From the Classroom to the Boardroom: The Journey of a Servant Leader

What qualities do you believe are essential for effective team leadership? Have you ever experienced a leader who truly put the needs of their team before their own? Is Servant Leadership the secret to team success??

In this Q&A series, we’ll talk with Gary Beggs , a graduate of the Rockhurst University Executive MBA program, about the impact the program made on their professional lives. We’ll answer the questions above – and more.?

Gary Beggs is a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader with extensive experience across multiple industries, making him a significant figure in the professional community. Currently serving as the Business Manager for Peak Land Services, an Oil & Gas services company, Gary plays a vital role in overseeing title, leasing, Right of Way and site selection services. His deep industry knowledge is further complemented by his role as a Certified SCORE Mentor, where he provides invaluable guidance to entrepreneurs on various aspects of business development, from start-up challenges to securing government contracts and funding.?

Gary's career is marked by his success as a co-owner of Abba Staffing & Consulting, a firm that was recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest-growing small businesses in the U.S. for three consecutive years. His leadership helped the company provide longer-term employment for over 750 associates. Additionally, Gary's entrepreneurial spirit extended to the Oil & Gas sector through his co-ownership of Tierra Resources, an investment firm with significant holdings in key Texas regions.?

With over 35 years of corporate experience in transportation and logistics, Gary has held various operations, sales, marketing and executive positions, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and accomplished professional. His expertise spans HR consulting, executive recruiting and mineral estate acquisition, making him a sought-after mentor and consultant in the business community.?

Tell us about when you graduated and what you do now.??

When I graduated from Rockhurst in 2003, I was President and CEO of USF Bestway, Inc., a regional LTL trucking company.? In 2005, I retired and started several businesses, including Abba Staffing, Abba Parking Services, AED Group and Tierra Resources.??

What ultimately led to your decision to complete Rockhurst’s Executive MBA program????

I completed year one in 2000 while living in Kansas City. Then, I took a new position with USF Bestway in Arizona and after two years, decided to commute back to KC every weekend (that was the curriculum back then – every week in the classroom alternating between Fridays and Saturdays) and completed year two in 2003. While I was already in senior management (VP of services marketing at Yellow Freight System) when I entered the program, I realized I was a lifetime “trucker” and needed to broaden my horizons if I wanted to have a reasonable shot at the top job one day.???

There are 7 distinct and unique benefits of getting your Executive MBA at Rockhurst: Leader Development; Lifelong Learning; Jesuit Tradition; Elective Options; International Residency; 12-Month Leadership Core Experience; and the Rockhurst Network. Which one resonates the most with you and why???

Lifelong learning. While I am semi-retired today, I still spend every day doing something that increases my skill set and knowledge. By continuously learning, we contribute to our own success and that of our neighbors, all while maintaining a sharp intellect and active mind. I present to the incoming EMBA class each year, and each year I spend about a month updating my presentation by doing research on the subject matter(s), including in the material. I find it enjoyable and stimulating to do so every year.???

How did learning in a cohort challenge your ideas of how a business operates and how people work together???

I had been in a “top-down” industry my entire career and never liked it! The cohort learning model strengthened my resolve—especially in year two when I was running an enterprise—to bring a more collaborative style of leadership and management to USF Bestway, which my team successfully implemented.??

How has going through this program affected your professional career? What is the number one takeaway you learned?????

The program significantly enhanced my leadership abilities and honed my collaboration skills. It taught me to leave all titles at the door and work as a team. The collective skills and learning I achieved through the program made me a much better leader, therefore making our businesses very successful.???

Beyond your career, how has going through the Rockhurst Executive MBA program impacted your personal life???

It turned up my “heart of service” about 5 notches! I now spend much of my free time volunteering for SCORE, mentoring small businesses and potential business owners, as well as volunteering at DFW International Airport (my firm’s largest client) as an ambassador.???

What advice would you give to others considering joining the program????

It is worth the time, effort and expense. It is a life-changing experience, and you will make a lifelong network of friends. You need to do this – for yourself, your career and your team.?