De’Quan is an extraordinary individual with extraordinary talents. Of all that that distinguishes De’Quan, his heartfelt commitment to the everyday is, in a word, extraordinary.
Quietly, De’Quan lifts his team, provides for his family, and raises his son with unusual commitment. His legacy is cemented in his intense desire to do as much good as he can for those he associates with.
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EL
Alright, De’Quan. It’s a privilege to sit down with you. Tell me a little bit about what you do in your current position and how you came to be in the position that you are.
De’Quan
I am currently a capacity manager coach. I’m a manager of a team that goes out and gets truckers to pick up loads for us that ship all around the US.
EL
That’s a big job with a big title. How did you come to be in a leadership type position?
De’Quan
I’ve been here for quite some time. I started as a capacity manager and just worked my way up the chain. I gradually developed into the role that I am today.
EL
Was it difficult for you to progress or did it come naturally?
De’Quan
I think over the years, having the right people around me has helped me develop into a manager. I’ve worked with all kinds of great people in this company. They have really helped me get into the position that I am today.
EL
That’s a very humble response. You are among those good people. What are some of your passions outside of work?
De’Quan
Some of my passions outside of work… I like to golf a lot. Basketball, baseball, football, whatever it is, I just like to go out and play. Besides that, I am a father. Being a father comes first.
EL
What’s particularly rewarding for you outside of work?
De’Quan
Having my family around me was my ultimate goal in life. I try to be the best dad I can and the best husband I can. It’s awesome going so far.
EL
That’s beautiful, you have your priorities in the right place. What are some of your proudest accomplishments?
De’Quan
My proudest accomplishment is graduating college. I was the first in my family. That was top of the line for me. That’s the best accomplishment I’ve ever made.
EL
That really is a colossal accomplishment. Now, looking back at your career, can you tell me about an experience for you that was professionally defining?
De’Quan
Something that was professionally fulfilling for me came from outside of work. I played college D2 basketball up in Saint George at Utah Tech.
I played there for five years. That was always a dream of mine to play college basketball. I pursued a professional career in basketball, but college basketball for me was a huge accomplishment that I will forever cherish.
EL
That’s incredible. Is there anything that you feel like you learned from your time in college basketball that you apply to your mindset today?
De’Quan
I was thinking about this last night. I don’t think I would be the person I am today without basketball. I’ve learned over the years to not make excuses. I’ve learned to prepare yourself mentally and physically to go ahead and chase that goal and get the results I worked so hard for in life.
I think basketball has really prepared me for my whole life. I can remember before high school having a single mom raise us four kids. Basketball was my outlet. I’ve always kept in my mind that I don’t have time to make excuses. Basketball has done that for me.
EL
No doubt that completely formed the way you approach life. What skill sets in basketball have translated over to your career in logistics?
De’Quan
That’s a good question. Just the grind. The grind of being in the role of capacity manager. You got to come in, put the work in, and make sure you’re giving 100% every single day. So, I think sports has taught me that has taught me to grind, work hard and you will get the results that that you want.
EL
Awesome. You’ve referenced this a few times, but you’ve talked about being a father, being a manager, being an athlete… but what would you say is driving you now at this chapter of your life?
De’Quan
What’s driving me now in this chapter of my life is my child, my five-year-old boy. That’s my why. Having been raised by a single mom and watching her raise five kids, you know, I want to be the best father I can be every day and show him how to work hard every day.
You know, care and love. I just want to be the best father that I can be.
EL
Being in a leadership position, what are some things that you hope to contribute to your team?
De’Quan
I want to put in the work, but I also want to have fun. I want to keep a positive attitude. I want my team to work hard and see the rewards.
EL
That’s a great aspiration for your team. Is there something most people don’t know about you?
De’Quan
I was waiting for this question. We all know the artist formerly known as Prince. I am related to the late, great purple Prince. Prince is my second cousin. We were invited to his funeral. My grandma still has the invitation framed.
My grandma over the years would talk to his mom. I never got to meet him, but it was still awesome to have that connection.
EL
That’s amazing! I can’t believe you got to attend his funeral. What are other moments in your life that have stayed with you?
De’Quan
The moments in my life that I’ve been most fulfilled was the day my child was born. That was my best experience. I also have a memory of being in my hometown, Las Vegas, playing basketball. We beat UNLV by two and it was the best feeling. It was a home game. My family’s in the in the crowd. After the game, I have people texting me like, “I saw you out there!” –people I haven’t talked to in a long time. That’s got to be one of my all-time favorite experiences.
EL
You’ve got so much going for you, De’Quan. With all that you’ve accomplished so far, how do you want people to remember your legacy?
De’Quan
If people ask about me, I hope they tell them how just good of a person I was. That’s ultimately what I bring every day. I just want people to feel good about themselves.
EL
Well, you’ve certainly succeeded. And what about the people here? What keeps you coming back every day to England Logistics?
De’Quan
That’s a good question. What has kept me at England Logistics is the friendships I’ve had over the years. There are good people here in this office. I know people come and go, but those relationships stay with you.
Also, no day is the same here. Every day, there are different problems to be solved. I think this role that I’m in now is great for me to. I get to apply my experiences, now in leadership, to all these problems. Never knowing what the day will bring—that’s what gets me excited.
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