started at JB Hunt as an engineering intern in the summer of 2011. I graduated in December 2011 and then immediately started working full time as a logistics engieneer. In August of 2013, I moved into the Intermodal pricing group as a hybrid pricing manager/engineer. In June of 2014 I transitioned into Intermodal Dray Operations as the West Region Operations Logistics Engineer based in South Gate.
What is your favorite thing about your career? Always having new and innovative projects to work on and then seeing them have a positive effect on our operation.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, who are the three people you wouldn't mind being there with? Armin Van Buuren (DJ), Captain Morgan, and Emilia Clarke from Game of Thrones to have a good time while we wait to be rescued.
What is the last book you read? Would you recommend it? Business Stripped Bare by Richard Branson. I would recommend any of his books as they are pretty easy and interesting reads.
What is the tallest building you've been to the top on? Willis (Sears) Tower in Chicago, IL.
If you could go back in time to change one thing, what would it be? "iwouldeliminatetheinventionofhastags #YOLOSWAG #srynotsry.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Continuing to see as much of the world as I can while doing something awesome that keeps me motivated and allows me to learn.
What three things do you think of the most each day? Traveling, music, friends/family.
What makes you laugh the most? Satire.
If you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would it be? I would say a bear. I have been called a lamb before. Either way, I have a lot of hair.
Aside from food, water, and shelter, what one thing could you not go a day without? Music.
What are 2 things nobody knows about you? I played trombone for 9 years. Spent many of those in 2 different orchestras. I played competitive paintball on various teams for 6 years and finished 7th in the nation in 2008 while playing for Arkansas.
Trevor Rogers - Operations Service Manager - Stockton, CA
Where are you from? Burnsville, MN
Tell us your JB Hunt history... I started with JB Hunt in ICS working onsite at RR Donnelley in Bolingbrook, IL. I was then transitioned into dedicated working out of the same building while doing ICS at the same time. I did that for about a year then when our contract was up with RRD, they decided to cancel our contract due to our rates being too high. Once I found out our acct was ending, I contacted our HR rep at the time and told them to send my any openings in the company. I interviewed for South Gate and Dallas. I ultimately got the South Gate position. Without knowing anyone, I got up and moved out to Southern California where I joined the South Gate crew. From there, I worked hard and moved my way up in the office and because a Logistics Coordinator. After a year and a half, I got the opportunity to move up again and got promoted to Operations Service Manager in Stockton, CA where I am currently located.
Family: Mother, Deb; Father, Gary; Brother, Tate; Sister, Tricia; Dog, Tucker.
What is your favorite thing about your career? My favorite thing about my career is that I feel comfortable with my coworkers. I enjoy my job and enjoy the people I work with. It’s not like coming to work every day, It’s like going to hang out with my second family.
If you had one piece of advice to give, what would it be? Don’t ever wait for someone to give you what you want. If you want it, you need to work hard and earn it.
What did you want to be when you were younger? A professional basketball player.
What is your proudest accomplishment? Graduating from Iowa State University.
What makes you laugh the most? Funny movies.
How old were you when you learned Santa wasn't real? How did you find out? Not really sure of the age I was but I learned when my parents stopped buying us presents and started taking us on annual Christmas vacations.
What's the longest you've gone without sleep (and why)? Oh man. When I was probably 10. It had to be close to 48 hours. We were too busy building couch forts.
Aside from food, water, and shelter, what one thing could you not go a day without? Music.
What are 2 things nobody knows about you? I caught a sailfish while vacationing in Mexico. I got offered to play basketball at a D3 college in Iowa but turned it down to go to Iowa State for a better education.
John Walker - Intermodal Ramp Manager - Fresno, CA
Where are you from? Long Beach, CA
Tell us your JB Hunt history... I started as a humble Fleet Manager in 2010 at the South Gate Terminal. While there I dabbled in all of the various Fleet Manager rolls, local, regional, I.C., and dray. I then moved up to Logistics Planner, working hard and watching for my next big opportunity. It came in June of 2014 when I was promoted to Ramp Manager for Fresno, where I continue to work hard and watch for my next opportunity.
