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Ray has been a dedicated employee at Renaissance Global Logistics since 2012. As the site manager for the Romulus complex, his role is incredibly diverse, overseeing multiple business entities that focus primarily on General Motors (GM).
Q: Tell us about your role. What do you do, and why is it important?
I have a bit of everything on my plate as the site manager for the Romulus complex. But what I specialize in is supply chain risk management. At a high level, this means I’m overseeing the daily operations of our customers’ supply chains, making sure everything is running smoothly. Part of the reason I love what I do is because it's never the same thing twice. That's what makes this job so critical, apart from the nuts and bolts of it. You need someone who's ready for anything, someone who sees surprises as opportunities rather than roadblocks.
Q: What is your expertise?
In supply risk management, it’s all about protecting my customers’ supply chain. I see and respond to any problems that might cause supply chain issues, and I also work with my team to put processes and tools in place that make our work more efficient. I also empower my team so they can fully engage with their roles once they're acclimated. I believe in cutting them loose to do what they do best. So, I would say my expertise encompasses adaptability, mentorship, team empowerment, and leadership.
Q: Where do you feel you make the biggest difference to customers?
Response and acknowledgement. I’m on call 24/7, which isn’t a bad thing; I’m not going to let anything happen on my watch. And you're not going to find anyone that responds to an email quicker than me. The only reason we are here is to serve the customer. And they keep coming back because we keep answering their calls. Be it responding quickly or stepping up to the challenges they throw our way, we haven't failed yet.
Q: Why do you enjoy working at RGL?
The best part about this job is that it keeps me on my toes. Especially with the supply risk management side of things; it's always last minute and different. You could say it's like a box of chocolates—you never know what you're going to get. I really thrive in that environment.
Q: What stands out to you about RGL as a company?
It's hard to put it in simple terms. It's just a great place where people give their all. There isn't much hovering over you or micromanaging. You're expected to do what you need to do, and you're trusted to do it. That's the kind of environment we have. We're empowered to do our job, and there's no fear of failure.
Q: What’s a product or process you created for a client that worked well?
Back in 2012, when we first jumped into the supply risk management business at RGL, we tackled how to store 85,000 pieces of glass without turning the place into a hazard zone. So, we got creative and built these wooden templates ourselves to keep the glass snug and secure. It turned out to be a huge win. Out of all those pieces, we only had 20 that broke, and not a single person got scratched. We're still using those wooden templates for storage today, just not with glass.
Q: What’s the one thing you’d want people to take away (if nothing else) about your role?
If there's one thing I'd want you to take away about what I do here, it's this: I do it with integrity. It's about doing the right thing, even when nobody's looking. Always care for the customer, you know; they’re the whole reason we're here.
Q: If you’re not in the office, where can we find you?
There’s a good chance you'll find me in my 15-foot Boston Whaler. Or you’ll find me behind a drum kit, playing in my daughter-in-law's band, Lolly and the Pops. If you can't find me at those two places, I'll be hanging out with my three granddaughters!