Here at My Annapolis Office, we pride ourselves on the relationships we build with our members. Each month, we highlight one of our many cherished members to learn a little bit more about them as well as their company. This month, we had the honor of speaking with CEO LaGena Creek and her Director of Operations, Antonio Sheppard. Continue reading to discover more about the path that got them where they are today:
Tell us about your company and what you do?
La-Rae Transportation Incorporated is a woman-owned minority-operated company. Our goal is to see the value in every employee with our family-oriented approach. We cater to the needs of shippers while making the logistics of transporting freight simpler and most importantly, beneficial to both parties.
How did you get started in your industry?
In 2018, I founded La-Rae Transportation Inc. with my company partner and Director of Operations Manager, Antonio Sheppard. We noticed a lack of companies willing to give a chance to entry-level drivers, so we gave them that opportunity.
What is something about your business that most people do not know?
Most people don’t know that La-Rae Transportation Inc. was a vision turned into reality under a woman’s guidance in a male-leading industry. Although I am not a CDL holder myself, I have studied the industry and educated myself on the logistics, laws, codes, and regulations of the trucking industry. While Antonio, is a 14-year veteran CDL holder, with experience on both sides, being a company driver and an owner-operator running truckloads locally, regionally, and OTR. Antonio’s knowledge and experience help the company understand what their drivers face mentally and physically, creating an environment of success and growth within the company. With our combined knowledge of the industry, we are able to focus on development into becoming a major freight transportation company like C.R England, J.B Hunt, and many others that have excelled under similar leadership.
Where do you see your business in 5 years?
Our 5-year goal is to be a shipper’s sure shot, a company everyone knows they can call upon to get their freight where it needs to be safely and in a timely manner.
Tell me about yourself?
Antonio and I are both Maryland natives, growing up right here in Annapolis. We are Annapolis High School graduates with a deep love and respect for our Annapolitan roots.
Other than work, what are you passionate about?
Family always comes first and is the motivation behind what we do to ensure the legacy stands on a solid foundation, as well as creates strong lasting bonds with friends and members of the Annapolis community. Growing up in Annapolis, Antonio and I have both experienced the hardships that many other families have encountered. Since the start of La-Rae Transportation Inc., we have aimed to become a staple in our Annapolis community.
As community members, we sponsor families that are less fortunate with food baskets and toys around the holiday season. La-Rae Transportation isn’t just another company in Annapolis, it is a crane holding broken pieces of a city from caving. We uplift those that reside in and around Annapolis through job opportunities, affirmations of positivity, reassurance, self-empowerment, and community values.
What types of activities or hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?
I am a very outgoing individual and love to help out in the community in any way I can, through volunteering and assisting in community activities such as youth football games. I am an advocate for women empowering women, educating young women on the importance of furthering their education, and creating sustainability while traveling their own path to success.
Antonio is an avid outdoorsman and self-proclaimed jack of all trades. As the son of a craftsman, he was able to acquire skills and techniques others gained from experience and time, “I can’t draw but I cut hair very well so a person’s head/hair becomes my canvas ending in a unique piece of artwork”. Both Antonio and LaGena enjoy sitting by the water to brainstorm or just release tension from daily life.
What is your favorite place to eat in Annapolis? Favorite dish there?
My favorite meal is the crab cake sandwich with green tomatoes from Severn Inn. Antonio claims you can’t go wrong dining or taking out Chris’s Charcoal Pit’s lamb gyro and greek salad.
Why did you choose My Annapolis Office and how has working here helped your business?
We looked at several office spaces before deciding. My Annapolis Office just had the best atmosphere out of everywhere else we showed interest in renting. One of the things that stood out the most was that they did not try to sell us office space, but rather were patient and allowed us to envision ourselves being there. Our goal is to continue growing our business with the ability to transition into a bigger office space as our company flourishes.
The front desk staff members are so polite, informative, and accommodating. Along with the first-class amenities; this location is perfect for getting around Annapolis and back to the office quickly. With everything that My Annapolis Office offers we just couldn’t pass them up. Getting this space has helped us to become more organized and detailed in how we operate as a company. Thank you, My Annapolis Office, you guys are the best and we enjoy being a part of the many companies here, large and small, and we look forward to growing with you.
