BLG Logistics is pleased to announce Tom Burke has been promoted Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). In his new role, Tom will be responsible for developing and implementing sales, pricing, marketing and IT strategies to achieve the company's US revenue and profitability goals. He brings a wealth of experience in supply chain management, having dedicated his entire career to the field.
Tom earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Distribution & Supply Chain Management from Belmont Abbey College, where he was also President of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades and awards for his contributions to the industry.
In his free time, Thomas loves to stay active with his family and enjoys various physical activities such as boxing, Kali martial arts, weightlifting, and biking on the swamp rabbit trail. He is also a huge animal lover and adopted a wonderful dog named Tux, who is a Lab and Border Collie mix.
What Tom loves most about working for BLG is the opportunity to work with a talented and diverse team of people from all over the world. He enjoys building a great brand for BLG in the USA and working with customers not just from the USA, but also from Germany, China, Korea, Mexico, and other countries.
We are fortunate to have Tom on our team, and we look forward to the continued success he will bring to BLG in the future.
Please join us in congratulating Shonda Gilbert for her promotion to Manager of Operations (MOP) of our new Logistics Service Center, in Northport, AL!
Shonda joined BLG Logistics in 2005, after working with the company for only a year, she was promoted to Team Leader. As her career evolved, Shonda continued to demonstrate great leadership skills.
In 2008, she was promoted to Group Leader, and now with over 15 years of experience at BLG, Shonda is the Manager of Operations, at our brand-new, FTZ, and temperature-controlled facility in Northport, AL.
Aside from being a dedicated team player, Shonda
enjoys spending time with her loving daughter and husband, while exploring different restaurants in her spare time.
We think Shonda’s words reflect the true culture of the BLG Logistics community….“When there is growth and opportunity here at BLG, we always put our people first. This is what I like most about working for this company. I aspire to be the same way and carry along the same ideals, in hopes to help and guide the next team member that is looking for the same opportunity that was given to me.”
BLG Logistics is very proud to have an employee like Shonda, and the entire organization wishes her tremendous success in her new
role!
Thank you, Shonda for everything you do!!
Please join us in congratulating LaShonda Jennings for her promotion to Manager of Operations (MOP) of our Logistics Service Center, in Vance, AL!
LaShonda joined BLG in 2005, as a Team Leader and in 2012, was promoted to Group Leader. Now with almost 18 years of experience at BLG Logistics, LaShonda was promoted to Manager of Operations at our North America Headquarters in Vance, AL. Prior to joining BLG, LaShonda worked as a Quality Inspector for Mercedes Benz. Wow, talk about domain knowledge in the automotive logistics industry! Not too many companies are as fortunate as we are to have such a dedicated and loyal employee.
Aside from being a loyal employee, LaShonda is a dedicated mother of two children and a loving wife. Her hobbies include going to the spa, going to the park for a walk or picnic, watching sports, traveling, going to the gun range to relieve stress, trying different restaurants and bars with family and friends, attending family gatherings, and reading books.
We think LaShonda’s words speak for themselves…“The things I’m most proud of is the way I carry myself with confidence, my smile and personality, the way I light up the world, helping others, the challenges I have overcome, the lessons I have learned, being able to forgive myself and others, developing new skills and opportunities even when I thought I could not achieve them.”
BLG Logistics is very proud to have LaShonda Jennings as part of our family. We wish her tremendous success in her new role!
Thank you LaShonda for being such a wonderful, loyal, and dedicated employee!!
BLG Logistics is very happy to announce that Benjamin Boateng has been promoted to IT Manager. Benjamin represents everything that is great about BLG Logistics.
Benjamin joined BLG in 2013, as a Team Member in the Returnable Department and was quickly promoted to Team Leader.
In 2015, Benjamin was promoted to an IT Specialist where he worked on BLG infrastructure, setting up the data center and part of the IT team that introduced our cloud-based network system.
In 2020, Benjamin was promoted to IT Supervisor and then in 2022 promoted to IT Manager. What a great example of BLG’s promote from within culture; from Team Member to IT Manager in 9 years.
