Cover Story

Rollie Anderson - Anderson Trucking Service, Inc.

Leadership. Honesty. Integrity. Dedication. Vision.
     Each of these honorable traits is one of many associated with the name Rollie Anderson. And yet, Rollie also uses these same expressions to describe his father, Harold Anderson. It was Harold’s entrepreneurial spirit that led to the formation of Anderson Trucking Service (ATS) in 1955. It’s that same Anderson family spirit that motivates Rollie today.
     Now, Rollie is in the driver’s seat, and he continues to steer ATS toward success. As president and CEO, his vision is reminiscent of his father’s passion for the business. That is not by accident, of course. “Many times, when faced with difficult decisions, I stop and think, ‘What would Dad do,’” Rollie says.
     Brent Anderson, director of Heavy Haul, and also Rollie’s son, takes that same approach with his father. “Just by watching my dad’s energy and enthusiasm, I learn something new every day,” Brent says.
     One of the most important things Harold did was provide Rollie with an understanding and appreciation of the business—from the bottom up. When your job is loading granite trailers, it’s a long road to a position in upper management. But, it’s exactly the path Rollie took, starting at the age of 14. His journey supplied him with priceless knowledge you can’t learn in a classroom. “Success for me is measured not only by the bottom line, but also by what we are able to supply to our drivers, contractors and employees by providing a good living and outstanding quality of life,” Rollie proudly states.
     Rollie’s devotion to family is one reason ATS drivers enjoy an incredible quality of life. Rollie values each employee as if they were part of his family—while much of the staff actually is! Scott Anderson, ATS director of Safety and Risk Management, and also Rollie’s nephew, considers one of his uncle’s best traits to be his ability to make everyone feel at home. “I really appreciate when and how he interacts with my staff and drivers,” Scott says. “He’s so approachable.”
     However, it takes more than good relationships to successfully run a company. Jim Anderson, Relationship Consultant for ATS, and also Rollie’s brother, believes drive and vision are the biggest keys to his brother’s success. “I truly admire his leadership and ability to think clearly about the options in front of him,” Jim acknowledges. “He is willing to take risks, but always does so at the right times and opportunities.”
     So, what’s in store for ATS when Rollie sets aside his days for hunting, fishing and spoiling his five grandchildren? The Anderson men next in line are ready with knowledge and experience to continue the tradition. “Scott and Brent have both displayed talents that are opposite, which makes them a great complement to each other,” Rollie states. “ATS will be in a good position when I retire.”
     But, then again, when Rollie does retire he won’t be far away. Just as Harold Anderson’s dream is still the foundation for ATS, Rollie’s leadership has left a permanent impression—on the company itself, but more importantly, on the next generation of Andersons. 
     The staff of Over the Road and Pro Trucker magazines would like to wish Rollie continued success with Anderson Trucking Service. If you’d like to learn more about the opportunities at ATS, call (877) 818-4904, visit their Web site at www.atsinc.com or see their ad on the inside back cover of this issue.