Summer 2021 - President and COO Scott Lind retires - Transystems LLC
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Summer 2021 President and COO Scott Lind retires
Scott Lind is hanging up his hard hat
A
ugust 1983 was a Scott started
big month for Scott his Transys-
Lind. On Aug. 24, tems career
his daughter, Brandi, as a line haul
was born. The next day, he driver. He
signed on with Transystems always takes
as a line haul driver at East time to visit
Grand Forks. Little did he with employ-
know that his 38 years with ees when out
in the field.
the company would lead him
Bill Schulz
from the driver’s seat to the photo.
chair of President and Chief
Operating Officer. the thankfulness for it all,” ery position in the company
“Boy! Was that a life-chang- Scott said. because he had worked those
ing week,” Scott commented. As always, Scott is quick to positions. The toughest job he
On the verge of his retire- credit a great team for helping held was the first.
ment, Scott reflected on his him achieve his goals. “I could spend 12 hours in a
many years with the company. “I learned years ago that you shop and the day would fly by.
“When I think of my ca- should surround yourself with But 12 hours behind the wheel
reer at Transystems, I think strong employees,” he said. “I of a truck seemed like a long
of opportunity, courage and had a great team that helped day to me. I was not cut out to
gratitude,” Scott said. “The me through the tough times be a line driver,” Scott chuck-
culture of learning that the and was there to celebrate our led. “I admire the skills and
Rice family instills has given successes and good times.” patience our team has to drive
me great opportunities. Over His path through good times safely.”
the years, I can think of many and bad was both long and Scott came to Transystems
‘Aha!’ moments that the Rice ever-changing. with exactly the right back-
family and senior team have From night shift line haul ground to succeed.
given me.” driver, he advanced to the lead A third-generation Minneso-
He was once asked how he technician position at East ta farm kid who farmed from
was able to advance through Grand Forks. Then up the an early age with his father
the ranks to lead the company. ladder he went, from Division and uncles, Scott, his siblings
“I have always said that you Maintenance Manager to Red
and cousins were instilled
need to succeed at the position River Valley Division Manag-
with a good work ethic at their
you are currently in, then op- er and, finally, President and
parents’ knees.
portunity will come. But you COO. That long career path “The importance of taking
need the courage to jump and put Scott in a unique position; care of people and equipment
then you need to remember he understood virtually ev- See SCOTT, Next page
On the cover
After 38 years with Transystems, Scott Lind is retiring this summer. Bill Schulz photo.
2 TransTopix Summer 2021
Scott learned his work ethic early
From previous page
was instilled in me when I
was very young on the farm,”
Scott recalled. “Dad told me
once that no matter how tough
it gets, we always pay our em-
ployees first. And I guarantee
you, you never started your
day on the farm unless the oils
were checked and everything
was greased and inspected on
the equipment.”
Spring and fall, the Lind
farms ran 24 hours days. Of
course, the younger boys, in-
cluding Scott, worked nights.
One night shift, Scott was Scott works with John Hoadley in Sidney. Bill Schulz photo
harvesting soybeans with one
of his cousins. Challenges, success us running safety.”
“Out of the blue, he asked “Staffing has always been a Good teamwork diverted a
me what I would do if I challenge,” Scott said. “But, major shutdown.
didn’t farm. My cousin said fortunately, we always have Another challenge Scott
he would probably do some- been blessed with low turn- tackled was finding a solution
thing with sugar beets. I said over and our employees are to sticking beets during the
I would always farm,” Scott such good recruiters.” long, cold RRV winter.
recalled. Ironically, his cousin Other challenges were more “We had a problem unload-
is still farming while Scott is nail-biting events. ing beets that were sticking
“doing something” with sugar “I can remember a time in the trailers, so we started a
beets. when we had a scare with task force called SOS (Sick
That hardworking farm Ravens trailers back when I of Sticking),” he said. “Af-
background helped make was the Division Manager in ter looking at many different
Scott the manager he is. Grand Forks,” Scott recalled. aspects of the problem, we
“I was responsible for crews “We thought we were going figured out we could solve it
at a very young age. I enjoyed to have to shut down the fleet by loading frozen beets in the
that challenge and I believe because of cracking in the bottom to create a slide for the
that helped me carve the way fifth-wheel frame. The Main- beets on top.”
with my career,” he said. “I tenance Team did a thorough Problem solved. But he
always say that the only way inspection of all the units and didn’t stop there.
we can do our business is with decided what was needed. By adding a plate to the
good people and good equip- We found a local fabricator to hopper, the rear wheels of the
ment.” make necessary parts to keep See SCOTT, Next page
Summer 2021 TransTopix 3
Scott overcame many challenges in 38 years
“Often, I would see the could not believe how differ-
From previous page conservative managers were ently Transystems looked at
truck could be lifted to twist persuaded by managers who safety,” Scott recalled. “It was
the trailer for even more effi- dare to try and were willing to communicated, trained and
cient unloading. try something outside of the was a part of every part of our
“Kind of like emptying an box,” he said. Thinking out- work. I am glad to say that
ice cube tray,” Scott recalled. side the box has always been safety is still highly valued at
Another challenge Scott a good direction to resolve a Transystems.”
tackled was when the Feder- tough problem. The biggest change Scott
al DOT red tagged steering Scott could be called the has seen over the years is the
sectors on any truck that had godfather of the company’s flow and accessibility of in-
a certain serial number. We dashboard program, which is formation for employees to be
had just purchased 70 new now used by drivers, loader successful at their jobs.
