Michelle Bardachowski, CAPM
Michelle Bardachowski, CAPM, is a seasoned logistics professional and National Account Manager with over three decades of experience in the transportation and supply chain industry. Based in Downers Grove, Illinois, she has built a reputation as a problem solver for supply chain and logistics leaders, specializing in capacity constraints, execution gaps, and high-pressure freight challenges. Michelle is known for her no-nonsense approach, delivering results with accountability and precision, and for her ability to move freight reliably in volatile markets where timelines are critical.
Michelle’s career in logistics began unexpectedly after she graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a degree in dance education. What started as a temporary data entry role in freight billing quickly became a passion. Over the years, she advanced through a variety of operational roles, gaining expertise in freight dispatching, rate management, project oversight, and customer account management. She has held key positions at organizations such as AGT Global Logistics, Home Direct USA/MXD Group, and Seacastle Inc., consistently demonstrating leadership, problem-solving skills, and operational excellence.
In her current role at Logan Premium Logistics, Michelle manages the full lifecycle of client accounts, from acquiring new business to overseeing freight execution and managing rates, while also operating her own LLC. She recently returned to work after an 18-month hiatus caring for her husband during his recovery from brain cancer and is now pursuing woman-owned business certification to further expand her professional impact. Michelle’s career reflects her dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to delivering solutions in the logistics industry.
• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®
• Columbia College Chicago - BA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to finding the right opportunity and recognizing it when it came along. What started as a temporary entry-level job became my life's work because I was open to discovering what I was good at and passionate about. I found that I really liked the freight and logistics field, it was interesting to me, and I excelled in it. Over 34 years, I made it a point to learn every aspect of the business and moved up through different positions. Now, in my new role as a National Account Manager, I have the opportunity to use everything I've ever done in my career. This position is actually an achievement for me because it's something special where I'm finding the accounts and then running the whole gamut. Being in the right place at the right time certainly helped, but it was meant to be because I took what I thought was temporary and turned it into a career I love.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that it’s possible to build a career you truly love while working in a field you’re passionate about.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering my industry that they can achieve their goals if they stay persistent, keep moving forward, and never give up.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in my field right now is transitioning into a new role, especially after spending the past 18 months supporting my husband through his recovery. This period has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of balancing personal and professional responsibilities, which I’m now bringing into my new position.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values to me are dedication to both my career and my family. After my husband was diagnosed with brain cancer, I took an 18-month hiatus from work to care for him, making him my complete focus during that difficult time. That's been my priority - being there for him during his recovery. Now that I'm back to work, I'm excited to be in a role where I can use everything I've learned over my 34-year career. I also value personal growth and finding small outlets for myself, like learning to do my own nails while I was off with my husband. When we can travel again, that will be important to us too - we love to go to different places to get a change of scene from our routine and to see the world. It's always been fun for us to go, especially far distances.