ITS Mural Celebrates 20 Interesting Things About Reno Nevada
The new mural at ITS Logistics, created by artist Will Barker, showcases the company’s strong connection to the local community and its rich interesting culture. The mural features a depiction of the ITS corporate headquarters and highlights some interesting things about Reno Nevada including the local area’s most iconic landmarks and events. Every element in the mural embodies unity and empowerment. It fosters a sense of pride and creates a shared cultural identity to the people who matter most—our employees.
The inclusion of the iconic landmarks and events in the mural serves as a reminder of ITS Logistics’ strong connection to the local community and its commitment to supporting and promoting the region’s unique culture and heritage. This strong connection to the local area has helped ITS Logistics to grow and thrive and has established the company as a leader in the logistics industry.
About the artist: Will Barker, former NFL player turned successful muralist:
Originally from the suburbs of Philadelphia, Will Barker had always wanted to play in the NFL. After a successful career as an offensive tackle at the University of Virginia, he started his professional football career with the Dallas Cowboys before playing two more seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Miami Dolphins.
In the offseason following the 2012 season, Barker realized football “was not his true calling” and chose to move on from the NFL and reconnect with his passion for art. After time honing his skills in Fort Lauderdale and Vermont, he moved to Denver in 2014 to go all-in on his artistic endeavor. One can view his work at galleries around Denver as well as large-scale murals throughout the city.
ITS Logistics’ COO, Mike Crawford came across Barker’s story and was drawn to their shared experience of post-NFL success in disparate industries. ITS chose Barker because of his story, experience, and Western-themed style to create this commissioned wall mural at the ITS headquarters. Barker was able to uniquely combine elements that were integral to ITS Logistics and its birthplace, Reno, Nevada, to create a mural that embodies the values and energy of our people and our company—and our roots in Northern Nevada!
To see updates and other pieces of his art you can follow Will Barker on Instagram: @willbarker.art
Here are the main mural elements, listed from left to right:
1. ITS Corporate Headquarters
ITS Logistics was founded in 1999 by three native Nevadans. They signed their first dedicated agreement with CLIF Bar and started with a 40,000 sq. ft. warehouse and two trucks. Every year since then, ITS has continued to grow and expand its services to include network transportation, dedicated and expedited, regional fleet operations, omnichannel distribution, ecommerce fulfillment, drayage and intermodal, and complete supply chain managed solutions. ITS officially made the Reno office its corporate headquarters in the summer of 2022 due to its strategic location at the cross section of downtown Reno and the popular Midtown district, its proximity to the University of Nevada, Reno and the world-renowned Lake Tahoe area.
2. The Reno Rodeo
The Reno Rodeo “The Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West,” is a PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) sanctioned sporting event and non-profit organization with almost 1,000 volunteers across Northern Nevada. This annual 10-day extravaganza consists of the rodeo as well live entertainment, carnival rides, food and drink stands, and tons of local vendors. The rodeo includes such popular events as barrel racing, mutton bustin’, team riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling, and the fan-favorite, Xtreme bull riding! ITS has been a proud sponsor of this beloved event more than 10 years. This also includes supporting their annual Denim Drive, which provides new clothing, teddy bears, books, backpacks etc. to children in need in 14 Northern Nevada counties.
3. The ITS container: Drayage and Intermodal
ITS Logistics provides exceptional port and rail drayage services, door-to-door solutions, and cross dock/transload services. Currently ranked the #11 Drayage and Intermodal provider in North America.
Our company is powered by unmatched industry excellence, leading technology and visibility, nationwide capability, and a dedicated team that truly cares about your supply chain. No matter your needs, we have a solution!
4. The Chuckar
The Chukar was introduced to the United States in 1893 and then to Nevada in 1935. This small to medium sandy brown bird has vertical black bars on its sides, an eye band that goes down the neck, and a red beak. Chukars spend most of their time on the ground and only take flight for short distances when they are threatened. This bird symbolizes intensity, and often unrequited love, in North Indian and Pakistani culture, as well as in Hindu mythology. Chukars are the most popular bird to hunt in 7 different counties across Northeastern Nevada. Their hunting season is from mid-October to the first week of February.
5. Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is the largest freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada and largest alpine lake in North America. The lake is less than a 30 – minute drive from the ITS downtown office. Lake Tahoe has 23 ski resorts, 10 golf courses, countless hiking trails, beaches, and mountain bikes trails. Since our downtown office is located so closely to the Lake Tahoe area, our staff loves to make quick trips up to the lake and hit the slopes. Mount Rose Ski Resort is less than 30 – minutes away from the office! You can also take a hike, or even just relax at the beach after a hard weeks work. A few fun facts: The water in Lake Tahoe has been tested as 99.994% pure which is cleaner than distilled water. The lake has a 72-mile circumference, ranges through two states, five counties, one city, and several towns, there is always something to do!
6. ITS Cathedral: The Parable of the Three Stonecutters
“A traveler encounters three stonecutters in a quarry and asks what they are doing. The first one simply says he’s cutting a stone. The second one explains he’s making the stone uniform for a wall. The third one, who is the happiest, says he’s building a cathedral.”
The idea behind the parable is to achieve success by focusing on things that bring value and working together as a team to achieve greatness. Every member plays a critical role in building the foundation of a strong “cathedral”. By taking ownership of their responsibilities, the foundation becomes stronger. The success will enable investments in future, relationships, communities, and quality of life. The goal is to build something significant that will last the test of time—something that everyone at ITS strives for.
7. University of Nevada Wolf Pack, Reno mascots, Alphie, Wolfie Jr., (and Luna)
Representing our deep ties to UNR, we’re showcasing Alphie and Wolfie Jr. Originally, the first athletic teams at UNR during the late 1890’s to the early 1900’s were referred to as the Sagebrushers, the Sage Warriors, and even the Sage Hens. These team names were in reference to Nevada’s state flower, the sagebrush, local forest fauna the sage hen. During the 1921/1922 athletic season, a sportswriter described the spirit of the Nevada team as a “pack of wolves”. Since all the teams were made up of groups, the “pack” stuck with the spirit of the students. The students officially made the mascot the desert wolf, which evolved into the three mascots we know today: Alphie, Wolfie Jr. and Luna. The original mascot was named Wolfie. Alphie took over in 1999, in 2007 he was joined by his younger brother, Wolfie Jr., and their little sister Luna in 2013.
8. Hot August Nights
On August 1st, 1986, the Righteous Brothers, Wolfman Jack, and Jan & Dean hosted a concert at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. The event was filled with excitement and nostalgia as the crowd of 10,000 attending relived their childhood of old cars and rock ‘n’ roll. Hot August Nights was born! The first Hot August Nights was a throwback concert, the event has blossomed into a five-day celebration spanning from Sparks, Reno, Carson City, and Virginia City. Spread out across multiple casinos and venues, the offerings include live entertainment, tons of food options, local vendors, car cruises, drag races, car auctions and the main event: show rooms and show-and-shines filled with classic cars! This event has come far from where it started. With more than 800,000 people attending year after year, the nostalgia of the ‘50s & ‘60s has stayed alive with this celebration of rock ‘n’ roll and classic cars.
9. The Great Reno Balloon Race
The Great Reno Balloon Race (GRBR) is a family-oriented tourist attraction that celebrates the enthusiasm of flight through hot air balloons. Being the world’s largest free hot air balloon event, the GRBR started relativity small in 1982 with just 20 hot air balloons dawning the sky. This event was originally created to keep tourists in town the weekend between the State Fair and the Reno Air Races. Forty-one years later, more than 100 balloons fill the sky for this three-day event that has become a community tradition. The GRBR is filled with fun activities, local vendors, and some of the world’s greatest hot air balloons from Smokey the Bear to Tweety Bird and even Darth Vader! Some highlights from the show include the Glow Show, Dawn Patrol, tethered rides, and Mass Ascension.
