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
How much does an Owner Operator make?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$219,577
/ yrOwner 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”
“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.”
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.”
U-Haul“Good money and it’s great”
Family First Life“The compensation is the best in the industry to go along with the best training on how to do anything at Family First Life.”
TELUS“It's easy to fall through the cracks if you don't take charge of your career path and development.”
“This was the best experience I’ve ever had at Banque Misr and I can’t emphasize enough how nice she was.”
Frequently asked questions about the roles 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 include a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 years of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.