Freightliner tractors for the operators and clerical staff to “Equipment and faces
RRV operations that fell into ensure that each project runs change, but the core values
that group of serial numbers. smoothly by providing current of Transystems have not
With less than two weeks be- information on fuel consump- changed,” Scott said.
fore the start of the campaign, tion, loads and employees’ He fondly remembers all
we had to remove every hours. the coworkers who shared his
steering sector and transport “When I was the Division path.
them to Chicago for repairs. Manager in RRV, I started a “I have built friendships
The Transystems team had to dashboard using paper and with many coworkers at Tran-
face the problem head on and then an excel spreadsheet for systems,” he said. “Many of
swiftly. managers and clerical staff to those long-term coworkers
A van was rented, the faulty report every day. I hated being have helped me many times
parts were piled in, and it was surprised at the end of a cam- over. I do believe that my
off to Chicago. paign,” Scott recalled. “I was success is because of all the
The repairs were made, our a believer in creating dash- coworkers that became friends
technicians putting in long boards and reports as manage- and that have been my sound-
days to reinstall the sectors. ment tools so there would be ing board, given me advice
Our new tractors were DOT no surprises. With the support and had the courage to tell me
approved days before the of Mike and Dan Rice and when I was making a huge
campaign started. the IT department, we made mistake.”
“You never know when it happen. It made a huge Under Scott’s leadership, the
equipment will shut you change. We have come a long team culture flourished.
down,” Scott sighed. “When- way in providing important “It’s important to always
ever a problem arose, I would information to all employees.” have the courage to do what
think immediately, ‘Who has is right,” he said. “I strove to
the knowledge that can help A culture of safety continue building on the edu-
me with this?’ And I made a “I worked for the company cation and a culture of growth
beeline to that person. You that hauled sugar beets be- for all employees and myself.
have to dare to try new things, fore Transystems, and, when I have always felt that the best
new ways of doing things.” I started with Transystems, I See SCOTT, Next page
4 TransTopix Summer 2021
Scott is planning 'to learn how to retire'
From previous page
thing I can do for our team is
to create a culture that encour-
ages everyone to grow per-
sonally and in business. When
you have a strong family, your
personal mind and health is
good and it is easier to grow
and enjoy your job. I always
loved seeing someone we
have helped grow to advance
and succeed.”
Scott is among those who
advanced and succeeded.
He graduated from Alvarado
High School in Minnesota and Motorcycles and Miles will
attended two years of truck play a big part in Scott's
and farm diesel technician retirement. Photos courtesy
training. He went on to attend Lind family.
the Executive Management “I have always been blessed
Program at University of Min- with the backing of my fam-
nesota and belonged to the ily,” he said. “Theresa and
Young President’s Brandi probably have seen
Organization for 12 years, go- more beet piles, loaders and
ing through all the leadership trucks than any other spouse
chairs. and child in Transystems. We
Married for 39 years to would go on Sunday after-
Theresa, the couple has one Volunteer work is on his list as noon drives to visit a pile site
daughter, a son-in-law and one is working for farmers during and visit with employees. We
grandchild, Miles, who will spring work and harvest. (You cleaned equipment, helped
figure prominently in Scott’s can take the farm kid out of with picnics and parades,
retirement. the field, but can you keep and moved equipment many
“I love being around family, him there?) times.”
motorcycle trips with Theresa, “I have looked into a Har- “Transystems’ culture made
golf and tinkering with old vest Host program where you it easy to get my family in-
vehicles,” Scott said. work at places like a winery volved,” he added. “I am
And what will he do in re- or farm,” he added. thankful for the career and,
tirement? Opportunity, courage and most of all, for my family.”
“First learn how to retire, gratitude were the three most “Transystems was fun to be
then improve my golf game,” important parts of Scott’s ca- a part of.”
he laughed. “Maybe I have reer and his life. So, of course, Happy trails, Scott. And
that backwards.” he ended on a grateful note. thank you.
Summer 2021 TransTopix 5
The Lind Legacy: Coworkers reminisce
T o say that Scott Lind is
held in high regard by
his coworkers would
be an understatement.
Everyone from sugar compa-
ny executives to Transystems’
and values his friendly ways.
“Scott always made a point
to talk to employees around the
company when he traveled,” he
said. “Employees appreciated
that.”
newest and oldest employees has Dan Brennan, Vice President
nothing but praise to pile on the of IT, also worked with Scott for
retiring President and COO. more than three decades.
There is a reason for that. “We worked in the same shops
Scott has always reciprocated or offices many of those years
the respect, holding everyone he and share a great number of
works with in high esteem. memories and experiences,” Dan
“Of course, I have many mem- Scott combined business said. “Many of them are fond
ories of Scott through the years,” with pleasure, keeping in memories. Some were not fun
Chairman of the Board Dan Rice touch with the office while at the time but are great to think
said. “The most enduring of hunting elk. Rich Carl photo. back on and reflect on the bene-
those is Scott’s dedication to the fits of the knowledge gained.”
employees of Transystems. He help shape them to improve the Dan admires Scott’s persever-
always put them first. Whether process,” Errol added. ance.
it was respect, safety or a good Transystems Technical Writ- “Scott has a drive to keep
paying job, Scott kept the em- er Curran Rice values Scott’s things moving and improving,”
ployees’ interests at the front of willingness to get personally he said. “He is always quick to
the line. That’s a nice legacy.” involved in any project. sign up for a challenge and put
Others joined in the salute to “As a remote worker, I learned the work in, cultivating options
Scott. the importance of talking to peo- and sharing his vision with those
Executive Vice President Errol ple and face-to-face interactions who can help the cause. Scott
Rice praised him for his vast from him. It's very easy to think did not always succeed right
knowledge. you can communicate every- out of the gate, but he never lost
“Scott has an experience base thing through email, but person- sight of the goal.”
that goes far beyond just Tran- al contact still has great value,” Scott is always looking for the
systems,” Errol said. “He knows Curran said. “Scott provided newest approach, be it equip-
the beet industry inside and out, consistent, available leadership ment, process or technology. He
from the grower to the rehaul to at all times." is quick to try new tools, some-
even the processing. He is able Vice President of Safety Rich times at his own expense, Dan
to understand why a factory Carl has worked with Scott for added. “When Scott sees the
would want to make a decision 35 years and has always admired potential, he is all in!”
and help Transystems under- Scott’s ability to not shy away “Prior to cell phones, Scott
stand what the potential other from a problem. was carrying a pager. Next,
options are.” “He always tackled tough is- Scott was carrying a radio
And he has always been will- sues head-on whether they were phone, which could have been
ing to pass that knowledge employee or customer issues,” called a suitcase phone. It was
along. Rich said. “Not many people are so large you could see the lights
“He knows all the old tricks able to do that.” dim when in use,” Dan recalled.
but is still willing to consider Rich credits Scott with nurtur- “Next, Scott was among the first
new ways of doing things and ing his growth in the company See MEMORIES, Next page
6 TransTopix Summer 2021
Memories made while working with Scott
ment were appreciated by many.
