Staff Writer
Workspace: Roy Schleicher, Chief Commercial Officer of the Jacksonville Port Authority
All it took was one opportunity to unleash a blast from a ship’s horn to cement his career path.
Roy Schleicher was promoted to Chief Commercial Officer for the Jacksonville Port Authority in 2009 and he is the third generation of his family to work in the shipping industry. The Baltimore native has worked in the industry for more than 40 years and now calls Jacksonville home.
“It was that first trip aboard a ship that hooked me. I was 5-6 years old and my dad took me aboard a ship and the captain let me blow the ship’s horn. I thought that was really neat,” said Schleicher.
“As I grew up, I loved hearing my dad talk about how cargo would move around the world. It was fascinating, and so were the people that he would bring to dinner. They were captains from all over the world and I would hear stories of different cultures. It was really interesting,” he said.
Shipping may be the family business for Schleicher, but he also enjoys the industry because of its close-knit, family atmosphere.
“When I was working in Baltimore and we needed to hire someone, we didn’t take out a ‘help wanted’ ad. We asked our family and friends if they knew someone who needed work,” said Schleicher. “It’s great that way, the relationships you develop. I went on vacation recently and I had dinner with one of my customers, and that’s because of the relationship we have developed.”
Since July 2001, Schleicher has been responsible for all facets of national and international trade development and market share enhancement for the port.
He oversees the growth of the terminal facilities by increasing cargo movement for existing tenants and developing new cargo and business opportunities.
He was instrumental in securing a major contract with MOL for the TraPac Container Terminal at Dames Point, acted as lead negotiator on the Hanjin contract and is also heavily involved with the development of future terminals. Presently, Schleicher supervises the Port Authority’s Property and Planning Department, as well as Corporate Performance.
His office is on the third floor of the Port Authority building at 2831 Talleyrand Ave., but he puts in the hours whenever and wherever he needs to.
“(Time in the office) comes in spurts. I could be here for a week and then I could be in Asia for two weeks, in Europe for a few more and then come back,” said Schleicher.
“(The office) is the follow-up place. After you make the trip and meet with people and get the deal done, then I follow up with them from the office.”
One of his work necessities helps him work wherever he is, the BlackBerry.
“I’ve turned into a ‘CrackBerry.’ I’m always on it now,” said Schleicher. “Things happen so fast in our industry, it’s so fluid, that it’s great to be able to access what I need with the BlackBerry. I check e-mails, read the paper and keep up with the industry with it.”
When he is able to put down the BlackBerry and take time away from the office, he enjoys a game of golf.
“I love to play,” said Schleicher, as he moved a paperweight that included a golfer inside of it.
“I don’t think I’ve been out since TPC, though.”
356-2466