Attention Retention

Struggling to stand out in today’s driver market? Authenticity and culture may be your most powerful recruiting tools.   In this episode of Attention Retention, Jackie McManus, CEO of KJ Media, sits down with Cory, Director of Recruiting at Paper Transport. From earning his CDL to going through the company’s own hiring process, Cory shares how firsthand experience shapes trust and long-term connections with drivers.   Key insights include: * Why understanding the driver journey builds credibility and stronger recruiting relationships * How the Accelerate Program helps CDL grads succeed with mentorship and training * Using a 100-question driver assessment to match candidates with the right roles * The impact of family-focused recognition on retention and satisfaction * Budgeting and social media strategies that support data-driven recruiting   Whether you’re a fleet leader, recruiter, or driver looking for a company that invests in people, this episode is packed with takeaways you can put to work.   Connect with Cory Helmle & Paper Transport: Cory Helmle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-helmle-676a9880/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-helmle-676a9880/] Paper Transport on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/paper-transport/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/paper-transport/] Paper Transport Driving Opportunities: https://www.papertransport.com/drive-pti/ [https://www.papertransport.com/drive-pti/]   Stay Ahead with KJ Media: Want to cut your cost-per-hire? Book your free recruiting audit: https://recruit.kjtransmedia.com/free-competitor-analysis [https://recruit.kjtransmedia.com/free-competitor-analysis]   Explore proven recruiting strategies and case studies: https://www.kjtransmedia.com [https://www.kjtransmedia.com]   Follow our social media channels to never miss an episode of "Attention Retention" and stay updated on the latest insights in organizational management, employee engagement, and recruitment strategies:   Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kj-media/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/kj-media/]  Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KJMedia [https://www.facebook.com/KJMedia]  Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kj_media/ [https://www.instagram.com/kj_media/]

Struggling with turnover or drivers ghosting after orientation? You’re not alone. In this episode of Attention Retention, host Jacquelyn McManus sits down with Rodney Eaves, Director of Recruiting at Baggett Transportation, to talk about the art—and necessity—of building lasting driver relationships. From his early career in logistics to leading a recruiting team today, Rodney shares practical insights that go way beyond job postings.   Key insights you’ll hear in this episode: * Why active listening is a recruiter’s secret weapon for matching drivers to the right role. * How Baggett’s Day-1 “expectation sheet” bridges recruiting and dispatch to prevent turnover. * Rodney’s 30-60-90 day follow-up system that keeps drivers engaged long after orientation. * The little things that make a big impact—like lunch during orientation and personal recognition.   Whether you’re a recruiter, a trucking exec, or a driver yourself, this conversation is packed with strategies to strengthen connections and keep your fleet rolling.   Drivers – Ready to work for Baggett Transportation? Apply now: https://www.baggetttransport.com/ [https://www.baggetttransport.com/]   Fleet Leaders – Want to cut recruiting costs and improve retention? Get your free recruiting audit: https://recruit.kjtransmedia.com/free-competitor-analysis [https://recruit.kjtransmedia.com/free-competitor-analysis]   Learn more: https://www.kjtransmedia.com [https://www.kjtransmedia.com]   Follow our social media channels to never miss an episode of "Attention Retention" and stay updated on the latest insights in organizational management, employee engagement, and recruitment strategies:   Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kj-media/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/kj-media/] Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KJMedia [https://www.facebook.com/KJMedia] Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kj_media/ [https://www.instagram.com/kj_media/]

