Leadership

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 35 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

CEO/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

PRESIDENT

Colt McLeod started working at McLeod Express when he was 14 years old, and he has filled several roles since then. Right out of college in 2011, Colt started our brokerage company, McLeod Logistics, which is still located in St Louis, MO today. In the Spring of 2017, Colt and his family moved to Decatur, IL to take a larger role within McLeod, where he currently serves as President. Colt participates in several transportation organizations, and he completed the Illinois Trucking Leadership Program in 2018. Colt’s wife, Katie, is a teacher in Mt Zion, IL, and he’s the proud father of his son, Brody, and his daughter, 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.

AMANDA LONES

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER

Amanda joined McLeod Express in June 2019 and has over 14 years of HR experience in manufacturing and transportation. What does she like most about working at McLeod Express? The family-like culture and the sense of “ownership” in her work.

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.

MIKE MCLAIN

WAREHOUSE MANAGER

Mike McLain is the Warehouse Manager and has been with McLeod since 2004. He is married to Katy and has two children, Rhett and Kooper. He is a volunteer fireman and EMT and spends his free time involved with Central A & M athletics. He coaches youth football, basketball, baseball, and cheers on his Raiders at every opportunity. IAGDTBAR!!!!

AARON ESSERT

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Aaron joined McLeod Logistics in 2018 before becoming Operations Manager in 2020. He joins us with over 10 years of domestic transportation and brokerage experience in various roles. He ensures customer service, communication, and integrity are at the forefront of our brokerage division. In his free time, he enjoys spending days at the lake, golfing, and spending time with family and friends.

JOHN RITCHIE

DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL ACCOUNTS

John Ritchie joined McLeod Express in 2017 as Director of National Accounts. Ritchie brings over 30 years of transportation experience to the McLeod family of companies. He last served as Vice President of Sales for PMT Express. John attended Allegheny College and is a United States Air Force Veteran.

KEITH ZUBER

IT DIRECTOR

Keith Zuber joined the McLeod team in early 2018. He has spent 12 years in Information Technology in various roles including Network Administrator, Security Administrator, and IT Director. Keith and his wife Laura have 2 girls, Cassie, and Jenny. He enjoys Kayaking, fishing for Largemouth, traveling, and the Cubs.

RHONDA DUCKWORTH