Employee Spotlight: Joe Pricer
Tell us about yourself and how long you’ve been with Optimal Dynamics.
I’ve been with Optimal Dynamics for nearly two years now, and it’s been an incredible journey. My path into this industry was a bit unexpected — I started out applying for an HR role right after graduating from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. When I learned that HR might not align with my goals, I was offered a position in an operations training program instead. I walked in without knowing much about trucking, but quickly discovered a passion that’s stayed with me for over 25 years. Most of my career was spent at a large trucking company, where I worked all levels of operations and finally moved into optimization. Joining Optimal Dynamics has given me the opportunity to apply everything I’ve learned to bring innovation and smarter decision-making to an industry I care deeply about.
Can you briefly summarize your job?
As the Head of Customer Solutions Deployment, I lead a team responsible for activating a new customer onto the Optimal Dynamics Decision Automation Platform. The team is centered around designing out how Optimal Dynamics will work for the customers’ business needs and constraints to unlock the value potential they saw in the sales cycle.
What inspired you the most to join Optimal Dynamics?
Having met the leadership team while entertaining the product as a customer, I was able to see first hand what Optimal Dynamics was bringing to the market. This made the decision easy when the opportunity came available.
What do you like best about our company culture?
What I like best about our company culture is how refreshingly different it is from previous environments I’ve worked in. At Optimal Dynamics, I’m surrounded by incredibly smart, driven people who aren’t just great at what they do — they’re constantly pushing boundaries and thinking in innovative ways. It’s inspiring to be part of a culture that encourages bold ideas, challenges the status quo, and is genuinely committed to transforming the industry.
What is unique about what we do at Optimal Dynamics?
Optimal Dynamics is addressing one of the most complex challenges in an industry known for its highly segmented and often manual workflows. What makes our work unique is how we’re simplifying those workflows through intelligent automation and advanced decision-making tools. We’re not just optimizing individual parts — we’re transforming the way the entire operation functions, making it more efficient, connected, and future-ready.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of the job is working directly with our customers — each with their own unique challenges and goals — and helping them solve those needs in a way that elevates their organizations. It’s incredibly rewarding to partner with companies that are becoming change leaders in the industry, helping them solidify their footprint and grow in a more efficient and scalable way. Being part of that transformation is what makes the work so meaningful.
How does your work impact our product, and, therefore, the industry?
My work serves as a direct bridge between our customers and the product team. I bring the voice of the customer to the table — not only through real-time feedback from active engagements but also through my deep industry experience. Having spent decades in the field, I’m able to provide insight into known product requirements and long-standing operational needs. This perspective helps shape a product that’s not just innovative, but truly aligned with what the industry needs to move forward.
What have been your biggest accomplishments on our team, and what was the impact on the company?
One of my biggest accomplishments has been helping lead the deployment of new customers, where we’ve successfully reduced our time-to-deploy by more than 60%. That shift has had a major impact on our ability to scale and deliver value faster. It’s helped demonstrate that Optimal Dynamics is not only innovative but also reliable and repeatable, which is key to building trust with our customers and accelerating growth.
How have you grown professionally while on our team?
Being part of such an innovative and forward-thinking team has really accelerated my professional growth. I’ve had the opportunity to expand my development skills, learn new best practices, and sharpen my overall technical knowledge. Collaborating with talented teammates who challenge and inspire me has pushed me to continually level up and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Free time … what’s that? When I do get a moment to unwind, I love spending it with my family — my wife of 23 years, our six amazing kids, and our two furry companions (dogs). Whether it’s a chaotic family night or just relaxing together, that time means everything to me.
Can you share a hidden talent no one knows about you?
I have the uncanny ability to fall asleep mid-sentence when it’s time for bed — seriously. It’s like flipping a switch. (Don’t worry, never while driving!) It’s a running joke in my family, but I like to think it’s my superpower for staying well-rested.
What’s the best advice you can give to someone who wants to work at Optimal Dynamics?
Roll up your sleeves, jump in, and get to innovating. Optimal Dynamics moves fast, and the work is meaningful — you’ll have the chance to make a real impact from day one. Be curious, be collaborative, and don’t be afraid to challenge the norm. That’s how we grow and push the industry forward.
