The Dallas Business Journal has named Scott Wheeler, Daseke Inc.’s EVP and CFO, as CFO of the Year in its middle market ($25 million to $750 million) category. The announcement was made in the journal’s Oct. 30 issue.
“The award to Scott could not be more well-deserved,” said Don Daseke, CEO of Daseke Inc. “He has overseen and helped ignite our growth from $50 million in 2011 to an estimated $675 million by year end. He’s my invaluable business partner, a mentor for our operating divisions’ CEOs, and a primary driver of our company’s success. I’m extremely proud of Scott, and I’m heartened that others have taken notice of his achievements.”
“This is really quite an honor, especially when you look at all the other nominees and winners both this year and in the past,” said Wheeler. “I’ve had a rewarding and varied career having served as CFO at different firms for a number of years. But the present is what has me most excited. What we’re accomplishing with Daseke, the team we’re building and the growth we’re seeing with our trucking company is truly remarkable. We plan to continue on our growth trajectory, and that’s what keeps every day new and exciting for everyone at Daseke.”
According to the company, Wheeler served as mayor of Addison, TX, for six years. He currently serves on the board for the College of Business at Texas A&M Commerce (where he received his undergraduate degree) and is an adjunct professor of finance. In 2014, the finance and economics department at Texas A&M bestowed Wheeler with the “Alumni Ambassador” award.
“The toughest and most rewarding issue facing CFOs today is the same to me,” he told the Dallas Business Journal. “Finding and developing great talent. It is tough to find those diamonds in the rough. Yet once you have found them, watching them learn, develop and grow is one of the most rewarding parts of being in business.”
Wheeler said it’s why he likes working so much with students. “They are our future business leaders,” he said. “People, above all, make the difference at companies and it’s why we’ve been so successful at Daseke. I’m so proud to have a part in mentoring and team building at Daseke, as well as at the university.”