Premier Transportation Launches General Manager in Training Program
We’re thrilled to launch our new General Manager in Training (GMIT) Program—an exciting initiative designed to identify, mentor, and prepare high-performing team members for future leadership roles.
Our first-ever GMIT participants are Lawana “Lulu” Rhone, Dock Supervisor in Conyers, GA, and Tony Smith Sr., Operations Manager at SESC.
Over the course of the next 6–8 months, Lulu and Tony will:
- Receive direct mentorship from our executive leadership team
- Participate in exclusive leadership and operations training
- Travel across our network to gain cross-site experience
- Tackle high-impact “spotlight projects” critical to our business growth
Meet the Participants:
Meet Lawana "Lulu" Rhone
With over 20 years of experience in management and operations, I have cultivated a successful career in warehousing, third-party logistics (3PL), e-commerce, manufacturing, and production. My expertise spans multiple facets of supply chain management, where I have consistently driven efficiencies and optimized processes to enhance productivity and reduce costs.
Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a proven ability to lead teams, develop operational strategies, and implement best practices. My commitment to excellence and continuous improvement has enabled me to effectively manage complex logistics environments and adapt to the evolving demands of the industry.
Having relocated from California to Georgia last year, I am now proud to be part of Premier Transportation, where I assumed the role of Dock Supervisor in April 2024. In this position, I oversee dock operations, ensuring timely and efficient loading and unloading of goods while maintaining a strong focus on PPH and Safety.
I am a dedicated mother of three children along with a beloved fur baby. I have a passion for reading books focused on personal development, I love spending time at the beach and enjoy experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.
I am excited to leverage my skills and experience in the general manager training program and contribute to the success of Premier Transportation.
Note From Lulu's GM
I met Lulu when I was hired as the General Manager for the Conyers location in January 2025. She was working by herself that week due to the other supervisor being out for the week, I immediately noticed that she had a commanding floor presence as her assigned associates were all staying engaged in processing freight and working at a steady pace. Her operational knowledge was also evident during the many times our conversation was interrupted by questions from the dock workers and clerks. She found the time to explain the operational process to me and take all my questions while handling the entire operation by herself utilizing her two-way radio and her feet (being all over the floor). I learned that Lulu had a thirst for knowledge and yearning for empowerment that for whatever reason was not being fully utilized. She started to join the weekly touch base calls with the customer, get access to associate tracking systems and was being copied on all emails being sent out by the clerical sta plus incoming from carriers, customer etc.
She handled this exposure well and elevated her mindset to that of an Operations Manager looking over the entire operation rather than one section. She has been a valuable resource for me as the General manager in feedback for improvement sessions for the operation plus making critical daily decisions. Lulu has also been instrumental in the onboarding and training for our new supervisor hired a few months ago. We have seen an improvement in our productivity by 12% over the first quarter of 2025 versus the last quarter of 2024 which I attribute to Lulu being unleashed to take on more responsibility. I am excited for her journey towards the General manager position and have the full confidence that she will exceed expectations and provide a valuable return on this investment.
Meet Tony Smith Sr.
Tony Smith, Operations Manager at SESC, I am honored and excited to be selected for the GM in Training Program. With a deep appreciation for the opportunity, I am especially thankful for the chance to work directly with President Cameron Holzer & Director of Operations Peter Sousa and to learn more about the business from a leadership perspective.
I look forward to expanding my knowledge, traveling to different sites, and collaborating with the incredible Premier family across various locations. This opportunity marks an exciting new chapter in my career, and I am ready to embrace every challenge and experience it brings.
Outside of work, My Wife and I share a strong passion for our catering company, T&T Smoking, which we proudly own and operate. When I am not focused on business or cooking up great food, I enjoy cheering on my beloved San Francisco 49ers and spending quality time with my family and friends.
“I’m honored by the support shown to me and am ready to make the most of this next step in my professional growth.”
Note From Tony's GM
Congratulations, Tony Smith!
Please join us in congratulating Tony Smith, Operations Manager at SESC, on being selected for the General Manager in Training Program!
Tony’s selection is a direct reflection of his exceptional work ethic, strong leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence. He consistently goes above and beyond in every aspect of his role — from driving performance to developing his team and hitting critical CPH and KPI metrics.
A true employee advocate, Tony is known for building up those around him, fostering a culture of growth and accountability, and strengthening our customer relationships through trust, reliability, and results. His ability to lead by example and his dedication to the company’s success make him an invaluable asset.
Tony is not just part of Premier—he bleeds Premier blue. We’re proud to see him take this next step in his career and know he’ll bring the same energy and excellence to the GM in Training Program as he does every day at SESC.
Way to go, Tony—well deserved!
