Everette Seay is an account executive with Sea Star, a steamship line that serves Puerto Rico.
WHAT DOES HE DO?
“Sales and customer service-related issues for clients. I drum up new business for the company.”
WHO ARE YOUR CLIENTS?
The majority of his customers are in the Southeast and represent every type of industry.
COASTING INTO THE TRADE
After college, Seay spent four years in the Army as a linguist. He is fluent in French, Chinese and Spanish. Upon his discharge, Seay tried sales at Homeside Lending. Seeking to use his foreign language skills, Seay joined International Transport Logistics, a non-vessel-owning common carrier company, as the general manager of Caribbean services. Seay became familiar with Sea Star through an agreement they had with the company to ship their containers on ITL vessels.
WHY CHART THIS COURSE?
“The international flavor is appealing. I am able to capitalize on my linguistic skills and interact with people from all over the world. The people you meet is probably the neatest thing. Sales are sales. It’s the folks you meet and the experiences they share that makes it interesting.”
WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF THE JOB?
“Serving the needs of Puerto Rico because it is an island that basically imports everything.”
WHAT’S THE CHALLENGE?
“Being able to differentiate ourselves from the competitors. The trade is competitive and full of industries with rich history. We’re the new kid on the block.”
HOW DO YOU ANGLE IN THE BUSINESS?
“We are a brand new company therefore we are open to new ideas that other trade members may not offer.”
HOMETOWN
Newport News, Va.
EDUCATION
Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia was where Seay studied Spanish and history. He expects to graduate from Jacksonville University next month with a bachelor’s degree in business.
FAMILY
A new dad, Seay resides in San Marco with his wife Kristen and son Meade.
SPECIAL INTERESTS
A member of the Rotary Club, Seay enjoys golfing and reading, especially Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War.” Traveling is another favorite, particularly if it involves Cafe Oriente in Madrid, where he lived for one summer on a study abroad program. “Law & Order” is what interests him when watching television.
WHO’S YOUR HERO?
“Lt. Gen. Samuel V. Wilson, the president of Hampden-Sydney. He is someone who sacrificed many things in life so others can succeed but always kept a keen eye on his own personal and professional success. He embodied the philosophy of producing good men and good citizens.”
—by Monica Chamness