10. The Reno Air Races
The National Championship Air Races carry on the tradition of the Cleveland Air Races of the 1920s, ‘30, and ‘40s. In 1964, Bill Stead organized the original air race near Reno, Nevada and the Reno National Championship Air Races were born. For one week in September, hundreds of aircrafts, and pilots from around the world fill the desert of Northern Nevada. The event is highlighted by races from several classes and there is a large area of static aircraft with miliary and civil flight demonstrations. Over the past ten years, the event has attracted more than 1 million spectators and generated more than $750 million for the region’s economy.
11. The “N” on the Hill
The “N” hill is located just southeast of Peavine Mountain, and is meant to symbolize the University of Nevada, Reno. The “N” can be accessed by the Evans Canyon/Miner’s Trail Loop which is a popular area for biking, hiking, and trail running. There are many trails and paths that intersect and crisscross in the area, allowing users to make their own route based off their desires for the adventure. There are opportunities to see wildlife, mine shafts, and go on technical bike runs if you are willing to venture off the beaten path. The trail is a 3.30-mile loop with 223-foot elevation gain, also pet friendly with beautiful views! Letters that appear on mountains are known as mountain monograms, made up of stones or concrete that is whitewashed. The “N” is maintained by high school and university students and is usually freshened up before important sporting or homecoming events.
12. The 50-yard line – Chris Ault Field Sponsored by ITS Logistics
ITS Logistics is the proud sponsor of Chris Ault Field at the University of Nevada, Reno. The sponsorship includes a monetary donation that renovated the football field in 2022. The new upgrades, such as new turf, padding and upgraded lighting, benefit the university’s football team and provides a better game day experience for fans. The sponsorship of Chris Ault Field highlights ITS Logistics’ commitment to supporting higher education and athletics in the local community.
The College of Business at the University of Nevada, Reno has a Logistics Management program that provides students with real-world experience in the logistics industry. ITS Logistics supports the program through internships, guest speaking opportunities, and funding for logistics research initiatives. The partnership allows students to gain practical knowledge and hands-on experience, preparing them for successful careers in the supply chain industry.
13. Mt. Rose
Mt. Rose Ski Resort is a popular ski destination for Northern Nevada locals. At 8,260 ft., Mt. Rose is less than a 30-minute drive from the ITS headquarters in downtown Reno. Popular activities to do include taking the Northwest Magnum 6 to the summit for some breathtaking views of Reno and Sparks. The Around the World is the longest ski run on the mountain spanning 2.5 miles. There are plenty of other activities such as Winters Creek Lodge that has a stunning view of the Washoe Valley. Mount Rose Trail is a popular hike to the summit of the mountain. The trail offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Tahoe, and passes through various terrains such as forests and rocky ridges. The trail is best traveled from July to September, and hikers are advised to bring plenty of water, snacks, and appropriate gear for the weather conditions.
14. Flyfishing on The Truckee River
If you’re looking to fly fish, look no further than the Truckee River. With a length of 121 miles, you can catch a variety of fish such as the Rainbow trout, Lahontan Cutthroat trout, Brown trout and more year-round. The Truckee River flows from Lake Tahoe in California into Nevada and through the City of Reno until it ends at Pyramid Lake. Though some of the water comes from Lake Tahoe, most of it comes from the Sierra Nevada snowpack. To honor the local fishing community, the conference rooms in the downtown ITS office are named after popular fly-fishing rivers such as the Missouri, Henry’s Fork, and Beaverhead.
