Attention Retention

The best fleets don't just recruit drivers. They deliver on what matters most. In this episode of Attention Retention, host Jackie McManus, CEO of KJ Media, sits down with Brad Hackett, Director of Recruiting at Jett Express to uncover the "Big Four" drivers really want and how fleets can meet those expectations to boost hiring and retention. Brad shares how his background in operations shaped his approach to recruiting and how Jett Express, in partnership with KJ Media, builds loyalty by focusing on transparency, responsiveness, and culture.

Key insights from this episode:

• Why defining a driver persona helps recruiters focus on the right candidates
• The Big Four drivers want: fair pay, good equipment, home time, and respect
• Why recruiters must be fully armed with information because "drivers have the best BS detector"
• How recognition and culture create long-term driver loyalty

Drivers: Ready to work for Jett Express? Apply now: https://www.jettexpress.com/careers/

Connect with Brad Hackett on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/brad-hackett

KJ Media is the recruitment advertising agency trusted by fleets nationwide. See how we help fleets attract the right drivers and reduce turnover: https://www.kjtransmedia.com

Ready to uncover quick wins in your recruiting strategy? Get your FREE 30-minute recruiting audit today: https://recruit.kjtransmedia.com/free-competitor-analysis

Follow our social media channels to never miss an episode of "Attention Retention" and stay updated on the latest insights in organizational management, employee engagement, and recruitment strategies:

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kj-media/ Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KJMedia Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kj_media/

Struggling to stand out in today's driver market? Authenticity and culture may be your most powerful recruiting tools.

In this episode of Attention Retention, Jackie McManus, CEO of KJ Media, sits down with Cory, Director of Recruiting at Paper Transport. From earning his CDL to going through the company's own hiring process, Cory shares how firsthand experience shapes trust and long-term connections with drivers.

Key insights include:

• Why understanding the driver journey builds credibility and stronger recruiting relationships
• How the Accelerate Program helps CDL grads succeed with mentorship and training
• Using a 100-question driver assessment to match candidates with the right roles
• The impact of family-focused recognition on retention and satisfaction
• Budgeting and social media strategies that support data-driven recruiting

Whether you're a fleet leader, recruiter, or driver looking for a company that invests in people, this episode is packed with takeaways you can put to work.

Connect with Cory Helmle & Paper Transport:

Cory Helmle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-helmle-676a9880/

Paper Transport on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/paper-transport/

Paper Transport Driving Opportunities: https://www.papertransport.com/drive-pti/

Stay Ahead with KJ Media: Want to cut your cost-per-hire? Book your free recruiting audit: https://recruit.kjtransmedia.com/free-competitor-analysis

Explore proven recruiting strategies and case studies: https://www.kjtransmedia.com

Follow our social media channels to never miss an episode of "Attention Retention" and stay updated on the latest insights in organizational management, employee engagement, and recruitment strategies:

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kj-media/ Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KJMedia Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kj_media/

Struggling with turnover or drivers ghosting after orientation? You're not alone. In this episode of Attention Retention, host Jacquelyn McManus sits down with Rodney Eaves, Director of Recruiting at Baggett Transportation, to talk about the art—and necessity—of building lasting driver relationships. From his early career in logistics to leading a recruiting team today, Rodney shares practical insights that go way beyond job postings.

Key insights you'll hear in this episode:

• Why active listening is a recruiter's secret weapon for matching drivers to the right role.
• How Baggett's Day-1 "expectation sheet" bridges recruiting and dispatch to prevent turnover.
• Rodney's 30-60-90 day follow-up system that keeps drivers engaged long after orientation.
• The little things that make a big impact—like lunch during orientation and personal recognition.

Whether you're a recruiter, a trucking exec, or a driver yourself, this conversation is packed with strategies to strengthen connections and keep your fleet rolling.

Drivers – Ready to work for Baggett Transportation? Apply now: https://www.baggetttransport.com/

Fleet Leaders – Want to cut recruiting costs and improve retention? Get your free recruiting audit: https://recruit.kjtransmedia.com/free-competitor-analysis

Learn more: https://www.kjtransmedia.com

Follow our social media channels to never miss an episode of "Attention Retention" and stay updated on the latest insights in organizational management, employee engagement, and recruitment strategies:

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kj-media/

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KJMedia

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kj_media/

Struggling to attract and retain top drivers? You're not alone. In this episode of Attention Retention, Jackie McManus, CEO of KJ Media, sits down with Jerrit Judie, Recruiting Manager at National Carriers, to explore what it takes to build a truly driver-first trucking company. From his unexpected start in trucking to leading a high-performing recruiting team, Jerrit shares the processes, culture, and leadership mindset that have helped National Carriers maintain stability, integrity, and elite driver satisfaction — even in a challenging freight market.

Key insights include:

• Why authenticity is the ultimate recruiting strategy
• Building trust through realistic expectations
• The role of recognition in retention
• How structured processes improve both KPIs and driver relationships

Whether you're a fleet executive, recruiting leader, or driver looking for a new home, this conversation delivers actionable takeaways on building a workplace where drivers stay — and thrive.