From previous page “He always took the time to
to have a cellular bag phone. offer me advice and did so in
Scott has continued to lead in a way that was not destructive
not only pressing forward but but encouraging,” Kari com-
also sharing his experience and mented. “I always felt like Scott
the benefits with others.” was on my side, helping me do
Dan also remarked on Scott’s better and gain confidence in the
friendliness. positions I have held. His many
“No matter what position years of experience made him a
Scott was in, he has always been great coach.”
out in the field getting to know Scott presenting Claude Carl His work ethic never faded.
each person and learning about with an award as Mike Rice “Scott has never been above
them,” he said. “Scott wanted any work,” Kari said. “Even as
looks on. Rich Carl photo.
to hear from people day, night, President and COO, he drove
helped me gain the self-confi-
weekends, blizzard, mud, no trucks and used shovels trying to
dence needed to succeed in my
matter.” help come up with solutions.”
role as a senior manager.”
Scott is sure to communicate Vice President of Maintenance
his viewpoint but always listens Ann praised Scott for growing
the company. Scott was at the Troy Carl started working with
to alternate points of view. Scott in 1993, building new
“Even though we might dis- helm when Transystems added
the Idaho and Minnesota beet trailers at the EGF shop.
agree, I know at the end of the Troy believes curiosity is
day Scott is thinking about my contracts, and those contracts
continued renewals. Scott’s strong suit.
view and points provided,” “Scott has always been willing
Dan said. “Scott has cultivated “Scott believes employees are
this skill throughout his career. more successful when they know to dig into things, good or bad,
how they are doing every day to learn more,” he said.
He talks a lot about collective Tracy Magnus, Vice President
genius. He is always working and can quickly react to areas of
and General Manager of the Red
on improving himself and those concern,” Ann said. Daily dash- River Valley Division, praised
around him. Scott provided boards arrived under Scott.
space for others to succeed, in- He also nurtured continuity of Scott’s unflagging concern for
cluding me.” operations and training, allowing the company and its employees.
for one division to quickly help “Scott really cares about Tran-
Former Vice President of systems and all of our employ-
Finance Ann Powers has also another when necessary.
Vice President of Adminis- ees,” she said. “He does every-
known Scott for decades. thing he can to make sure that
“Scott’s leadership ability is tration Kari Franks has worked
with Scott since she started at our company succeeds and the
his most valuable characteris- people that work here have the
tic,” Ann said. “As a leader, his Transystems nearly 20 years
ago. She praised him for his ability to be successful.”
commitment, passion, integrity Tracy was among many who
and honesty set the example for problem-solving abilities. noted Scott’s generosity in shar-
us. He sometimes had to make “He is always looking for a
solution and never giving up,” ing his vast knowledge.
the tough decision, not always “He has helped guide me any-
the popular decision but the right Kari said. “Scott has continually time I had questions and shared
decision for Transystems.” helped me come up with solu-
tions no matter the issue, from his decades of experience,” Tra-
Scott is a great mentor. cy said. “He was always
“I respected him, and I know personnel to the health plan.”
His coaching and encourage- See MEMORIES, Next page
he respected me,” Ann said. “He
Summer 2021 TransTopix 7
Memories, some with a comical twist
friendship, Dan always admired whole raw egg in the shell at a
From previous page Scott’s sense of humor and Christmas party years ago,” Rich
there to challenge me to make ability to tell a good story, recalled.
sure decisions were looked at keeping up his end of a conver- “Never saw such a thing. Very
from multiple angles, allowing sation. talented!”
for a better final decision. Scott “Scott is fun,” Kari said. “I
is constantly challenging the always loved hearing stories He was a great leader
status quo to make the company about his past, like doing burn-
more efficient.” outs at school and manning the Scott’s fun side aside, he was
dunk tank at picnics.” a great leader for Transystems.
She recalled one meeting in “Scott’s spirit of leading in
Great sense of humor Scott’s very warm office. technology and process fos-
Dan Gowan, Director of Agri- “I always joked that I was tered a culture of innovation,”
culture for American Crystal going into the hot seat,” she Dan Brennan said. “Folks were
Sugar, knew Scott long before said. “One time, sitting across always trying something new or
he joined Transystems. Dan, his from him at his desk, I reached building something new. Scott
brother and Scott piled their over to get a drink of water. He has always worked to provide
Harley Davidsons into a home- was nice enough to wait to tell the resources needed to foster
made trailer and left the Mid- me I had just emptied his water this creative approach.”
west for Florida in 1979. The glass.” He has always encouraged
trio spent the winter in Home- Dan Brennan laughs about professional development. Scott
stead working for a farmer. Scott’s “failure to save” incident. was instrumental in providing
During that early trip, Scott Scott was a pioneer in aban- early instructor-led training for
got the nickname “Willie,” Dan doning the typewriter for the managers and supervisors.
recalled. computer, Dan recalled. That training was appreciated
“We called ourselves Willie’s “Some years ago, Scott was by Troy.
Angels, pretty much after Willie convinced writing a policy on “Scott boosted training
Nelson,” he said. the typewriter was outdated,” throughout the years, and I have
Scott became “leader” of the Dan said. “Consistent with his always felt lucky to have it,”
group in an amusing way. drive to embrace tech, Scott Troy said. “Many leaders don't
“My brother and I took Scott obtained new software that invest in their people. Scott
to meet our friend Shu on that provided authoring and search- always has.”
trip to Florida,” Dan remem- ing of the database. Scott took “Transystems owes Scott a lot
bered. “Picture this, at their first time crafting a document. When for the way he has led the com-
meeting Scott was dressed in it came time to save the docu- pany,” Errol said. “The industry
shorts, a shirt, a hat and cowboy ment, there were no save but- has shifted over the last 20 years
boots with black socks. Not a tons. We reviewed the options and Transystems, under Scott’s
pretty picture. Shu said, ‘This, is and realized he was in search leadership, has been nimble
your leader?’” mode. No copy and paste in enough to follow. The growth
“The four of us are still very those days. The content was of the different divisions and
close and hold meetings every lost.” projects has complicated oper-
now and then,” Dan said. “Nor- Scott laughs about it today and ations, and the leadership Scott
mally we impeach Scott from he knows how to save first now. has shown enabled us to move
his rank and name a different And Scott is good for a party forward.”
leader.” gag. From all of us at Transystems,
From the beginning of their “I watched him swallow a thank you, Scott.
