ExpediteNOW magazine recently had the privilege of speaking with Recruiter Rob Podeszwa from Jung Express.
Hey Rob, thanks so much for taking time to talk with us! First things, being in the greater Milwaukee area, which sports team gets the biggest support from the folks at Jung?
The Green Bay Packers are still the top team in the office but the Brewers and Bucks are close behind. It’s a great time to be a sports fan in Wisconsin as all three teams have been successful lately. Unfortunately, we don’t like to admit this, but we do have two Bears fans in dispatch.
For those who might not know you well, can you please tell us a little bit about yourself and how long you have been with Jung Express?
I have been the recruiter at Jung Express for about 2 ½ years. Before that I drove a Sprinter as a contractor for Jung for 3 years. I’ve also known our owner, John Jung and his family, for over 20 years.
Over the years, Jung Express has grown to be one of the most stable companies in our industry. From your perspective, what are some things you feel have helped elevate your company?
Since he opened the business in 1991 John Jung has felt that this is God’s company and he just has the privilege to manage it. Therefore, the business is based on the main principles enunciated by Jesus Christ and recorded in the Bible. Colossians 3:23 states “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord, rather than for men.” We believe that by following that, we serve our customers better. Once, when the company was only a few years old, one of their largest customers wanted Jung to do something unethical regarding a shipment. The customer gave John a choice, do this or he’ll take his business elsewhere. John was faced with the dilemma of compromising or losing a very important customer. He stuck with his principles and the customer left. The next week, 2 new customers contacted Jung to start using their services. Each of the 2 new customers were larger than the customer that left. Stay faithful to the word of God and everything else will work out. I bet you didn’t expect a sermon when you asked that question.
As we get deeper into 2020, what are some things on the horizon for Jung Express over the next year or so?
2020 is an election year and we all know what that means in the world of expedited freight. But, 2020 should be a very exciting year for us. I cannot get into the specifics right now until everything is finalized but we should have some tremendous news for our customers very soon.
In today’s world, what do you feel are some of the greatest difficulties facing drivers, and how does Jung Express seek to help with those difficulties?
Operating costs for drivers keep getting higher, whether it is insurance or repairs to vehicles, it keeps going up. Therefore, drivers really need to run their business efficiently and budget correctly. We try to give drivers realistic expectations and budget suggestions so they can set their business up properly. This industry is a rollercoaster and if a driver does not budget correctly, when he is in a valley, he won’t be able to sustain his business to make it to the next peak. We also have recently started a new incentives program that allows drivers to earn free hotel stays, meals, etc… which has been going over very well.
What is one of the most personally rewarding parts of being a driver recruiter?
When I was driving, occasionally the recruiter here would have me speak to potential new drivers to give them insight as to what being an expeditor was like. So even though I have only been the official recruiter for 2 ½ years I have been actually recruiting for 5 ½. The rewarding part is seeing the drivers that have been with us year after year. Or when they call me up excited because they are buying a new van and they want to tell me how they are outfitting it. And lately hearing their thanks when we send them their bonus certificates from our new incentives program.
Thanks again so much for your time Rob. Is there anything else our readers should know about you and/or Jung Express?
Just that at Jung Express we truly believe that there is more to life than doing a job well and making money. As members of our community and our country, we believe we have the opportunity to contribute ideas, time, and money to organizations that work to improve everyone’s life. A portion of all Jung Express’ profits goes towards that goal. Every employee and contractor for Jung Express knows that their hard work and dedication helps to make a difference in the world, whether it be building a home in Honduras, providing bibles throughout the world or simply putting on a Christmas party at a senior living residence. We will continue to serve the Lord to the best of our abilities.
Learn more about Jung Express! Visit us at: www.junglogistics.com
