A Legacy of Inclusion: Celebrating Joel Franklin’s Retirement

After nearly 17 years of service, Mercer Transportation bids a fond farewell to one of its most impactful leaders, General Manager Joel Franklin. Joel’s departure marks the end of an era—one defined by his unwavering commitment to equality, diversity, and opportunity for all.

Joel began his tenure at Mercer in June 2008 as a Regional Sales Manager based in East Texas. In August 2009, he transitioned to Louisville as Sales Manager and became an integral part of the GMG team a year later. In 2017, Joel’s focus shifted away from sales as he took on the role of GM overseeing Safety, Claims, Tariffs, and MTS. Throughout his distinguished career at Mercer, Joel’s contributions have been invaluable. His unique perspective, drawn from his extensive industry experience, has brought fresh ideas and innovative solutions. His leadership and mentorship have positively impacted many, and his legacy will continue to influence Mercer for years to come. While we will miss his guidance and leadership, it is the person he is that we will miss most.

From day one, Joel championed a workplace where every individual had a fair shot at success. He saw beyond titles and backgrounds, believing in people’s potential and pushing for an environment that welcomed different perspectives. Under his leadership, Mercer evolved into a more inclusive company—one that reflects the rich diversity of the industry and the world we live in today.

His mission wasn’t just about policies and procedures; it was about people. He worked tirelessly to empower employees, owner-operators, and agents, ensuring that talent and hard work—not just connections or past experiences—determined success. His impact can be seen in the faces of those who now thrive at Mercer, thanks to the doors he helped open.

Joel’s open-minded, free-spirited nature made him a joy to work with. He never shied away from a good conversation, and his warmth made Mercer feel like home for so many. In his final days with the company, that warmth was on full display—he greeted everyone with a smile, shared laughs, and left behind a legacy of kindness and fairness that will carry on for years to come.

As Joel put it, his time at Mercer has been “a great ride,” and we know he has made a lasting difference. He and his wife, Sandy, are preparing for their next adventure, relocating to East Texas to be closer to their two children and their first grandchild arriving this summer. And in true Joel fashion, he leaves us with an open invitation—“If you happen to wander by, tie your horse up and we’ll open a bottle on the back deck.”

Please join us in wishing Joel all the best in this next chapter of his life.

Happy trails, Joel!