A KCED Summer 2024 Newsletter Article:
Woody’s Trucking, Inc. is cleverly branded. Black and orange decorate the office, and the serious woodpecker dressed in a ready-to-work outfit decorates the details. The brand comes from customer service and a sense of culture that emulates the space. Terri Wood, president of Woody’s Trucking, shared the story of a family and a business that grew with it with the KCED Marketing and Communications Specialist.
In 2001, Mike Wood started Woody’s Trucking in Lester Prairie, Minnesota, and soon after, in 2004, the first reefer (refrigerated) trailer was purchased. This new trailer opened the door for a business that today has a fleet of 17 modern trucks and 65 refrigerated trailers that carry temperature-sensitive products across the country, supporting the economy, the national food market, and food availability. Terri joined Mike in the business when they married in 2008. In 2011, they were expecting their first child, a baby girl. They had already had a contract working with Jennie-O for four years, transporting raw material to production plants to be created into a final product for the market throughout the United States. As they were preparing for a growing family, their business was also on the verge of growing. Based in Lester Prairie, traveling to Willmar Jennie-O plants on a daily basis was holding back the business. “We were wasting so many resources, time, and money paying our drivers to haul empty loads back to our base. Jennie-O saw this too, and in 2010, they asked if we’d think about moving to Willmar,” said Wood, and a strong story of success and evolution took off.
Deciding to make the move to Willmar, the Woods rented three 53-foot bays from Gurley’s Foods and stayed in motels when unable to drive back and forth in the winter months, especially with a newborn now in tow; it was a busy year. The next April, after a winter of commuting, the Woods moved to relocate. “Before we were young, we were 20. We weren’t sure what it would be like moving from home. But we’ve built a home here,” added Wood, whose family now includes three children with Mike.
During this time, a transition was made from having Mike as the owner to Terri taking over ownership. “It was a mutual decision and a necessary one. We needed to clean the slate, and this transition offered us that.” The SBA news release on her award, published on March 27, 2024, stated the benefits of this perfectly, “When Terri assumed control of the business, she implemented changes that would later contribute to the substantial growth of Woody’s Trucking. At the time of transition, the fleet consisted of only a few trucks, but under Terri’s leadership, the business has flourished.” Most employees didn’t notice a change; a culture of leadership and trust had already been built. Today, their male and female drivers can enjoy a flexible schedule that meets their needs and desires. Some have a five-day week and are home on the weekends, while others are home nightly or on the road for a long time. Long-haul truckers will deliver products on the coasts and, in return, come back with fresh produce collected directly from farms. The company’s 35 employees are consistent and dependable, helping build a strong business organization in the community and industry, and have now been recognized for their achievements. When you put a meal on the table, whether that is grilled turkey from Jennie-O or a bowl of fresh peaches and cream, it could have been carried by a Woody’s truck somewhere along the line. It is a company that supports the workforce, our economy, and food availability.
When asked how she felt about the award, Terri answered, “It is about both Mike and me. He has the dream and the mission for the future, and I have the drive and ambition for today.” She explains the operation, but ultimately, she is a strong woman in leadership in an industry where women are not traditionally seen. Terri and Woody’s Trucking are changing that. Speaking about the real meaning of the award, Wood said, “It is about women inspiring other women.” This is a simple statement that summarizes dedication, commitment, and the drive to change an industry and run a successful business model. Woody’s Trucking, Inc. is creating a legacy and will be a fixture in the Kandiyohi County and Willmar economy for many years to come.
*This article first appeared in the Summer 2024 Newsletter*