As Con-way Truckload’s detention supervisor, Becky Ward spends her days working with customers to ensure drivers are compensated for their wait time at the docks. A 19-year veteran of Con-way, Becky manages a five-person department at the company’s headquarters in Joplin, Mo., and has been working in that very building since she interned for the company during her college days.
A life-long resident of Joplin, it was a natural fit to start her career with one of the region’s largest employers. But Becky has stayed with Con-way for another reason. “I truly enjoy the people,” she said. Adding, “This is a company with integrity and a laid-back, family atmosphere; you couldn’t ask for a better place to work.”
When Becky isn’t at work you can probably find her critiquing some of the country’s best brisket, pulled pork, ribs and chicken. For the past two years Becky and her husband have traveled all around the country as judges for the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) — the world's largest organization of barbeque and grilling enthusiasts with more than 13,000 members worldwide. Becky’s parents picked up this hobby in their retirement years and in attending events with her parents, Becky fell in love with the “sport” as well.
This job isn’t as easy as it sounds. With big prize money on the line for contestants you have to really impress Becky to get her vote. “Everything that makes it to the judge’s table is usually amazing, so it has to be excellent and meet strict judging criteria to get a high score,” she said.
It’s this same high standard of excellence that Becky expects of herself and her staff each day at Con-way Truckload. And luckily for her (and the company) she said, “I have some of the best people in the world working with me!”
