429: Women In Supply Chain™, Kameel Gaines
Kameel Gaines is the passionate Founder and CEO of Rig On Wheels Broker and Recruitment Services, with over 20 years of experience in sales and recruiting. An entrepreneur at heart, she founded her company from her living room after being laid off and has grown it over 15 years by focusing on a driver-centric and innovative approach. A dedicated advocate for diversity, Kameel is the former co-chairwoman of the African American Womens Trucking Association, where she worked to elevate the representation and success of African American women in the industry. She is also a mentor and emphasizes the importance of networking and continuous learning to succeed.
In today’s episode of Women In Supply Chain™, I’m joined by passionate founder and CEO, Kameel Gaines.
With more than 20 years of expertise in sales and recruiting, Kameel is a formidable presence in the trucker recruitment market and the CEO of Rig On Wheels Broker and Recruitment Services. A successful entrepreneur, Kameel is dedicated to transforming the trucking industry by advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Today Kameel will be talking all about her career journey; founding her business from her living room; how recruitment is changing, and the need to meet drivers where they are; and the importance of elevating the representation and success of African American women in trucking.
SHOW SPONSOR:
Supply & Demand Chain
This year, we received over 400 submissions for our Women In Supply Chain™ award, the highest amount of applications not only for this award but also for all of our awards. What’s more, 118 of those applications were submitted by male counterparts, nominating their boss, co-worker, or associate. Last year, that figure was just at 75. Also this year, 39 women self-nominated, a tremendous uptick from last year’s award, which just saw 12 self-nominations. This shows progress. This shows hope that one day, we won’t need an award like this because men and women in the supply chain will be equal,” says Marina Mayer, Editor-in-Chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive. “While there’s still more work to be done, what we’re doing is working. That’s why this award is so important to Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executives. From truck drivers to CEOs, what these winners are doing matters to the future of all supply chains. What these female leaders, entrepreneurs, and supply chain professionals are doing continues to push the needle toward excellence, and every year, I feel blessed to celebrate these wonderful women of logistics. And we’re doing just that at this year’s Women In Supply Chain™ Forum, set for Nov. 14-15 in Atlanta. Go to WomeninSupplyChainForum to register and learn more. We’re all better together. Collaboration is key to promoting and supporting Women In Supply Chain™.
Kameel’s career journey, and how she found her way from educational sales to trucking recruitment.
Why Kameel founded her own business, Rig on Wheels, and why she always had an entrepreneurial mindset.
A closer look at Rig on Wheels; what makes it different; and Kameel’s reputation for innovation and taking a driver-centric approach to business.
Rig on Wheels’ upcoming 15-year anniversary, and Kameel’s laidback approach to the celebrations.
Why Kameel launched the first-of-its-kind Rig on Wheels podcast; her passion for ongoing learning; and why she’s always looking to improve.
Kameel’s perspective on the rise of supply chain media, and the innate inclusivity in helping professionals from all walks of life to engage, learn, and communicate in new ways.
Kameel’s previous role as co-chairwoman of the African American Women’s Trucking Association, and the importance of elevating the representation and success of African American women in trucking.
The role of mentors in Kameel’s career journey, and how she maintained those relationships over time.
Kameel’s advice for the young women looking to follow in her footsteps.
The one (unexpected) career achievement that Kameel is most proud of.
The future for Rig on Wheels.
Resources & Links Mentioned
- You can connect with Kameel over on LinkedIn.
- If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more women in trucking, check out 347: Women In Supply Chain™, Seretha Willingham, 275: Women In Supply Chain™, Amani Radman, or 205: Time To Make A Move, with Knichel Logistics.
- Check out our other podcasts HERE.
