---
title: Meet Authors | Premier Trailer Leasing
description: Meet Premier Trailer Leasing Authors
---
[Skip to content](https://info.premiertrailerleasing.com/meet-authors#main-content)
- [Apply For Account](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/get-trailers/apply-for-an-account)
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- [Contact](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/v2/contact-and-inquiries/contact)
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- [RoadCARE](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/roadcare)
- [Careers](https://info.premiertrailerleasing.com/about-us/careers?hsLang=en)
- Client Tools
- [Client Dashboard](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/v2/client-tools---services/client-dashboard)
- [Client Dashboard Registration](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/your-account/register)
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[](https://premiertrailerleasing.com)
- Trailers
- [Dry Vans](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/trailers/dry-vans)
- [Dry Vans with Liftgates](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/trailers/dry-vans-with-liftgates)
- [Reefer Vans](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/trailers/reefer-vans)
- [Reefer Vans with Liftgates](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/trailers/reefer-vans-with-liftgates)
- [Flatbeds](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/trailers/flatbeds)
- [Chassis](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/trailers/chassis)
- [Trailers Available by Location](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/trailers/trailers-available-by-location)
- Services
- [Services Overview](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/services/services-overview)
- [Trailer Maintenance Options](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/v2/services/services-overview#trailer_maintenance_jump)
- [RoadCARE Emergency Trailer Services](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/services/roadcare-emergency-trailer-services)
- [Trailer & Cargo Tracking Solutions](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/services/trailer-cargo-tracking-solutions)
- [Reefer Fleet Management](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/services/reefer-fleet-management)
- [Trailer Pickup & Delivery](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/services/trailer-pickup-delivery)
- [Fuel Savings & Compliance Devices](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/services/fuel-savings-compliance-devices)
- [Trailer Loss Damage](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/services/trailer-loss-damage-waiver)
- Education Center
- Popular Resources
- [Spec Your Trailer Guide](https://info.premiertrailerleasing.com/trailer-spec-guide?hsLang=en)
- [Trailers 101](https://info.premiertrailerleasing.com/trailers-101?hsLang=en)
- [Rent vs. Lease vs. Own](https://blog.premiertrailerleasing.com/rent-lease-own-semi-trailers?hsLang=en)
- [Trailers Leasing & Renting FAQs](https://info.premiertrailerleasing.com/faqs?hsLang=en)
- [CFO Guide to Trailers](https://info.premiertrailerleasing.com/whitepaper-the-cfos-guide-to-trailer-fleets?hsLang=en)
- [Evaluate the Age of your Fleet](https://info.premiertrailerleasing.com/whitepaper-tips-from-the-pros-how-to-evaluate-the-age-of-your-fleet-the-right-way?hsCtaTracking=adc34272-bfcd-4986-9454-2c506b9cd55f%7C6907450e-ba3a-442a-a191-cbc2cde0cd54&hsLang=en)
- [Questions to Ask your Lessor](https://info.premiertrailerleasing.com/hubfs/pdf/Trailer-Lessor-Questions-print-v3.pdf?hsLang=en)
- Behind the Cab Blog
- [Explore All Topics](https://blog.premiertrailerleasing.com/?hsLang=en)
- [Equipment](https://blog.premiertrailerleasing.com/tag/equipment?hsLang=en)
- [Maintenance](https://blog.premiertrailerleasing.com/tag/maintenance?hsLang=en)
- [Technology](https://blog.premiertrailerleasing.com/tag/technology?hsLang=en)
- [Fleet Management](https://blog.premiertrailerleasing.com/tag/fleet-management?hsLang=en)
- [Meet Authors](https://info.premiertrailerleasing.com/meet-authors)
- About
- [About Premier](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/about/about-premier)
- [Working with Premier](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/about/working-with-premier)
- [Success Stories](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/about/success-stories)
- [Become a Vendor](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/about/become-a-vendor)
- [Careers](https://info.premiertrailerleasing.com/about-us/careers?hsLang=en)
- Get Trailers
- [Existing Clients](https://info.premiertrailerleasing.com/rent?hsLang=en)
- [Apply for an Account](http://premiertrailerleasing.com/get-trailers/apply-for-an-account)
- [Request Information](https://newstage.premier-us.net/v2/get-trailers/request-information)
- [Contact](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/contact-us#)
- Client Tools/Services
- [Client Dashboard Registration](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/your-account/register)
- [Find Registration and FHWA Documents](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/client-tools---services/find-registration-and-fhwa-documents)
- Trailers
- [Dry Vans](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/trailers/dry-vans)