Drivers – Ready to work for National Carriers? Apply now: https://www.nationalcarriers.com

Connect with Jerrit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerrit-a-judie-141b32174/

Fleet Leaders – Get your free recruiting audit: https://recruit.kjtransmedia.com/free-competitor-analysis

Learn more: https://www.kjtransmedia.com

Follow our social media channels to never miss an episode of "Attention Retention" and stay updated on the latest insights in organizational management, employee engagement, and recruitment strategies:

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kj-media/

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KJMedia

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kj_media/

Struggling to find and keep good drivers? You're not alone. In this episode of Attention Retention, Jackie McManus, CEO of KJ Media, sits down with Josh Grimes, Director of Recruiting at Dillon Transportation, to discuss how their fleet is seeing stronger retention and better hiring through a driver-first approach.

Josh shares what's actually working at Dillon today—from transparent recruiting conversations to aligning operations and dispatch, to creating recognition programs that drivers truly value.

Key insights:

• Why honesty builds long-term driver trust
• Aligning recruiting, dispatch, and operations
• How Dillon turns drivers into top referrers
• Driver recognition that actually means something
• Tips for new trucking recruiters

Drivers – Ready to work for Dillon?

Apply now at Dillon's Careers Page:

👉https://www.dillontransportation.com/careers

Connect with Josh Grimes on LinkedIn

👉https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-grimes-265950163

Fleet Leaders – Want to attract and convert more qualified drivers? Get a free 30-minute recruiting audit from KJ Media:

👉 https://recruit.kjtransmedia.com/free-competitor-analysis

Learn more about KJ Media

We help fleets grow through results-focused advertising and full-funnel recruiting strategies:

👉 https://www.kjtransmedia.com

In this episode, Michael Gibbons, Director of Recruiting at Dupré Logistics, shares his unique journey from professional boxing to driver recruitment in the trucking industry. Michael provides valuable insights into the key strategies that have helped Dupré Logistics successfully recruit and retain drivers. From fostering teamwork and discipline to focusing on transparency in job ads, Michael emphasizes the importance of a driver-centric approach to ensure long-term success.

Michael also discusses the two-step interview process at Dupré Logistics, where recruiters and operations managers work closely together to align recruitment efforts with operational needs. He highlights the critical role of KPIs in driving recruitment performance and the evolving role of AI automation, while emphasizing the continued need for human connection in the recruitment process.

Key Discussion Points:

-Teamwork and Discipline: How Michael's boxing background influenced his approach to building a successful recruitment team.

-Transparency in Job Ads: Why being honest and upfront in job advertisements is essential for attracting quality candidates and avoiding bait-and-switch tactics.

-The Two-Step Interview Process: How Dupré Logistics ensures consistency in hiring by involving both recruiters and operations managers.

-KPIs and Performance Tracking: Setting weekly metrics for recruiters to track hires, turnover rates, and fiscal performance.

-The Role of AI Automation: The growing use of AI in recruiting while maintaining the critical human element.

-Driver Engagement and Retention: Strategies such as regular check-ins, stay interviews, and fostering a family

-Oriented culture to boost driver satisfaction and retention.

In this episode of Attention Retention, Stephen Fowler, VP of Recruiting at Titus Transport, teams up with Jackie McManus, CEO of KJ Media, to reveal the secrets behind Titus Transport's remarkable 49% reduction in driver turnover. Discover the innovative strategies that set them apart in the competitive world of trucking recruitment.

What You'll Learn:

• Maximizing Recruitment Efficiency: Explore how Titus Transport utilizes team training, KPI-driven development, and call monitoring to sharpen its recruitment process.
• 49% Turnover Reduction: Learn the actionable steps Titus took to slash turnover by nearly half, focusing on quality hires, information management, and enhancing driver satisfaction.
• Smart Advertising & ROI: Get insights into how Titus manages advertising campaigns, budgets, and ROI analysis to make every recruitment dollar count.
• Staying Competitive: Discover how quarterly market analyses keep Titus ahead of the curve in driver compensation trends.
• Current Innovations: Dive into their latest projects, including Google SEO, targeted marketing campaigns, brand awareness initiatives, and automating driver orientation.
• Why Transparency Matters: Understand the critical role of transparency, competitive pay, and top-notch equipment in attracting and retaining drivers.
• Retention Beyond Bonuses: Find out why sign-on bonuses alone aren't enough and how recognition programs, community-building, and respectful communication play a pivotal role in keeping drivers happy and loyal.

Learn more about Stephen and Titus Transport below:

• Guest LinkedIn: Stephen Fowler https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-fowler-64697472/
• Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/titus-transport/
• Website: https://titustrans.com/ Careers Page: https://titustrans.com/careers/
• Bonus Link mentioned in podcast: https://youtu.be/0JQJdtnCrGI?si=NFkmwLcEg-4oK0KM

Stay ahead of the curve by subscribing to KJ Media's weekly newsletter for the latest trends in organizational management and employee engagement: https://signup.kjtransmedia.com/nwslttr_youtube

Get in touch with us for tailored solutions that fit your needs: https://kjtransmedia.com/

Follow our social media channels to never miss an episode of "Attention Retention" and stay updated on the latest insights in organizational management, employee engagement, and recruitment strategies:

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kj-media/ Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KJMedia Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kj_media/

On the latest episode of Attention Retention, Ivy Posada - VP of Human Resources, Sergey Bort - VP of Marketing & Strategy, Karl Brazaitis -Director of Customer Service, Retention, and Quality joins Jackie McManus, CEO and founder of KJ Media.

Together, they discuss:

• Transparency is crucial in attracting and retaining drivers. Openness about pay, expectations, and company values builds trust.
• Tailored recruitment strategies based on demographic preferences and feedback enhance effectiveness.
• Selective hiring aligned with company values improves driver retention rates significantly.
• Ongoing communication and support throughout the onboarding process and beyond are critical for driver satisfaction and retention.
• Promoting unique aspects of recruitment and retention efforts can attract drivers who value those qualities.
• Creating a positive, supportive environment includes initiatives like driver liaison managers, mentorship programs, and driver advisory boards.
• Recognition of driver achievements through virtual trophies and physical accolades fosters a culture of appreciation.
• Using drivers in marketing efforts enhances brand authenticity and appeal.

Learn more about Ivy, Sergey, and GP Transco below:

• Guest LinkedIn: Ivy Posada - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivyposada/
• Sergey Bort- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergeybort/
• Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gp-transportation-inc-/
• Website: https://www.gptransco.com/
• Careers Page: https://www.gptransco.com/best-truck-driving-jobs

Stay ahead of the curve by subscribing to KJ Media's weekly newsletter for the latest trends in organizational management and employee engagement: https://signup.kjtransmedia.com/nwslttr_youtube

Get in touch with us for tailored solutions that fit your needs: https://kjtransmedia.com/

Follow our social media channels to never miss an episode of "Attention Retention" and stay updated on the latest insights in organizational management, employee engagement, and recruitment strategies:

• Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kj-media/
• Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KJMedia
• Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kj_media/

In this episode, Jackie McManus interviews Thomas Banks, the driver recruitment and retention manager at Nick Strimbu Inc., about strategies for improving driver recruitment and retention in the trucking industry. Thomas shares insights on the importance of transparency, communication, and community-building in fostering a positive work environment for drivers.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Effective Communication: Open, honest communication is key to retaining drivers and building trust.
2. Bridge Recruitment and Operations: Ensure alignment between recruiters and operations to provide accurate and transparent information to drivers.
3. Use of Metrics: Track retention metrics and wage trends to address driver expectations and improve retention strategies.
4. Community Building: Foster a sense of community through driver events and mentorship programs to enhance driver satisfaction and retention.
5. Focus on Retention: Develop a sustainable growth plan prioritizing retaining drivers over continually recruiting new ones.

Learn more about Thomas Banks and Nick Strimbu, Inc. below:

• Connect with Thomas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-banks-965304145/
• Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nick-strimbu-inc-/
• Website: https://www.nickstrimbu.com/
• Careers Page: https://drive4nickstrimbu.com/

Stay ahead of the curve by subscribing to KJ Media's weekly newsletter for the latest trends in organizational management and employee engagement: https://signup.kjtransmedia.com/nwslttr_youtube

Get in touch with us for tailored solutions that fit your needs: https://kjtransmedia.com/

Follow our social media channels to never miss an episode of "Attention Retention" and stay updated on the latest insights in organizational management, employee engagement, and recruitment strategies:

• Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kj-media/ L
• ike us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KJMedia F
• ollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kj_media/

On the latest episode of Attention Retention, Jason Schmeler, VP, Driver Experience at Container Port, joins Jackie McManus, CEO and founder of KJ Media.

Together, they discuss:

• Founded in 1971, Container Port Group has become a top provider of transportation and logistics services. They stand out by partnering with excellent owner-operators, offering competitive pay, great benefits, and a people-first culture that puts you first
• Building relationships with drivers is crucial for successful recruitment and retention.
• Controlling what is within your control is a key mindset for recruiters.
• Extended onboarding and tailored training can improve retention rates.
• Recognizing drivers for their achievements and involving their families can foster a culture of appreciation.
• Efficient communication methods, such as SMS and email, can complement the human approach in recruitment.
• The company emphasizes people, values, and legacy in transportation services and logistics.
• Thoughtful leadership and a collaborative environment are key to their operations.

Learn more about Jason and Container Port below:

LinkedIn: Jason Schmeler https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-schmelmer-645aa997/

Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/containerportgroup/

Website: https://www.containerport.com/

Careers Page: https://www.containerport.com/truck-driver-jobs

Stay ahead of the curve by subscribing to KJ Media's weekly newsletter for the latest trends in organizational management and employee engagement: https://signup.kjtransmedia.com/nwslttr_youtube

Get in touch with us for tailored solutions that fit your needs: https://kjtransmedia.com/

Follow our social media channels to never miss an episode of "Attention Retention" and stay updated on the latest insights in organizational management, employee engagement, and recruitment strategies:

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kj-media/

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KJMedia

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kj_media/

#KJMedia #AttentionRetention #truckingindustry #Recruitment #Retention #Recognition #Podcastvironment