15. The Tahoe Black Bear
Lake Tahoe has a thriving wildlife including local black bears. Black bears vary in color from brown, black, and cinnamon in color, being the most common around the lake. There are about 25,000 to 35,000 black bears in the Lake Tahoe area. With such a high population you might run into one, like our COO, Mike Crawford did back in college. Ask him about his encounter when you see him around. Black bears generally avoid people, but here are some tips if you encounter one while exploring Lake Tahoe:
- Pick up small children and dogs
- Restrain bigger dogs behind you
- Increase distance slowly between you and the bear
- DO NOT RUN
- Do not aggravate the bear
- If one approaches you, be as big as possible by raising your arms or opening your jacket
Be bear aware and stay safe out there!
16. The Jeffrey Pine trees
The Jeffrey Pine is the most common tree in the Lake Tahoe Basin and represents the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, located here in Washoe County. Toiyabe is an ancient Shoshine word that means mountain. Toiyabe is the largest forest in the lower 48 states, spanning from eastern Sierra Nevada’s California to the borders of Idaho and Utah. You can meet all your nature needs with a short 11-mile drive to this forest. There you can enjoy a variety of summer and winter activities such as hiking, camping, mountain biking, fishing, off-roading, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, picnicking and so much more.
17. Sierra Nevada Mountain range
Reno is nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range. The range spans 400-miles from Fredonyer Pass in the north, to Tehachapi Pass in the south. The Sierra Nevadas are known for their natural beauty, including alpine meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and rugged peaks. The mountain range also is home to several national parks and forests including Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, and the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Nature lovers will be astonished at the many outdoor activities available such as hiking, camping, fishing, and skiing. Sierra Nevada is a large part of Reno’s landscape and is a popular destination for the locals and the heart of our tourism economy.
18. The ITS Truck
The ITS truck represents our roots as a trucking company, as well as our continued investment in assets to expand and improve our transportation and logistics operations. These investments include new trucks, trailers, chassis, technology, office spaces, and distribution and fulfillment centers across the United States. By continuously investing in new assets, ITS Logistics maintains a competitive advantage and provides its customers with reliable, high-quality transportation and logistics services. ITS currently ranks as the #19 asset-lite transportation provider in North America, the #11 drayage and intermodal provider, a top-tier asset-based dedicated fleet ranked #45, and innovative omnichannel distribution and fulfillment services. The company’s commitment to investment in assets is a key factor in its success and a demonstration of its dedication to the long-term growth and success of the business.
19. Interstate 80
Interstate 80 (I-80) is a major highway in the United States, running from San Francisco, California to Teaneck, New Jersey. It covers approximately 3,000 miles and passes through numerous states, including California, Nevada, Utah, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania. I-80 serves as an important transportation route for commercial goods, connecting major cities and ports on the West Coast with those in the Midwest and East Coast. ITS utilizes I-80 to offer overnight delivery to major western US cities reaching 53 million people. I-80 is located near the Reno/Tahoe International Airport and just 4 hours from San Francisco’s international and domestic shipping hub. The region is served by Union Pacific and Southern Pacific railroads and is home to over 65 LTL, truckload, and small package carriers, allowing direct loading schedules to all major metropolitan areas. This makes Reno/Sparks the ideal location for businesses looking for efficient and cost-effective logistics solutions.
20. The Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep
The Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep is Nevada’s state animal since 1973. It is revered for its rugged life in the desert and symbolizes strength and toughness. The sheep’s depiction can be found in prehistoric petroglyphs, and it was valued by the natives for its uses as food, pelts, and tools. Bighorn sheep are well adapted to their mountainous habitat and are known for their strong legs, hooves, and excellent balance. They form herds and engage in head-butting contests for dominance. Bighorn sheep have become a popular subject for paintings, sculptures, and photographs due to their significance in both the natural and cultural world.
Why Join ITS
ITS Logistics offers unique opportunities for growth and career development for local residents. The company’s commitment to the community is evident in its involvement with various community organizations and initiatives, and its supportive and family-like culture creates a positive and enjoyable work environment. If you’re looking for a company with a strong connection to the local area and a commitment to supporting its employees, ITS Logistics is the perfect place for you. Join us and become a part of a growing and successful team!