Family: Parents and one older brother.
What is your favorite thing about your career? I find it pretty amazing to think about the huge role J B Hunt and I play in the in the supply chain and economics of our country. It makes me proud to be in this industry.
If you had one piece of advice to give, what would it be? Honesty, integrity, hard work, and a willingness to do anything that comes your way will take you far.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, who are the three people you wouldn't mind being there with? Bear Grylls, Bill Murray, and Emma Stone.
What is something that most people don't know about you? I'm an artist. I sculpt and carve.
What did you want to be when you were younger? A marine biologist because of Jacques Cousteau.
What is your proudest accomplishment? Training a dog for Canines Companions for Independence. An organization that trains dogs to be assistance companions for people with disabilities.
What makes you laugh the most? Some of the things that come out of my nephew's mouth.
How old were you when you learned Santa wasn't real? How did you find out? 4. My older brother told me.
What's the longest you've gone without sleep (and why)? Not sure. Definitely over 24 hours.
List two pet peeves: People that smack when they eat. People that ask you for something because they are too lazy to do it themselves.
Aside from food, water, and shelter, what one thing could you not go a day without? Air :)
What are 2 things nobody knows about you? I'm an open book.
Jeff Trauner - Regional Operations Manager - South Gate, CA
Where are you from? Chicago, IL
Tell us your JB Hunt history... I was working in a warehouse after graudating college and my girlfriend's brother-in-law was working for DCS in Seattle, WA. He convinced me to interview with Intermodal in Sumner. I started as an FM in Sumner, WA. I worked there for 10 months then moved to California and became Ramp Ops Manager in Fresno, CA. Later took job as Ops Manager in South Gate, CA.
Family: Parents, 1 older brother and 1 older sister.
What is your favorite thing about your career? Getting to hire and develop new managers and leaders and having a great group of coworkers on the west coast.
If you had one piece of advice to give, what would it be? Strike while the iron is hot, you never know when the next opportunity will come around.
What did you want to be when you were younger? Air force pilot. I gave that up once I learned that I had terrible vision. Then a chemist, and I gave up on that once I took my first high school chemistry class.
What is your proudest accomplishment? I won an eating contest in college where I ate 10 quarter pounders in 10 minutes.
What makes you laugh the most? Futurama, favorite TV show of all time.
How old were you when you learned Santa wasn't real? How did you find out? 5, I had older siblings, so they gave me the scoop pretty early.
What's the longest you've gone without sleep (and why)? Maybe 18 hours. I'm pretty big on sleeping.
List two pet peeves: People saying they are bored and people who are late.
Aside from food, water, and shelter, what one thing could you not go a day without? Caffeine, coffee and sugar-free Rockstar are my vices.
What are 2 things nobody knows about you? When I was 17, I found out I have arthritis in my spine and I was told I can't ride waterslides or roller coasters ever again. For the last 4 years I've had an obsessions with climbing volcanoes. I've climbed 3 active volcanoes in Washington and backpacked through the craters of Haleakala, an extinct volcano in Hawaii.
Kyle Davis - Regional Operations Manager
Currently the Ops Manager in Portland, OR, Kyle loves being active outdoors as much as he loves McDonald's. Here's a little bit more about him:
Where are you from? Watertown, NY (very very upstate NY)
What is your favorite thing about your career? Every day presents a new challenge, it allows for constant growth as a manager and leader
If you had one piece of advice to give, what would it be? Learn to pick your battles wisely, win the big battles and let the little things go! (ongoing advice to myself)
Who is the best actor/actress and why? Christian Bale - Passion, if you have that you will be successful. In the real world not everyone will like you but if you show your passion for whatever you do you will be rewarded
What is the last book you read? Would you recommend it? American Sniper - Must read, our military is highly under appreciated for the situations they are put into
Are you a morning person or a night owl? Night Owl
If you were stranded on a deserted island, who are the three people you wouldn't mind being there with? Les Stroud, my wife Christina & my best friend Ryan
What is something that most people do not know about you? I am adopted
What do you like to do for fun? Taking on exciting hobbies, rock climbing, scuba diving, skiing. Exploring a new part of the country in the PNW, you have to enjoy the food and beverages in Portland! Traveling to new and exotic places!
