ERIC KOLKMEYER – PRESIDENT AND CEO

Eric Kolkmeyer’s journey with Robertson Williams Transport and its sister company, ETS, began at a young age. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the transportation industry, Eric started working during the summers when he was just 13 years old. His early responsibilities included cleaning trucks and trailers, painting tanks, and mowing grass—a true immersion into the business his family operated.

By January 2006, during his senior year in college, Eric joined the company full-time, marking the beginning of his official career in transportation. At that time, the company was known as Wellington Oil and Gas. Following the sale of its retail business to AmeriGas, the transportation division was renamed ETS, continuing a legacy that dates back to 1955.

Before fully dedicating himself to the family business, Eric served in the Army National Guard. In 2003, during the early stages of Operation Armored Falcon in the Middle East, he was part of a security team responsible for safeguarding B2 bombers and providing security at Army and Air Force bases abroad. This experience not only honed Eric’s leadership skills but also instilled in him a strong sense of duty and discipline, qualities that he has carried into his role at RWT.

For Eric, the heart of RWT’s success lies in its relationships. He believes in the power of generational connections, as the company continues to serve many customers that his parents and grandparents once worked with. Eric is proud of the company’s high retention rate and low turnover, which have been crucial in navigating the challenges of an increasingly difficult industry, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. He values the longstanding relationships RWT has built, viewing them as the cornerstone of the company’s growth and stability.

Outside of his professional life, Eric is actively involved in several industry associations, including the Missouri Propane Education Research Council (MOPERC), the Missouri Trucking Association, and the Missouri Petroleum Association. He also serves on the Wellington Fire District Board, reflecting his commitment to both the industry and his community. When he’s not working, Eric enjoys playing drums in a band, attending Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs games, and spending time with his family at their lake house on Lake of the Ozarks. Married to his high school sweetheart Mandy, Eric cherishes the time they spend together with their five children.

CHRIS VAN MEERHAEGHE – VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATION OFFICER

Chris Van Meerhaeghe serves as the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Robertson Williams Transport, where she has been a vital part of the team since August 1, 2011. Starting her career at RWT as a dispatcher, Chris quickly demonstrated her expertise and dedication, earning promotions to operations manager in 2013 and Director of Operations in 2015. Her leadership and industry knowledge culminated in 2021 when she, along with Glen and Eric, formed a partnership to acquire RWT, guiding the company into a new chapter of growth and success. Chris’s journey in the trucking industry dates all the way back to 1998 where she was an OTR driver hauling refrigerated products.

One of the aspects Chris cherishes most about her role at RWT is the opportunity to build and maintain strong relationships with both employees and customers. She believes that the uniqueness of each individual is the most important aspect of the business, as these relationships are key to RWT’s success. Chris takes pride in fostering generational connections with customers, ensuring that the trust and partnerships established today will continue into the next generation. Her commitment to these relationships reflects her broader vision for RWT, where personalized service and long-term customer loyalty are at the forefront.

Outside of her professional life, Chris enjoys a rich personal life with her husband of 23 years. Together, they love camping, riding their Harley Davidson motorcycles across the country, and are deeply involved in their church community, where they have served as marriage counselors for the past eight years. Chris values the time she spends with her immediate family, especially her three-year-old grandson, and finds joy in being at home whenever possible.

GLEN KOLKMEYER – CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

Glen Kolkmeyer is the Chairman of the Board for Robertson Williams Transport, a company he, his immediate family, and co-owner Christina Van Meerhaeghe, acquired on April 1st, 2021. The Kolkmeyer’s are a family-run organization with three generations actively involved in the business. Glen is part of the second generation, while his son, Eric Kolkmeyer, RWT’s President and CEO, represents the third.

In addition to RWT, the family also runs ETS, a sister company with a storied 69-year history. An interesting fact that Glen shares is that ETS has had only two bookkeepers throughout its existence—Glen’s mother and Glen’s wife who recently retired in 2023. Today, the bookkeeping responsibilities have shifted to his niece Kati, a certified CPA.

