We do supply chain management and logistics consulting. We work with manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors to move products around the world. We’ve just gotten into the technology business where we’ve developed some interesting technology that will help small and medium-size businesses streamline their supply chain process. We do government contracting, too.
I’ve been in business for 9½ years. I came up with the name because of the fact that I wanted to make sure I could offer my clients (services) from A to Z. Alpha Omega, the beginning to the end. In addition, I do have a spiritual connection to that.
In 2008, after being the vice president of media and marketing at an international marketing agency, I decided to start a business. The company that I was working for was bought out by a venture capital firm. They offered me a lucrative package to stay on board. I sat down with my wife and said, ‘I’m feeling led to go out and start a business.’ Unfortunately, 2008 was probably not the best time to do it, but we were fortunate.
I’m a Navy veteran. I moved to Jacksonville and bought a house and got married. I got out of the Navy and went back to school. I was in New Jersey and I was shoveling snow and it was raining and it was sleeting and it was cold. I said, “Why? Why am I doing this? There are places in the world where people don’t have to deal with this.” I had a home here so I came back to Jacksonville. For many years I said, “I’m going to move out of Jacksonville.” Twenty-four years later, I’m still here.
When I grew up I wanted to be a truck driver. As I got older I started to learn what it really required. I was introduced to marketing and communications in college and that became my passion. I went to work at AOL and then in television and radio. But that wasn’t my purpose. It kind of came full circle because now I work with truck drivers and logistics companies every day.
Being Small Business Leader of the Year in transportation and logistics has given me the opportunity to meet some great people and to identify businesses that I wasn’t aware of in Jacksonville. I’m fascinated by studying businesses. I like to talk to people and ask, “How did you get started? What are some of the challenges you faced?” I get an opportunity to have access to individuals like that.
We’re at a pivotal point in the city when it comes to small businesses. Being Small Business Leader of the Year gives me the platform to help other small businesses. I’m building a network of resources so I can help others, and that’s critical.
I like to cook. I like to think I’m a really good chef. If I wasn’t in this business, I’d probably be a chef or in the restaurant business. And I like fishing. There are times when I go out and I don’t catch any fish, but I always stop by the fish market on the way home. I don’t mislead anyone, but at least I brought some fish home. Whether I caught them or not is irrelevant.