The TA Difference: Lessons from TA Leadership – Brady Thames, VP Sales & Marketing

Following on the heels of our Q&A with CFO, Charles Dismuke, as part of our Lessons from Leadership series, we had the opportunity to sit down with VP of Sales and Marketing, Brady Thames, to discuss how TA Services has sustained long-lasting customer relationships and carrier partnerships for 35 years running.

Q: Brady, you have a background of more than 25 years in the logistics industry. As a seasoned brokerage, logistics, and transportation executive, what do you think gives TA Services a competitive advantage and sets us apart from other 3PL competitors?

A: First, and foremost, our people set us apart from other 3PL competitors. Our people are our brand. When customers work with TA Services, they are working with people who are focused on “doing what we say we will do” through service, safety, innovation, and problem solving, which leads to a unique experience and extraordinary results.

It’s because of the dedication and innovation of each one of our valued team members that TA Services has made it to where we are today, 35 years after we began this journey on a handshake and a promise with a handful of people in a trailer. Today, we’re a company that stands united in our vision and our values with more than 700 team members and locations spanning all the way from Canada to Mexico. TA Services is comparable to none other because we believe in our people.

Q: In an increasingly automated world, how does TA Services plan on nurturing and retaining the relationships that have brought us success in the supply chain industry?

A: TA Services is a “people-first business” and always will be. Consistently engaging with our customers in collaboration and having strategic conversations with them about their specific goals for their goods and services allows us to better learn their needs, which are always evolving. Being a reliable source of knowledge, information, technology, and strategic implementation allows our customers to focus on what’s most important to them – their core business and final products.

We are a business that is propelled by the desire to solve problems while building a rapport with our current and future customers alike. As our company continues to grow, we will continue to educate our customers on our capabilities and our service offerings – both current and new – so that we are able to ensure the ability to always meet the needs of our customers in the most efficient way possible. Their success is our success!

Q: TA Services takes great pride in being America’s trusted premier integrated solutions provider for Freight Brokerage, Managed Transportation, Warehousing & Fulfillment, and Cross-Border Logistics needs. How do you help to motivate your sales teams to consistently deliver operational excellence and unparalleled customer service in the global supply chain?

A: The greatest motivation is knowing that TA Services works operationally and commercially as “one unit” with the same mission to build meaningful relationships and the same vision to be the place where transportation, logistics, and supply chain management excellence is delivered.

This feeling of unity allows us to create value-driven solutions that produce extraordinary results for our customers. The joy of helping people solve problems and deliver beyond expectation is motivation in itself.

Q: What are some benefits shippers may experience as a result of having a long-term partnership with a 3PL provider?

A: A long-term 3PL provider will have historical knowledge about a shipper’s business. Because of this, they can easily provide flexible resources to predict and prevent strain during unexpected circumstances. 3PLs can create reliable strategies to combat these kinds of disruptive conditions while maintaining care of your current freight brokerage, warehousing and fulfillment, or cross-border transportation needs. Having a long-term 3PL partner like TA Services means that shippers receive reliable and knowledgeable guidance during both anticipated market conditions as well as fluctuating expectations.