Meet the Team
David Barnes
David Barnes
COO & Co-Owner
Walk-up song:
Protect Ya Neck – Wu-Tang Clan
Favorite band:
Tool
Best concert ever:
Rage Against the Machine – Rock the Bells Tour NYC
David Barnes is Tallgrass Freight’s Chief Operating Officer and Co-owner. Behind the scenes, Dave lays the groundwork for success with process procedures, operations, technology and finance. Over the course of David’s career, he’s done everything from project management, IT product development and product management to marketing, sales service and training.
With the support of his mentors, David took this know-how and started his first business, Sweet Spot Marketing, in 2007. After a successful exit, David launched a business consulting company and soon took on Tallgrass Freight as a client. As David got to know Damon, he realized all they had in common and eventually bought a piece of Tallgrass Freight, coming aboard full-time in January 2016.
“You’ve got to keep your head on a swivel and continue to move forward. Always, always, always continue to move forward.”
“If I did have to get a job, this is exactly the kind of place I would want to work,” David says of the company’s vibrant culture. “That’s incredibly important to both Damon and me as we continue to grow this organization.”
David takes a proactive approach to company growth, with a laser-focused drive to propel Tallgrass forward. He credits the dedication of his team, which allows him to plan for tomorrow and think creatively about what’s on the horizon. He’s excited to advance the technology side of Tallgrass Freight and advance to the next level of success.
“You’ve got to keep your head on a swivel and continue to move forward,” he says. “Always, always, always continue to move forward.”
At home, David enjoys his time with two active kids who keep him busy with baseball, volleyball and band. On the weekends, he spends time in his garden, vying for Yard of the Month.