My name is Kasey Craycraft and I am currently the Operations/Accounting Assistant at Extra Transportation & Logistics. I’ve been with Extra for almost 5 years. Prior to being hired at Extra, I worked for a large corporation. I was overworked and underappreciated. Upper management didn’t care to get to know their workers and company culture was nonexistent. The company eventually went bankrupt which was a major blessing in disguise because I was then given the opportunity to work for Extra which is a smaller trucking company in Indianapolis.
I believe when it comes to working for a smaller trucking company or any company for that matter, bigger isn’t always better. I’m sure most of us can relate when it comes to working for big corporations. It can sometimes make you feel like you're working for a faceless entity where you're just a number and not a part of something truly amazing like a team. Here at Extra, we are like one big family and that’s one of many reasons why I love working here. The average full-time employee spends 2,080 hours a year at work! I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather that time be spent feeling appreciated and like I am part of something bigger rather than like I am working for “the man”.
Another benefit to working for smaller companies is you have more opportunities to grow. When I started at Extra Transportation a few years ago I came in knowing nothing about Logistics. I applied for the data entry position with the hopes of getting my foot in the door. Fast forward a year where I grew into a dispatching position, with daily load planning and strategizing etc. for 20+ drivers. Fast forward again a couple more years to now where I’m not only working in the accounting department but also working in operations. Needless to say, the growth I have seen is incredible and I don’t think any of this would’ve been possible if It wasn’t for working for a smaller company like Extra. I can tell they want me to succeed. Bigger corporations oftentimes have the mindset that they can always hire someone else to get the job done. At smaller companies, at least given my experience at Extra, they take the time to hire someone that will fit their team well and are willing to put in the time and energy to help you grow and prosper. It’s a win-win.
The last point I’d like to make in regard to the benefits to working for a smaller company is the company culture. Company culture refers to “the attitudes, behaviors, values, and practices that define an organization.” Extra Transportation was founded by Rusty Russell back in 1994 after Rusty spent several years working for his father’s trailer repair shop. He learned the value of hard work, always staying true to your word, and the merit of a good team. The values he learned back then are very much present today and carried out in our day-to-day work. The strong company culture that has been formed provides us with a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Not all companies are created equal. I’m sure even some smaller companies are lacking in the positives I mentioned above. When looking for a company to create a career and grow with, I always recommend doing your research and never being afraid to ask questions. During the interview process many just focus on putting their best face forward and answering questions correctly. This is a great time for you to get to know the company as well though and to decide if they are even a good fit for you. Don’t be afraid to ask about company culture, how upper management interacts with employees, etc. Tour the facility, take note of the attitudes and energy in the office and really think through whether that company will be a good fit for you.
Source:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/culture-of-a-company-examples
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