Career Day at Elyria Community Elementary School was a success despite pop-up showers and sticky humidity.

Eyes lit up Friday morning when Layne Kuhns of Ross Transportation Services pulled his big rig into the school parking lot.  This particular career day focused on vehicles associated with various careers. The goal was to introduce students to new interests by way of exposure to a variety of career types.

Kuhns talked about what it’s like to drive for RTS and haul hazardous waste. Students asked plenty of questions — “Can you live in the truck?” “Are pets allowed inside?” — and jumped at the chance to peek into the cab.

The Elyria Police Department, Fire Department and Coca-Cola were all in attendance as well.

The best part? When students got to honk the horn, of course.

The warmth of the sun was matched only by the warm smiles on their faces.

Ross Transportation Services recently visited the Rising Sun Centers in Wakeman, OH to show students what it means to work in commercial trucking. They climbed into each cab, honked the horns and even peeked under the hood.

The Rising Sun Center supports people who are developmentally challenged in Erie, Lorain, Medina and Huron Counties. They help them build life skills, continue their education and find employment.

Thanks to drivers Layne Kuhns and Rachel Atwell, along with Logistics Coordinator Rob Algarin, for sharing their expertise!

It’s the end of an era at the Ross companies.

Gary Vidmer, longtime executive vice president of sales and marketing, has announced his retirement. Over the past 15 years, Vidmer admirably served as the overseer of sales and marketing efforts in six territories in the Central and Eastern United States plus a national account program. His tenure dates back to 2006.

“Like all who have had the privilege of knowing Gary, I’ve learned so much from him,” CEO Jim Larson said. “He has readily given of himself so as to make all of us and our company better.

“We appreciate his leadership, and are thankful for his loyalty, dedication, and hard work,” Larson said.

Vidmer is from Greensburg, Pennsylvania. He received his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Bucknell University and studied financial analysis and marketing at the University of Michigan.

Scott Wesp, director of legacy sales, will become the vice president of sales. Wesp will also be responsible for the Technical Service and Logistics departments, as well as oversee the TSS line of business.

Wesp has served the Ross companies since 2014, although his extensive sales and management experience dates back to 1994. A graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics Management.

“We are thrilled to have someone as experienced and talented as Scott and will work closely with him to make the transition seamless,” Larson said.

Climb into the cab with Dave Parsons, a longtime driver for Ross Transportation Services. He talks about the wildest things he’s seen on the road, the best states to drive through and what it’s like to “be your own boss” behind the wheel.