The first in our new series of CEO Conversations was held with Cindy Urban and Greg Lander of Klapec Trucking Company. The following is a sampling of the conversation, all of which can be viewed at venangochamber.org/ceo-conversations-with-thevenango-chamber/.

What has helped you grow Klapec Trucking into the business that it is today?
– Cindy: It is the people we work with, our employees and our customers. Our drivers go all over the country, safely and on time. Those in the shop work around the clock and our office staff provide support. It takes everyone.

What made you want to follow in your father’s footsteps and how have you built a succession plan with your children?
– Cindy: I started working as soon as I could write in cursive, writing checks to pay bills. My children worked around the business when they were little and it gets in your blood. They learned the work ethic as a way of life.

Greg, what was your path to working for the family business?
– Greg: I started by doing lawn work and helping around the shop, when I was old enough I got my CDL, did body work, odd jobs and eventually worked in the office.

What are the characteristics you look for in a successful employee?
– Greg: We look for honest people with integrity, who will show up on time. We can train for skills but you can’t fix attitude. We offer a lot of training to employees. We enjoy having a business in Venango County. We try to stress this to employees. There is so much to do and we try to take advantage.

Listen to the entire interview at the link listed above and stay tuned for next month’s recap featuring Tina Lake of Lake Tool, Inc.

Cindy and Greg also shared about their new warehouse space during the CEO Conversation (see details in article below).

This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s June 2021 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.