Plover, WI (January 8, 2016)—Women In Trucking Association (WIT) announces Gerri Davis as its January Member of the Month. Gerri is President/CEO of Truck City.
Being the third generation owner of Truck City was not in the cards when Gerri set off to college in 1983. Law Enforcement was the career of her choice and that career would come to fruition by studying at Vincennes and Indiana Universities. With four years of college under her belt and eight more years as a dedicated patrol officer, Gerri obtained eleven various instructor certifications in Law Enforcement and still found time to scuba dive in her limited spare time.
In 1996, with two young sons at home, Gerri made a life changing decision to leave Law Enforcement and go to work at the family business – Truck City. Founded by her grandfather, Paul G. Davis, in 1946 and currently being run by her father, Arthur O. Davis, this was an opportunity to nurture a tradition at the family owned Freightliner and Western Star dealership in the heart of northwest Indiana.
Once on board at the dealership, Gerri eventually manage each department within Truck City. She spearheaded many projects that reduced costs, improved inventory control, and increased sales. In the year 2000, Gerri became the General Manager of Truck City focusing on researching, designing, and implementing a succession plan for Truck City and coordinating the first diversity and sensitivity training for all Truck City employees. In 2006, Gerri designed a new ad campaign highlighting 60 years in business and accepted the Half Century Award from the State of Indiana on behalf of Truck City.
In 2008, Gerri’s father stepped down from the Dealer Principal role. Gerri was elected by the Board of Directors to become President/CEO of Truck City. Daimler Trucks North America approved the Dealer Principal Role; this made Gerri one of only three female Dealer Principals in North America (in the Daimler Trucks North America organization). In the years to follow, Truck City achieved certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise and become certified nationally, with the State of Indiana and the City of Indianapolis.
Gerri equally puts her employees and customers first. “Without dedicated and talented employees, we don’t have customers to put first,” said Gerri. “Whether that be a longtime customer or a patron from across the country that needs help while passing through the Midwest. Becoming an Elite Support Certified Dealer in May of 2015 has kept the employees highly trained and kept the customer first by meeting a higher standard of criteria set forth by Daimler Trucks North America.”
Truck City President & CEO Gerri Davis was named the Influential Woman of the Year at the 2015 Influential Women of Northwest Indiana event.
After almost 20 years in the dealership, Gerri will tell you she still learns things daily. The business keeps Gerri on her toes and puts her in the position to make decisions that impact the lives of many others. She looks toward the future and the future of the business her grandfather began.
Read Gerri’s full story at: http://womenintrucking.org/gerri-davis/
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Women In Trucking Association, Inc. is a nonprofit association established to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the trucking industry. Membership is not limited to women, as 16 percent of its members are men who support the mission. Women In Trucking is supported by its members and the generosity of Gold Level Partners: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, Daimler Trucks North America, BMO Transportation Finance, Great Dane Trailers, J.B. Hunt Transport, Ryder System, Inc., U.S. Xpress, and Walmart. Follow WIT on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn. For more information, visit http://www.womenintrucking.org or call 888-464-9482.