Getting to Know Katrina and Kelsie

It’s Women’s History Month, and that’s a great time to learn more about our female team members. This week, Kelsie Barnes and Katrina Marshall graciously answered a bunch of questions. I think you’ll enjoy getting to know them a little bit better!

When did you start working at AM Transport?

Katrina: I started out way back in December, 2021. Back in the day, I started by shadowing carrier representatives. Nowadays I get to work with amazing customers and do my best to make them happy.

Kelsie: I started in November 2021. In the beginning I shadowed both teams and learned how logistics companies operate. Now I am in the sales department and in charge of bringing in new business. I love it!

How has your job changed during your time here?

Katrina: When I started, part of my training was learning the carrier representative position, so I could better understand how everything ties together. Now, I get to use that knowledge when helping communicate with our customers about their load status.

Kelsie: I have really grown in this role. I’ve spent a lot of time training and learning different selling techniques. I never would have expected how many people I connect with each day. I always end the day talking to at least one really interesting person we can help.

Any funny AMT stories to share?

Katrina: There are so many things we laugh about that it would be hard to pick just one.

Kelsie: I laugh every day, so it is hard to pinpoint one specific incident. Working in an office mainly dominated by men is like having a busload of brothers you work with every day.

Tell us a little bit about your family.

Katrina: I am married and have two sons. The three of them keep me on my toes. We like to play board games together and have family video night; that is, when I’m not torturing them by having them help clean and do chores around the house. Bwaaa Haaa Haa Haa.

Kelsie: The word family can be defined in different ways. To me, family is not just the people related to you. They are the people who show up for you. This can be on good or bad days. I have a large family, so I’m thankful for each person. AM Transport is a family too. I’m happy to be a part of this family and our band of weirdos.

Are you a morning or an evening person?

Katrina: I am more of a morning person. I do enjoy that stillness as I drink my coffee and watch the sun come up. You can hear the birds and owls where I live, so that is an added bonus.

Kelsie: Since we are in the office early, I have learned to be a morning person. I prefer to be a night owl. I like staying up late but rarely get the chance.

What is your favorite AMT after-hours activity?

Katrina: When we went to the hockey game, we got to meet the players after the game, hung out with some great people, and had a wonderful time!

Kelsie: I am now a lover of Pi day. We had pizza pies and traditional pie. The different pizzas were phenomenal. If transportation does not work out for some of us, we should open an AMT pizza parlor!

What’s your favorite season?

Katrina: Spring and fall. I like the new growth and hopefulness of spring and the cool, crisp fall is refreshing after the hot summer.

Kelsie: Fall. I love the leaves, the temperature, and outdoor activities. I can wear big, puffy sweaters! I love the smell of freshly baked apple pie and cinnamon.

What’s your favorite food?

Katrina: I don’t know if I have a favorite food. There is just so much good stuff out there!

Kelsie: Pizza, tacos, sweets. These are all very bad for your health, but I love food. It is important to enjoy life, and I like doing that through food.

Tea or Coffee?

Katrina: Both! I go with my mood. I enjoy different teas and coffees. Life is short; enjoy all the flavors.

Kelsie: Coffee! Every day!

Favorite childhood memory?

Katrina: Building a snowman with my dad.

Kelsie: I loved spending time with my grandparents. Traveling, playing outside, swimming, baking, and spontaneous talent shows are all part of my childhood. Both sets of grandparents always took us kids on adventures in different ways. I think this is why I have such a wide list of experiences.

What’s the best book you’ve read in the past twelve months?

Katrina: Atomic Habits by James Clear.

Kelsie: I read a lot of books last year. I have way too many favorites to list. The best “all around” book would be The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. If you’re looking for more recommendations, I am your girl. I read almost every genre. I love getting wrapped up in a good book.

What’s your favorite dish to take to a potluck?

Katrina: Dump cake is pretty easy. Set oven to 350. Dump 2 cans of pie filling (your choice) into a greased 9 x 13 baking dish. Spread the pie filling out with the back of a spoon or spatula. Spread 1 can crushed pineapple (juice and all). Evenly sprinkle 1 box yellow cake mix over the pineapple and pie filling. Take one stick of butter and slice it into 1/4 inch pieces and distribute evenly over the dry cake mix. Bake for 35 minutes or until topping is slightly golden.

Kelsie: Mac and cheese. I have had so many people request this dish from me. It has been passed down for three generations. I would share it, but the cheese-milk-butter ratio is not measured out. It’s all instinct.

Dogs or cats?

Katrina: Cats. They are so full of personality, and I don’t have to take them for walks or let them outside.

Kelsie: I have a dog, Baxter. She is four years-old. She is a mutt but a good dog. My son loves her and she is a good protector. I think I prefer cats but am so thankful we have her in our family.

Summer is on the horizon. What’s your favorite summer activity?

Katrina: I would say I enjoy evenings outside in the yard, hanging out with my family.

Kelsie: I love the 4th of July. It is one of my top two holidays. I love fireworks and cookouts. My mom’s birthday is on the fourth, so we always have a get-together. I feel like it is the epitome of summer, family, and patriotism.

What is something you’re looking forward to in the near future?

Katrina: We are getting ready to go to the Grand Canyon with the kids. They haven’t seen it and I’m excited to see their faces when they get to experience it.

Kelsie: I have a massage scheduled, and I really need some time to pamper myself. Self care is so important when you have multiple responsibilities.

If you could give your 12 year-old self some advice, what would you say?

Katrina: Enjoy every moment. They pass quickly.

Kelsie: Don’t take life so seriously. The things you stress over will be irrelevant in one week.