“When I came to Central States I had been out of college for a little over a year, and my work experience was mainly in transportation and logistics. I was lucky enough, with little experience, to land a job in sales which I felt like suited my personality well. It didn’t take long for me to realize that this was a much different company than I had previously worked for, and I looked forward to the opportunities that I would have here. I started off with the company as a territory manager handling southern Arkansas and one customer in Louisiana. As I became more comfortable with my position and gained more knowledge into what I was doing, I realized that I enjoyed selling and calling on new accounts. At the same time, the company was going through some changes and looking at ways to grow business. In the past, the company was able to grow without having a true outside sales team visiting and calling on customers in person. Seeing that as opportunity, an outside team was formed. I was one of three people giving the chance to see if this was something that would help us grow the company. In my first year in the role, I was able to bring in just over $1 million in new business, which at the time was a big number. Following that year, I was asked to co-manage the sales team. The year was tough and I had much to learn, but I never felt that I was put in a position to fail. Through a lot of coaching and learning by making mistakes, I made it through the year as the GM of Sales and I’m currently in my third year in that position. Looking back on my time here, it is hard to imagine having the same opportunities that I have been given here at any other company. I feel that from day one I have had an impact on the outcome of the company and I’m excited to see us grow as much we have. I look forward to the continued success of Central States and my role in helping that happen.”
David Lester
Employee-owner since 2003
Sales
“I like working here because it has given me a chance to learn something new. I like the commitment that the company has to the customers for their quality and service. The encourages me to produce the best quality of products. I also enjoy the benefits that come from a company that is employee owned. Central States is a company of vision, growth and a great future.”
Jose Arellano
Employee-owner since 2001
Production
“Being an employee-owner gives me a sense of pride in my work because I own a share in the company. Central States has also provided me with growth opportunities and the chance to learn new and challenging things. Central States keeps the employees in mind and how a better future can be obtained for all of us.”
Debby Blackie
Employee-owner since 1999
Sales
“I went to work for Central States right out of college. Since that time, I have found Central States to be a place where hard work is recognized and the possibility of promotion is available to everyone. There is more opportunity than there are good leaders. While all my friends were working for a large multinational corporation, I was learning how to run a business. Instead of being a clog in a machine, I am able to be a vital part of the growth of Central States.”
Adam Haynes
Employee-owner since 2004
Retail Sales
“I personally like being a part of a company that has people with strong moral values. I believe most of us strive for a common goal. Employee-owners want to make an honest and prosperous living for our families, take pride in our work and service our customers in a way that will make us proud to say we have ownership in a company like Central States. Challenges are always going to be a part of life, it’s how we handle those challenges that makes CSMI and the employee-owners a cut above our competitors.”
Arlene Johnson
Employee-owner since 2001
Purchasing
“I am a better leader because of Central States. In 10 years at my previous employment, the focus had been on executing your present job. Promotion came through opportunities becoming available and you were tossed in to see how you would perform. At Central States, you are challenged through one-on-one mentoring sessions to become a better leader. I read more books on leadership in my first year at Central States than I had read in 10 years at my previous location. I have seen growth in my confidence, integrity, and accountability since joining Central States. “
David Mann
Employee-owner since 2005
Operations
