What does an Owner Operator do?
An owner operator acts as the chief stakeholder of a business operation. This position involves the overseeing of all operations from start to finish including the screening and interviewing of new hires and strategizing sales initiatives to increase business performance. Once new hires are onboarded in the business, an owner operator bears the responsibility of ensuring staff performs efficiently and effectively in conjunction with the business goals.
Although owner operators do not have to be qualified in any specific education, any business-related education and experience will greatly assist in the success of the business. Due to the nature of the work, long hours are to be expected which will also comprise of frequent travel to meet with suppliers and contractors as necessary. Good customer service and interpersonal skills are required combined with strong business acumen.
- Create a business plan and strategy for operations
- Strategize sales initiatives for high performance
- Oversee all operations of the business from start to finish
- Engage proactively with customers and prospects to increase sales
- Increase brand awareness through advertising and marketing
- Manage customer relations to improve return customers
- Negotiate and manage supplier contracts
- Screen and interview candidates for job openings
- Proven practical experience in the same business area of operations
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
- Knowledge of business management and operations
- Excellent customer service and ability to build rapport
- Good negotiation and problem-solving skills
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a strong business acumen
- Highly driven and self-motivated for success
- Able to work efficiently and effectively with minimal supervision
- Ability to work long hours at a time sitting and standing
Owner Operator Salaries near Ireland
Average Base Pay
Owner Operator Career Path
Learn how to become an Owner Operator, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Owner Operator Insights
Brown Trucking“I worked there from 2013 to 2017 the terminal manager was good and so was the dispatchers”
J.S. Helwig & Son“This company treats its drivers so good and I wish them nothing but the best.”
U.S. Xpress“Maybe other accounts are better Money is not there and they want you to do so much for so little.”
Cooper Electric“No overtime hours and sometimes as a union worker it doesn’t feel like it is really.”
“Long Hours; Overly dedicated; Difficult to separate work and read life and play.”
Paranormal Media“It's great because I own it so I get most of my time off requests approved.”
“Getting a chance to build a premier animal park to share with our community is the best pay ever.”
PAM Transport“Not the best pay in the industry and the guys at the window are slow as hell when trying to get your bols.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of an Owner Operator
When working as an Owner Operator, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are CDL Hazmat, CDL, English, Non CDL and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Delivery Driver
- Bus Driver
- Driver
- Truck Driver
The most common qualifications to become an Owner Operator is a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.
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I was just offered an “opportunity”. About half of the workload of a Sr. manager was given to me as they think I could do a better job. I’m a manager (not sr). This is on top of my current workload. I was given a raise, but not enough in my opinion. I asked if I’d be a Sr. Mgr but they said in a year. I feel like this is not fair but I don’t know how to say it . My workload is going to almost dbl. I’m confident that I would do a better job than the Sr. Mgr. Do I just take it & hope they promote?