The first two things you notice about Cindy Urban are her strong work ethic and her commitment to her community. President and CEO of Klapec Trucking, the company her father founded as a teenager, Cindy jokes that she has worked since the day she learned to write in cursive and has happy memories of helping her dad, Bert, on his paperwork after she finished her grade school homework.
Over the years, Cindy has done just about every job at the company and you won’t ever find a person who loves a business more.
Since Bert Klapec bought one truck in 1949 to haul coal and deliver milk, Klapec Trucking has become a leader in the trucking industry, providing freight transportation to the 48 contiguous states, and Canada. Klapec Trucking currently maintains a diversified fleet of over 80 trucks and 150 trailers and employs more than 90 people across surrounding communities.
“I work with great people who all work together to make KTC a success. I’m proud to be a part of the team.”
Under Cindy’s leadership, Klapec Trucking Co. is now able to provide transportation service to Mexico and has received numerous industry recognitions. In 2011, it received the President’s Award from the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association (PMTA), naming it the safest trucking company in Pennsylvania. In 2010, it was recognized as a Patriotic Employer by the National Committee for Employer Support of the National Guard and Reserve. In January 2010, it was honored for its support of Operation Enduring Freedom by the 911th Airwing Division, in Pittsburgh, with an American flag flown on a C-130 during a combat mission over Afghanistan. Since 2005, Klapec Trucking has consistently received PMTA Safety Management Council’s annual Fleet Safety Awards. In 2009, it was recognized by the Pennsylvania Industry Partnership for Leadership.
In 2009, the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce presented Cindy with the Woman in Business Award in recognition of her success in the Venango area business community.
A graduate of the Erie Business Center, Cindy went back to school later in life to earn associate and bachelor’s degrees in nursing from Clarion University. Though she did not practice nursing, Cindy says that she applies much of what she learned in her position and in life.
“Education is something no one can take away from you. The more you know, the better you can think critically. Venango Campus is a wonderful place where faculty and staff really care about the students. Venango Campus is a diamond in our town.”
Cindy is very committed to her community. Her civic involvement includes her role as a founding member of the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce (formerly Oil City Area Chamber of Commerce) and serving on its board of directors. Each year, Klapec Trucking generously provides free-of-charge the trucks, trailers and drivers for the Oil Heritage Festival and many of the region’s parades and other events. She also serves on the board of the Oil City YMCA and is a very active member of St. Stephen Church.
She is also a member of numerous professional organizations, including the National Federation of Independent Businesses, Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, the steering committee for the Erie Shippers’ Association, Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association, and American Trucking Association.
Cindy was born in Oil City, the daughter of Julia and J. Bernard “Bert” Klapec. She is married to Chris Urban, owner of Urban Insurance Agency in Seneca. She is the mother of four children: Greg, Marc, and Bridget Lander and Stephanie Baker and has five grandchildren.
“I am very blessed with my husband and children. I would not be able to do anything without their support and love.”