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What gets account executive Patrick O’Rourke out of bed and into the office? One of the most dynamic sales teams in freight.

Meet Patrick O’Rourke: a ���Ҵ�ý account executive and proud member of our highly productive Sales team. From establishing meaningful customer connections to building team camaraderie, Patrick plays an essential role in our company’s day-to-day functions and overarching mission to change the way freight moves. Working from San Diego, Patrick enjoys a beach-life balance that’s hard to find anywhere else. While he spends his workday connecting with customers, Patrick fills his free time with outdoor activities under the Southern California sun. Follow along as Patrick describes his experience working in San Diego alongside some of the most driven talent in freight.

Can you briefly describe your role at ���Ҵ�ý and how long you've been an employee here?

Patrick: I'm an account executive at our San Diego campus and have been with ���Ҵ�ý since July of 2020.

You started as a carrier sales representative; how has your career at ���Ҵ�ý developed since then?

Patrick: When I was a carrier sales rep, I learned a lot about the business and how ���Ҵ�ý operates. From there, I joined the Account Management team where I grew various accounts within our company. Eventually, I had the opportunity to explore more acquisition and sales duties. I’ve learned a lot about myself, and I’m excited about how things have unfolded in the last 18 months.

Can you run us through a day in the life of an account executive?

Patrick: We get an early start on the West Coast as we’re a few hours behind our Chicago and East Coast counterparts. First, I look at emails, quote requests and tracking updates. From there, I dive right into the day, reaching out to a pipeline of different shippers across the country and following up on various meetings.[caption id="attachment_11244" align="alignnone" width="360"]

How does your role at ���Ҵ�ý differ from your past sales positions?

Patrick: In the last 18 months, I've learned a lot about the freight industry in a very fast-paced environment. Even now, I still learn something new every day at ���Ҵ�ý. In my past job, the work wasn't as urgent. It’s not that it wasn’t impactful; at the time, I thought it was. But the work at ���Ҵ�ý is way more meaningful to me because I’m helping shippers deliver tangible food and goods. I take pride in knowing providing quality service helps people all across the country.

What motivates you to wake up and go to work?

Patrick: That's the million-dollar question. My family is a huge motivator for me, but the fact that we're delivering essential goods while helping the environment is huge — not to mention the massive impact we’re making on supply chains. I feel like everyone at ���Ҵ�ý believes in that mission. Knowing that what I’m doing is bigger than myself keeps me going every day.

How do you foster meaningful relationships with customers?

I like to think I'm a pretty easy person to talk to, but learning more about the customer is helpful. When you ask personal questions outside of freight, you can uncover a lot and build strong relationships. I always make sure to ask, “How was your weekend? What did you do?” I had no idea one of my current customers is a huge Michigan football fan until I asked about her weekend plans.[caption id="attachment_11246" align="alignnone" width="278"]

On the weekend, Patrick soaks up the San Diego sun at the golf course.[/caption]

What makes our Sales team culture unique?

Patrick: The people on our Sales team come from all across the country, and all find value in ���Ҵ�ý. With so much unique experience on one team, we’re able to bounce ideas off each other and learn a lot. Plus, everyone's willing to help, whether it’s with an important call, a demo, tracking, or building a load. We're all bought into the same goal at ���Ҵ�ý, which means we’re all willing to help each other out.

Do you have any hobbies outside of work?

Patrick: I’m very fortunate to be here in sunny San Diego, so I like to get out on the weekends. I golf, although, admittedly, I'm not very good. I'm also trying to learn how to surf. It's a trial period; surfing and I aren’t necessarily getting along just yet, but once the water warms up in the summer, I'll give it another go. Other than that, I play in a few recreation basketball leagues with friends.

What do you hope to accomplish in your next few years at ���Ҵ�ý?

Patrick: I’d love to see where this rocket ship goes. The last 18 months have been very fast-paced, and each day I’ve gone home knowing I gave it my all. There's a ton of opportunity at ���Ҵ�ý, and the goals are always extremely high, which is great. We push ourselves to be the best, and I'm excited to get better each day.