Q&A with Key Account Manager Jason Borthwick

We caught up with FCL’s Key Accounts Manager Jason Borthwick this week on his recent experiences in logistics, his role within a growing company and how he managed to hit accelerated customer deadlines with shipments already in transit.

So Jason, how did you find your way to the logistics industry?

Before my time in logistics, I worked in the auto industry, and a small part of my job was dispatching local drivers to help get cars around town. I enjoyed working out the most efficient ways to get the most accomplished each day. When the time came for a new job, I wanted to explore dispatching/logistics on a larger scale.

What is your favorite role you’ve worked in so far?

I’ve been in the logistics industry for eight years in many different roles, but my favorite is my current role as Key Account Manager for First Call. While it can be very difficult at times, it is also very rewarding to overcome obstacles every day to maintain a high service record for a large customer base.

Have you found yourself specializing in any particular “niche”?

Intermodal (rail), auto suppliers/manufacturers, packaging and retail are the main industries I have been involved with. I would consider myself well-rounded regarding clients, but I’ve spent the most time working with auto suppliers and manufacturers.

What are some specific challenges you’ve assisted customers/carriers with?

In logistics, you have to be able to adapt and come up with solutions on the fly. Recently, we had an auto part manufacturer that needed parts from Mexico moved to the U.S. warehouse quicker than normal — meaning we needed to switch from solo drivers to team drivers during transit.

The added challenge was most shipments were already in transit, so we had to get creative with transloading, handing off to different carriers, etc. once trucks hit the border to meet our customers’ deadlines.

What’s one thing you wish people better understood about supply chain management?

I think one thing I wish everyone understood is just how complex supply chain management can be. When someone thinks about getting a package or pallet from one place to another, it seems pretty simple on paper but there are so many different modes of transportation — and also so many different job functions within the supply chain.

What do you consider the most important skill or characteristic to be successful in a role like yours?

The ability to multi-task and communicate. In this role, you are constantly juggling what seems like 10 different things at a time. You really need to find a way to keep everything in focus, as well as being able to communicate info back to customers, team members and carriers.

What do you value most about your career? Why should someone work at First Call?

Every day is a completely new challenge. It seems strange to say that when you consider the job is just to get freight from point A to point B, but every day presents completely different obstacles to overcome. Although it can be incredibly stressful at times, it is also very rewarding.

I would recommend anyone to work at First Call for multiple reasons. The people here are amazing, and all share the same mindset to succeed while making it fun at the same time. You get rewarded for the hard work you put in and feel appreciated. It’s also rewarding to be a part of a young company that is growing fast within the logistics industry.

Outside of work, what passions or hobbies do you spend time on?

My two favorite hobbies would be snow skiing in the winter and golfing in the warmer weather. I also love grilling out and entertaining at home — most of our weekends are just hanging out at home with family and friends.

Are there any professional or charitable organizations you’re passionate about/involved in?

Most of my spare time goes to my kids’ activities so whichever sport they are a part of, I usually get involved by volunteering to coach. Right now I am coaching my daughter’s 6U softball team which has been a ton of fun. I love watching them all learn and enjoy sports, as it was a huge part of my life growing up.

Are there any professional or charitable organizations you’re passionate about/involved in?

Most of my spare time goes to my kids’ activities so whichever sport they are a part of, I usually get involved by volunteering to coach. Right now I am coaching my daughter’s 6U softball team which has been a ton of fun. I love watching them all learn and enjoy sports, as it was a huge part of my life growing up.

Interested in joining the First Call team? Check out our careers page for more info on available positions, benefits and more!