We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Ward and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Nicole, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was, that i can be a rock star in the trucking industry! Making this decision did not come lightly, as I put a lot of time and hard work into insurance. I’m a former insurance executive with 18 years in the insurance industry. I literally worked my way up, starting as a call center representative, then transitioned to a Field adjuster “climbing roofs”, insurance regional trainer, Claims manager, Director of insurance, and last was Head of Insurance for my prior company.
The icing on the cake when making the decision to leave insurance and become a full-time entrepreneur in Trucking started when the opportunity to work and collaborate with my ex-boyfriend,(who had a small fleet) with his trucking company.
Working with him allowed me the opportunity to see some of the organizational challenges he and many other smaller trucking companies face.
As a result of implementing systems, organizational processes, and procedures allowed his company’s profits to increased. The new structure put in place allotted my ex-company to run at a smoother pace, and grow effectively!
Seeing these results lit a fire in me, and gave me just the burst of confidence I needed to start my own Trucking and Logistics company
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a 37 years old former insurance executive with 18 years in the insurance industry. I remember the feeling of falling in love with insurance. People were unsure why I would love and dedicate myself to a male-dominated industry, with an even smaller percentage of African American Women were in the executive space. Well, I did what they said couldn’t be done in that industry and I’m ready for more.
I’m definitely in another abusive relationship called Trucking and call me Toxic but I love it!
Based on my observation, technology is often being underutilized with smaller.mid size trucking companies. Technology in trucking help creates bigger stronger infrastructures and more efficiency within your business.
I saw the difference that technology made in the insurance industry after 18 years and felt that I would be able to really come in and bring a lot of the skillset that I used in the insurance industry to the trucking industry.
In addition, our company differentiates itself from others in trucking based on the treatment of people, especially drivers!
It’s just unfortunate how drivers are often not paid well but are expected to remain on the road for two to three weeks at the lowest rate per mile. I knew that was something I didn’t want to do with our company. The money is out there, so people should be paid. I believe people will work harder for you when they are paid well and rewarded, and simply treat people like they should be treated, not that’s not cattle.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I absolutely love Atlanta, I moved here in 2011 and cant gets enough of this place. I love going to places within the city that provides an experience. Some of my favorites are
1. Krog Street Market:
So many tasty places to eat and drink from. I think its one of the coolest food halls to go to. They have a variety of food, desserts, and specialty items to choose from all under one roof.
2. Little Five Point
I like supporting Black businesses and independent creatives and this place allows me to do so and meet some amazing people every time.
3. Ponce City Market
Shopping and eating at this location are just amazing. Their selection of foods, beverages, and specialty shops is none like I’ve ever seen. But their chain retail stores are good as well. Then there is the rooftop amusement park top and lounge which are also a great time. I could spend an entire day at this place.
4. The Boiler Seafood
One of the best seafood I’ve had in Atlanta
5. Rock Steady – I’m in love with the decor at this Caribbean restaurant. I think the food options, drinks, and music selection are amazing
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to give credit to my mentor, business partner, another co-founder of Capital Freight Trucking and logistics and that’s my mom. I approached my mom and told her I needed her to go to trucking school, learn to drive while learning the rules of the road. That was December of 2020. So she went to trucking school and got her CDL. Within a few months, she graduated. I told my mom, if we’re going to open this trucking company, I need you to go work for the big boys and really see what happens on the inside.’ She did exactly that. Every day, she came home and would say, ‘Hey, I’ve got to learn how to do this. This is something I want to make sure that we do or don’t do.’ We considered it paid training opportunity! My mom worked for what I would now consider a competitor for a few months while I built the back end of our business, which put us in a really stable position.
Website: www.CapitalFreightllc.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capitalfreight_llc
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/capital-freight
Twitter: https://twitter.com/capital_freight
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapitalFreightllc
Image Credits
Nicole Ward Co-Founder of Capital Freight Trucking and Logistics