Grant Whyte
Key account manager | OTR International Inc. | Fort Worth, Texas | Age: 28
What was your first job in the industry?
Warehousing.
What attracted you to the industry?
Following in the footsteps of my father.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?
Moving to Texas and building a strong team dynamic with my new coworkers. Sometimes it can be hard moving into a new role and leaving behind a familiar environment, but the key is to be emotionally and cognitively adaptable.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
My father, Tom Whyte. Growing up watching him build his business from the ground up and I strive to be successful like him.
What is your biggest accomplishment in the industry?
Being one of the top salesmen in the company, making my supervisors proud, and carrying on my family's last name in the tire business.
Tell us about your current job and responsibilities. How do you spend your workday?
As a key account manager, my main goal is searching for new business. I spend my days visiting customers, selling products and ensuring logistics stay on track.
What's been the biggest surprise of your current job?
Surpassing a million in sales in one month at such a young age.
Tell us about your family.
I was born in Omaha, Nebraska. My father was a tire salesmen and business owner and my mother was a NICU nurse. I am the baby of the family and have three beautiful older sisters.
If you could wake up tomorrow with one new skill, what would you choose?
Having the ability to be bilingual. I would love to speak another language.
In a single word, how would your friends describe you?
Passionate.
If you could switch careers tomorrow, what would you want to do, and why?
Pro baseball scout. I played college baseball and have always had a huge passion for the sport.
What’s the biggest issue facing the tire industry?
Inventory issues and manufacturing hiccups.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Comedian. I love interacting with people and putting a smile on the faces of everyone I meet.
How do you unwind after a stressful day?
By exercising and surrounding myself with good friends and good BBQ.
What goal did you set for yourself this year? Are you on track to reach it?
Continue to grow professionally and personally to become the best person I can be. Yes, I continue to work on myself every day.
What do you expect to be doing 20 years from now?
Hopefully own or become a top executive at a company.
