Natalie Altmire

Natalie Altmire

I serve as a full-time Sales, Training, and Onboarding Manager at DeGroot Logistics, Inc., a third-generation, family-owned farm that opened a third-party logistics division based in Chicago, Illinois, in 2012. I began my career in the industry in March 2022 at Nolan Transportation Group, where I worked as a Customer Sales Representative for nearly three years before being promoted to Sales Manager and Head Trainer of the Chicago office after two years and seven months. In that role, I was responsible for hiring, training classes of up to 20 people, navigating difficult conversations, and overseeing performance.

Prior to entering the logistics industry, I earned a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in history from Louisiana State University and managed a retail clothing store in Baton Rouge for a little over a year. During my time at NTG, I brought in the most new business among all 2022 hires across all 13 offices in Q3 2022. I also completed the Above and Beyond Leadership Program and received a certificate. This four-month program involved traveling to NTG's corporate office, where I learned techniques for becoming a fair, strong, and influential leader. I am also a member of the Women in Logistics group of Chicago.

I attribute my success to my father's example of teaching and helping others in the trade school field. In my management approach, I focus on treating all team members equally while celebrating both strong performance and consistent effort to maintain high morale and motivation. I like to make the office a pleasant place for my brokers to come in and make cold calls all day. The happier my team is, the happier I am—and, most importantly, the better they perform.

I have found that there are not many women in this industry, which can be an advantage because it allows you to stand out more. However, I have also experienced situations where being a woman has been a disadvantage, including instances when men have told me, "Women should not be in this industry," or when male managers have spoken to me as though I do not have the same level of industry knowledge as they do. These experiences have reinforced my determination to succeed, lead with confidence, and continue creating space for women in logistics.