Struggling to attract and retain top drivers? You’re not alone. In this episode of Attention Retention, Jackie McManus, CEO of KJ Media, sits down with Jerrit Judie, Recruiting Manager at National Carriers, to explore what it takes to build a truly driver-first trucking company. From his unexpected start in trucking to leading a high-performing recruiting team, Jerrit shares the processes, culture, and leadership mindset that have helped National Carriers maintain stability, integrity, and elite driver satisfaction — even in a challenging freight market.   Key insights include: * Why authenticity is the ultimate recruiting strategy * Building trust through realistic expectations * The role of recognition in retention * How structured processes improve both KPIs and driver relationships   Whether you’re a fleet executive, recruiting leader, or driver looking for a new home, this conversation delivers actionable takeaways on building a workplace where drivers stay — and thrive.   Drivers – Ready to work for National Carriers? Apply now: https://www.nationalcarriers.com [https://www.nationalcarriers.com]   Connect with Jerrit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerrit-a-judie-141b32174/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerrit-a-judie-141b32174/]   Fleet Leaders – Get your free recruiting audit: https://recruit.kjtransmedia.com/free-competitor-analysis [https://recruit.kjtransmedia.com/free-competitor-analysis]   Learn more: https://www.kjtransmedia.com [https://www.kjtransmedia.com]   Follow our social media channels to never miss an episode of "Attention Retention" and stay updated on the latest insights in organizational management, employee engagement, and recruitment strategies: Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kj-media/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/kj-media/] Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KJMedia [https://www.facebook.com/KJMedia] Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kj_media/ [https://www.instagram.com/kj_media/]

Struggling to find and keep good drivers? You’re not alone. In this episode of Attention Retention, Jackie McManus, CEO of KJ Media, sits down with Josh Grimes, Director of Recruiting at Dillon Transportation, to discuss how their fleet is seeing stronger retention and better hiring through a driver-first approach. Josh shares what’s actually working at Dillon today—from transparent recruiting conversations to aligning operations and dispatch, to creating recognition programs that drivers truly value.   Key insights: * Why honesty builds long-term driver trust * Aligning recruiting, dispatch, and operations * How Dillon turns drivers into top referrers * Driver recognition that actually means something * Tips for new trucking recruiters   Drivers – Ready to work for Dillon? Apply now at Dillon’s Careers Page: 👉https://www.dillontransportation.com/careers [https://www.dillontransportation.com/careers]   Connect with Josh Grimes on LinkedIn 👉https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-grimes-265950163 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-grimes-265950163]   Fleet Leaders – Want to attract and convert more qualified drivers? Get a free 30-minute recruiting audit from KJ Media: 👉 https://recruit.kjtransmedia.com/free-competitor-analysis [https://recruit.kjtransmedia.com/free-competitor-analysis]   Learn more about KJ Media We help fleets grow through results-focused advertising and full-funnel recruiting strategies: 👉 https://www.kjtransmedia.com [https://www.kjtransmedia.com]

In this episode, Michael Gibbons, Director of Recruiting at Dupré Logistics, shares his unique journey from professional boxing to driver recruitment in the trucking industry. Michael provides valuable insights into the key strategies that have helped Dupré Logistics successfully recruit and retain drivers. From fostering teamwork and discipline to focusing on transparency in job ads, Michael emphasizes the importance of a driver-centric approach to ensure long-term success. Michael also discusses the two-step interview process at Dupré Logistics, where recruiters and operations managers work closely together to align recruitment efforts with operational needs. He highlights the critical role of KPIs in driving recruitment performance and the evolving role of AI automation, while emphasizing the continued need for human connection in the recruitment process. Key Discussion Points: -Teamwork and Discipline: How Michael’s boxing background influenced his approach to building a successful recruitment team. -Transparency in Job Ads: Why being honest and upfront in job advertisements is essential for attracting quality candidates and avoiding bait-and-switch tactics. -The Two-Step Interview Process: How Dupré Logistics ensures consistency in hiring by involving both recruiters and operations managers. -KPIs and Performance Tracking: Setting weekly metrics for recruiters to track hires, turnover rates, and fiscal performance. -The Role of AI Automation: The growing use of AI in recruiting while maintaining the critical human element. -Driver Engagement and Retention: Strategies such as regular check-ins, stay interviews, and fostering a family -Oriented culture to boost driver satisfaction and retention.