Every successful organization is powered by its people—the dedicated individuals who bring expertise, creative ideas, and commitment to work every day. At James Group, our team members are the cornerstone of our ability to deliver exceptional logistics solutions.
We're excited to introduce you to our two Senior Account Managers, both of whom represent our customer-first approach: Alena Tropf and Stephanie Poynter.
Tell us about your role at James Group and why it is important to the business, your team, and your customers.
Alena: As a Senior Account Manager, I serve as the customer’s primary point of contact. For a business to grow, customers must feel comfortable and confident in the team they are working with. Having a main point of contact helps streamline communication with the team and vice versa when communicating with the customer.
Stephanie: I am the liaison between our customer base and internal teams. As the middleman, I ensure our customers’ needs and concerns are heard and met. I work with our internal team to tap their expertise and use that information to provide the best possible solution to our clients.
What is your area of expertise in business development?
Alena: Maintaining and growing long-standing customer relationships.
Stephanie: Leading negotiations to secure deals, deal structuring, and resolution. I also maintain client relationships and build new ones.
Where do you feel like you make the biggest difference to customers?
Alena: I hope I leave each customer confident that their supply chain needs will be met. Maybe they are a little more knowledgeable about a portion of supply chain processes they were unaware of before.
Stephanie: I like to provide the customer with unique solutions. By asking many questions and providing multiple scenarios, we work together to tackle a problem and create a solution.
How do you approach building and maintaining long-term client relationships?
Alena: My approach has always been and will always be to treat each person with kindness and respect, no matter what their current title may read. You never know how each client relationship will develop in the near or distant future.
Stephanie: I treat my customers like family. I spend a lot of time getting to know them, their families, pets, hobbies, and personalities. This creates a trusting relationship that I build on with every interaction.
What has been your proudest achievement in building and maintaining these relationships?
Alena: I don't know that I have a specific moment. I just appreciate being able to grow within my own career within the automotive industry while witnessing others grow in their careers, too. It is always encouraging to see others doing well.
Stephanie: I know I am doing my part when my busiest clients answer my call in the middle of their busy day to provide me with missing information so I can continue to provide them with supply chain solutions.
What is your favorite part about your job?
Alena: I am able to interact with so many different people—locally, nationally, and internationally.
Stephanie: We make the world go round! In the supply chain business, we receive, manipulate, and ship goods worldwide. From automotive to emerging industries, our solutions adapt to any challenge, keeping supply chains moving and making life better for people everywhere.
Is there a principle or motto that guides your approach to business relationships?
Alena: Yes, always treat each person with kindness and respect, no matter what their current title may read. You never know how each client relationship will develop in the near or distant future.
Stephanie: There is always a way to accomplish a task. It may not be the easy way, but there is a way.
What energizes you most about coming to work each day?
Alena: Coffee. And knowing there is another potential win right around the corner.
Stephanie Poynter: If I show up for my team, I know they will show up for me. I enjoy watching the James Group grow the team within our warehousing network. It thrills me to get to work, see new faces, and make new relationships. I need to show the team that I support them so they will go above and beyond to support me.
What stands out to you about James Group as a company?
Alena: The company's focus on philanthropic work is unlike any other I’ve worked for. Team members from all levels are willing to be involved and support whatever the cause may be. I also appreciate the importance that James Group places on its employees. Leadership truly understands that to be successful, the employees need to feel and be successful.
Stephanie: The James Group puts a massive amount of effort into creating the best working culture. By focusing on the employees, they have made it a great place to work.
What’s the one thing you'd want people to take away about your role or James Group?
Alena: I am here to help and love to figure out and find the right solutions.
Stephanie: James Group is built on a foundation of knowledge of all things supply chain. We are more than a warehousing company. The talent on the team extends beyond the surface.
If you're not in the office, where can we find you?
Alena: You can find me with my number one girl, Rory. It's amazing to watch her learn and grow each day. I can't believe how quickly time flies. In three short months, she will be a year old!
Stephanie: On rare occasions when I’m not working, you can find me traveling, on the boat, or at the golf course.
With Alena and Stephanie leading our business development initiatives, James Group continues to strengthen its position as a trusted supply chain partner. Their complementary approaches—from knowledge sharing to creative problem solving—demonstrate our commitment to client success. Whether you're looking to optimize your supply chain, expand your logistics capabilities, or find a partner who truly understands your business needs, Alena and Stephanie are ready to help develop solutions tailored to your goals. Connect with them on LinkedIn or contact us to start a conversation.