Our key personnel help to guide the company as we grow and expand across the United States and beyond. Learn more about the leaders who make up Prime’s lead operations.
Robert E. Low founded Prime, Inc. in 1970 in Urbana, Missouri, as a 19 year-old engineering student at the University of Missouri. The company’s headquarters remained in Urbana until 1980 when they were moved to their current site in Springfield, Missouri. With nearly thirty years of experience, Robert’s keen instincts and intuitive managerial style have propelled Prime to the forefront of the transportation industry by providing safe, on-time delivery of goods throughout North America. As the company grew from a one-truck operation to its current fleet size in excess of 7700 trucks and over 13800 trailers, Robert performed numerous tasks. Under Low’s leadership, Prime’s annual revenues have increased each year since 1986. Today, Prime Inc. is recognized as an international leader in transportation of refrigerated and flatbed operations. Robert Low’s achievements and contributions to trucking are a tribute to his overwhelming personal and professional commitment to the transportation industry.
Steve Wutke, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, is responsible for all Sales, Marketing, and Customer Service efforts for Prime – North America’s largest Refrigerated, Flatbed & Tanker trucking company. He started with Prime in 1984 as Director of Operations for the company’s Refrigerated Division. As Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Steve also manages all In-House Sales Associates and Outside Sales Representatives. Steve has a Master’s Degree in Administration from Pittsburg State University. His interests include family, golf, and basketball.
As President of Prime Inc., Darrel Hopkins oversees the administration of Prime Inc. and some of the company’s ancillary businesses.
 Darrel Hopkins joined Prime in December of 1994. His primary function at Prime was the management and expansion of Success Leasing, Inc. In so doing, Darrel oversaw the delivery of trucks to Success Leasing and the leasing of each truck to operators. Darrel was also the company’s Controller where he managed financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls. Darrel received his MBA from the University of Kansas and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Jim joined Prime full time in April, 1999 after working nights periodically while attending school. Jim has experience as a Fleet Manager, Sales and Planning Manager, Director of Recruiting, and is now responsible for all Operations in the Refrigerated Division including all asset and logistics divisions. Jim and his team focus on day to day dispatch operations including driver development, driver production and profitability, sales and planning operations, network optimization, as well as brokerage and carrier development. In addition the hiring, development, and training of the best associates in the industry is a primary focus for Jim and the management team. Jim earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree majoring in Finance and Economics from Rockhurst University and his MBA from Missouri State University.Â
Steve Crawford manages all legal affairs for the company. He has been with Prime since June, 1994. Steve earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Southwest Missouri State University and, in 1992, graduated from Whittier School of Law in Los Angeles, California. Steve is a member of the Missouri and California bars and is a Litigation Advisor for the American Trucking Association.
Olivia Guthrie originally joined Prime in May of 2000 as a Staff Accountant before moving into the Human Resources department and later accepting the role of Executive Assistant to the CEO. She graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and also holds a SHRM – Senior Certified Professional (SCP) Certificate. Olivia was the Director of Human Resources until 2016, when she accepted the role as Executive Assistant to Robert Low. Olivia’s current responsibilities include correspondence and scheduling for the President & CEO, facilitating and coordinating strategic planning, and overseeing the Tru Salon & Spa inside Prime’s facilities.
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Nicky is responsible for financial reporting, internal
controls, and budgeting. She also handles dedicated customer contracts,
acquisition proposals, and financial analyses for Prime’s operations and
affiliate entities. She manages Prime’s Consulting Solutions/Accounting teams
and the corporate retail stores at each of the main terminals. Nicky joined
Prime in June 2002. She has her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting
from Missouri State University and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Aaron joined Prime in May of 1998 as an intern on the fuel desk. As the Director of Human Resources, he is responsible for the recruiting and hiring of non-driving associates, Prime’s employee benefits package, and compliance with federal and state employment law. Prior to becoming HR Director in September of 2016, Aaron was a fleet manager in the refrigerated division. In his spare time he enjoys playing golf and watching his kids play sports.
Dennis is a career Prime associate and brings 21 years of trucking experience to his role as Director of Safety. Since his start in 2002, he has worked in various capacities at Prime including Intern, Customer Service, Night Fleet Manager, Night Operations Supervisor, Fleet Manager, and Safety Supervisor. As Director of Safety, he and his team are responsible for the on the road safety and compliance of the fleet.  These departments include Safety, Citations, Log, Driver Personnel. Â
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Outside of Prime, Dennis is civically engaged citizen in the Springfield community. He is on the board of Good Dads, a local a 501©3 nonprofit that aims to encourage fathers by providing inspiration, resources and events to help dads be the best they can be. He is also on the board of the Alpha Education and Leadership Collaborative, which is the 501©(3) philanthropic arm of the Sigma Nu Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.  Dennis is also a Signature Class 44 participant of Leadership Springfield that challenges local business and community leaders to take a deep dive into what makes Springfield tick by exploring blue ribbons and red flags and encouraging the participants to find solutions through community resources.Â
Travis has been in the trucking industry for over 9 years and joined Prime Inc. in June of 2010. Currently, he is responsible for the recruitment of professional truck drivers for Prime. Prior to taking on his current position, he was a Driver Recruiter. Travis graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science (B.S), Business Management. In his free time, he spends time with his fiance, Arlyn, and 2 daughters, and goes to as many Kansas City Chiefs games as possible.
