Aim Transportation Solutions’ commitment to growth and development was recently exemplified by the graduation of some of Aim’s most extraordinary leaders from the Crestcom leadership development program.
Crestcom is a global leader in leadership development, offering a comprehensive program that equips developing and seasoned leaders with the skills and tools they need to succeed in today's competitive environment. The program was led by the energetic leadership guru Greg Logue, President of Lake Erie Leadership Development, and covered a wide range of topics that provided graduates with a holistic approach to leadership development.
Aim’s Crestcom graduating class included: Justin Battisti, Controller; Jessica Deane, Vice President of Marketing; Dan Kellgren, Vice President of Software Development; Carli Kuntze, Vice President of Human Resources; Josh Lombardo, Corporate Director of Rental; Nick Martin, Director of Maintenance (West); Jeff Schuyler, Vice President of Technology; Steve Shacklock, Director of Maintenance (East); Kim Slater, Director of Logistics Billing; Paul Slater, Vice President Corporate Controller; Brand Steib, Aim Vice President of Operations; and Joe Telega, Vice President of Sales.
Aim’s Crestcom graduates along with Aim’s executive leadership team, including Aim’s President, Scott Fleming, joined Greg Logue at the beautiful and luxurious Grand Resort, in Warren, OH, for a celebration dinner. Also attending were Chris Disantis, Senior Vice President of Maintenance; Patty Durkin, Chief Human Resources Officer; Rick Fox, Executive Vice President of Finance; Dave Gurska, Chief Operating Officer, Aim Integrated Logistics; John Reed, Chief Information Officer; and Matt Svancara, Chief Operating Officer, Aim Leasing Company.
Aim's Crestcom graduations along with Aim's executive leadership team pose for a group photo (l-r): Chris Disantis, Executive Vice President of Maintenance; Brandon Stieb, Vice President of Operations; Jeff Schuyler, Vice President of Technology; Dan Kellgren, Vice President of Software Development; Josh Lombardo, Director of Rental; Jessica Deane, Vice President of Marketing; Rick Fox, Executive Vice President of Finance; Joe Telega (kneeling), Vice President of Sales, Aim Leasing Company; Patty Durkin, Chief Human Resources Officer; Dave Gurska, Chief Operating Officer, Aim Integrated Logistics; Steve Shacklock, Director of Maintenance (East); John Reed, Chief Information Officer; Justin Battisti, Controller; Nick Martin, Director of Maintenance (West); and Scott Fleming, President.
“The 2023 graduating group from Aim was a pleasure to work with and epitomized professionalism and dedication in all they do,” said Greg Logue. “Their energy and dedication for both their organization and their career growth was evident from day one, and each training session was always engaging and collaborative.”
“Numerous other organizations participating in Crestcom training with the 2023 Aim cohort frequently mentioned how they valued the Aim perspectives offered by the participants,” Greg continued. “Since 2020, I’ve had ~180 program graduates from 25 different organizations from across the US & Canada, and none have meant more to me than Aim.”
One of the goals of Patty Durkin, Aim’s Chief Human Resource Officer, has been to create a company culture that emphasizes employee growth and development. This has led to the establishment of several educational and training programs, like Crestcom’s leadership development course, which have all played a huge role in Aim being able to reach and maintain its place among Newsweek’s Top Most Loved Workplaces®.
After extensive research and consideration, Patty chose Crestcom as the formalized leadership training for Aim. Patty attributes Crestcom’s strong curriculum and program flexibility as the characteristics that ultimately made Crestcom the best option for Aim. Once the decision was made, Patty oversaw the program implementation and guided Aim’s first class of leaders through the year-long program from beginning to end.
“Aim’s partnership with Crestcom is another example of our longstanding commitment to investing in the education and development of Aim’s most valuable assets: our people,” said Scott Fleming, Aim President. “Greg’s enthusiasm, expertise and willingness to work with us on exactly what we wanted out of the program sold us, and the results did not disappoint.”
Crestcom’s leadership development program unfolded over a year with participants meeting for two hours two times each month. Some areas of focus included team building, strategic thinking, change management, biases, diversity and inclusion, and communication.
Aim’s program participants didn’t just learn theory. They learned how to apply that theory in their specific roles, and they set goals that would carry over to their actual work. This hands-on approach ensured that the skills and knowledge gained through the program would be immediately applicable and have a direct impact on the Aim’s overall success.
A valuable part of Crestcom’s course is the collaboration among other companies also taking the course. Crestcom students would join groups from different companies in different industries, offering a spectrum of unique perspectives and experiences.
“We utilize many different tools, platforms and resources for ongoing training and development for our employees, but for leadership, Crestcom—and Greg Logue specifically—has proven an invaluable investment,” said Patty Durkin, Aim’s Chief Human Resources Officer. “I couldn’t be prouder of our 12 leaders who took the course and invested the time and energy to truly get the most of out of it.”
During the graduation event, Aim’s Crestcom graduates assisted in selecting next year’s curriculum and referred team members whom they wanted to benefit from the same great learning and development experience.
“Our graduates were great leaders already, which is why they’re in the positions they are today,” Scott Fleming said, “and investing in advancing their growth and development, along with the next round of Crestcom participants, is really an investment in Aim’s own growth and development.”
“The partnership between Aim and Crestcom is truly moving the needle, and I’m blessed to have worked with the 2023 cohort and look forward to working with future Aim program participants,” Greg Logue added. “This group embodies why Aim received the 2023 “Most Loved Workplace®” from Newsweek, and everyone I’ve interacted with truly treats each other, and me, like family. I cannot wait to see how the 2023 cohort continues to grow and progress to ensure the success of their families, the organization, and the communities they serve.”
