A seasoned logistics pro
After more than 30 years in transport and logistics, Vanessa Thomas isn’t new to complexity. But joining Stockwells felt refreshingly different.
“I immediately loved the family atmosphere. You’re not just a number. Some of the big companies, you become just another number. With a family business, you know they’re driven to succeed. When I met Angela and Nicole, I knew they were grounded people.”
Recently appointed as Stockwells’ 2IC Gold Coast Office and Operations, Vanessa brings a sharp operational mind and a calm, strategic presence to the fast-paced world of freight. Her experience is equal parts experience and curiosity. She’s spending her early weeks observing, listening and asking ‘why’ before jumping into change.
No day is the same
Vanessa describes her role as anything but predictable.
“There is no typical day. It depends on what’s happening. Staffing, movements, client needs.”
Vanessa’s main purpose in her new role is to manage the Gold Coast and operational staff, implement operational process improvements, track KPIs, and maintain and foster industry relationships.
We asked Vanessa how she finds the Stockwells office culture. She tells us, “Fantastic. It’s casual but everyone’s working. It’s a calm vibe in here… at the moment,” she laughs.
The change maker
Despite her seniority, Vanessa is quick to highlight the learning curve she’s embracing. She’s spent time getting to know Stockwells’ internal systems, workflows and tools and recently visited the Sydney and Melbourne teams to better understand how operations function across locations.
“It’s important to meet people face-to-face. You don’t build buy-in for change by sending emails,” she says. “I want to meet the whole team to get their perspectives and feedback as well.”
Though she’s early in her Stockwells journey, Vanessa is already identifying opportunities for improvement. Not to disrupt, but to define.
“They’ve been doing things the same way for a long time. So I’m excited about getting fresh ideas on how we can do things differently. I ask people, why are we doing it this way? And they say, well we always have. So I’m encouraged to try something different.”
Girl truckers rule
Vanessa also holds a truck license from a previous business she owned, where she would occasionally jump behind the wheel herself. It tends to surprise people, but to Vanessa, it’s all part of her practical, hands-on approach.
Vanessa’s arrival signals a new chapter of operations at Stockwells. She’s ready to blend deep industry knowledge with a hand-on people-first attitude. Hiring people like Vanessa remind us that Stockwells will always be evolving and growing. And we’ve got the right people to help us.
Vanessa is a seasoned operations leader with a sharp eye for process and a deep respect for people. Her grounded approach and commitment to continuous improvement make her a valuable addition to the Stockwell team. We’re excited to see the impact she’ll make as she helps shape the future of our operations.
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