How many women want to work in the trucking industry? More than you think.
Here at Pilot Flying J, we are proud to say that our female population is higher than ever. In what used to be an industry primarily made up of men, we’re proud to say that women make up 64% of our travel center leadership.
Today is International Women’s Day, and we have a lot to celebrate. We’re especially proud that two of our hard-working female region managers are being recognized as “Women of Trucking” by Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF).
Meet Donna Brough, who has been a part of the trucking industry since 1994.
Also tenured in her trucking industry experience, Lisa Trotogot has been with Pilot Flying J for 15 years.
We sat down with these stand-out women, because they personify what it means to be strong, compassionate women in a demanding industry. See what they had to say.
Q: What does it mean to you to be among the Woman of Trucking?
Donna: When I found out I was getting recognized, I thought, “How cool is this?!” As a woman, I am able to give a different viewpoint and vision for an industry driven by males. We bring compassion. To be a part of that is motivating and inspiring. I am a part of that culture change. It’s just special.
Lisa: I’m honored to have the opportunity to be a resource and a role model to other females in our industry. It means I can make a difference and be a part of something that impacts others.
Q: Why are you the best person for your job? What is your biggest strength?
Donna: People. I love people. I love to see people grow both personally and professionally. My team doesn’t work FOR me, they work WITH me. We make hamburgers together. I started out as an overnight diesel cashier and I’ve cleaned more showers than just about anyone, so I can relate. I love to be able to help teach our team members to anticipate needs. When I have a female driver come in, I know she needs two towels (an extra one for her hair). Some of the struggles they face, we face, too. Being an advocate for female drivers is rewarding and important.
Lisa: I have always loved working with people, from the guest you see daily to the team members. I know I can impact them and make a difference in their lives.
Q: Do you have any advice for female professionals?
Donna: For female leaders in any male-driven industry, all too often women try to do their jobs the way they think a man would do it in order to be successful. I believe you have to leverage the strengths that you have, be true to yourself and be confident.
Lisa: Be confident, use your strengths to be a leader, and don’t try to change who you are to accommodate being in a male-dominated industry.
Q: You both have similar tenure here at Pilot Flying J. What is the biggest change you’ve seen since you started in the trucking industry?
Donna: Not only has the industry changed on our side, but also on driver side. I’ve been doing this for 23 years. To see a female driver when I started was few and far between. I was the first female regional at Pilot, so I’ve seen that evolve.
Lisa: The biggest change for me I feel would be the simplification in technology. Whether that be through the systems we have in place at Pilot Flying J, or through the systems in the trucks with increased MPG.
Q: Why is it important to hire females in the trucking industry?
Donna: We’re able to relate and understand needs. When you have a good mix, you have different perspective in terms of overall operations and cleanliness in a travel center. We give perspective that is needed.
Lisa: From a diversity standpoint it is important to have more women in trucking so we can help promote career opportunities for other women throughout the industry.
Q: What’s your favorite part about your job?
Donna: The people. I walk in a store and I hug Danny, our Guest Service Manager. I see a driver who’s been a guest for 20 years and I ask him how he is and how his family is doing. I care about the people. It’s what motivates me. My husband was a professional driver so I know what it’s like. I used to say, can someone please just be nice to me?! Can someone just smile and thank me?! Any time someone says they’re having a bad day in the store, I think “you have no idea”. Being a driver is tough.
Lisa: My favorite part is being able to impact people’s lives every day.
Donna and Lisa, you do make a difference and we thank you. In honor of all women everywhere, Happy International Women’s Day. Keep truckin’.
