Ask OL&T
Cosmo Alberico
Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer
Q: When did you join OL&T?
A: I joined the company in 2004.
Q: OL&T has been growing the past few years with some interesting acquisitions. What can you tell us about the types of companies you are interested in?
A: In addition to growing organically each year, we have instituted an aggressive acquisition strategy which has resulted in successfully acquiring four companies during the past 18 months. Essential characteristics we look for in the companies we target for acquisition include: many years of sustained profitable, high-margin growth, the ability to drive top-line growth by double digits by integrating the companies into our global logistics network and sales organization, a solid management team and a proven track record of providing superior service to its customers within the specific markets they serve. The types of companies we target are those which are considered industry leaders within the particular segment of logistics management. By bringing these companies into the corporate platform, OL&T as a whole and the newly-formed subsidiaries benefit by leveraging core competencies. We have expanded our breadth of service offerings and diversified our portfolio of services to all vertical markets beyond the chemical and process industries.
Q: How has OL&T responded to the many recent challenges in the logistics industry the past couple years?
By continuing to rapidly expand our global logistics network and service offerings, OL&T has continued to grow ahead of the industry average during the past couple of years. Our customers – both existing and new – continue to benefit as we deliver savings and service enhancements within the delivery component of their supply chains.
Russ Marky
SVP, Global Business Technology
In his nearly 20 years working in supply chain management, Russ Marky has been exposed to all major supply chain functions. His diverse experience adds remarkable depth to the OL&T team and provides a unique perspective on customer support. Since joining OL&T, he’s been provided customers with the daily support they need to make sure all of their shipments expediently reach their destinations.
Q: How did you join OL&T?
A: I joined OL&T with the acquisition of RELY Software where I focused on demonstrating the value of supply chain applications to RELY customers through implementation and support. Additionally, I had extensive knowledge of the Transportation Management System OL&T deploys.
Q: What can you say about the importance of having a quality customer service staff?
A: Being a service company, one of our greatest assets is our people. Having seasoned leaders and operations staff makes all facets of our client engagements run well. Being able to quickly understand and relate to the challenges that our clients’ customer service, production and loading personnel face in today’s competitive environment helps immensely. That experience, along with our best in class applications, tools and work processes allows OL&T to reduce our customers’ logistics workloads, bring consistency to their work processes and provide creative yet cost conscious solutions for their shipping needs.
Q: Logistics providers manage complex processes around the world and face challenges each and every day. How do you respond to what might seem to be an “impossible” shipping requirement?
A: We handle the ‘impossible’ every day for our customers. Our staff embodies the importance of delivering excellent customer service while achieving the savings, optimization, efficiencies and operational best practices, all tailored for each client.
Glenn Riggs
SVP, North American Logistics
As a seasoned expert in chemical supply chain management, Glenn Riggs has developed a near sixth sense when it comes to developing logistics procurement strategies. His complete background in all facets of transportation management has afforded him a functional knowledge of all segments of managing logistics.
Q: What is your background and how did it prepare you for your current role?
A: I have a background in chemical engineering, and have worked in all modes of transport, as well as in project analysis, procurement, operations, and safety. My manufacturing knowledge comes from working in multiple chemical plants, including membership on a plant's management team.
Q: How do you provide value to your clients?
A: I enjoy rooting out opportunities for increased value for our clients, and developing solutions that make sense from both a strategic and a tactical perspective. At OL&T, there are many tools available to really make an impact on our clients’ bottom line. My strongest experience lies in chemical logistics procurement strategy. That’s where the rubber hits the road, and it’s because I’ve worked with all overland modes and know how they operate. Those modes include rail, LTL, TL, and tank truck.
Q: How important is it to have a deep experience in transportation?
A: I offer a strong background in transportation carriers, who they are, their infrastructure, and their strengths and weaknesses. I apply that insight for our clients’ benefit when reviewing industry data and conducting optimization modeling. This is the advantage of working with a lead logistics provider – and the importance of choosing a firm that has this insight and experience.
