Over two packed days, Spartan Logistics’ next generation of leaders gathered for an unforgettable experience of growth, learning, and connection at our 2025 Emerging Leaders’ Summit. Held every other year, this summit brings together employees who have completed Spartan’s internal Emerging Leaders Program and have been recommended by their management for continued development.
Day 1: Laying the Foundation
We kicked off Day 1 by focusing on behavioral interviewing, where attendees learned how to hire talent that is not only a good fit but also a valuable cultural addition. Through interactive group exercises, participants drafted interview questions and shared insights with their peers.
The second session shifted gears into understanding KPIs and financial performance. Leaders learned how small actions on the warehouse floor directly influence company-wide results—from safety and employee engagement to operational efficiency. This session emphasized the importance of tracking productivity, reading data, and using it to drive smart decision-making.
“Participating in the Emerging Leaders’ Summit was an incredibly valuable experience. I had the opportunity to gain meaningful insights and connect with leaders across the organization whom I had not previously met. One of the most impactful takeaways for me was understanding the significant financial impact that employee engagement has on the company. While I've always been driven by KPIs and metrics—which contributes to financial performance—this new perspective has inspired me to place greater emphasis on fostering employee engagement as a strategic priority.”
— Kasey Williams II, Emerging Leader from Angola
We wrapped up the day with a powerful session on professional communication, where attendees explored the best practices for workplace communication and LinkedIn presence to boost both internal and external professionalism.
The day ended on a high note with a group networking dinner, giving participants a chance to connect, reflect, and build relationships across the company.
Day 2: Expanding Vision & Skills
Day 2 started with an engaging and interactive session on effective communication led by a guest speaker who introduced the Tracks Communication Model. This model highlights various "tracks" or communication styles that groups may adopt during discussions. Through hands-on activities, participants explored how fostering clarity, encouraging collaboration, and proactively seeking help can lead to better outcomes in any environment.
Next up was a session on building a strong workplace culture and employee engagement. Leaders learned about the importance of monthly meetings, team activities, and appreciation strategies that keep warehouse teams informed, involved, and motivated. The session also covered Spartan’s employee resources and how supervisors can support their teams’ personal and professional growth.
“Having the opportunity to take part in the Emerging Leaders' Summit was an invaluable experience for me because it taught me many key skills and approaches to manage not only day-to-day operations but operations. Everything from Safety, Finances, Team Growth, and personal development was covered as an essential aspect for anyone seeking higher-level leadership positions within their teams. Many of these lessons not only apply to us as leaders but can be re-taught to our teams for their development as well.”
— Sydney Sato, Emerging Leader from Anderson, SC
The final session of the day focused on the future of warehousing. Attendees took a closer look at industry trends, emerging technology, and how strategic partnerships help Spartan stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field. It was a reminder that while technology advances, our people’s first mindset remains at the heart of our service. As shared by Steve Harmon, CEO of Spartan Logistics:
“People will always matter most. While others are automating, we’ll be the ones picking up the phone and having real conversations that speak to our core values.”
A Huge Thank You
We are incredibly proud of our Emerging Leaders and grateful to the dedicated staff who made this event possible. These two days were packed with valuable insights, meaningful conversations, and hands-on learning that build strong, future-ready leaders.
Want to work with a 3PL that invests in its team, fosters a strong culture, and is committed to driving the future success of your business? Stay tuned as we continue to build the foundation for exceptional service and growth at Spartan Logistics.
Topics: Lessons, Supply Chain Strategy, Logistics News, Logistics Teamwork