Face to Face - January 2011

Russ Romine

Griffin Global Logistics

Reno

Number of Employees: 70

Years in Nevada: 35

Years with Company: 20

What inspired you to get into your industry?

In college I developed a strong interest in international trade. I worked for a trucking company loading trucks at night handling international cargo. As I advanced though the company and then graduated, I had the opportunity to go to work for a large international mining company as logistics manager. From there, I followed an opportunity to Griffin in global network development, later having the opportunity to purchase the company.

How do you encourage growth and development within your company?

Our culture is one of client service and creative solutions. We have grown and diversified as a result of our “can do” solutions oriented culture. Our staff is given a lot of autonomy to think out of the box. We are structured, but with paper walls. Employees have the opportunity to cross-train, get industry education, interface with clients and vendors, and make decisions without the fear of failure.

What is the biggest challenge your industry is facing?

I think the biggest industry challenge is to keep services differentiated and effective enough to avoid commoditization. Many industries are facing a transition to a place where their services or products are becoming commodities. We must continue to invest in technology, people and creative solutions, and constantly evolve our service menu to provide a full range of solutions to customers business needs.

What advice would you give to other executives moving into this market?

Listen closely to your clients needs.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Look for solutions, not problems…Come from a solutions driven mindset.

Describe your leadership style.

Open door & informal. Passionate about what I do. Visionary and opportunity driven.