Join Shane Johnson on the Morning Route podcast as he sits down with Kathyrn Forbord from Schmitty and Sons. In this episode, Kathryn shares her experiences and insights into the school transportation industry. Learn about the rich history of Schmiyty and Sons, founded in the 1940s, and their transition to an employee-owned company. Discover the challenges and innovations in the school bus sector, including driver recruitment, technology integration, and the industry's future. Kathryn also talks about her journey from sports marketing to becoming the Director of Operations at Schmitty and Sons. Don't miss her perspectives on the unique dynamics of the industry, the importance of safe student transportation, and her new role as President of the Minnesota School Bus Operators Association.

00:00 Introduction to the Morning Route Podcast

00:31 Meet Our Special Guest: Kathyn Forbord

00:52 History and Evolution of Schmitty and Sons

01:30 Challenges and Growth in the School Bus Industry

04:00 Personal Journey: From Marketing to School Bus Operations

06:02 The Importance of School Bus Drivers

09:09 Family Life and Work Balance

11:15 Industry Challenges: Recruitment and Driver Shortage

16:00 Future of the School Bus Industry

27:06 Commitment to Long-Term Partnerships

27:53 New Leadership Announcement

28:41 Reflections on the Summer Conference

32:20 Exciting News: School Bus Rodeo Returns

35:46 Industry Challenges and Legislative Insights

49:11 Empowering Women in Transportation

52:16 Concluding Thoughts and Personal Reflections