Alumni Profiles

Steve Gibson, B.S. marketing, ’90

Steve Gibson followed in his brother’s footsteps when he came to Central Michigan University, but as manager of the Con-Way Central Express business development center, he has blazed his own path.

“I made my best friendships at CMU. We still meet several times a year and network on business terms,” Gibson said. “It’s important to take advantage of being able to establish the network you’ll have going forward.”

Gibson began his career as an account executive for Nitecki, Smith & Walker. He joined Con-Way in 1991 and currently manages up to 40 sales representatives across the country.

Gibson faced his biggest challenge in 2001, when the company was forced to scale back his department. Rather than firing people, the company managed instead to promote workers and leave vacant positions unfilled. Four years later, the number of department employees has doubled.

“It was nice to get through that challenge with a nice outcome,” Gibson said.

After 14 years at Con-Way, Gibson feels he has overcome many challenges and achieved his main goals.

“Right now I’m doing something I’ve always wanted to do, managing people,” Gibson said. “I’m proud of the people I’ve hired, and I’m proud that I had a role in the careers of some of the company’s key people.”

Gibson recruits heavily through the Internet, job fairs, advertising, and referrals. He recommends that CMU students devise a strategy for their future.

“Decide what company you want to work for and find out what you can do to make it a better company. Then pursue them. It’s a long race, so don’t worry if you don’t find the right company right away,” Gibson said.

In his free time, Gibson enjoys golf and coaching his 8-year-old son’s basketball team at the YMCA.

“It’s a riot watching them learn and get excited about the game,” he said.