Research Park Fertile Ground for Growing Intern Program

TMC Transportation sees benefits of engaging talent early, expands innovative effort.

While many tenants in the Iowa State University Research Park are figuratively “driving
innovation,” one organization is doing it literally. TMC Transportation is a national leader in
flatbed trucking and logistics and has staffed a satellite office in the Research Park since 2017.

Headquartered in Des Moines with offices spread across the United States, TMC has been on a
mission to harness young talent through an evolving internship program. Kenny Kyle, who
spearheads the intern effort that established roots in the Research Park nearly a decade ago,
says the program is having a transformative impact on both students and TMC's workforce.

Geared Up for Growth

“This has blossomed significantly,” Kyle says. “We have evolved from a handful of students,
primarily here in Ames, to 45 interns across the nation this summer.”

The summer 2024 interns represent 11 universities—a testament to the intern program’s
expanding scope and success. Kyle underscores the program's strategic growth in the Research
Park, saying the early years in Ames served as an incubator that has shaped TMC's broader
outreach to universities nationwide.

"We started with a small office and quickly outgrew our space as it was a very popular
opportunity for interns," says Kyle. “Being so close to campus has offered seamless access to a
talent pool passionate about transportation operations, IT, and logistics sales—the core
domains of our program.”

Interns at TMC’s Ames office enjoy a hands-on experience akin to full-time staff, tackling
logistics, customer service, and operations. They manage client portfolios, gaining practical
insights and responsibilities that fuel their career aspirations. This immersive approach
transcends conventional internships, fostering career-minded students.

A Relationship that Runs Deep

While the formalized intern program is relatively new, TMC’s commitment to Iowa State
University runs deep, tracing back to the late '80s.The enduring partnership with the university
reflects a shared vision—nurturing talent that thrives within the company's dynamic, tech-
driven ecosystem. Over the years, Iowa State alumni have risen to pivotal roles within TMC,
embodying a legacy of excellence nurtured through internships and career opportunities.

So why has the Research Park served as such fertile ground in growing this strategic initiative?
It’s pretty simple, according to Kyle.

"We could have gone anywhere in Ames,” he explains. “But we're very happy here because it is
easy for students to access, we are in a community that is focused on innovation, and we get
great support from Research Park leadership and staff."

Kyle adds that the office represents more than a place to work. In many respects, it is a strategic
investment in fostering a collaborative, supportive environment that benefits both TMC and the
emerging talent from Iowa State.

Building Win-Win Partnerships

The internship program reflects a broader narrative—a symbiotic relationship between TMC
and university partners nationwide. Through initiatives like the sales development internship,
TMC engages with diverse universities, identifying and nurturing future talent for sales, IT,
supply chain management, trucking operations, and beyond. It's a multifaceted endeavor,
driven by a shared focus on excellence and continuous learning.

"Our goal is retention,” Kyle says. “We want to bring the right people into the company and give
them the support and opportunities they need to be successful. It's about more than
internships; it's a commitment to building careers and retaining top talent, ensuring that every
intern feels valued and empowered to make a difference at TMC.”

As TMC expands wider-and-wider nationally—it is planning to significantly increase its
workforce in South Carolina, for example—the internship program remains a cornerstone of its
growth strategy.

“By investing in talent, we aren’t just preparing for tomorrow,” Kyle says. “We are cultivating a
network of skilled professionals who propel the company forward, one load at a time"