I Am PSTC - Brian Kelley

For Brian Kelley, the path to his current role as Warehouse Supervisor at Birmingham Freightliner & Western Star wasn’t straightforward—but it was filled with valuable lessons and growth. Brian, a Pleasant Grove High School graduate, initially wanted to become a firefighter. After completing firefighter school and volunteering for the fire department, he realized it wasn’t the right fit for him. "I enjoyed the idea of helping people, but the work just didn’t click with me," Brian shared. This realization left him without a clear career path, as he hadn’t pursued additional education.

Brian’s next chapter began with a job at Amsted Rail, where he worked in the pipe shop, pouring molten steel to create railroad ties. It was a dangerous but exciting job. However, after returning from his honeymoon, Brian was laid off when the company shut down operations. "It was tough," Brian recalled. "I didn’t have a plan, and I wasn’t sure what to do next."

Determined to find his way, Brian took a job in a warehouse for Mondelez on the assembly line. Over time, he worked his way up to a supervisor position, where he learned to manage staff, oversee inventory, and handle dispatching. Despite the valuable skills he gained, the long, unpredictable hours began to take a toll. "I was working six days a week, late into the night, and missing important moments with my son," Brian said. "When he made a comment about me not being there for his games, it hit me hard. I knew I needed a change."

Brian’s brother, who worked in the service department at Birmingham Freightliner & Western Star, told him about an open position for a Parts Supervisor. Although Brian didn’t have experience in the truck industry, he decided to apply. After interviewing with Parts Manager Johnnie Danner and discussing the company's supportive culture, Brian knew it was the right move. He started in 2021, and now, three years later, he’s thriving in his role.

"My first day was on Labor Day, and from the start, I felt at home," Brian said. He dove headfirst into learning the ins and outs of the parts department, working closely with his team and growing his knowledge of truck parts and warehouse management. Through Peach State Truck Centers’ extensive training programs, Brian has grown as a leader. "I used to think I knew what it meant to be a manager, but I’ve learned so much," he said. 

"Attending classes on management basics, coaching, and delegation has been eye-opening. I’ve realized you can’t do everything on your own—you have to trust your team and help them grow." Brian credits the company’s Accelerate Program for allowing him to connect with employees from different departments and gain a broader perspective of the business.

As Parts Supervisor, Brian manages warehouse employees, oversees inventory, and ensures timely dispatching of drivers. He’s also played a key role in building relationships with other Peach State locations, which has made the parts department more efficient. "We do a yearly inventory at different locations, and now I have relationships with those teams," Brian said. "We can easily pick up the phone and get what we need. It makes us feel like one big family."

One of the most impactful experiences for Brian was completing a personality assessment, which helped him identify areas for personal growth. "It made me realize there are things I’m not naturally good at, but it also showed me where I excel. I’m working on becoming a better manager by focusing on those areas." He’s excited about the future and hopes take on different roles in the company.

Outside of work, Brian enjoys spending time with his wife of eight years and their six-year-old son. They live in McCalla and can often be found at the ballpark, where they coach a girls' softball team. Brian is also an avid Alabama football fan and enjoys playing golf in his free time.
Reflecting on his journey, Brian is grateful for the support he’s received at Peach State Truck Centers. "The company has been great to me since day one," he said. "They care about their employees and invest in their growth. I don’t see myself leaving anytime soon."

Brian Kelley’s story is a testament to the power of hard work, adaptability, and a supportive company culture. From steel foundries to parts management, he’s embraced every challenge and opportunity along the way.