Founded in 2012, Angie’s Transportation LLC has already reinvented itself – a couple of times.
A few years ago, a warehouse fire took to the ground the company that Angelina Twardawa, CEO, and her brother, Rafael, director of operations, started. Then, as we all know, 2020 brought COVID and economic challenges nobody could have predicted.
The company rebuilt after the fire because Twardawa knew there were a lot of people depending on them, and that gave them strength. Rebounding after COVID was tough, but fortunately, having a fleet of 65 mostly refrigerator trucks helped, and the demand for food put them back on the road sooner than some. Not that the road back has been easy, but they’ve made it work.
Born and raised in South City, the entrepreneur said she is single and thriving, busy building her company, married to her work and goals.
She was just 19 when the company originally opened its doors. How did a young woman break into a business in what is traditionally thought of as a “man’s world?” The answer to that is a lot of determination and a feeling that she didn’t want to let anyone down: herself, her family members, her customers and employees – and other women.
Being a leader in a typically male industry can bring a lot of pressure, and Twardawa said she feels she represents all women – especially those in supply chain and trucking – so she always aspires to be at the top of her game, which involves a lot of hard work and also taking care of herself.
Though she puts in up to 60 hours some weeks, she still manages to squeeze in a workout or two, because she believes in the importance of staying active for mental health and stress relief.
Her familiarity with trucking began with her dad working as a truck driver. He later started his own trucking company where Twardawa had her first jobs, and she built up an understanding of the business. After he closed his company, Twardawa and her brother put their heads (and experience) together and eventually, started Angie’s Transportation.
The company is now a leading Midwest dry and refrigerated carrier with a staff of nine, and 60 drivers travelling to 49 states and Canada, offering full-truck load and less-than-truckload shipments. Services also include drop trailer, and warehouse and dispatch services, working with both customers and brokers.
Surprisingly, Angie’s isn’t Twardawa’s first company. An ex-boutique owner, she learned the ins and outs of running a business and daily operations while managing LA Luxury Activewear, proving that good management skills transcends industries. Now with more than 10 years of experience in the trucking and logistics industry, she considers her specialties to be transportation management and DOT Compliance and Safety Regulations – important aspects of her chosen trade.
Twardawa shared some of her thoughts of running a trucking business – as a woman.
What do you feel are your personal strengths or talents? I am very ambitious and creative, good at communicating with others and being able to “read people.” It’s like a sixth sense.
What are the challenges of being a woman in the trucking industry? The irritating “man-splaining” and having to work twice as hard as a man to be heard or seen in a leadership role, which leads to more work stress and anxiety. There can also be that initial lack of respect that is frustrating.
Did that intimidate you in the beginning? I see everyone as an equal, and I walk into a meeting or a board room with the belief that no one is better than anyone, and that we are all just humans at the end of the day trying to navigate through our daily lives. We all have our own strengths and weaknesses that make us unique. I remind myself to have a strong presence, voice my opinions, and stay professional. Luckily, I also have my brother and good employees for support. My parents raised both of us equally, and anything my brother did, they expected me to be able to do, and to never limit myself.
What is your advice to other women who want to follow a dream that is out of the norm? Do it! Go for it. You were born to be different and stand out. Just know, it will be a long road filled with challenges, but it will be so rewarding in the end.
What do you like to do for fun? I like to go hiking, painting, working out and traveling, and I like exploring and wandering around on adventures. I love going to Forest Park and museums.
Angie’s Fashion and Beauty Picks
Twardawa also loves fashion and clothes – along with trucks – so just for fun, she let us in on a few of her fashion secrets.
Must-have piece in your wardrobe? Anything leather! I love leather, from leather jackets to leather pants. Other must haves are a black blazer and a statement purse!
Favorite designer or brand? Designer would have to be Louis Vuitton.
Typical work clothes? Business slacks and a button-down dress shirt, but I also have to add a pop of color or something bold to throw in some of my personality. I can’t just wear a boring all- black business suit. I have to express myself, and I’ll do that – for example – by wearing bold red pants or a crazy patterned shirt.
Most important thing in your makeup bag? My eyelash brush for my lash extensions! The little spoolies are all over my office, my purse and car. The second most important thing is my Anastasia Contour Kit. I bring it everywhere, and I pull it out of the smallest clutch, and my friends are always shocked how it fits everywhere. It has bronzer and highlighter – everything you need.
Find out more about Angie’s Transportation at angiestrans.com.
