I am PSTC - Dawn McRae
Dawn McRae grew up surrounded by the hum of engines and the smell of oil. She was raised in the junkyard her grandfather managed and a car lot run by her mother, which helped lay the foundation for her future in the trucking industry. Her father, a diesel mechanic who later transitioned into management at Old Dominion, instilled in her a deep appreciation for the intricacies of the trade.
Dawn's path to her current role as Warranty Manager at Peach State Truck Centers is a journey of growth and evolution within the company. Sixteen years ago, when Peach State took over the Forest Park dealership, Dawn seized the opportunity and joined as a service admin. From there, she quickly became an indispensable part of the team, taking on various roles, including assisting the warranty team and handling administrative tasks.
"It felt like I was meant to be in warranty," Dawn reflects. "I love problem-solving and the accounting side of things. Chasing down money that's owed to us—it's a thrill."
As the company evolved, so did Dawn's role. Overseeing warranties across all Peach State locations, Dawn now leads a dedicated team, ensuring that claims are filed promptly and money is recouped efficiently. Her days are a blend of travel between locations, auditing processes, training her team, and collaborating with other departments to streamline operations.
But Dawn's journey isn't just about professional growth; it's about personal development, too. Embracing the responsibilities of management, she reads books on leadership and attends training sessions to hone her skills continuously
"To be a good leader, you have to keep evolving," she emphasizes. "And that's what I strive for—to grow alongside the company and contribute to its success."
Central to Dawn's leadership philosophy is the belief in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where employees feel valued and empowered. "People will stay around if they're valued," she asserts, a testament to her commitment to her team's well-being and development.
Outside of work, Dawn enjoys spending time with her family, watching baseball, and fishing. Through it all, her dedication to Peach State and its vision for growth remains unwavering.
"I'm excited to be part of the story we're writing here," Dawn says with a smile. "Together, we're shaping the future of this company, one warranty claim at a time."