8 TransTopix Summer 2021
New VP of Maintenance a familiar face
T roy Carl is Transystems’
new Vice President of
Maintenance.
“Troy has been a
longtime member of the Senior
Team, and his background with
beet operations will be invalu-
able for maintenance,” Execu-
tive Vice President Errol Rice
said. “He hit the ground run-
ning since making the switch in
early May and has visited every
project since then. He is focused
on process improvements and
making sure our equipment is at
Transystems standards.”
Troy’s background with Tran-
systems goes way back. His
parents both worked for Tran-
systems when Troy was growing
up in Fargo. He started with the
company in 1992 as a yard driv-
er. Over the next three decades
Troy Carl is the new Vice President of Maintenance.
he worked as a loader operator,
line driver, technician, roving more advanced,” he said. “With position. It has been fun working
manager, project manager, divi- all the electronic components with the great technicians we
sion manager and Vice President and the after-treatment system, have working for us.”
and General Manager for the the units are more complex to Between stints at Transystems,
Red River Valley. troubleshoot. With the high Troy worked for a specialized
With that deep background, demand for technicians, we must carrier hauling heavy equipment.
Troy is uniquely qualified to continue to create a place people He also spent time in Sioux
oversee maintenance and repair want to work and an enjoyable Falls, S.D., working for Ruan
Transystems equipment. place to work.” Leasing as a technician.
“I will be ensuring process He is looking forward to the “I was given an opportunity
and procedures are followed and challenges and rewards his new to move to Grand Forks in 2003
always helping and guiding our position offers. to oversee a maintenance facil-
maintenance staff to learn and “I have always enjoyed work- ity,” he said. “When Ruan was
innovate as technology chang- ing with equipment,” Troy said. bought out by Ryder Leasing in
es,” Troy said. “I am excited to get back into 2004, I performed the same role
Equipment uptime and staffing maintenance full time. I enjoy for them.”
in a very demanding field are the learning new technology, and The few years he spent away
two biggest challenges he faces this will give me a great oppor- from Transystems ended in
in his new position. tunity. I have learned a lot in 2005.
“The equipment we are oper- just the last month in this new “I have been happily here ever
ating today continues to become since,” Troy said.
Summer 2021 TransTopix 9
Tracy Magnus chosen to lead RRV
E ight years ago, Tracy
Magnus joined Tran-
systems as a clerk in
Hillsboro. Fast forward
to this summer, and Tracy is
now Vice President and General
Manager of the Red River Valley
Division.
She made many stops work-
ing her way up the ladder. From
clerking at Hillsboro, she went
to Drayton as a supervisor and
went on to supervise multiple
construction projects. She was a
Division Admin Manager before
being named Project Manager
in Hillsboro. Then she moved to
Montana as the Billings Project
Manager, which led to her being
chosen as Division Manager Tracy Magnus is the new Vice President and General Manager
when the Central Division was of the Red River Valley Division.
created.
Hillsboro called her back as Transystems team player, Tracy
Tracy’s parents are still in North-
Project Manager last year. When is looking forward to working
wood, her brother with his wife
Troy Carl assumed his new posi- with the management staff in a
and kids are nearby in Fargo,
tion as Vice President of Mainte- different capacity.
and her best friend runs a cattle
nance, Tracy stepped up to lead “I look forward to being able
ranch a short four miles away
the Red River Valley Division, to work with all employees at all
from her new home, giving her
overseeing all five projects. locations,” she said. “The people
plenty of opportunities to spend
“I look forward to working are what makes this company
time with her family and friends.
closely with our customer, work well, and we have such a
She likes to travel with her
American Crystal Sugar Com- great team.”
camper and enjoys the great
pany, and with our management Tracy is well suited to lead that
outdoors, fishing or hunting. She
team,” Tracy said. team.
even offered up her favorite spot
Months into the new job, she A Northwood, N.D., native,
to camp: Stump Lake. Tracy also
is already focusing on the chal- she earned her bachelor’s degree
loves doing anything with fam-
lenges that lie ahead. from Mayville State before go-
ily or friends and spending time
“We’re hoping for a lot of ing to the University of Mary to
with her two doxies, Copper and
beets to move this season, and obtain her Master’s in Business
Dakota.
we need to have the drivers to Administration.
A former Northwood Women’s
haul them,” Tracy said. “Staffing “I started off in retail, sold cars
Softball Team player, she likes
will always be the biggest chal- for a short while, and, before
to keep up with that team and
lenge.” joining Transystems, was an of-
watches lots of University of
A known and highly respected fice manager at a nursing home,”
North Dakota Hockey.
she noted.
10 TransTopix Summer 2021Innovation
Drones boost safety, training, morale
T ransystems supervisors
and managers have an
eye in the sky to boost
not only the company
employees’ morale but also ad-
vertising for recruitment of new
team members.