- [Dry Vans with Liftgates](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/trailers/dry-vans-with-liftgates)
- [Reefer Vans](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/trailers/reefer-vans)
- [Reefer Vans with Liftgates](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/trailers/reefer-vans-with-liftgates)
- [Flatbeds](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/trailers/flatbeds)
- [Chassis](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/trailers/chassis)
- [Trailers Available by Location](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/trailers/trailers-available-by-location)
- Services
- [Services Overview](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/services/services-overview)
- [Trailer Maintenance Options](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/v2/services/services-overview#trailer_maintenance_jump)
- [RoadCARE Emergency Trailer Services](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/services/roadcare-emergency-trailer-services)
- [Trailer & Cargo Tracking Solutions](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/services/trailer-cargo-tracking-solutions)
- [Reefer Fleet Management](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/services/reefer-fleet-management)
- [Trailer Pickup & Delivery](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/services/trailer-pickup-delivery)
- [Fuel Savings & Compliance Devices](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/services/fuel-savings-compliance-devices)
- [Trailer Loss Damage](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/services/trailer-loss-damage-waiver)
- Education Center
- Popular Resources
- [Spec Your Trailer Guide](https://info.premiertrailerleasing.com/trailer-spec-guide?hsLang=en)
- [Trailers 101](https://info.premiertrailerleasing.com/trailers-101?hsLang=en)
- [Rent vs. Lease vs. Own](https://blog.premiertrailerleasing.com/rent-lease-own-semi-trailers?hsLang=en)
- [Trailers Leasing & Renting FAQs](https://info.premiertrailerleasing.com/faqs?hsLang=en)
- [CFO Guide to Trailers](https://info.premiertrailerleasing.com/whitepaper-the-cfos-guide-to-trailer-fleets?hsLang=en)
- [Evaluate the Age of your Fleet](https://info.premiertrailerleasing.com/whitepaper-tips-from-the-pros-how-to-evaluate-the-age-of-your-fleet-the-right-way?hsCtaTracking=adc34272-bfcd-4986-9454-2c506b9cd55f%7C6907450e-ba3a-442a-a191-cbc2cde0cd54&hsLang=en)
- [Questions to Ask your Lessor](https://info.premiertrailerleasing.com/hubfs/pdf/Trailer-Lessor-Questions-print-v3.pdf?hsLang=en)
- Behind the Cab Blog
- [Explore All Topics](https://blog.premiertrailerleasing.com/?hsLang=en)
- [Equipment](https://blog.premiertrailerleasing.com/tag/equipment?hsLang=en)
- [Maintenance](https://blog.premiertrailerleasing.com/tag/maintenance?hsLang=en)
- [Technology](https://blog.premiertrailerleasing.com/tag/technology?hsLang=en)
- [Fleet Management](https://blog.premiertrailerleasing.com/tag/fleet-management?hsLang=en)
- [Meet Authors](https://info.premiertrailerleasing.com/meet-authors)
- About
- [About Premier](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/about/about-premier)
- [Working with Premier](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/about/working-with-premier)
- [Success Stories](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/about/success-stories)
- [Become a Vendor](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/about/become-a-vendor)
- [Careers](https://info.premiertrailerleasing.com/about-us/careers?hsLang=en)
- [Current Customers Rent/Lease Trailers](https://info.premiertrailerleasing.com/rent?hsLang=en)
- [New Customers Apply for an Account](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/get-trailers/apply-for-an-account)
- [Contact Us](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/contact-us)
- [Locations](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/locations)
- [RoadCARE Roadside &
Emergency Services](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/v2/roadcare)
- [Find Registration and
FHWA Documents](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/client-tools---services/find-registration-and-fhwa-documents)
- [Client Dashboard](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/your-account/login)
- [Locations](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/locations)
- [RoadCARE](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/client-tools---services/find-registration-and-fhwa-documents)
- [Find Registration](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/roadservice/registrations-and-fhwas)
# Meet the Authors
Get to know Premier’s thought leaders and seasoned professionals in the trailer rentals and leasing space.
## Craig Barth
-
Chief Financial Officer
Craig Barth first joined Premier Trailer Leasing in 2017 as Vice President and General Manager and assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer three years later. Throughout his career, Craig has taken on financial leadership roles at prestigious organizations including Ford Motor Company and Citigroup, managing budgets upwards of $350 million. Craig serves as an integral member of the Premier Trailer Leasing team today as we grow our revenue operations and scale for continued success in the trailer leasing and rentals industry.