Benjamin attended Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY (Micro Masters in Cybersecurity); SANS Technology Institute in Philadelphia, PA (Diploma in Advance Cybersecurity); The National Institute of Information Technology in New Delhi, India (Hardware and Networking Proficiency); Takoradi Technical University in Ghana, Africa (Higher National Diploma in Purchasing and Supply).
Benjamin is a dedicated father and when he is not working hard, he really enjoys spending time with family. His hobbies include jogging, playing soccer, and pursuing profitable business endeavors.
BLG Logistics is very proud to have an employee like Benjamin, and the entire organization wishes him continued success. Thank you, Benjamin, for everything you do for BLG Logistics and our valued customer base.
Don has an extensive range of operational and consulting experience in global manufacturing, supply chain management, logistics, distribution and transportation varying from automotive, medical devices, consumer/commercial products and food processing. Don graduated from the University of Memphis with a degree in Management-Quantitative Methods & Business Systems. Don has served on the Executive Board of Directors for Moody Area Chamber of Commerce for several years. Recently he was Principal Consultant with Emerging Strategic Solutions, LLC for Transport Safety Logic LLC. He has also worked with other logistics companies such as Standard Corporation Integrated Logistics and UTi Worldwide.
“We are very excited to have Don as part of our BLG family. Don’s vast experience and strong business acumen is another key addition to ensure BLG’s management team is world class. As we continue to open new markets and facilities, Don’s roll from planning to implementation will be a major key to our success. On top of his engineering and management skills, Don’s presence adds a level of professionalism which is appreciated” Brian Hollenbeck, President and CEO, BLG Logistics Inc.
Nelson has over 22 years of leadership experience in different industries including retail distribution, food service, manufacturing, and 3PL logistics. Nelson graduated from the Univ. of Benin with a BSC in Economics & Statistics, Georgia State Univ. with a BSC in Computer Science, Univ. of Phoenix w/ MBA in Business Admin. & Mgt. and is pursuing a doctorate degree in Business Administration & Organization at Walden Univ. At BLG Logistics, Nelson is responsible for the daily operation of the 260,000 sq. ft. warehousing & logistics facility where he ensures logistics processes are streamlined to reduce operating cost and increase profitability.
“Recruiting Nelson was key for our organization in late 2019. Nelson brings not only great experience to the team, but also a can-do approach. We have already seen a transformation of our site and the daily progress is wonderful. He has also worked very hard on the people side of the business to ensure defects are reduced and employees are given the tools to succeed.” Brian Hollenbeck, President & CEO, BLG Logistics Inc.
Our very own April Brown is our featured employee this April 2020. April is our Pricing and Calculations Manager and has over 20 years of manufacturing and automotive experience including Supplier Quality Engineer, Supply Chain Analyst, Launch Management, and Plant & Site Manager.
April received the Team Award for Global Launch – Chairman Award.
April graduated from the University of Alabama with an Engineering degree. Roll Tide! When she’s not crunching numbers April enjoys boating, hiking, spending time with her dogs, friends and family; and she enjoys billiards where she plays on a pool league team.
“April’s hard work and dedication is an example to everyone on our team. She is a great employee that goes above and beyond to help us achieve our goals and is truly a wonderful person to work with.” Thomas Burke, Director North America Sales & Marketing
David Benson is our feature employee for June 2020. David is a graduate of the University of Alabama and joined BLG’s Engineering team once he obtained his degree in Mechanical Engineering.
David’s responsibilities at BLG consist of new customer integration and planning, day to day support for our operations, customer support, various infrastructure related projects to improve efficiency, and creating a safe work environment. David’s strong working knowledge of our WMS system along with his operational/engineering know-how is an invaluable combination for our operation in Vance, AL.
“David has a wide set of skills and knowledge. He is responsible for the effective application of existing and new technology to maintain or improve operational performance. David is a hard worker, dedicated, and always has a “can-do” attitude that infects the team. He is always willing to help and often presents creative and well-thought-out methods to improve tasks or outcomes.”
Randy Pettigrew, COO, BLG Logistics Inc.