Idaho Division Supervisor
Jason Strunk and Sidney Proj-
ect Manager John Hoadley use
drones to capture both pictures
and video footage of Transys-
tems teams in action. Buzzing A drone hovers over a dump site in Paul for the I84 Port of
high above Transystems trucks entry job. Jason Strunk photo.
and equipment, the drone focus-
es on the company’s excellent bottom first or do they hold in a A great training tool, John’s
equipment and how it is used by slant inside the trailer?” drone is also pressed into service
excellent drivers and operators. “Without seeing this, I could for trailer inspection. John can
Jason has been operating the not give an honest answer,” John check an entire fleet of trailers
drone in all the Idaho projects said. “I could only assume.” in just a few minutes. A safety
since the end of the sugar beet That’s when the light went bonus: No one has to physically
campaign in March. on in John’s head. He put his climb on a trailer. The drone is
“Right after I purchased the drone to work, allowing drivers also used to scan site setups as
drone, I immediately started and loader operators to actually well as entry and exit routes.
training for my unmanned air- see what was going on as they The drones are also used to mea-
craft pilot’s license,” he said. worked. sure stockpiles for both summer
Although there are few silver John’s first step was to record construction and sugar beets.
linings to the COVID-19 pan- a truck being loaded from start “Gosh, I am giving away my
demic, Jason managed to find to finish. secrets,” John chuckled. “Cer-
one. “We were shocked at how tain drones also have the ca-
“I took online classes during many things we saw in the drone pabilities of thermal imaging,
the COVID shutdown and flew footage that we could improve which is important for beet pile
the drone all over southern Idaho upon,” John said. “The operator inspections,” John added. “Lo-
during family trips,” he said. was amazed that he was doing cating hot spots in seconds with
John, on the other hand, was a things that he was telling other video and photos is a bonus.”
certified commercial drone oper- operators not to do.” John had been running
ator for years before he decided “My operators love watching drones for seven years before
to bring the drone to work. the short videos and picking he brought one to work. A true
It all started with a simple things out for improvement and drone enthusiast, he is involved
question from a loader operator. helping each other,” he added. with Search and Rescue and has
He asked John, “When I load “For new operators, it’s a total the capabilities of thermal imag-
the trailer, do the beets just slide training tool. They understand so ing with one of his drones and
down from the front and fill the much more by seeing it happen.” See DRONES, Next page
Summer 2021 TransTopix 11Drones 'the way of the future for work'
Thirty feet
From previous page up in the
conducting underwater search as
air, John
well.
Hoadley's
“I am very active in drones, so
drone keeps
much that I am a certified Part
107 pilot with the FAA for doing an eye on
commercial work,” John said. the McKen-
That licensing is important. zie project
“FAA registered and licensed during sum-
drone operators, like anything in mer con-
the world today, can be so help- struction.
ful,” he said. “I see drones as
becoming a company as well as future for outside work, such Transystems employee,” Kara
worldwide training tool. There as construction training, routes, said. “We will be able to show
are 17,000,000 drones in the search and rescue, inspections our potential employees exactly
United States alone and only and, of course, family videos.” how the job works. Our branding
67,000 registered drone pilots. Transystems Marketing Man- says, ‘It’s the easiest trucking
Law enforcement is cracking ager Kara Joyce shares John’s job you can ever ask for.’ Now
down on those not following the and Jason’s enthusiasm for the we can show them with a bird’s
rules. For those of us who do drones. And she believes Tran- eye view.”
follow the law, our people will systems is forward-thinking and The footage a drone can cap-
benefit.” ahead of the curve on drone use. ture is impressive and stunning.
John sees droning as an im- “Drone footage will allow po- Before we know it, drone mar-
portant skill. tential employees a visual expe- keting will be considered an in-
“Droning is the way of the rience into a day in the life of a dustry standard, Kara concluded.
Innovation in safety
In-truck cameras get a trial run in Idaho
T he most valued asset
Transystems has is our
employees. We are
constantly striving to
find new ways to ensure safety
throughout the workday. With
facing video capture. Cameras,
like the ones being tested, have
successfully improved safety
in commercial vehicles and can
exonerate a driver when others
make mistakes. Many drivers
to the fact that 80 percent of
third-party losses are caused by
other drivers. We have had sev-
eral examples of this in previous
campaigns.
The camera trial was conduct-
that in mind, we are trying out a who have used cameras will not ed at an Idaho project because of
new tool to improve our safety drive a truck if the camera is not the convenience of the construc-
culture. functioning properly. tion activity. We felt it would be
For the past couple of months, Our vision to have cameras an adequate test and would give
Transystems has been involved in place during the upcoming us the results needed to reach a
in a trial involving cameras for campaign is supported by our decision on the cameras.
our trucks. The cameras consist insurance carrier. The support Rich Carl,
of both outward and inward of our insurance carrier is due Vice President of Safety
12 TransTopix Summer 2021New Freightliners pump up the fleet
T ransystems’ big green
fleet is getting bigger.
Eighty-seven 2022
Freightliner Cascadia day
cabs are heading to the company’s
projects this summer. Sidney will
• Active Brake Assist 5 is
always on, automatically tracking
other vehicles in the truck’s path.
Full emergency braking on mov-
ing and stopped pedestrians.
• Adaptive Cruise Control
receive 12, Red River Valley 11, automatically adjusts the truck’s
Renville 10 and Idaho 54. cruising speed to maintain a safe
“The replacement cycle plan following distance from vehicles
was to phase out 2015 and 2017 in its path down to 0 mph. Im-
model year units with new proves overall driver experience
Eighty-seven 2022 Freightlin-
trucks,” President and COO Scott and reduces fatigue. In stop and
ers are on the way to Tran-
Lind said. go traffic, if the vehicle in front
The units are impressive. systems projects. stops, your truck will also come
With 450 horsepower Detroit experience levels,” Scott added. to a stop and hold indefinitely.
DD 13, 12.8-liter engines and Those drivers will be riding in • Electronic stability control
12-speed overdrive automated comfort. The new trucks have that can assist the driver in reduc-
manual transmissions, the new premium 2.0 high back air sus- ing the risk of vehicle instability
trucks should be more fuel effi- pension seats with air lumbar while in a slippery curve or taking
cient, especially when the average integrated cushion extensions and an evasive action, reducing the
fuel consumption over an entire adjustable shocks. A severe duty potential for jackknifing and drift
fleet traveling a variety of routes wiring harness will reduce elec- out conditions.
is calculated, Scott said. tronic downtime issues. • 5.0 lane departure and warn-
Automated control of the clutch The safety features on the new ing system.
improves shift quality and leads rucks are impressive, including: • Pre-trip inspection feature for
to longer clutch life. A shift ac- • Detroit Assurance exterior lamps.
tuator shifts the transmission for Using fused technology, the This cycle of lights includes
the driver, allowing for faster and bumper-mounted radar and the tractor and trailer. One cycle of
smoother gear shifts. windshield-mounted HD cam- lights takes 4.5 seconds, and it is
“And it’s easier to operate, era communicate with the ABS a continuous cycle until switch is
making it ideal for drivers of all brakes, engine and transmission turned off.
in real time.