## Navolia Bryant
-
CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER
Navolia Bryant joined Premier Trailer Leasing in 2015 as Premier Trailer Leasing’s Chief People Officer and has raised the bar in what lived company culture can look like. Navolia is an accomplished executive with more than 25 years of experience overseeing human resources operations. In 2022, Navolia received the 2022 Top Women to Watch in Transportation Award, hosted by Women in Trucking Association. More recently, at the 4th Annual HR Stars Awards Gala, Navolia won the prestigious Change Champion of the Year and HR Executive of the Year awards.
## Derek Shawen
-
VICE PRESIDENT OF NATIONAL ACCOUNT OPERATIONS AND SPECIAL PROJECTS
Industry veteran Derek Shawen has spent his career of almost two decades in the semi-trailer space. With a background in operations and an eye for the details, he brings a wealth of experience to his customers as Vice President of National Account Operations and Special Projects at Premier. Derek loves passing on his expertise to those new to the industry.
## Bill von Kessel
-
VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER
Bill von Kessel is Vice President and General Manager of Premier Trailer Leasing and an industry expert. His 34 years of industry experience include branch operations, branch management and sales, truck dealership management and truck leasing management.
## Tim Ifland
-
VICE PRESIDENT SPECIALTY EQUIPMENT
Tim Ifland is our Vice President Specialty Equipment and a true industry veteran. His 36 years of trailer industry experience include everything from branch operations, sales management, procurement, product SME/sales training, warranty, quality control, breakdown services, tires, maintenance and safety.
## Miles van Rijn
-
BRANCH MANAGER
Miles van Rijn is one of our Branch Managers here at Premier. With 15 years of trailer operations experience, he has seen it all and enjoys sharing his expertise with Premier's customers. Miles is always happy to help. Connect with him on LinkedIn!
## Ryan Moenke
-
Vice president and general manager
Ryan is a Vice President and General Manager at Premier Trailer Leasing. With over a decade in the industry, Ryan is a seasoned trailer expert, striving to support his clients with the best trailer fleet recommendations to meet their unique needs. Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn to pick his brain.
## Ben Polk
-
SENIOR TELEMATICS MANAGER
Ben Polk is Premier’s telematics guru. With 12 years of transportation operations experience, he knows a thing or two about what it takes to keep fleets going. He's eager to share his expertise with Premier's branch leaders as well as customers. Connect with him on LinkedIn!
## Michael Schmidt
-
Regional sales manager
Michael Schmidt serves as the Regional Sales Manager, bringing extensive industry expertise to his role. With over 12 years in sales, his experience spans branch operations, territory sales management, automotive leasing, account management, and branch equipment services. Connect with him on LinkedIn to learn more!
## Ed Behnen
-
Senior VICE PRESIDENT of sales
Ed Behnen, a seasoned professional in equipment financing and trailer management, has dedicated nearly two decades to his career. With a strong background in financing and expertise in crafting customized solutions, he brings invaluable experience to our team as Senior Vice President of Sales. Ed is passionate about delivering personalized customer experiences to optimize fleet requirements. Connect with him on LinkedIn!
## Dan Nelson
-
VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER
Dan Nelson, our VP General Manager at Premier Trailer Leasing, brings 20 years of industry experience to the table, including valuable operations expertise in addition to sales. His extensive background in fostering collaborative relationships with our team and clients has positioned him as a leader in identifying optimal solutions for our customers. Dan remains committed to exploring innovative approaches to support our customers' operational success, drawing on his comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience in sales and operations at both the branch and regional levels. Connect with him on LinkedIn!
[](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/)
- [LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/company/premier-trailer-leasing)
- [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/PremierTrailerLeasing05)
- [Youtube](http://www.youtube.com//channel/UCkuDCUPQHOSX7boDQD8VBzw)
### Get Trailer Fleet Tips & Insights
### Log In to Your Account
[Client Dashboard Log In](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/your-account/login)
[Employee Log In](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/your-account/login/LoginExternalProvider/Click%20Here/)
**DISCLAIMER**: FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY; USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. The materials, opinions and information contained herein (collectively, the "Information") is provided for informational purposes only. The Information does not constitute advice and may not be relied upon for any purpose whatsoever. Any use of the Information shall be at the recipient’s sole risk. Provision of the Information shall in no event constitute a contract, agreement or other relationship between Premier Trailer Leasing, Inc. or any of its affiliates (collectively, "Premier Trailer Leasing") and any person or entity, including the recipient of the Information. The Information is provided on an "as is" basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness. Premier Trailer Leasing assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions contained in the Information. Premier Trailer Leasing makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, with respect to the Information or otherwise. This document and the Information may not be reproduced, distributed or used for any purpose without the prior written consent of Premier Trailer Leasing.