Before taking on his current role at RWT, Glen served as a member of the Missouri House of Representatives and remains deeply engaged in transportation industry associations such as the Missouri Propane Gas Association and the Missouri Truckers Association, of which he is the acting 2025 Chairmen. Today, Glen still plays a pivotal role in the company, guiding both RWT and ETS as Chairman of the Board.

Glen takes great pride in the company’s involvement with various non-profit organizations, mission trips, and the growth they’ve seen over decades in business. He believes it’s the family of employees at RWT that truly sets their industry apart, crediting the talented and dedicated team for upholding their mission to provide exceptional and safe trucking transportation services throughout the Midwest.

Outside of work, Glen enjoys spending time with his wife at their Lake of the Ozarks property, where they enjoy fixing it up and feeding the wild animals that graze the land, including deer, geese, ducks, and a local fox. Glen is also a proud father of two children—his son Eric and his daughter—who together have blessed him and his wife with nine wonderful grandchildren.

JOE THORNBURG – FLEET MAINTENANCE MANAGER

Joe Thornburg is the Fleet Maintenance Manager for Robertson Williams Transport. He rejoined the company in November of 2008 after having worked for ETS, a sister company to RWT, for a couple of years prior to 2008. Joe’s journey into the industry is unique, having owned a floral shop and a mobile wash business for tractor trailers before transitioning into transportation. His career path reflects his adaptability and willingness to embrace where life has taken him.

What Joe loves most about working at RWT and ETS is the autonomy he is given in his role. He enjoys the trust placed in him to manage the fleet without constant oversight, allowing him to focus on maintaining the RWT trucks, tracking vehicle testing, and handling certifications for all the tankers and DOT inspections for over 250 company vehicles. The growth of the company since he first started has made his work dynamic and fulfilling. Outside of work, Joe has a passion for fireworks, holding a state license to shoot fireworks in the Kansas City area where he performs roughly five or six shows a year. He also enjoys gardening on his farm, spending time with his family, and celebrating the arrival of his second grandson this year. Joe is happily married with three daughters and two wonderful grandchildren.

MICHAEL LOWE – SAFETY DIRECTOR

Michael Lowe is the Safety Director for Robertson Williams Transport and ETS. He started with RWT on August 20th, 2014, and in May of 2024, he expanded his role to become the Safety Director for both RWT and ETS. Michael came from a diverse professional background, having spent three years with United Petroleum before joining RWT. Prior to that, he was in the dry van hauling industry, transporting a variety of goods, including food and paper products. Michael also brings over a decade of experience in remodeling and construction, where he was self-employed and successful.

What Michael loves most about his work at RWT and ETS is the autonomy he is given to accomplish his tasks. He enjoys the freedom to get the job done in his own way, which keeps the work engaging and satisfying. Michael values the trust and respect he receives from the team and appreciates working for a company with such good people. Outside of work, Michael is an avid restorer of classic vehicles, currently working on a 1978 F250 truck. He also enjoys home remodeling projects, maintaining family cars, and traveling to destinations like Belize and the Yucatan Peninsula with his wife. When time permits he also loves shooting pool in his free time.

MELANIE SHERLOCK – SAFETY CLERK/ADMIN

Melanie Sherlock is the Safety Clerk/Admin for Robertson Williams Transport. She began her journey in the industry with Bar-Tran in 2015, a company that was later acquired by ETS, a sister company to RWT. Over the past decade, Melanie has grown alongside the company, witnessing its expansion and evolution. Before stepping into her role at Bar-Tran, Melanie was a stay-at-home mom, raising a 6 and 3-year-old at the time, when she was recruited by the owner to join the team.

Melanie cherishes the family-friendly atmosphere at RWT/ETS, where the sense of being treated like family by Eric and Chris has kept her rooted in the industry. She values the company’s growth and the close-knit environment that has made her tenure so rewarding. Outside of work, Melanie is deeply committed to spending quality time with her children, enjoying every moment while they still want to hang out with her:) She and her husband are also involved in renovating their home, and they share a passion for traveling and playing golf together.