Dean Hoedl oversees financial and treasury functions including all financial statements, forecasts, cash management, debt placement, internal audits, purchasing, credit, and claims for Prime. He is also responsible for various associate benefits and amenities. Dean is a Certified Public Accountant and started at Prime in September 1991. He is originally from Farmington Hills, Michigan, and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Michigan.
Brett Vonwiller oversees Tanker Sales and Operations to assure outstanding service for its customers and driving associates. Brett joined Prime in 1996 as a Fleet Manager in the Flatbed Division. In 2004, Brett was a Regional Sales Coordinator in the Flatbed Division. Brett earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from Missouri State University in 1993.
David Pfitzner is responsible for the contracts and tariffs of National Accounts as well as the Rating of new business opportunities. In addition, he maintains existing customer’s tariffs and contracts and works with the regional sales coordinators evaluating the most profitable use for equipment in their respective areas. He joined Prime in October 1990 as a Financial Analyst. He graduated from Southwest Missouri State University with Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Computer Information Systems minor.
Sheryl Rock manages Prime’s Refrigerated Sales Operations Group. Sheryl started at Prime in March of 1996 as an appointment scheduler and has worked her way up the ranks to a major leadership role. Originally from Topeka, Kansas, Sheryl graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS.Â
I work with the fleet manager group and our drivers in a coaching/mentoring role. I work with Matt Rachel and Stan Kasterke who manage our orientation and driver training associates. Lowering driver turnover and increasing fleet manager confidence and satisfaction in their role are my primary goals. Our group of drivers and fleet managers are what fuel prime’s success.
Keith McCoy is responsible for all account representatives, public relations, special events, new business development and special projects. He joined Prime in November 1990. Keith attended Oklahoma Baptist University, Missouri Southern State College, and the College of Advanced Traffic.
Rodney Rader manages/oversees all technology systems and MIS (Management Information Systems) associates. Rodney was Prime’s MIS Project Manager for several years before becoming Director. Rodney has been with Prime for over 32 years. He worked in Technology Project Management with a retail gas company prior to Prime. Rodney has a Bachelor of Science from Missouri State University — double Major in MIS and General Business.
Shaun Ryker is the director of Prime’s Driver Payroll Department as well as the Imaging Department. He has been with Prime since February, 2006. Shaun earned his Bachelors of Science in Administrative Management from Missouri State University. Shaun worked in the Permits Department overseeing TWIC and Retention & Rewards for several years. He has also worked in Prime’s Safety Department.
Drew joined Prime in September 2007 in the accounting department. Â He is responsible for coordinating and managing the purchases, leasing, and sale of the tractors of Success Leasing. Â Additionally, Drew is responsible for improving and building a lease program that has been one of the most successful in the country. Â He graduated in 2003 from Southwest Missouri State with a degree in Finance.
Zach Whitehead first joined Prime as a Credit Analyst in February 1997. As Manager of Credit he is responsible for credit extension and collection of invoices. Zach is a native of Willard, MO, and graduated from Drury University in 1993 with a degree in Business Administration /Economics. He now resides in Springfield and enjoys playing golf in his spare time.
Ryan has been in the trucking industry for over 20 years and joined Prime Inc. in June of 2010. Currently, he is responsible for the operations, fleet managers and sales for the Prime Inc. Intermodal Division. Ryan graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science (B.S), Marketing/Marketing Management. In his free time, he enjoys a good game of golf and spending time with his wife (Leslie) and two boys (Ryker & Trace).
Mark Piley joined Prime in June of 2014, in the Facility Maintenance Department. As the Director of Facility Maintenance, he coordinates all facility repairs and upgrades at the Springfield facilities. Other responsibilities include providing technical & expenditure over-site, for building maintenance at Prime, Inc. Satellite Facilities. Mark also coordinates Capital Projects involving major site upgrades for Prime, Inc. locations, ensuring all goals and objectives are accomplished within prescribed time frames and budget parameters. Mark has over 30 years of Maintenance and Engineering experience, most recently as Maintenance Manager at a Kansas Cement Manufacturing Plant, and Plant Engineer at a major Building Products Manufacturing Company in Joplin Missouri. Mark is a graduate of Kansas State University with a Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Chris Holtmeyer started at Prime in 2007 as a Trailer Inspector and has filled multiple roles within our Fleet Maintenance Department since then. As the Director of Fleet Maintenance, Chris is responsible for all of Prime’s shops and Fleet Maintenance Associates across the country.
Bill Boehning manages all security operations for Prime Inc. along with ensuring all C-TPAT and PIP certifications are in place. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Administration of Justice from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. After graduation, he started his career in law enforcement. Bill also served on the SWAT team that was assigned to the Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Group and the St. Louis Major Case Squad. He received his Certified Protection Professional status from the American Society of Industrial Security. Bill has been with Prime since 2011 as the Director of Corporate Security.