- Trailers
- [Dry Vans](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/trailers/dry-vans)
- [Dry Vans with Liftgates](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/trailers/dry-vans-with-liftgates)
- [Reefer Vans](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/trailers/reefer-vans)
- [Reefer Vans with Liftgates](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/trailers/reefer-vans-with-liftgates)
- [Flatbeds](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/trailers/flatbeds)
- [Chassis](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/trailers/chassis)
- [Trailers Availability by Location](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/trailers/trailers-available-by-location)
- Services
- [Services Overview](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/services/services-overview)
- [Trailer Maintenance Options](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/v2/services/services-overview#trailer_maintenance_jump)
- [RoadCARE - Emergency Trailer Services](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/services/roadcare-emergency-trailer-services)
- [Trailer & Cargo Tracking Solutions](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/services/trailer-cargo-tracking-solutions)
- [Reefer Fleet Management](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/services/reefer-fleet-management)
- [Trailer Pickup & Delivery](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/services/trailer-pickup-delivery)
- [Fuel Savings & Compliance Devices](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/services/fuel-savings-compliance-devices)
- [Trailer Loss Damage](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/services/trailer-loss-damage-waiver)
- Popular Resources
- [Trailers 101](https://info.premiertrailerleasing.com/trailers-101)
- [Rent vs. Lease vs. Own](https://blog.premiertrailerleasing.com/trailers-as-assets-rent-lease-own)
- [Trailers Glossary & Jargon](https://info.premiertrailerleasing.com/trailer-jargon)
- [CFO Guide to Trailers](https://info.premiertrailerleasing.com/whitepaper-the-cfos-guide-to-trailer-fleets)
- [Evaluate the Age of Your Fleet](https://info.premiertrailerleasing.com/whitepaper-tips-from-the-pros-how-to-evaluate-the-age-of-your-fleet-the-right-way)
- [Question to Ask Your Lessor](https://info.premiertrailerleasing.com/hubfs/Trailer-Lessor-Questions-digital-v1%20(2).pdf)
- Behind the Cab Blog
- [Explore All Topics](https://blog.premiertrailerleasing.com/)
- [Equipment](https://blog.premiertrailerleasing.com/tag/equipment)
- [Maintenance](https://blog.premiertrailerleasing.com/tag/maintenance)
- [Technology](https://blog.premiertrailerleasing.com/tag/technology)
- [Fleet Management](https://blog.premiertrailerleasing.com/tag/fleet-management)
- [Meet the Authors](https://info.premiertrailerleasing.com/meet-authors)
- About
- [About Premier](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/v2/about/about-premier)
- [Working with Premier](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/v2/about/working-with-premier)
- [Success Stories](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/about/success-stories)
- [Become a Vendor](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/v2/about/become-a-vendor)
- [Careers](https://info.premiertrailerleasing.com/about-us/careers)
- Contact and Inquiries
- [Trailer Lease or Rent Inquiry](https://info.premiertrailerleasing.com/rent)
- [Request Information](https://info.premiertrailerleasing.com/request-info)
- [Contact Us](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/contact-us)
- Customer Dashboard
- [Client Dashboard Registration](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/your-account/register)
- [Find Registration and FHWA Documents](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/v2/client-tools---services/find-registration-and-fhwa-documents)
© 2026 Premier Trailer Leasing. All Rights Reserved.| [Privacy Policy](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/privacy-policy) [California Privacy Policy](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/internal-resources/job-applicant-privacy-policy) [Terms and Conditions](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/docs/default-source/default-document-library/premier_trailer_leasing_tcs.pdf) [Toll Violation Policy](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/docs/default-source/default-document-library/PremierTollViolationProcess.pdf) [Turn-in Condition and Repairs](https://premiertrailerleasing.com/docs/default-source/default-document-library/Turn-in-Condition-and-Repairs.pdf)
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