KATIE HAWLEY IOWA/MID-MO DISPATCHER

Katie Hawley joined Robertson Williams Transport on February 8th, 2024, bringing with her experience from her previous roles in transportation. Before joining RWT, Katie spent a year as a fuel hauler before RWT acquired the company she worked for, where she transitioned into a controller position. Her diverse background in trucking, including time as a service representative in banking, provided her with a unique skill set that she now applies in her role as the Iowa/Mid-Mo Dispatcher for RWT. Katie’s passion for dispatching shines through in her work, and she appreciates the opportunity to utilize her full potential in this position.

What Katie loves most about working at RWT/ETS is the supportive and inclusive work environment. She feels fully backed by her work family and values the open communication she enjoys with her colleagues. Katie takes pride in knowing that her role is an integral part of the team’s success, and that everyone works together collectively extremely well. Outside of work, Katie considers herself a newlywed, having been married for four years. She enjoys planning dates with her husband and friends, cooking dinner, reading books, and cherishing time spent with her extended family and friends.

BRYAN EAGLE – TECH MANAGER  

Bryan Eagle has been a valued member of both Robertson Williams Transport and its sister company, ETS, since 2013. Initially hired as a dispatcher, Bryan’s role evolved in late 2021 when he took on the position of Tech Manager. In this capacity, he ensures the seamless operation of the dispatch software, ELB software, onboard tablets, and fleet management systems for both companies. His responsibilities include tech support, troubleshooting, and setting up various systems, from billing software to day-to-day operational tools. Bryan’s expertise in technology and his ability to keep the company’s tech infrastructure running smoothly have made him an indispensable part of the RWT team.

What Bryan loves most about working at RWT/ETS is the trust and autonomy he experiences in his role. He appreciates the collaborative environment where everyone works together effectively, knowing they can rely on one another to get the job done. This sense of trust allows Bryan to tackle projects independently, which he finds both rewarding and motivating. Outside of work, Bryan is recently married and spent a great deal of time immersed in wedding planning! He also enjoys performing improv comedy, a passion that has taken him to festivals from Kansas City to New York, where he showcases his talent for making people laugh.

LISA HARRIS – ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE  

Lisa Harris has been a vital part of Robertson Williams Transport since 2017, serving in Accounts Receivable. With a rich history in the trucking industry that dates back to 1983, Lisa has witnessed and adapted to the significant changes in accounting practices over the years. Starting her career with handwritten ledgers, she has successfully navigated the transition to computerized systems, appreciating the efficiency and cleanliness that digital processes bring—though she still enjoys jotting things down by hand. Her extensive experience and deep understanding of the industry have made her an indispensable member of the RWT team.

What Lisa loves most about working for RWT is the company’s strong foundation of faith and the positive, supportive environment it fosters. She values the fairness and kindness she has experienced since joining the team and appreciates the harmonious atmosphere where everyone gets along without the drama or conflicts she’s seen in other workplaces. Lisa takes pride in the excellent communication and collaboration among her colleagues, which makes her work experience fulfilling and enjoyable. Outside of work, Lisa’s greatest joy comes from spending time with her large family, particularly her four grandchildren, who range in age from 5 months to 9 years. She also loves going to the movies with her family and cherishes the moments spent with her mother, siblings, three children, and grandchildren.

KATI EDMONDS – CONTROLLER  

Kati Edmonds joined Robertson Williams Transport in May 2023 as a Controller and Accountant, where she manages accounts payable for both RWT and its sister company, ETS. Before joining the team, Kati spent 11 years as a controller in the electrical contracting industry, working for a large publicly traded company. Her extensive experience in financial management and her ability to navigate the complexities of a large organization have made her an invaluable asset to RWT. Kati brings a wealth of knowledge and a meticulous approach to her work, ensuring that the RWT operation runs well.

What Kati loves most about working at RWT/ETS is the work/life balance and the relaxed, family-oriented atmosphere. She appreciates the close-knit, collaborative environment, where tasks are accomplished with ease, and everyone supports one another. Outside of work, Kati enjoys spending time outdoors, especially during the summer months at the lake with her family. In the winter, she enjoys hunting with her father and husband, a tradition she grew up with and continues to cherish. Kati is married and has two young children, aged 5 and 7, who keep her and her husband active and always on the go.

