America's Truckin' Network

Kevin recaps his attendance at the 20th Anniversary, Rush Enterprises Tech Skills Rodeo (TSR) this past Sunday thru Tuesday in Nashville, Tennessee, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. While at the TSR Kevin spoke with Victor Cummings, Vice President, Service Operations, Rush Enterprises about the competition, employee retention, mentoring programs, internship programs and an innovative program for trade school students. Robert LaValley, Heavy Duty Technician from Flagstaff, AZ., stopped by to talk about his participation and being a finalist in every competition since the first TSR in 2006. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin recaps his attendance at the 20th Anniversary, Rush Enterprises Tech Skills Rodeo (TSR) this past Sunday thru Tuesday in Nashville, Tennessee, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. While at the TSR Kevin spoke with Victor Cummings, Vice President, Service Operations, Rush Enterprises about the competition, employee retention, mentoring programs, internship programs and an innovative program for trade school students. Robert LaValley, Heavy Duty Technician from Flagstaff, AZ., stopped by to talk about his participation and being a finalist in every competition since the first TSR in 2006.

Kevin talks with Rush Enterprises employees Connie Dempsey, Senior Continuous Improvement and Deborah Smith, Director of Operations Continuous Improvement, who are part of the Tech Skills Rodeo Committee, they discuss the planning, logistics, lining up sponsors and Trade Show participants; they also discuss their positions with Rush Enterprises, how their career path lead them there and advice for people who might be considering a career in the trucking industry. Additionally, Michael Freeze, Features Editor, Transport Topics and Leo Baros Associate Editor, TruckNews.com join the show to talk about their Tech Skills Rodeo experience, as well as their opinions on the state of the Economies in the U.S. and Canada.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin talks with Rush Enterprises employees Connie Dempsey, Senior Continuous Improvement and Deborah Smith, Director of Operations Continuous Improvement, who are part of the Tech Skills Rodeo Committee, they discuss the planning, logistics, lining up sponsors and Trade Show participants; they also discuss their positions with Rush Enterprises, how their career path lead them there and advice for people who might be considering a career in the trucking industry. Additionally, Michael Freeze, Features Editor, Transport Topics and Leo Baros Associate Editor, TruckNews.com join the show to talk about their Tech Skills Rodeo experience, as well as their opinions on the state of the Economies in the U.S. and Canada.

Kevin was on the floor of the 20th Anniversary of the Rush Enterprises Tech Skills Rodeo at the Gaylord, Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville TN,; he described the trip to Nashville, on Saturday, through the Winter Weather Advisories, Sunday's Collision Center competition, setting up the ATN booth at the venue, the night dinner cruise on the General Jackson, talks with Rush Enterprises, Jody Pollard, Senior Vice President, Vehicle After Market Sales & Robb Nixon, Vice President Sales and Tech Rodeo competitor, Chris Purcell, Atlanta Technician, Grand Champion 2021 and 2024.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin was on the floor of the 20th Anniversary of the Rush Enterprises Tech Skills Rodeo at the Gaylord, Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville TN,; he described the trip to Nashville, on Saturday, through the Winter Weather Advisories, Sunday's Collision Center competition, setting up the ATN booth at the venue, the night dinner cruise on the General Jackson, talks with Rush Enterprises, Jody Pollard, Senior Vice President, Vehicle After Market Sales & Robb Nixon, Vice President Sales and Tech Rodeo competitor, Chris Purcell, Atlanta Technician, Grand Champion 2021 and 2024.

Kevin covered the following stories: the U.S. Labor Department reported the Weekly Initial Jobless Claims; some of the various media outlet's coverage were misleading at best; the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released the Employment Cost Index which tracks changes changes in wages and benefits; the U.S. Department of Agricuture released their estimates for 2026 cattle prices; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspectve, offers opinions and insights.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin covered the following stories: the U.S. Labor Department reported the Weekly Initial Jobless Claims; some of the various media outlet's coverage were misleading at best; the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released the Employment Cost Index which tracks changes changes in wages and benefits; the U.S. Department of Agricuture released their estimates for 2026 cattle prices; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspectve, offers opinions and insights.

Kevin covered the following stories: the Federal Reserve announced their interest rate decision; Home Depot, during an investor day, offered preliminary guidance for 2026; Phil Flynn, Senior Market Analyst, PRICE Futures Group, in his Energy Report, discusses energy "affordability" and green energy push during the Biden years; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin covered the following stories: the Federal Reserve announced their interest rate decision; Home Depot, during an investor day, offered preliminary guidance for 2026; Phil Flynn, Senior Market Analyst, PRICE Futures Group, in his Energy Report, discusses energy "affordability" and green energy push during the Biden years; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions.