Insight 2nd Ed_Susie Whitney

Susie K. Whitney Chief Executive Officer, President, Owner SMJ Freight Solutions, LLC Wahpeton, ND www.whoswhoofprofessionalwomen.com/list- ee-features/susie-whitney Ms. Whitney is renowned as a shipping and freight expert and the entrepreneur behind SMJ Freight Solutions, LLC. She completed coursework at the North Dakota State College of Science in 1976 and entered the shipping industry at a young age. Ms. Whitney credits her father, a long-haul trucker, with sparking her interest in the field. Prior to establishing SMJ Freight Solutions in 2008, Ms. Whitney worked for companies in- cluding Colfax Farmers Elevator, Prime Wood Transportation, and Direct Transport. Addi- tionally, she was active with Saint Francis Hospital in the personnel office, which included working with pay- roll, employee records, quarterly reports and insurance, before accepting a position with Midnite Express as a broker agent in 1996. Ms. Whitney also flourished with Midnight Express until 2008, at which point she was in- spired to establish her own small business. As the president and the owner of SMJ Freight Solutions, Ms. Whitney is responsible for the bulk of day-to-day op- erations, including invoicing and accounting, payroll, developing client leads and handling customer service. She credits her professional success to her honesty and humility, and considers herself someone who can learn from difficult truths. Ms. Whitney believes that “hard work pays off” and that confidence is particularly im- portant for female business owners. Ms. Whitney was recognized as the Woman of the Year by the National Association of Professional Women (2010-2011). She is a member of the Transportation Club, a lifetime member of the VFW Ladies’ Auxiliary, and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Eagles Auxiliary. How have you navigated disruptions in your industry to remain a top professional? I’m accessible 24/7, even when I’m not on-site. What are two key behaviors/personality traits that al- low you to be effective in your role? I know how to run through different scenarios in my