Sidney Sugar and Transystems extend partnership
T ransystems’ long history
with Sidney Sugar just
got a bit longer. In May,
Transystems signed
another contract with the sugar
company, extending the working
be similar to the past few years
with no big shifts in where the
beets are or what the season
looks like.
“This represents a continua-
tion of the partnership we have
vironment for trucking, and
we have worked hard to make
ourselves and our customers
successful.”
Transystems first starting haul-
ing beets in Sidney in 1968. It’s
history between the two compa- with Sidney and ACS,” Errol a different haul now.
nies to 55 years. said. “We have a great oppor- “There have been a lot of
The most recent contract is tunity to extend our good work changes in Sidney over the past
for three years with some addi- with a great customer, and this five years, let alone 55, so it has
tional extension opportunities, new contract reflects the trust been great to be able grow with
Executive Vice President Errol they put in us to get their beets the community and be a partner
Rice said. The haul plan should hauled. Sidney is a tough en- with the factory,” Errol added.
Summer 2021 TransTopix 13Admin staff steps up to build Team Green
T he Administration Team
continues to take on
more responsibilities to
build our Team Green.
This summer, project clerks and
division administration coordi-
and great benefits are available.
I try to make applicants feel spe-
cial by always thanking them for
applying and letting them know
that we are available to answer
any questions they might have.”
nators are contacting many peo- She also makes a point of us-
ple who have expressed interest ing the applicant’s name often.
in working for Transystems. “Knowing a person’s name
Many administrative folks and using it makes him or her
have spent the last few years feel like they are important, not
perfecting the art of recruiting, just another application.”
selling Transystems opportu- Kristee enjoys recruiting tasks
nities and engaging with appli- because she likes being helpful.
cants. “When people apply, they
Even outside have so many questions and
of work, Idaho often have misinformation about
Division Admin- Carnessa Kristee driving and the experience need-
istration Coordi- sure to include phrases such ed,” she said. “I love being able
nator Cheyenne as “We are excited to possibly to tell them that we will train
Goff wears her work with you” and “We appre- them for the job.”
Transystems gear ciate your interest in Transys- East Grand Forks clerk Mary
to show her pride tems.” Kelly equates recruiting with
Cheyenne in the company. finding a needle in a haystack.
She maintains a friendly
She enjoys telling people about speaking voice and says smiling “The process sounds simple:
our company and the benefits of while talking helps. gather applicant information,
working here. “I also try not to talk over set up interviews and conduct
When calling applicants, applicants,” Carnessa said. “I interviews,” she said. “But after
Cheyenne says, “I make them definitely make sure I sound all that all you can go on is your
feel special by consciously knowledgeable with the work gut instinct.”
listening to them and their story. requirements and environment.
I ask them questions to get a It helps to have sticky notes or
conversation going.” word docs on things I specifical-
One of Cheyenne’s best prac- ly need help with remembering.”
tices is smiling while she is on “A lot of them seem nice over
the phone so applicants can tell the phone which makes my job
she is in a good mood and en- 10 times easier and enjoyable.”
joys what she does. She likes Kristee Badet at the Twin Falls Mary Colleen
talking to different people and Project comes to the recruiting
hearing their stories and why desk armed with information. Colleen Danielson from Ren-
they chose Transystems. “I make sure to have ample ville enjoys hearing applicants’
Nampa clerk Carnessa Hunt information about the beet year stories.
has a few recruiting tricks up and make it known that Transys- “I find it interesting to hear
her sleeve, too. When she visits tems is a fantastic company to about the various backgrounds
with job candidates, she makes work for,” she said. “Great pay See TEAM GREEN, Next page
14 TransTopix Summer 2021Getting back to basics in safety program
T he past year has been
challenging. When the
COVID-19 pandemic
swept in during March
2020, the safety team scrambled
to keep ahead of it and keep our
ings took the place of the face-
to-face training and meetings we
were accustomed to.
General safety communica-
tions suffered with physical
distancing. Our check-rides, op-
hicle inspections. This program
will be expanded to the entire
company in 2022.
As we move into the next busi-
ness year, our general focus and
theme of getting back to basics
employees safe. erator training, technician train- is vital to our safety culture. We
The limited ing and other hands-on training will resume in-person meetings
contact allowed were modified for the safety of and face-to-face communication
among employ- employees. with all employees. Getting our
ees disrupted Our efforts paid off. The processes back in place will en-
many of our measures we took to deal with sure that everyone continues to
standard safety the pandemic were effective in go home in the same condition
processes and protecting employees from the they came to work.
Rich procedures. And risk of infectious disease. I will close emphasizing the
the pandemic In other positive news, our two main things every Transys-
shifted a lot of focus from our Skills Development Program tems employee should know:
usual safety procedures. continued to grow and resulted 1. Safety is important to Tran-
Things changed and they in adding many qualified driv- systems culture.
changed rapidly. ers to our team. The use of the 2. Every employee participates
All in-person meetings were mobile training center expanded in our safety program.
canceled, including startup again this year and included sev- I encourage everyone to get
meetings, safety orientations, eral new simulator scenarios. engaged in safety.
safety committees and others. The Idaho and RRV Divisions Rich Carl,
Virtual meetings or phone meet- developed a trial program for ve- Vice President of Safety
Team Green getting bigger, thanks to admin staff
Our referral bonus is a way make this happen by making the
From previous page we show our appreciation to referral bonus more attractive.
people come from,” she said. employees who spread the word The amount has been raised to
Her recruiting mantra: Be po- about our opportunities. $600 for CDL trainees, drivers,
lite and attentive. Listen to their Since the start of the last beet loader operators and technicians.
concerns. haul, we have paid $41,200 in Our employee recruiters will
Our Administrative Team is referral bonuses to employees also get some cool swag once
not the only great recruiters we who brought someone new to they bring in a new employee.
have. Employees in any position Transystems. We would love to We want to identify you and ap-
at Transystems are the best re- see that amount increase sub- preciate you for getting the word
cruiters we have. When you help stantially. out about Transystems.
a friend or acquaintance make Every year we hire new em- Love what you do and share
a change and come to work at ployees at our projects to fill our the opportunity with others.
