We are excited to feature our newest Vice President of Operations, Kory Shinlever, who now leads our valued partnerships within the automotive industry. At Ruan, and across the transportation and logistics industry, building strong, lasting relationships is essential. Logistics solutions providers and their partners must work closely to move goods efficiently and effectively throughout the supply chain. This type of partnership can lead to unique opportunities, such as welcoming a trusted collaborator and industry expert to our team at the right time. Kory’s extensive experience in retail logistics operations makes him a valuable asset to our organization.
Learn more about Kory and his long-standing involvement in both the retail and transportation and logistics industries.
Q: Tell us a little about your career path and background.
I have over 20 years of experience in supply chain. Working at my family’s retail business growing up and graduating from the University of Tennessee with a degree in transportation and logistics, it was only natural to combine both of those experiences. Since then, I’ve supported and led both private fleets and global end-to-end transportation operations at two Fortune 500 retailers in my career. I first came to Ruan as a customer—Ruan was one of my best and most trusted partners—so when the opportunity arose earlier this year, joining the team felt like the right next step. I’ve been part of the team since April 2025.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy spending quality time with my family the most. One of my favorite ways to do so is by cheering on my kids as they compete in sports. We’re also big fans of the Tennessee Volunteers, and I’m a season ticket holder for the Columbus Crew, which gives us great opportunities to enjoy the game-day atmosphere together. I’m an avid runner and love competing in half marathons, which helps me stay disciplined, focused, and fit. As a Walt Disney World annual passholder, I value the opportunity to unwind and create lasting memories with my family.
Q: Tell us about your role at Ruan and how you support our customers.
I’m a Vice President of Operations at Ruan, currently supporting over 350 dedicated drivers and team members who serve our customers in the automotive parts sector. Due to the sensitive and specialized nature of this business, we’ve built a unique network tailored to our customer’s specific needs. Our reliable drivers deliver to warehouses, fulfillment centers, and retail locations nationwide, utilizing a wide range of equipment—including standard 53’ dry van trailers, 48’ dry vans with liftgates, and 26’ straight trucks. We are currently hiring in several key markets, including Columbus, OH; Saint Louis, MO; the Dallas-Forth Worth Metroplex in Texas; and the Atlanta, GA area.
Q: What do you enjoy most about the transportation and logistics industry?
I enjoy the dynamic nature of the work and the critical role it plays in keeping supply chains moving. Every day presents new challenges and opportunities to solve problems, improve efficiency, and collaborate across teams. The fast-paced nature of this industry keeps me highly engaged, and the chance to mentor teams and build resilient, future-ready supply chains is what drives my passion for this work.
Q: With your extensive experience in the retail industry, what excites you most about serving Ruan's retail customers as a third-party logistics provider?
Retailers need true partners with deep expertise to help drive their success. Ruan is that trusted business partner. Our guiding principles, fostering Enduring Partnerships and serving as a reliable extension of our business partners’ supply chain, are exactly what retailers need. I’m excited to contribute to our continued success.
Q: What about Ruan gives retail customers a competitive advantage?
Ruan has industry experts on staff who understand what our retail partners are going through based on their experiences—we run things exceptionally, take care of our customers, and work strategically to meet their business needs. With over 4,000 drivers and assets, Ruan has the density to properly serve retailers of all sizes.
Q: What advice would you offer to those considering a career in the transportation and logistics industry?
Embrace complexity and be ready to continuously learn. This industry never stands still—change is inevitable, comes quickly, and often without warning. Success comes from being adaptable, solution-oriented, and a team player. Relationships matter in the supply chain, so prioritize communication and collaboration. If you're driven by problem-solving and enjoy seeing the direct impact of your work, this industry is incredibly rewarding.