J WESLEY – FLEET MAINTENANCE COORDINATOR

J. Wesley has been a key member of the Robertson Williams Transport team since June 2016, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his 16 ½ years of veteran leadership in the Air Force, where he served as a Fuels Technician. His military career placed him all over from Charleston, South Carolina, to North Carolina, and eventually onto Japan, where he spent most of his service years. Upon retiring from the Air Force, he transitioned into the role of Kansas City and Joplin Dispatcher at RWT, where he has excelled for the past nine years. His background in fuel management, logistics, and his military service has made him an invaluable asset to the RWT company.

What J. loves most about working at RWT is the trust and flexibility the company offers. Fuel hauling is a challenging field that requires a deep understanding and strong collaboration among colleagues, clients, and the industry as a whole. He appreciates how the team at RWT plays to each other’s strengths and works together seamlessly, creating a supportive and effective work environment. Outside of work, he is deeply involved in the local music scene in Kansas City, enjoys watching movies with his wife and spending time with his two sons. He is passionate about staying active through regular workouts as well.

STEVI SIMMONS – OPERATIONS MANAGER

Stevi Simmons joined Robertson Williams Transport (RWT) on January 1st, 2025 following a recent merger between her family’s business and RWT. She brings over a decade of experience in transportation management. Before joining RWT, Stevi helped run operations at her family’s business, Transport Delivery Company (TDC), for 12 years. Her multifaceted role there included dispatch, DOT safety, maintenance, insurance, day-to-day operations, and customer relations, giving her a comprehensive understanding of the industry.

What Stevi values most about being part of the RWT family is the ease of communication and collaboration with the entire team. Despite being part of a larger operation now, she appreciates her new company’s laid-back and tight-knit atmosphere, which makes the transition to a larger organization feel seamless and welcoming.

When she’s not working, Stevi loves spending quality time with her two teenage boys and friends. Together, they enjoy attending concerts and traveling to new destinations, creating lasting memories along the way.

GARY ADRIAN – OPERATIONS MANAGER/DISPATCHER IOWA/MID-MO

Gary Adrian has been a dedicated member of Robertson Williams Transport since 2014, bringing with him a wealth of experience from a similar business in the industry that RWT acquired in 2019. Initially starting as a driver, Gary’s hard work and dedication led to his transition into a dispatcher role 2 ½ years ago. His commitment and leadership did not go unnoticed, and in July 2024, Gary was promoted to Operations Manager while continuing his responsibilities as a dispatcher for the Iowa, St. Louis, and Mid-Missouri regions. His dual role showcases his ability to effectively manage operations while maintaining the smooth flow of dispatching, making him an integral part of the RWT team.

What Gary loves most about working at RWT is the blend of being a fairly large company with a close-knit, family-style atmosphere. He values the strong relationships among the team, the care shown by the owners, and the supportive environment that allows employees to balance hard work with life outside of work. Outside of work, Gary’s life revolves around his family. He and his wife enjoy spending time with their three daughters, three sons-in-law, and eight grandchildren together at the Lake of the Ozarks. Living within 30 minutes of one another, Gary and his family cherish the time they spend together, making family gatherings a central part of their lives.

JIM FISH – DISPATCHER – ST. LOUIS and EASTERN IOWA

Jim Fish joined Robertson Williams Transport (RWT) on March 31, 2025, bringing with him over three decades of experience in the transportation industry, including 14 years focused on fuel delivery. Before coming to RWT, Jim served as a Terminal Manager for WOCO Transportation, the delivery arm of Warrenton Oil Company, where he worked for 14 months.

After a recent change in leadership at WOCO, Jim began looking for a company that aligned with his values. What he found at RWT was exactly what he was searching for: strong leadership, clear communication, and a deep respect for the drivers. Since day one, Jim has been impressed with the company’s team dynamic and the way drivers are treated with professionalism, care, and appreciation. As he puts it, “It’s been a blessing working for RWT.”

