Pat Udovich

Tell us more about your background – how did you get started in the transportation industry?

Growing up as one of nine siblings, teamwork and collaboration were ingrained in me from an early age. My passion for fostering cohesive teams and working towards shared goals naturally led me to a career in human resources. Over the past 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of working in various industries including technology, insurance, and banking, where I honed my skills in HR strategy and employee development. Joining A. Duie Pyle approximately two years ago marked my first foray into the transportation industry, and it’s been an incredibly rewarding experience thus far.

What about Pyle made you want to work for this company?

What drew me to A. Duie Pyle was the company’s rich history, strong culture, and unwavering commitment to its core values. As a family-owned and operated business for over 100 years, A. Duie Pyle embodies a sense of tradition and stability that is rare in today’s fast-paced business world. At the same time, we recognize change early and adapt quickly when needed. The company’s longevity speaks volumes about its resilience and dedication to excellence.

Describe your role at Pyle.

My role as Chief HR Officer at A. Duie Pyle encompasses overseeing all aspects of human resources management to support the company’s strategic objectives and foster a positive work environment. I am responsible for developing and implementing HR policies and programs that align with our core values and promote employee engagement, retention, and development. We accomplish this by leveraging talent acquisition efforts along with investments in compensation and benefits programs.

Trucking is traditionally a male-dominated field. How does the HR department actively promote opportunities for women in our organization and encourage their representation within our workforce?

In addressing the traditionally male-dominated field of trucking, we are committed to actively promoting opportunities for women in our organization. One of the key ways we do this is through our involvement in Women in Trucking, an organization dedicated to advancing gender diversity in transportation. We not only support this initiative by sending employees to conferences but also take pride in celebrating the achievements of our female employees, with several being recognized on prestigious lists such as the Top Women to Watch. By actively engaging in initiatives like Women in Trucking, we strive to create an environment where all individuals, regardless of gender, have equal opportunities to thrive and succeed within A. Duie Pyle.

As A. Duie Pyle continues to expand its service offerings and opens new service centers, how does the HR department support employees’ career advancement opportunities within the organization?

Our commitment to employee growth and development is at the forefront of our HR initiatives. Through programs like our Future Driver Program and Leadership Development Program, we provide avenues for career advancement and skill enhancement. Our Future Driver Program empowers employees, starting as dockworkers, to progress to Class-A CDL drivers, ensuring a comprehensive and rewarding career within the transportation industry. Similarly, our Leadership Development program offers a structured, six-month rotational experience to prepare future leaders for success in transportation operations, giving them access to personalized coaching and expert guidance from our current leaders.

Additionally, we prioritize internal job postings, allowing employees the first opportunity to explore new openings, fostering a culture of growth and mobility within the company. These initiatives reflect our ongoing commitment to investing in our employees’ career advancement and ensuring their continued success within our organization.

What strategies does A. Duie Pyle employ to ensure it remains competitive in the industry, particularly in regards to attracting and retaining top talent?

We understand that to remain competitive, we must continuously invest in advancing technology and equipment to enhance operational efficiency and provide our employees with the tools they need to succeed. Moreover, we prioritize investing in our people through competitive pay and benefits packages, ensuring that our employees feel valued and rewarded for their contributions. Our profit-sharing program directly contributes to our employees’ financial security by providing additional contributions to their 401k accounts, further demonstrating our dedication to their long-term success and well-being.

What achievements are you most proud of during your time at Pyle?

Although we have made a number of process improvements, generated cost savings, and even implemented a new app called Pyle Pulse (available on both the App store and Google Play!), without question, I am most proud of the Team I get to work with and the new relationships and connections I have made along the way…..Pyle People truly Deliver!

Any closing thoughts?

In closing, I want to emphasize what an exciting time it is to be a member of the A. Duie Pyle family! Whether you are looking for the security and stability of a 100 year old family business or the energy-packed adrenaline that accompanies our ongoing growth and emerging technology initiatives, A. Duie Pyle can be a home for you!