Her Story
About Trina
Trina Norman, MBA, is a transportation entrepreneur, educator, and human resources professional with a diverse career spanning military service, higher education, business leadership, and workforce development. A retired U.S. Navy veteran, she has dedicated her career to developing people, building organizations, and creating opportunities for others to succeed. She currently serves as an Undergraduate Mentor at Western Governors University, where she guides students from enrollment through graduation, providing academic support, career coaching, and instruction in human resources while helping them achieve their educational and professional goals.
In addition to her work in higher education, Trina is the founder and owner of North Florida Express Services, a regional trucking company she built from a single truck into a growing multi-truck operation serving routes across several states. She also owns North Florida Registered Agent Notary, a business that provides registered agent, notary, and business support services tailored to the trucking industry. Prior to launching her businesses, she served in numerous leadership roles within the U.S. Navy, federal government, and the human resources field, developing expertise in leadership, organizational development, workforce training, business operations, and strategic management. She earned a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from Columbia Southern University and continues to leverage her broad professional experience to mentor future leaders.
Trina attributes her success to disciplined time management, perseverance, and a mindset that refuses to accept failure as an option. She is passionate about empowering others to pursue their goals, particularly women entering the transportation industry, encouraging them to take advantage of educational opportunities, remain resilient, and never allow obstacles or stereotypes to define their potential. Guided by the values of loyalty, trust, honesty, and service, Trina remains committed to helping students, entrepreneurs, and transportation professionals build successful careers while making a lasting impact in their communities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Trina
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to maintaining strong discipline with my time and refusing to procrastinate. I firmly believe that procrastination is the assassination of all destinations. By staying focused, managing my priorities effectively, and taking action instead of delaying important tasks, I have been able to achieve my professional goals while continuing to grow both personally and professionally.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is simple but powerful: there is no failure—failure is not an option. That mindset has taught me to view challenges as opportunities to learn, adapt, and continue moving forward. Rather than allowing setbacks to define me, I remain committed to finding solutions and achieving my goals.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is to never let anyone tell you that you cannot achieve your goals. There are countless opportunities available if you are willing to seek them out, including state-funded programs that can help you obtain your CDL and begin a career in transportation. Ask questions, pursue available resources, continue your education, and don't become discouraged when one door closes. Stay determined, because another opportunity is always waiting for those who are willing to keep moving forward.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges in the transportation industry is overcoming the longstanding societal stigma surrounding women in trucking and transportation careers. Too often, women are underestimated or discouraged from entering the field. However, significant opportunities exist through workforce development programs, state-funded training initiatives, and professional networking. By remaining focused, building strong industry relationships, and taking advantage of available resources, women can continue breaking barriers and building successful careers.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me are loyalty, trust, and honesty. I believe that trust is the foundation of every meaningful relationship, whether in business or in life. I strive to be someone others can depend on, and I value integrity, commitment, and treating people with respect. These principles guide my leadership, my business relationships, and the way I serve my students, colleagues, and clients.
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