In this episode, Ginger Craddock sits down with Robert Sitarski of Hansen & Adkins to discuss why strong driver relationships are essential to recruiting success and long-term retention.

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Hiring the right driver is only the beginning. Rob shares why compensation and benefits alone aren't enough to keep drivers and how trust, honest communication, and a supportive company culture influence whether drivers stay or leave.

The conversation explores the importance of setting realistic expectations during recruiting, supporting drivers through their first 90 days, and creating opportunities for meaningful feedback. Rob also explains how Hansen & Adkins uses its driver council to connect drivers with leadership, encourage mentorship, and turn driver feedback into meaningful improvements.

From improving the driver experience to breaking down communication barriers between departments, this episode offers practical insights for fleets looking to strengthen retention and build a workplace where drivers feel valued, heard, and supported.

About This Week's Guest: Robert Sitarski

Robert Sitarski works in driver recruiting and driver relations at Hansen & Adkins, a division of Proficient Auto Logistics. With years of experience as a professional driver and in recruiting, he brings a driver-first perspective to building stronger relationships, improving retention, and connecting drivers with company leadership.

CONNECT WITH ROBERT SITARSKI

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-sitarski-8116b2232/

CONNECT WITH HIRE TRUCKERS

Ginger Craddock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginger-craddock/

Hire Truckers: https://hiretruckers.com/

In this episode, Ginger Craddock sits down with Daniel Kelly to explore how AI is changing driver recruiting and helping fleets create better experiences for both recruiters and drivers.

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AI is creating new opportunities to automate repetitive recruiting tasks without removing the human connection that makes recruiting effective. Daniel explains how AI-powered phone assistants, conversational applications, and automated follow-ups can help fleets engage drivers faster, answer questions after hours, and collect important information before a recruiter steps in.

The conversation also explores how AI can uncover valuable insights from driver conversations, improve advertising creative, and connect recruiting data across different systems. Ginger and Daniel discuss why accurate information, transparency, and human judgment remain essential as fleets adopt new technology.

About This Week's Guest: Daniel Kelly

Daniel Kelly is a member of the Hire Truckers team, working across technology development and recruiting solutions. With a background in web development and graphic design, he brings a practical perspective on AI automation, conversational technology, and creating more efficient recruiting experiences.

CONNECT WITH DANIEL KELLY

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielkellyio/

CONNECT WITH HIRE TRUCKERS

Ginger Craddock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginger-craddock/

Hire Truckers: https://hiretruckers.com/

In this episode, Aaron Craddock challenges the idea of perfect work-life balance and shares how leaders can navigate demanding seasons of business and personal growth.

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In trucking, recruiting, and leadership, some seasons demand more time, energy, and attention than others. Aaron shares how his priorities have shifted throughout his entrepreneurial journey, from growing Hire Truckers and adapting recruiting strategies to pursuing personal health goals and making intentional time for his family.

He also explains why effective leadership requires flexibility rather than rigid routines. Whether it's spending more time developing recruiters, testing new strategies, or responding to changing market conditions, leaders need to recognize where their attention is most valuable.

The key isn't making every area of life perfectly balanced. It's understanding the opportunities in your current season, recognizing what needs attention, and protecting the priorities that matter most.

CONNECT WITH HIRE TRUCKERS

Aaron Craddock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-craddock/

Hire Truckers: https://hiretruckers.com/