Meet our logistics team

Rayla Erding, co-founder and majority owner of Gold Star Transportation, Inc. , serves as the President with a guiding hand and an honest heart. Rayla's leadership by example emphasizes ethical practices and integrity, inspiring our team to uphold the highest standards. Known for her private philanthropy and unwavering loyalty, Rayla is also a devoted dog mom who brings warmth and compassion to the workplace. Her dedication to ecological responsibility and global accountability continues to drive Gold Star forward with purpose and vision.

Rayla is deeply committed to ecological responsibility and global accountability. She actively promotes environmentally friendly practices within the company and encourages her team to embrace sustainable solutions. Her vision and dedication ensure that Gold Star not only meets industry standards but also contributes positively to the environment and the global community.

Jerry Erding, co-founder and CEO of Gold Star Transportation, Inc. , played a pivotal role in establishing the company in 1982. Bringing extensive industry experience, a strong sense of fairness, and a deep commitment to his employees, Jerry has shaped Gold Star into a leading force in the transportation industry. His dedication to mentoring employees in both business and personal responsibility has fostered a culture of growth and integrity.

An avid cyclist and nature enthusiast, Jerry encourages staff to maintain a healthy work-life balance, promoting well-being and productivity throughout the company. His legacy of leadership and vision continues to drive Gold star towards excellence and innovation. 

With 36 years of dedicated service at Gold Star, Patty brings extensive experience and expertise to the team. Starting as a broker and now serving as the Manager of Operations since 2021, she ensures the seamless execution of our logistics and transportation services.

Balancing the demands of raising a family while completing her degree mid-career, Patty has demonstrated exceptional time management and multitasking skills. Her ability to develop strong relationships with both clients and coworkers has been key to her success and the company's continued growth.

Patty's commitment to excellence and deep understanding of the transportation industry makes her an invaluable asset to our team and a trusted partner to our clients. Her unique blend of hands-on industry experience ensures that Gold Star consistently delivers top-notch service, maintaining the highest standards of integrity and reliability.

Michele has been a valued member of Gold Star since 1999. Based in our Kansas office, Michele brings exceptional dedication to customer satisfaction and is a recognized leader in 3PL management. Known for her strong team leadership and mentorship skills, she fosters a collaborative and growth-oriented environment. Her extensive experience and commitment to excellence ensure that our clients receive the highest level of service and support.

John Damask, the managing member of our Minnesota office, is dedicated to providing innovative solutions and effective problem-solving. With a commitment to incorporating cutting-edge technology in every aspect of our operation, John ensures that every shipment moves seamlessly and efficiently. His leadership and forward-thinking approach drive continuous improvement and excellence within our team.

With 32 years of dedicated service, Shelly Ratterree is an invaluable member of our team. Her extensive experience and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in ensuring our financial operations run smoothly. Shelly's expertise and leadership continue to drive our success and support our growth, making her a cornerstone of Gold Star's financial integrity and stability.

Myka, our beloved 5th generation Golden Retriever, has been with us for 8 years. Known for her love of human interaction, Myka is instrumental in helping our employees cope with the stressors that accompany any and all positions. Her friendly presence and calming demeanor make her a cherished member of our team, providing comfort and joy to everyone she meets.

Heli, our spirited 6th-generation Golden Retriever, is known for her very vocal greetings each morning. She demands pets from everyone and takes great joy whenever her special young people friends make a visit to the office. Heli's playful nature and loving personality brighten our workplace, and her joyful presence is a daily reminder of the importance of warmth and connection in our team.