Don Blake, Inland Kenworth – Tolleson new truck sales manager, was presented with the “Kenworth Industry Impact Award” at the recent 2022 Kenworth Dealer Meeting in San Diego. The award annually honors an outstanding leader in the Kenworth dealer network, or a PACCAR employee who serves dealers, and has made a significant impact in the broader trucking industry.
In the past five years, Blake spearheaded the effort to build three special “Everyday Heroes” Kenworth T680s sold at auction with the $573,000 total proceeds going to Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT). The 501(c)3 non-profit organization is devoted to stopping human trafficking by educating, mobilizing, and empowering the nation’s truck drivers and rest stop employees.
From left, are Jim Walenczak, Kenworth assistant general manager for sales and marketing; 2022 Kenworth Industry Impact Award winner Don Blake, Inland Kenworth – Tolleson new truck sales manager; and Sean Edwards, Kenworth director of network development.
Blake gathered significant support from key sponsors, including Kenworth Truck Company and Inland Kenworth, to offset the costs to build the trucks. The “Everyday Heroes” trucks were specially wrapped to help promote the organization’s mission on the road.
“I’m very honored to receive the Kenworth Industry Impact Award. The important work of Truckers Against Trafficking has dramatically raised awareness in the trucking industry about human trafficking and its significant impact on society. I look forward to continuing in this battle,” said Blake, who serves on the TAT board.
“Don Blake is an excellent representative of Inland Kenworth and the Kenworth dealer network. We appreciate all he has accomplished in his work to help those in need and make our communities safer,” said Jim Walenczak, Kenworth assistant general manager for sales and marketing.
Prior Kenworth Industry Impact Award honorees were Jodie Teuton, Kenworth of Louisiana co-founder and vice president; and Lily Ley, PACCAR vice president and chief information officer.
Last fall, Blake received the TAT Champion award from Truckers Against Trafficking. That award honors individuals who have found innovative ways to support the organization’s mission in the battle against human trafficking.
To learn more about Truckers Against Trafficking, please visit: truckersagainsttrafficking.org