At MV Transportation, we believe great leaders can grow from anywhere in the organization. Sharon Smarnvejjakit, General Manager of Divisions 158 and 257 in the Chicago, began her career at MV as a driver. Through hands-on experience, mentorship, leadership development programs and a willingness to keep learning, she continued taking on new opportunities that ultimately led her into a General Manager role.
Her journey is a strong example of how MV invests in its people and creates pathways for employees who want to grow their careers. From behind-the-wheel training to programs like GM Essentials and GM Development Academy, Sharon has taken advantage of opportunities to build new skills, expand her knowledge and grow as a leader.
What has your career journey at MV looked like?
I started at MV as a driver for the Abbott Labs shuttle services. With my previous experience, the General Manager at the time asked me to become a behind-the-wheel trainer.
That opportunity eventually led to traveling to other divisions to help with startups. During one of those startups, I met Sarah Walter, who later asked me to travel to California to help with a major California Highway Patrol audit. I spent six weeks there helping with that project.
When I returned, my General Manager began asking me to help with different responsibilities in the office. That gave me the opportunity to learn more about what happens behind the scenes and understand the operational side of the business.
I kept asking questions, learning and taking on new responsibilities, and over time, those opportunities helped me work my way into a General Manager role.
What training or development opportunities at MV have been most valuable to your growth?
Shortly after becoming a General Manager, I attended GM Essentials in 2019. Later, I was invited to participate in GM Academy in 2024.
Both programs helped me better understand different areas of the company, work through real-world scenarios and learn from leaders across MV. GM Academy went into even greater detail and gave us the opportunity to strengthen our leadership and operational knowledge.
I’ve also learned a lot through the ongoing trainings MV offers and by reaching out to other people across the company when I have questions. There is a lot of knowledge within MV, and people are willing to share it.
What is one lesson that has been especially important to your success?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to ask for help when you need it. You have to raise your hand. If you don’t tell anyone that you’re struggling or that you need support, people may not know. I’ve learned to ask questions and reach out when I need help, and I still do that today.
In the Chicago area, we have a very tight-knit group. We know we can reach out to one another when something comes up. I’ve called other leaders for advice, and they’ve reached out to me as well. We’re here to support each other.
Who has supported or inspired you throughout your career at MV?
There have been several people who have supported me throughout my career. Sarah Walter was one of the first people who gave me an opportunity outside of my regular role when she invited me to California to help with the audit.
Laura Bailey has also been a tremendous supporter. When I first became a General Manager, she came out to meet my client, and we connected right away. We’ve stayed in touch through the many changes that have happened with the AbbVie operation over the years.
And, of course, my family has always been a huge source of support for me.
How do you support employees who are interested in growing their careers at MV?
One of the biggest things I do is share my own story. When I interview new drivers, I tell them that I started as a driver too. I want them to know there are opportunities here if they want to pursue them.
I encourage people to look at open positions, ask questions and go after opportunities that interest them. I never want someone to feel like I’m going to hold them back because they want to advance. If someone wants to grow their career, I want to support them.
What advice would you give someone who is just starting their career at MV?
Make it known that you want to grow. If you’re interested in advancing, tell people. Ask questions. Ask how different parts of the business work. Ask what you would need to do to move into another role.
If you don’t tell anyone what you’re interested in, they may never know. You have to speak up and make your goals known so people can help guide you and point you toward opportunities.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Family is the most important thing to me. Most of what I do outside of work is family-oriented, whether that’s spending time together locally, traveling or visiting family for holidays. I enjoy being with them whenever I can.
Is there anything else you’d like people to know about your experience at MV?
I love being here, and I love the people I work with. I have a small team of drivers, and we’re like a family. We look out for each other and support one another both at work and outside of work. That sense of connection and support is a big part of what has made my experience at MV so meaningful.