As the clock winds down on 2021, we’re taking a moment to reflect on a year filled with accomplishments. To celebrate our wins, we’re raising a toast to some of the highlights that made this year such a successful one. Not only are we proud of our achievements, but we’re even prouder of the TGF team who brought them to life. Join us as we take a look at all we accomplished in 2021.
Another year of sweeping the awards
It’s an indescribable feeling to be surrounded by a team of passionate, driven freight agents who continuously push the needle forward for their book of business. It’s their tenacity and commitment to our values as a company that earn us local and national recognition year over year. And, let’s be honest: winning never gets old.
Each time we receive these awards, it’s a reminder of how far we’ve come from our farmhouse roots, and a testament to the unparalleled freight agent program and culture we’ve built over the years. In 2021, we’re grateful to say we’ve swept the awards once again, receiving the following accolades:
- Inc. 5000 Series: America’s Top Businesses in the Midwest
- Inc. 5000
- Ingram’s Top 100
- Kansas City Business Journal Best Places to Work
- Kansas City Business Journal Fast 50
We honored our commitment to education with two Agent Roundtable events
As Tallgrass COO and co-owner David Barnes says, “No one else in the freight agent world is doing this, and we’re here to take better care of our agents than anyone else in the business.” And it’s true. We invest in our people each and every single day. Providing a culture steeped in personal and professional development is baked into the very core of what we stand for.
This year, we had the pleasure of once again hosting two Agent Roundtable events. Held at the Loews Hotel in downtown Kansas City, we welcomed agents from across the country for two weekends filled with education, connection and, of course, some fun. Our Roundtable educates our up-and-coming agents on everything from financial planning strategies to open discussions surrounding growing your book of business with a panel of freight agents.
For freight experts, by freight experts: launching our new CRM
After two years in the making, we were beyond thrilled to unveil our new custom-built CRM this year – the TGF Cash Register. Sure, there are pre-packaged, off-the-shelf systems out there. But we wanted to provide our agents with truly innovative technology that has the power to enhanced efficiency and quality of life. Wasted time and unnecessary headaches? Not here. Our homegrown CRM is a game-changer, designed by a team of freight experts to help our agents make more money and better serve their customers. We wanted the best, so we made the best.
The Introduction of our What If? Program
At Tallgrass, we continuously strive to drive forward progression and empower our agents. We married those values to create our What If? Program, which encourages (and incentivizes) agents to share their ideas and never stop asking one pivotal question: What if? We’re incredibly grateful to have a team flush with diverse voices and perspectives – and this program gives our agents the opportunity to help us build a better tomorrow. From new reporting capabilities to a button that’ll help improve workflow in our CRM, we pay agents $100 for every great idea that comes to life. Since the program’s launch, it’s been a big hit, and our CRM system just keeps getting better and better. No caps, no limits, just infinite possibilities.
Launching our Steering Committee
Continuing our mission to empower our agents, we launched our Steering Committee with the goal of building a better TGF. The committee meets quarterly – without leadership, so they can speak their minds – to discuss everything from ideas for improvements to complaints about processes. Nothing is off the table! The good, the bad, even the ugly…it’s all fair game. Why? Because we understand just how impactful our agents can be when given a platform where their voices are heard. And being the best means constantly evolving, listening to feedback and making improvements to our freight agent program. This is one way we show our independent freight agents how valuable they are.
We welcomed our first Elite Circle members
Our freight brokers work hard to build their businesses, and we always seize opportunities to celebrate their accomplishments. Not only did we welcome a record number of agents into our sales rewards programs in 2021, but for the first time, we inducted agents into our Elite Circle. It was nearly impossible to contain our excitement! Elite Circle members include freight agents that reach $1 million in margin in a year.
The reward? A once-in-a-lifetime trip for two to any event, anywhere in the world. We’re talking an African safari, The Master’s, the Northern Lights – if it’s on your bucket list, Tallgrass is going to help you cross it off! The best agents deserve nothing short of the best.
Being the BEST freight brokerage in the industry
From state-of-the-art technology and unparalleled back-office support to unlimited earning potential and a thriving culture, we’ve worked hard to build our empire. We are surrounded by a dedicated team of agents who embody our values and help us carry out our vision day after day. Our people are the driving force behind our success and we are so proud of our Tallgrass family.
“I never want to lose sight of this company being a community,” says Damon Anderson, our co-owner and CEO. “I want Tallgrass to always be the place where people wish they could work. We will continue to treat people the right way — and we’re just getting started.” For 10 years, our aim was to become the BEST freight brokerage in the country, and we are cheesin’ hard knowing we’ve hit such a monumental accomplishment.
There are so many reasons to celebrate this year! Now, as we look ahead to 2022, we’re focused on making it our best year yet (yeah, we never settle. Onward and upward). Ready to be part of our network of award-winning independent freight agents? Learn more about joining our freight agent program today.