Transystems, you are offering schedules. Wouldn’t it be nice if Let’s all do what we can to help
them the opportunity to be home most of our advertising dollars build Team Green.
every day, good work, good pay went to employees in the form Kari Franks,
and a good life. of referral bonuses? We want to Vice President Administration
Summer 2021 TransTopix 15Meet our supervisors
New supervisors at Hillsboro, Twin Falls
H illsboro Project Super-
visor Alesia Sargent
joined Transystems
three years ago as a
CDL class participant.
After earning her license,
warding about her job?
“The ability to help others
grow in their skill,” she said.
Working the night shift is her
biggest challenge because, as a
single mother of five, she misses
in Paul at the end of the beet
campaign.
Before being named supervi-
sor, Tanner drove truck, operated
the loader, and flumed.
He brings a strong work ethic
Alesia spent one year as a driver. time spent with her kids. and a lot of common sense to his
Early on she showed she was a A Red River Valley native, new position, and he is enjoying
team player. Alesia enjoys painting, collect- it.
“When my truck was down, I ing rocks and plants. “There are too many reward-
helped in the shop,” she said. ing things to list them all, but
In her second year at Hills- Meet Tanner Allred mainly I really enjoy the people
boro, Alesia worked as a sub I work with and all the different
supervisor and A year into his career with skills I have ac-
learned to oper- Transystems, Tanner Allred quired,” he said.
ate a skid steer stepped up to the Project Super- “I look forward
and loader. She visor position in Twin Falls. to continuing.
spent her third After joining the company last Transystems
year as a skills August, Tanner learned the ropes has been excep-
development filling in as a supervisor on oc- tionally great to
mentor and then casional weekends. He excelled me, and I enjoy
Alesia was named a sub and was named full-time Project coming to work Tanner
supervisor. She helped out, sub- Supervisor in the spring. every day.”
bing at East Grand Forks when With the beet haul wrapped up, The rewards are plentiful,
needed and also trained in the Tanner and the Twin Falls team but so, too, is the daily weather
excavator. have switched their focus to challenge.
All her hard work and enthu- construction. It’s keeping them “The weather can really make
siasm paid off when she was all busy. or break your day, but I am up
named full-time supervisor in “I am making sure drivers for every challenge thrown my
Hillsboro in December 2021. know their destinations to and way,” Tanner said. “Whether I
Alesia brings the skills nec- from the gravel pits,” Tanner fail or triumph, either way I am
essary to be a good supervisor: said. “I stay in constant contact learning from it.”
patience, understanding and with the contractors who hire Almost an Idaho native, Tan-
the ability to multitask. She has us, so we know when we are ner came to the state at age 2.
good communication skills and working. I also make sure radios He grew up and went to school
can make a quick decision, all and other supplies are on the job in the small town of Castle-
while paying attention to details. sites. There is some paperwork ford, west of Twin Falls. He is
She is responsible for comply- involved.” married to “a wonderful girl,”
ing with the customer’s needs “I want to make sure the driv- Britney Allred. They have been
and making sure rules are fol- ers are happy,” he added. together for seven great years.
lowed to ensure the safety of the Although his main focus is When not at work, Tanner en-
drivers and the equipment. the Twin Falls Project, Tanner joys hunting, fishing and camp-
What does she find most re- willingly stepped up to help out ing … “Anything outdoors.”
16 TransTopix Summer 2021Meet our project manager
Craig LeLoux named Renville manager
C raig LeLoux has re-
turned to Transystems
as the new Project Man-
ager in Renville, Minn.
“I was employed by Transys-
tems from 2006 to 2010, then
went off to pursue other employ-
ment,” Craig said. “I am very
pleased to return.”
Craig brings a wealth of man-
agement experience to his new
post. He has been in the man-
agement field since 1987.
Craig started at Transystems as
a supervisor in Renville in 2006
and went on as Safety Manager
for summer construction before
being named Division Safety
Manager in the Red River Valley Craig LeLoux returned to Transystems as Project Manager in
during the 2008-2009 campaign. Renville.
He was Minnesota’s Division goals set by the customer and operator. Hats off to them!”
Manager during 2009 and 2010. Transystems.” Craig is looking forward to a
As Project Manager, Craig will Craig’s re-entry to the Transys- great first season back.
oversee safety, operations, driv- tems team has not been without “SMBSC got the beets planted
ers, machine operators, clerical a few challenges. early and the growers’ fields are
staff and supervisors. He will “Since I have been away well-tilled,” he said. “I am look-
work with the company’s main- from Transystems for the past ing forward to a great crop and
tenance program and with the 10 years, getting to know the excellent beet haul this year.”
customers and their requests. new resources the company has Craig grew up in Northwest
He is putting his management developed will be a challenge,” Iowa. He now lives in Olivia and
background to work with an he said. “But I am very optimis- is married to Kristi. The couple
open-door policy. tic I will learn quickly with help have four children and seven
“I welcome all to come to me from the staff.” grandchildren. Family time tops
with any questions and concerns, He is quick to praise Transys- the priority list for Craig and
and together we can understand tems and the Renville team. Kristi.
and/or correct many situations,” “Transystems has helped me “We enjoy spending time at
Craig said. grow professionally and person- the lake and spend as much time
He enjoys working for a fam- ally throughout my career,” he with family as possible,” he said.
ily-orientated company and its said. “I bring hands-on experi- “It is great to see them all grow
employees. ence as a manager, driver, farm- up. And maybe we spoil them a
“I find it rewarding to help in- er and equipment operator. But bit.”
dividuals grow and develop with watching some of our excavator Craig also enjoys hunting,
the Transystems team,” he said. operators in the yard during tear fishing, recreational activities,
“I look forward to achieving the down made me feel like a novice riding his Harley and camping.