Paolo is an Operational Excellence Manager with BLG Logistics. He specializes in operational improvements, process reviews and training.
Paolo is a graduate from University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. Paolo over 28 years of experience in the furniture, fulfillment, automotive, and broadband internet industries.
Paolo enjoys outdoor activities like playing soccer, hiking, mountain biking and windsurfing. He also enjoys spending time with his wife Kathy, and his daughter Liza, when she is home from college, and his 4 dogs that keep him busy!
Jeff Ricketts is our Employee Spotlight for February 2021. Jeff is a Project Process Supervisor with BLG Logistics.
His role is to lead and manage our new Retail Operations Group.
Jeff attended Southern Tech in Marietta, GA where he studied Architecture and Engineering and has over 30 years of experience in the logistics industry.
Jeff enjoys spending time with his children and learning about different business operations.
He also enjoys the challenges BLG brings along with the diverse business offerings and willingness to look at new avenues for expansion.
We are excited to feature Carolina Vega in our current Employee Spotlight.
Carolina has worked with BLG Logistics for 7 years and was recently promoted to Quality Manager. The entire BLG team congratulates Carolina on her great accomplishments. She is a true testimony of what hard work, dedication and commitment will do for you in your career at BLG.
Carolina has her undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering and an MBA from the Universidad Externado de Columbia. She is also certified as an Internal Auditor from the Institute of Internal Auditors and recently led the BLG team to our highest score ever in our recent ISO 9000 audit. Carolina creates and maintains the Quality Management System for all our operational business units throughout the US.
Randy Pettigrew, COO – “Carolina has continuously demonstrated professionalism, knowledge and commitment to BLG. With her ongoing leadership as our Quality Manager, we expect to further improve our business maturity through 2021 and beyond. We appreciate all you do!”
Eva Knott is our current Employee Spotlight for March. Eva is an IT Logistics Specialist with BLG Logistics. Her role includes technical flashing of stock, stock monitoring by comparing customer data with BLG data, order management, coordination of customer request, perform research and analysis, and dunnage management.
Eva attended Piedmont Tech in Greenwood, SC where she studied Business Operations, Management and Supervision and has over 30 years of work experience; including having owned her own business, Keva Transport LLC.
Eva enjoys spending time with her husband Kevin, daughter Lateshia and their three grandsons Jabari O’Neal, Taylor O’Dell, and Levy O’Kell. Her hobbies include cooking and bike riding. Eva’s favorite thing about BLG is her work schedule and opportunity for growth.
Welcome to our newest Site Manager, Joe Allen. Joe is responsible for our BMW MRO operation in Greer, SC. His role is to provide the training and tools required for the team to exceed the customers’ expectations. He is joining an amazing group of people committed to providing the best service to our valued business partners.
Joe earned a B.S. in Business Administration from Keene State College in New Hampshire, CT. He spent the last 25 years of his career in manufacturing, supporting different markets. Most recently, he spent 8 years providing machined products in the semi-conductor industry but also brings with him experience in multiple vertical markets including aerospace, invitro diagnostics and medical implantable devices.
Outside of work Joe has a variety of hobbies ranging from hunting and fishing to home improvement. But his favorite thing is spending time with his family. Life moves very quickly and staying connected to his wife and children is his priority.
On day one, Joe said "the moment I walked in the door I knew my teammates were going to be the best part about this experience. They have a level of commitment and strong desire to make things run better."
Mateo Tarplin is the BLG Logistics Employee Spotlight for April. Mateo is a valued Team Member with BLG Logistics at our Ladson, South Carolina facility. His responsibilities include being a fork-lift operator, sequencer, helping his Team Lead, as well as being a key part in running the floor area.
Mateo graduated from Fort Dorchester High School. Prior to joining BLG, he worked in the Retail Industry where he sold Tommie Hilfiger apparel.
In his free time Mateo enjoys anything sports related especially running. He runs 5 miles every morning! He also enjoys spending time with his family, two dogs and playing video games.
Mateo’s favorite thing about BLG is "the people."
