Today we’d like to introduce you to Kameel Gaines.
Kameel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2010, I embarked on a journey in the trucking industry when I founded Rig On Wheels Broker and Recruitment Services. Already equipped with a solid foundation in recruiting and sales across various industries, I was no stranger to the world of entrepreneurship. With multiple graduate degrees and a passion for business, I have launched several ventures over the years. However, it was the trucking industry that truly captured my heart and became the focal point for my passion and expertise. To date, I have accumulated over 20 years of experience in recruiting and sales, dedicating more than a decade of it to the trucking industry through Rig On Wheels.
Balancing family life with career ambitions is always a challenge. Still, as a devoted mother of two young adults, a teenager, and a caregiver to my elderly mom, it’s a challenge I’ve gladly embraced. The trucking industry has provided me the opportunity to achieve that balance while making a significant impact as a recruiter and consultant for mega, mid-size, and small carriers within the trucking and transportation industries.
Rig On Wheels Broker and Recruitment Services, a specialized 3rd party truck driver recruitment agency, was born out of my passion for the trucking industry. I am told that my warm personality and trademark corny jokes have earned me the respect of my peers, but more importantly, I am driven to create a lasting, positive impact in this industry.
Having gained deep insights into the recruitment and retention challenges faced by companies and drivers alike, I have developed innovative solutions to increase and maintain driver numbers, empowering them with the necessary education, development, and confidence to excel in their careers.
My vision for the trucking industry is clear: to put an end to the “revolving door” and “hamster wheel” turnover issues that have long plagued the sector. Under my leadership as CEO, Rig On Wheels has reached international heights, boasting a global recruitment team in four countries that sources US-based drivers for American trucking companies.
I take immense pride in consulting with other companies to develop, build, and retain solid global recruiting teams, helping them overcome their challenges in the trucking industry. My work in this field is not only professionally fulfilling but also serves as a way to continue making my elderly mom proud.
Throughout my journey, my passion, dedication, and relentless drive for innovation have transformed me into a trucking industry visionary and entrepreneurial powerhouse. I am incredibly proud of my accomplishments and the impact I’ve made in the trucking industry. As I continue to work with American companies, helping them overcome recruitment and retention challenges, my desire to make a positive difference remains unwavering. Fueled by my commitment to the trucking industry and dedication to my family and elderly mom, I am motivated to push forward and strive for even greater success in the years to come.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, as any entrepreneur knows that challenges and obstacles are par for the course. Throughout my journey in the trucking industry, I’ve faced my fair share of struggles and have had to overcome several hurdles to get where I am today.
One of the primary challenges I faced early on was breaking into the highly competitive trucking industry. Building a reputation and earning the trust of both carriers and drivers took time, effort, and perseverance. Establishing a reliable network of contacts was essential in creating a strong foundation for Rig On Wheels.
Another challenge was staying up to date with the ever-changing regulations and compliance requirements within the trucking industry. Ensuring our clients and drivers adhere to these regulations was crucial to maintaining the integrity of our business and keeping everyone on the road safely.
Recruitment and retention have also been persistent issues within the trucking industry. High driver turnover rates, driven by factors such as long hours, low pay, and a lack of work-life balance, have made it challenging to attract and retain quality drivers. I’ve made it my mission to address these issues by developing innovative solutions that not only increase the number of drivers but also provide them with the necessary support to maintain their careers.
On a more personal level, balancing my career and family life has been an ongoing challenge. Juggling the responsibilities of being a mother, a caregiver to my elderly mom, and the CEO of a thriving company is no easy task. However, I’ve always strived to strike a balance and give my all to both my family and my work.
Despite these challenges, I’ve remained steadfast in my commitment to making a meaningful impact in the trucking industry. I’ve learned to adapt, overcome obstacles, and draw strength from my passion, dedication, and support from my family. Each struggle has taught me valuable lessons and has ultimately contributed to my success as a trucking industry visionary and entrepreneurial powerhouse.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Rig On Wheels Broker and Recruitment Services, we specialize in providing comprehensive recruitment solutions for the trucking industry. Our primary focus is sourcing highly qualified and reliable truck drivers for our clients, including mega, mid-size, and small carriers within the trucking and transportation industries.
Over the years, we have become known for our ability to consistently deliver quality drivers who meet the unique needs of each carrier. In addition, our expertise in understanding the challenges faced by both companies and drivers allows us to craft tailored solutions that address recruitment and retention issues in the industry.
Our commitment to innovation and deep understanding of the logistics and trucking industries set us apart from others. We recognize the importance of staying ahead of the curve, which is why we continually develop new strategies and techniques to attract and retain top talent. Our innovative solutions, such as offering educational and support programs for drivers and recruiters, ensure that they have the tools they need to succeed in their careers.
In addition to our recruitment services, we also consult with other agencies and companies on developing, building, and retaining strong global recruiting teams. We help them navigate the trucking industry’s challenges and implement effective strategies to improve their recruitment and retention efforts.
I take great pride in our positive impact on the lives of truck drivers and the companies we work with. I am most proud of our ability to make a meaningful difference in the industry while also improving the quality of life for drivers. Our commitment to the trucking industry and our passion for work have made Rig On Wheels a trusted partner for carriers and drivers.
Our genuine care for the people we serve genuinely sets us apart. We understand that truck drivers are the backbone of the industry, and we strive to empower them with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to excel in their careers. Our dedication to making a real, lasting impact on the lives of drivers and the companies we work with has established us as a leading force in the trucking industry.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Many people who know me through my work and brand are often surprised when they meet me in person and discover that I’m not even 5’4″ tall. They usually assume from my bold personality, confidence, and passion for the trucking industry that I must be a tall woman. It’s always amusing to see their reactions when they realize I don’t quite fit their mental image of me. This just goes to show that you should never judge a book by its size, or in this case, a trucking industry powerhouse by her height!
Contact Info:
- Website: rigonwheels.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/rigonwheels
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/kameel-gaines-rig-on-wheels
- Twitter: twitter.com/kameelegaines
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rigonwheels
- Other: tiktok.com/@rigonwheels
