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BOLT - Flexible Fleet Management
Board of Advisors
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Ralph Brander is a senior logistics and supply chain professional with more than thirty years’ broad based management experience in manufacturing, distribution, logistics, transportation, supply chain and information technology. Beginning his career as a manufacturing supervisor, he quickly rose to the position of Plant Manager during the turbulent times of change in US manufacturing moving to a zero defect environment.
Mr. Brander began his career in distribution for a major toy manufacturer, overseeing the distribution operations of the “Cabbage Patch Kids” during the height of their popularity. He has had management responsibility for distribution operations for a toy retailer, food wholesalers and in broadline food distribution. This also began his management oversight of private fleet trucking operations. Working for a national grocery retailer, Ralph began in the Information Technology department as the Project Manager for implementing the Manugistics TMS for inbound freight. Based on the success of this project and other successes, Mr. Brander was tapped to be the Vice President of Program Office for this $11B retailer overseeing a program of 22 projects with an annual budget exceeding $100M. He then moved back into the business as the Vice President of North American Transportation.
Moving from the northeast to Atlanta, Ralph rose from the Vice President of Distribution for a southeastern based 400 unit restaurant chain to the VP of Logistics and IT managing warehousing, transportation, purchasing, customer service and information technology. In this role, he sourced and selected a new ERP for the company as well as TMS and OBC software and hardware. From there Ralph moved back to the northeast to oversee US outbound transportation for a $13B global retailer, sourcing, and implementing a TMS system, a dispatch system and real time on-board computers.
Now Mr. Brander leads his logistics consulting practice, working in all areas of the supply chain from purchase order to retail shelf, specializing in operational improvements through technology. Ralph received his Bachelor’s degree from SUNY in Business Management, majoring in Supply Chain Logistics. He has been active in multiple industry organizations including the NPTC, ATA and CSCMP. His web site is www.tbls.net/logistics.htm. |
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Born in Nashville, TN, and graduated from Donelson High School and University of Tennessee at Nashville. Married to Dean Helton Hodges and father to Amanda Hodges Cranford and Tom Hodges.
The “journey” into trucking began on a Dock at Tennessee Carolina Transportation (TCT) in 1965. Learning in 1966 to drive a tractor-trailer and was a city driver for TCT until 1970. Uncle Sam beckoned two years were spent in the Army, serving in Viet Nam as A Military Policeman 1968-1969. After military service, the management career began with a position with TCT as a dock supervisor/dispatcher.
In 1976, a company change was made, going to work for Spector Freight Systems as a salesman and subsequently held various positions in the transportation industry, from sales manager, terminal manager, Vice President of Sales, President and Owner.
Currently involved in our industry through several professional organizations. Served as Chairman of the Tennessee Trucking Association with two separate terms and currently serves as the President of the Tennessee Trucking Foundation. Currently serves as Second Vice Chairman of American Trucking Associations, and past chairman of the Small Carrier Committee and Chairman of the Chairman’s Membership Sub-committee. Also, serving on the executive committee of Southern Motor Carriers (SMC3) in Atlanta GA. Currently serving as an Elder at the Fairlane Church or Christ in Shelbyville, TN and former Chairman of the Tennessee Children’s Home in Spring Hill TN. Chairman of the International Warehouse and Logistics Association Insurance Company (IWLAIC) and on the Kenco Group, Board of Advisors.
Business interests include Chairman of Goggin Warehousing LLC; Chairman of Titan Transfer, Inc.; Chairman of HEC Leasing, Inc; Chairman of IWLAIC Insurance Company (Group Captive Insurance Company), Chairman of Titan Transfer Logistics, Inc.: Chairman of S/M Transportation and Warehousing, Inc. |
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Born in Massillon, OH. Graduated from Washington High School and Kent State University. Currently lives in North Canton, OH. Married to Sheila DiNapoli Kelley and father to Kevin and LeeAnn Kelley.
Began working at Peoples Cartage Inc. right out of high school as a part-time warehouseman and household goods moving helper and continued to work part-time while in college. Worked outside the industry for a short period after college and returned to People’s in 1976 as a customer service representative. Continued to move up through the ranks to become warehouse manager, overseeing both the Massillon and North Canton warehouses and then office manager at the corporate office.
The company has seen tremendous growth. In 1992 the company reorganized and the parent company, Peoples Services Inc was formed. At this time was named treasurer and in 2000 elected to the Board of Directors and named Vice President of Finance, with responsibility over all accounting and IT functions. Now have 35 years of experience in operations and administration in the trucking and warehouse distribution industry.
Also an officer in several other related companies including P-C Sales & Service Inc, RootBlast International and Terminal Warehouse Inc.
Community involvement includes membership on various Church boards and former vice president and president of church council. Participated in numerous school programs and was a member of the executive committee for the Jackson High School choral boosters. Also involved in scouting as committee member and former scoutmaster. |
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