FAMILY OWNED | FAMILY FOCUSED | FAMILY DRIVEN
OUR TEAM
The story of McLeod Express started back in 1986 with CEO and Founder Mark McLeod. From the beginning, it was clear that McLeod Express would need a strong team and skilled leadership. Over the course of 40 years, the hard work of hundreds of drivers and other industry professionals has turned a small Midwest trucking company into a major leader in the transportation industry.
MARK MCLEOD
FOUNDER
Mark bought his first truck and started hauling his dad’s grain to ADM & Tate & Lyle when he was just 25 years old. Working behind the wheel, Mark noticed business opportunities and forged relationships that opened doors for him as an entrepreneur. Thriving on the risk and reward balance of growing a business, Mark built a team that shared his values, morals, and high standards. Mark credits his success to the teamwork and drive of all the dedicated professionals at McLeod Express.
COLT MCLEOD
CEO
Colt practically grew up at McLeod Express. He’s been part of the family business since he was old enough to work. After earning his finance degree from Southern Illinois University, he launched the company’s brokerage division, McLeod Logistics, in 2011. In 2017, Colt and his family moved back to Decatur, IL, where he spent several years learning the business from the inside out before stepping into his role as CEO in 2026. Today, Colt is focused on keeping a 40-year family legacy alive and growing for the next generation. Outside of work, Colt enjoys cheering on the Illinois Fighting Illini and spending time with his wife Katie and their two kids, Brody and Hallie.
JASON SCHAFTLEIN
GENERAL MANAGER
Jason joined McLeod Express in May 2022 as the General Manager and manages the Lafayette, IN terminal, as well as our OTR divisions. With over 20 years of experience in various management roles in transportation, most of Jason’s experience has been in Operations and Recruiting, with a strong focus on Driver Retention. Jason is married to Natasha and together they have three children.
BETH SAMS
CFO
Beth Sams is the Chief Financial Officer McLeod Express. Beth graduated from Illinois State University in 1993, went on to pass the CPA exam, and spent the next 15 years working in the manufacturing industry. She joined McLeod in 2008 and was named CFO in 2014. She is a mom of three who enjoys spending time with family and friends, gardening and being outdoors!
MIKE ERNST
DIRECTOR OF RECRUITING
Mike joined our team as the Director of Recruiting in August 2022. He has been in transportation for over 15 years starting in dispatch but doing recruiting since 2011. He is also a graduate of Ball State University with a major in Human Resources. Mike loves the feeling of helping people find a job to support their family’s needs while also helping McLeod grow. He resides in southern Indiana where he was born and raised and enjoys the outdoors.
ALAN COX
DEDICATED ACCOUNT OPERATIONS
Alan has been with McLeod Express since 1998. He started his career dispatching and planning for all fleets. In 2000 Alan moved into the recruiting department where he dealt even more with the intricacies of our various trucking segments. For the last 2 years he has overseen all the dedicated moves of our Midwest trucking company.
BILL HENKEL
WAREHOUSE MANAGER
Bill brought over 10 years of Logistics experience with him upon joining McLeod Express in May 2024 and is currently the warehouse manager for the Mac Warehouse in Decatur, IL. He is “Dad” to daughters Lyndsey and Lexie and “Papa” to granddaughter Maylynn. Away from work, Bill enjoys lifting weights, ruck walking, bike riding and shooting trap. Bill bleeds Orange & Blue while cheering for the Chicago Bears as well as his alma maters University of Illinois Fighting Illini and St. Teresa High School Bulldogs. He returned to his hometown of Decatur in 2024 after spending 22 years in the Kansas City and Chicago.
BRUCE GARNER
BULK SALES
Before joining our Midwest trucking company in 2011, Bruce had 24 years of experience in the utility business and 14 years in the bulk commodity trucking business. Bruce is married to his lovely wife, Bethany. He and Bethany have of 3 daughters and are the proud grandparents of 3 grandchildren.
PAUL SINCLAIR
DIRECTOR OF WAREHOUSE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Paul joined McLeod Warehousing in August 2023 as the Director of Business Development. He has 25 years of experience helping companies with solutions to their distribution and warehousing needs. Most of that time has been in business development and operations. Paul and his wife Billi have two grown children and enjoy hiking, gardening, sports, and motorcycling.
AARON ESSERT
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Aaron joined McLeod Logistics in 2018 and currently serves as Director of Operations. With over 15 years of experience in domestic transportation and supply chain solutions, he plays a key role in ensuring customer service, integrity, and operational excellence are at the forefront of our operations. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time at the lake, golfing, and being with family and friends.
MIKE VOGEL
DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL ACCOUNTS
Mike Vogel joined McLeod in 2023 as Director of National Accounts. Mike has been in the transportation industry for 11 years, starting in carrier sales, moving to management, and national sales. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri – Columbia and was born and raised in St. Louis, MO. Mike currently lives with his wife Sydney in Ste. Genevieve, MO and enjoys golfing, working in the garden, and all things baseball in his free time.
LAURA RITTENHOUSE
HR MANAGER
Laura joined McLeod Express in 2023 in the Human Resources Department. Prior to joining McLeod, Laura built her career in customer service, operations, and human resources, developing a passion for helping employees and supporting organizational growth. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Carolina and obtained her SHRM Certified Professional credential in 2025. Laura is actively involved in several community organizations and initiatives. She has two sons, Everett and Eli. Outside of work, she enjoys community involvement, gardening, camping, and spending time with family and friends.
JASON THOMAS
DIRECTOR OF SAFETY
Jason joined McLeod in 2026 as the Director of Safety with over 20 years of experience in various management roles in transportation operations and safety. Jason has been instrumental in developing safety protocols and conducting thorough audits to maintain compliance with industry regulations. Jason’s proactive approach to workplace safety and employee training will create a culture of safety engagement throughout the organization.