Summer 2021 TransTopix 17Division Reports
Red River Valley focusing on training this summer
W hile some Red River
Valley drivers head-
ed to Western North
Dakota to work on
the McKenzie County project,
the remainder of the staff is
spending the summer focused on
Skills Development Classes and
recruiting.
We are also taking our show
on the road with Transystems’
banner trucks heading to 40-plus Above, Red
parades and a few fairs through- River Valley
out the RRV. That is one of the kicked off
many ways we attract quality job summer train-
candidates, and this summer we
ing with a full
are getting awe-
Skills Devel-
some applicants.
opment Class
Ten Skills
Development pictured with
Classes are on their mentors
the summer cal- and Ray DeLe-
endar, meaning on. Left, train-
60 well-trained ing in action.
drivers will be Kara Joyce
Tracy
ready to roll when photos.
the sugar beet campaign starts conditions, and we have had see what he can
in early to mid-August. By then, some damaging windstorms, too. do there. We will receive 11 new
we will have a really good crew Normal weather for us is wet. Freightliners this summer and
lined up. This summer is not normal. some new Komatsu loaders.
Our project supervisors and While the dry conditions are Meanwhile, the shops are all
four drivers are working as men- very unusual for us, the crops are busy fine-tuning our fleet of trac-
tors for the Skills Development emerging while some minimal tors and trailers.
Classes. And, once again, Ray replanting is going on. So we ex- And we are all looking forward
DeLeon has stepped up to lead pect a decent crop when harvest to the return of summer cele-
the Skills Development Program. rolls around. brations. All five projects have
He works well with everyone A new Project Manager and picnics planned, with Hillsboro
from the CDL candidates to the some new equipment are poised kicking off the summer in June.
mentors helping train them. His to start hauling beets. Tom Ro- Thanks to all the RRV team
patience and ability are very cha moved from Crookston to members for their hard work.
much appreciated. manage the Hillsboro Project. Tracy Magnus, Vice President
The entire valley is experienc- He has a great background with and Manager, Red River Valley
ing moderate to severe drought us, and we are very excited to Division
18 TransTopix Summer 2021Division Reports
Summer work remains steady for Idaho Division
A s usual in the Idaho Di-
vision, there was not a
minute of rest between
the sugar beet cam-
paign and summer construction.
We started hauling for IMC near
Twin Falls the end of March, and
the beet campaign wrapped up
April 2.
Summer work has remained
steady since we started it. By
early June we had already com-
pleted a job for H&K in Idaho
Falls. It was a short, sweet bit of
work. Now we are hauling for
Kloepfer Construction on the Summer construction work is keeping Transystems crews
Legacy Highway near Layton, busy. Bill Schulz photo.
Utah. We are
also working a growers pumped up the planted mer. Joe helped with mainte-
big project with acreage a bit, we will have a big nance before heading over to su-
Knife River haul- crop to haul come the first week pervise the Legacy Project. Chris
ing from Boise to of September. stepped in to cover for managers
Sun Valley. That The Skills Development Pro- on vacation.
haul will switch gram is underway and will kick They will head back to their
Kevin from Boise to up to full speed in August. We home projects in September
Bliss later in the are planning five classes, which when the campaigns start in
summer. All in all, it’s been good should give us around 50 CDL Wyoming and Montana. Crops at
for us and our employees, with drivers. It’s great to have our both those locations are looking
40 to 60 drivers on the payroll. banner trucks back at area pa- good after a late spring with a
The job market is tight around rades and fairs since there were few replants.
here, so we feel lucky that we no events like that last summer. We are planning a new type of
can keep our crews busy. We enjoy participating in our celebration to thank our valued
We are happy to be able to communities. employees. Rather than week-
keep our drivers working and we The shops are working hard to end picnics, which cut into their
are grateful that they are willing ensure all our equipment is ready camping time, we are inviting
to travel with us. Housing is al- to roll when harvest begins. We them and their families to join us
ways a challenge, even more so are expecting 54 new Freight- for lunch at each project loca-
now that everybody in the coun- liners in July. The techs will get tion. We look forward to seeing
try is planning post-COVID-19 those tractors prepared for the everyone there.
trips. Motels are full. season, too. Thanks to all for the hard
Our weather is as dry and arid It has been great having Chris work.
as usual, spurring a few replants Kelly from Billings and Joe
early on. The crop is coming Kuntz from Worland working Kevin Iversen, Vice President
along pretty well. Since the with our Idaho team this sum- and Manager, Idaho Division
Summer 2021 TransTopix 19Division Reports
Skills Development a priority this summer
Above and right, Skills Development was the
Red River Valley's main focus this summer.
Ray DeLeon and mentor Tim Reitan offered
pre-trip instruction
Left, Idaho Di-
vision Skills
Development
mentor Emily
Lozano works
with trainee
Ronnie Wil-
liams. Kara
Joyce photos.
Sidney crop looks good; drivers keeping busy
D
ating.
espite a couple of rain-
outs, summer is going
swimmingly in Sidney.
The crop is looking
good, and the weather is cooper-
years very successful.
I’d like to give a special sa-
lute to the Sidney maintenance
group. They have done an ex-
cellent job keeping the trucks
well-maintained and working
the McKenzie Project, and they
are doing well.
The Sidney crew will have
a little time to relax after the
construction project wraps up,
including gathering at a project
And our crew is keeping busy. well. They have really helped picnic in mid-August. Then they
While the beets are growing, 13 keep everything up and running will hit it hot and heavy when
Sidney employees are working smoothly. the campaign kicks off in early
on the McKenzie Project. This is And a big thank you to Ricar- September. Twelve new Freight-
the second year we have run the do Garza for coming from the liner tractors will be waiting for
McKenzie Project and the Sid- Valley on such a short notice. them when they return.
ney, Worland, RRV, Billings and Already this summer, two driv- Thanks for all your hard work.
Idaho employees have stepped ers have completed their CDL Scott Lind,
up to the plate to make both training in East Grand Forks on President and COO
20 TransTopix Summer 2021You can also read
