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Don grew up in a generational Trucking family. He started his career, at an early age in Tulsa OK, working at Tom Inman Trucking. With his eagerness to learn and dedicated work ethic, Don started out in the shop, working his way up to the wash bay, then the parts room, and eventually becoming a night shift dispatch, all before graduating high school. Soon after graduating, Don became part of a driving team running from the West Coast to the Midwest, all while attending Oklahoma State University. After college, he drove for Monkem out of Joplin MO, Tyson Foods (when they had only had 20 trucks), and Jerry Inman out of Mounds, OK. Don knew he was going to become a trucker just like his dad. In 1980, Don became a newlywed and with his new bride, and he purchased his first truck becoming an owner-operator. In 1985 after the birth of his daughter Don came off the road to manage KAJ Trucking (a 20 truck refrigerated fleet and Animal Food Service a pet food manufacturer) in Irving, TX. Working those five years under Joe Faust owner of KAJ Trucking and Animal Food Services is where Don gained the experience to run a successful business. Don credits Joe with giving him the equivalent to an MBA.
Thanks to the knowledge and experience he gained working in the trucking and manufacturing business; Don had acquired the first-hand knowledge of running a successful business. Then in October 1990, Don took over his father’s brokerage business, CS Carrier Services, and by October 1991 had become President of the company. In 1994 Don founded the trucking company Christenson Transportation, Inc.
Starting with just a meager hand full of owner-operators; Christenson Transportation quickly grew into a 165 truck fleet. In 2001, like many other companies at the time, downsizing became a reality. The Company had to sensibly downsize to 110 trucks. With careful strategic planning, putting the right people together, and an appetite for growth, Don pioneered Christenson Transportation into a couple of corporate acquisitions yielding an additional 225 company operators and trucks. With terminals in Strafford, MO, Lebanon, TN, and offices in Chesterfield, MO, and Nashville, TN, where he currently resides and works most of the time, Don continues to be very active in the daily business, working with operations, and sales. Don’s leadership and focus are ensuring continuous growth for Christenson Transportation.
When not at work, Don is with his wife, Cheryl. They’ve been married for over forty years, and Cheryl is also a member of the family business, active in business relations and the recruiting department. Don enjoys golfing with his son RayVaun, Vice President, and traveling with his Daughter Randi. Don is also an avid motorcycle rider who loves to ride his Harley Davidson Motorcycles for weekly trips. Don actively participates in annual charities like; Kyle Petty Charity Ride, Victory Junction Youth Camps for Children with Disabilities of Kansas and North Carolina, and Price Cutter Charity Championship of Springfield.