Jim lives in De Soto, Missouri, with his wife and their dog. Together, they enjoy traveling, especially to favorite destinations like New Orleans and the Smoky Mountains. He’s also a proud grandfather to five grandkids, with number six arriving this June.

ALICE BARNARD – OPERATIONS MANAGER KANSAS CITY / JOPLIN

Alice Barnard is the KC/Joplin Dispatcher for Robertson Williams Transport. She started with the company in July of 2016, bringing with her over two decades of experience in the transportation industry. Since 1995, Alice has dedicated herself to dispatching, a role she has mastered and consistently performed in for the past eight years. Her extensive experience and deep understanding of the industry make her an invaluable member of the RWT team.

What Alice loves most about working at RWT/ETS is the overall environment. She describes it as an amazing small family where everyone works together well. Over the years, she has witnessed significant changes and growth within the company, but the strong sense of teamwork, communication, and support has always remained. Outside of work, Alice is an avid gardener, growing a variety of vegetables that she transforms into homemade delights like salsas and breads. Married for 11 years, she and her husband share seven children, who are adults now.  Alice and her husband are passionate about racing, from NASCAR to local dirt tracks and NHRA events.

Dana Blowers  – KC/Joplin Dispatcher

Dana Blowers joined the RWT team as the Kansas City and Joplin Dispatcher in early 2025, bringing with her a strong background in logistics, administration, and team coordination. Although she originally dreamed of becoming a high school art teacher, Dana’s path led her into motherhood and a 14-year career at North Kansas City Hospital, where she served in a variety of roles—most notably as an administrative and executive assistant to the CFO.

In 2017, Dana transitioned into the transportation industry, joining Truck Movers as a primary dispatcher, a role she held until 2021. From there, she expanded her expertise into logistics brokerage, eventually working as a broker assistant at SSI Logistics in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, until early 2025.

Since joining RWT, Dana has been inspired by the company’s team-oriented environment. She values the friendly atmosphere and collaborative spirit that make RWT a seamless fit. Dana is especially excited to deepen her knowledge of fuel transportation and is eager to participate in ride-alongs with drivers to learn everything she can firsthand.

Outside of work, Dana stays busy with her three adult children and three dogs. She’s a big fan of live music and traveling to see her favorite bands whenever possible.  She enjoys hunting for treasures at flea markets, estate sales, and thrift shops in her spare time.

RON DEHM – SHOP FOREMAN

Ron Dehm serves as the Shop Foreman for Robertson Williams Transport (RWT) at the Milan, Illinois location. His journey with RWT began on October 1, 2024, when the company acquired Truck Medic, a business Ron owned and operated for 10 years. Prior to the merger, Ron had previously worked closely with RWT on truck and trailer maintenance over the last few years, making his transition to full-time Shop Foreman a seamless fit.

Ron is passionate about the leadership and operations at RWT, appreciating the company’s friendly and professional culture. He admires how efficiently the team works to resolve issues and meet needs, all while maintaining a tight-knit, family-oriented atmosphere.

When he’s not ensuring the smooth operation of the RWT’s truck service shop, Ron enjoys spending time with his wife and five children. A creative and hands-on hobbyist, he also loves building and piloting remote control airplanes, drones, and helicopters when time permits.

CONNER TADLOCK – DRIVER ADMINISTRATOR – RWT

Conner Tadlock joined Robertson Williams Transport in June 2025 as a Driver Administrator. Before coming to RWT, he spent four years as a transportation coordinator at Chewy. Since joining the team, Conner has found the environment at RWT to be incredibly welcoming and supportive. “Everyone has been so helpful, and I’ve already had more meaningful conversations with my new team than I did at my previous job. It’s made me feel up to speed and comfortable right away,” he shared.

Outside of work, Conner enjoys hands-on hobbies like building and racing RC cars, spending time at the lake, and playing video games. He’s also passionate about his Mustang, often taking it to the track for high-speed fun and performance tuning.