An interview with a logistics manager.
Based at Resolve Marine’s Fort Lauderdale facility, Logistics Manager Matt Nadell gets equipment to the right place, on time. We sat down with him to learn a little more about his role.
Your background is in Maritime Business. What influenced you to choose that career path?
I graduated from Massachusetts Maritime Academy with a degree in International Maritime Business. Growing up I wanted to join the Navy and in high school was introduced to the civilian alternative. In a world of uncertainty, the high job placement rate really drew me in.
Describe what it’s like doing logistics in the marine industry? What part of the job is unique?
Working in emergency response in the marine industry is a completely different experience. You’ve got to be prepared at a moment’s notice to ship equipment around the world to some of the most secluded parts of the planet. For the most part, the marine industry is very structured and plans far in advance. However, salvage is the opposite - we respond to unique situations while simultaneously creating and executing strategic objectives.
What type of attributes help a logistics manager succeed?
Attention to details, creativity, thinking outside of the box, communication and strong organizational skills.
As a logistics manager, what kind of equipment are you shipping and how does it get transported? What issues factor in when deciding what’s needed?
We ship a wide range of equipment, from small nuts and bolts to large vessel anchors and cranes. The mode of transport - truck, train, air, or ship - is determined by size, weight, urgency and destination. As the logistics manager, I make decisions that ensure timely and cost-effective deliveries. I consider regulatory requirements and customs protocols to avoid delays and keep operations running smoothly.
Do you get calls around the clock to assist teams offshore?
Yes, I am always on call because accidents happen at the worst times! In the middle of the night, on holidays and in remote areas of the world.
What do you find most challenging about your work? What are you passionate about?
The thing I find most challenging is the expected timeline for ensuring equipment arrival to a project site. We move a lot faster than the rest of the world, so responding to an emergency while navigating the intricacies of marine shipping is challenging.
I’m passionate about finding creative solutions for problems that we solve. Every day is different, and it takes outside-the-box thinking to accomplish each goal.
What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on while at Resolve Marine?
The Solomon Trader was a project that encompassed every piece of logistics solutions to complete. The vessel accident was in one of the most remote and sensitive marine life areas of the world. We chartered vessels, airplanes and helicopters to ensure our equipment arrived as needed on the other side of the world. The obstacles that were overcome during this project helped me grow as a professional and taught me lessons I still use today.
Any advice to those still in school or starting their careers in this industry?
Be willing to travel and say yes to new opportunities! The experiences you gain from seeing how the world operates outside of the US will greatly enhance your views. Understanding how to communicate and accomplish tasks with minimal resources will provide you with life skills that you’ll use throughout your career. Take the road less traveled and create your own path to success.
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