When she started in business in 1985, Karen Pelle was determined to do
things differently. Her personal style of charm and grace seemed at odds
with the rough and tumble business of freight transport. Holding true to her
values and her dreams, Karen has grown her company from a fledgling
operation to a nationally recognized firm in the top 15% of transportation
intermediaries.
TEAM BUILDER
Karen has created an organization that truly operates as a team. They do
so, not because it's the business process de jour, but because it's part of the
value system that IS Megatrux. Karen's training and example instill pride in
her colleagues for integrity and consistent, high quality service.
MENTOR
During the course of her success, Karen has taken the time to nurture and
guide. Her reputation for mentoring and inspiring is well known in the
industry. The result has been a cadre of long term professional employees
who know exactly how to get it done, who do their work with panache,
always adding the little extra that sets Megatrux apart.
WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS HONORS
As head of a woman-owned company, Karen is also a symbol of the
heights that women can achieve. Hers is one of the top 500 woman-owned
businesses nationwide, and the top 100 woman-owned business in Orange
County, CA. As such, she has been featured in a success story on "Women
in Transportation" in Transportation Intermediary magazine and profiled in
a special millennium issue of the Orange County Business Journal.
TIA MEMBER OF THE YEAR
In 1997, Karen was honored by the industry when she was selected the
national Member of the Year by the Transportation Intermediaries
Association (TIA). Her bright smile is seen on the speaker's platform, in the
press and as a panelist on industry subjects.
DRIVER ADVOCATE
Karen constantly expresses gratitude to the drivers who are so pivotal to
success in transportation services. It is company policy to treat drivers
well and to act as their advocate with customers where appropriate. It is
said that "drivers can't wait to move for Megatrux." It's where they
know they are appreciated and loved. Gratitude for a job well done is
shown with bonuses, gifts and premiums that remind them that Megatrux
cares. Perhaps even more important in this hurry and hustle world, they
know that at Megatrux, they'll find a smile, a kind word, some humor and
lots of personal attention.
THE ART OF GIVING
As her company has grown, Karen has been generous in sharing profits with
employees and with others. Her annual holiday gift to customers and
vendors is a significant contribution to the City of Hope National Medical
Center and Beckman Research Institute, supporting patient care and
innovative research programs to combat life threatening illnesses. Other
charitable causes supported by Megatrux include Children's Hospital of
Orange County, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Orange County, St Jude's
Memorial Foundation, Eli Home for Abused Mothers and Children, The
Geoffrey Lance Foundation for Spinal Cord Injury, The Herring Foundation,
Southbay Hands on Art, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Times
in Education, where Brea O'Linda High School is the selected benefactor
of the contributions.
In 1998, Megatrux commissioned this gift-giving logo which incorporates the firm's heartfelt creed: Hope, Desire, Courage and Trust.
BEST BROKER
For the last four years consecutively, Megatrux has been selected by the
National Association of Small Trucking Companies as one of their Best
Brokers - a distinction earned by only 1% of all transportation brokers. This
selection is another indication of the contribution made to the industry by
Karen Pelle and Megatrux through its involvement, professionalism and
work.
MEGASERVICE
The Megatrux business philosophy contains the essence of the company.
Karen Pelle says, "Megaservice means never being out there alone. It means
having someone watching out for you, considering every contingency, every
possibility. . . We've earned our stripes as transportation professionals. We
do it with style, grace and a smile. It's more than just business. We enjoy it -
and it shows."
business INSIDER Advisory Board
When Karen heard that a new, independent publication was planned for
transportation service providers, she was one of the first to provide support
and backing to turn it into reality.
"This is something that has been missing," said Karen, "It will be an oppor-
tunity to shine the spotlight on businesses that have earned the limelight.
There are hundreds of firms providing the intricate services that connect
shippers with the carriage that delivers their goods to market. They deserve
to be served and recognized as an integral part of the freight transport
business."
OUTSIDE OF THE OFFICE
Outside the transportation and logistics world, Karen is dedicated to her
sons, Chuck and K. C., and her extended Megatrux "family." An example
of her dedication to her team was the week-long "surprise" Hawaiian luau
celebration she recently provided for the whole staff - not for a special
occasion or accomplishment, but just because they consistently perform so well.
PASSIONATE FISHER
One of her secret passions is a love of fishing - any kind of fishing. She was
particularly proud of the 46 pound, 44.5 inch King Salmon caught off Port
Charlotte Islands in Vancouver British Columbia. He's mounted and hangs
in the Megatrux office. Associates joke that he's big enough to deserve his
own office.
