Management Team
Letter from the President
Connie Anderson, President and Owner
Connie has over 30 years experience within the Logistics industry. Her background includes management areas of transportation, distribution operations, call center operations, marketing and sales. Connie’s career includes working for Mid Continent Warehouse, Chem-Lig International and USCO Distribution Services, Inc. (Kuehne & Nagel, Inc.) She has extensive background in project team management including analyzing start-up operations, developing new business opportunities, and systems design and implementation. Connie started her career at Aspen but went outside the company for 12 years and worked for other companies. Her father, Dan Sample, began to transfer the reins in 2002 when Connie was promoted to President. In January 2006, she purchased the Aspen companies from her father as he fully retired. In 2008, Aspen was recognized and certified as a Women-Owned company.
Jim Emmerling, Vice President Operations
Jim brings a vast amount of experience to the Aspen team. Jim spent 18 years with USCO Logistics (Kuehne & Nagel), one of the largest 3PL’s in our industry. During his career with USCO, Jim was responsible for warehouse operations and sales functions within the western region, leaving USCO as Vice President of the Western Region. Before joining Aspen, Jim was Vice President/Partner in Liberty Logistics located in Southern California. Jim’s knowledge of Warehouse Operations and Customer Relations is an invaluable tool that he brings to Aspen. Jim is directly responsible for all shared and dedicated operations and all engineering functions at Aspen. Jim has played a key leadership and executive role at Aspen since 2003.
Angie Maestas, Director of Transportation
Angie has been with Aspen over 20 years. She started in customer service and has worked in a variety of areas. However, for the last 15 years, Angie has specialized in the transportation area and has learned all aspects of servicing our customers in transportation. She has moved up from General Manager to a Director level and is invaluable as a leader in the company. Angie is responsible for all transportation services in the western region and our network of transfer point operations. Angie brings a high level of service focus, organization and performance measurements to her team and our customers. Angie joins the executive team at Aspen with a well-rounded expertise in warehouse and transportation operations.
Richard Grennon, Vice President of Business Solutions
Richard has been instrumental in our leading-edge technology solutions for our customers for over 15 years. In his past life, Richard held positions in Administration Management and Systems Management for 10 years with companies like DSC Logistics, Kal Kan Foods and Gestetner. His vast experience in Inventory control, Customer service, Accounting and Warehousing provides insight to our Operational group in system analysis in regards to running the business more efficiently and effectively. Richard handles all technology and IT solutions for our customers. His team manages all aspects of IT for Aspen and is key in implementing the right solution for our customers. In addition to Richard’s role over IT, he also plays a key role in handling risk management for the company.
Brian LePard, Vice President of Finance
Brian brings 20 years of financial and managerial accounting experience to Aspen. His experience in financing, cash management, corporate funding and new product market release brings Aspen a fresh look into the world of Accounting and Finance. Brian’s vast experience in costing models is key to our continued growth within our industry as he continues to expand the financial tools of the company. Brian’s previous experience has been with companies like Puronyx, Taco Bell and Sports Group International. Brian joined the Aspen team in 2004 and has rounded out the expertise in the executive team.
Dennis McDonough, Vice President Service Solutions
Dennis has been involved in the logistics industry since 1975. He has represented third party logistics providers in North America which include Interamerican Public Distribution Corp. (IPDC), USCO Distribution (Kuehne & Nagel)and Burnham Services. Prior to joining the Aspen team, Dennis began Liberty Logistics Services, an integrated 3PL specializing in the retail industry. Dennis’ experience in all the areas of logistics has brought Aspen another level of management depth. Dennis has played key roles in Aspen’s Transportation and Value Added operations and has been with Aspen executive team since 2002.
Wanda Franks, Corporate Human Resources
Wanda has been in the distribution industry and Human Resources are over 20 years. She has her certification in Human Resources Business Management and is a member of SHRM (Society of Human Resources Management), Employers Resources (Ohio), Employers Group (California) and Employers Council (Utah) and WERC. Wanda is well versed in personnel laws and with her HR team handles all personnel, HR and on-site support for Aspen. Wanda is a great resource to the company and to each management team within our network.
Chris Ticknor, Corporate Marketing Manager
Aspen has been blessed with a well-rounded group of professionals who lead our business. The executive leadership is a group of individuals that are authentic, well-educated in logistics and their specialized field, and a diverse team of people. While we all may not agree with one another at times, there is a great sense of respect and the need to do what is right for Aspen and its customers.
Aspen has existing management teams or X-Teams (crossfunctional) in all facilities. These teams consist of management in all functional areas of the company including operations, customer service, human resources, financial, information technology, and business development. We believe that decisions should be made with the full understanding of how it affects all areas of the business. The General Manager over the facility facilitates these teams and ensures that everyone is involved in all aspects servicing our customers. |