It's a pleasure getting to know a little bit more about you, Kyle.
It definitely sounds like you enjoy wild adventures.
But, of course, running a JB Hunt Intermodal ramp is a wild adventure in itself.
Ryan rejoicing after a San Francisco Giant's victory!
Ryan Hanyak - Operations Service Manager
A former chef turned business man who enjoys the simple life, Ryan is currently the Operations Service Manager in Stockton, CA. Take a moment to get to know Ryan Hanyak!
Where are you from? The best city in the USA: Stockton, CA
What is your favorite thing about your career? The challenge of facilitating long-term solutions for the dynamic and changing needs of customers, managers, and drivers
If you had one piece of advice to give, what would it be? Don't ever stop searching for something new to learn
Who is the best actor/actress and why? Sir Alec Guiness because Obi-Wan Kenobi
Who is your hero? My wife, Nina
What is the last book you read? Would you recommend it? The last book I ready was Think Like a Freak by Stephen J. Dubner & Steven D. Levitt. As with any of the Freakonomics books, I think they offer a great insight into looking at the situations from a different angle.
Are you a morning person or a night owl? It's a great day when I'm asleep by 8:00 pm.
Interesting fact? I worked as a chef for 7 years and have a deep love of simple food prepared exceptionally.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, who are the three people you wouldn't mind being there with? John Stewart, Martha Stewart, and the Marshmallow man
What is something that most people do not know about you? I'm on a lifelong quest to find the best pot sticker in America. Currently, the leader is Shan Dong Restaurant in Oakland's Chinatown.
What do you like to do for fun? Watch the Giants beat the Dodgers (or winning the World Series again, either is good). Other than that: enjoying a good craft beer, Whirlyball, and giving my dog mohawks.
Thanks for sharing with us a little bit more about you, Ryan.
As far as your quest to finding the best pot sticker in America, my kitchen is where it is at! P.S. we are wishing your Giants a good season.
Graham looking dashing as always.
Graham Watson - VP of JBI Operations
Meet Graham Watson, one of the newest TEAM members of the West Region. He is the VP of Operations for our Intermodal operation. He started his JBH career as a night fleet manager in Elizabeth, NJ in 2006. Since then he has spent time as a Ramp Manager in Philadelphia, PA and Operations Manager and Director of Operations in Chicago, IL. Most recently, he worked as a Director of Marketing/Operations group in Lowell, AR.
Where are you from? Grew up in northeastern Pennsylvania.
What is your favorite thing about your career? Doing whatever I can to help our diverse team of managers and professional drivers achieve success in their own careers.
If you had one piece of advice to give, what would it be? Never allow yourself to be outworked by anyone.
Who is the best actor/actress and why? Edward Norton - he has never made a bad movie.
Who is your hero? JFK
What is the last book you read? Would you recommend it? Bossidy's book on Execution. Very relevant to our business.
Are you a morning person or a night owl? Early bird gets the worm!
Interesting fact? Once made it on to ESPN Sportcenter's "Not Top Ten Plays" when, standing court-side, a Rutger's basketball player inexplicably passed me the ball. ESPN commentator remarked "And the pass goes to...no one in particular!"
If you were stranded on a deserted island, who are the three people you wouldn't mind being there with? Bear Grylls, an exper raft builder and Scarlet Johansson.
What is something that most people do not know about you? My father was born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland.
What do you like to do for fun? Closely following the Jets, Knicks, Yankees, Islanders and Penn State Nittany Lions. Then, after watching those teams lose, I take out my frustration running, golfing, or playing basketball.
Thanks for sharing with us a little bit more about you, Graham.
It would definitely be pretty cool to have Scarlet Johansson on an island with you - if she's not already going to be on mine, that is.
And don't mind ESPN, you are SOMEONE PARTICULAR to us!