Logistics Service Provider Is Outstanding Woman Business Owner

Diane Gibson, founder and CEO of Craters and Freighters, received top honors at the Denver Business Journal's Outstanding Women in Business award ceremony. Gibson took home the Jean Yancey National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Denver Chapter Award for large companies.

The Jean Yancey Awards are named for the late consultant who was one of the founders of NAWBO. Yancey was a strong leader in the community who inspired many Denver women business owners.

“This award is a great symbol of the dedication my franchise owners and the employees at the home office in Denver make everyday,” said Gibson. “I couldn’t do what I do without their hard work and commitment to Craters & Freighters.”

The Denver Business Journal received more than 200 nominations for 12 categories and only three Jean Yancey NAWBO awards were given, including large business owner, small business owner and member of the year.

Seeing a unique opportunity to serve clients with demanding shipping parameters, Gibson founded Craters & Freighters 18 years ago to fill an under-served niche in the market. Under her leadership, Craters & Freighters has become a leader in specialty freight solutions, and estimates company revenues will be more than $50 million by the end of 2008, up 15% from 2007. The company’s franchise growth has steadily increased since it first began selling franchises in 1991. Currently, Craters & Freighters has nearly 70 franchises across the United States.

Headquartered in Golden, CO, the company is a national leader in specialty freight solutions, providing expert packaging, crating and shipping services from locations nationwide. The company expanded through franchising nationally beginning in 1991.

Related article: Nailing a Niche in Logistics.