Chris Valante
Tell us more about your background – how did you get started in the transportation industry?
My career in the transportation industry started in the year 2000 with a company called Consolidated Freightways. I was hired to manage a local territory in Massachusetts, selling LTL nationwide.
What about Pyle made you want to work for this company?
I was lucky enough to meet Jimmy Latta at a trade show, which gave me an immediate insight into the superior culture. I also had competed with Pyle on several accounts and understood the high level of service they provided.
Describe your role at Pyle.
At Pyle, my primary role is to spearhead the growth of our integrated and dedicated operations. In addition to driving expansion, I serve as a subject matter expert, providing guidance and mentorship to our existing sales team and future dedicated sales professionals. It’s my responsibility to ensure that our team is equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their roles and contribute to the ongoing success of our organization.
Can you elaborate on the innovative strategies and initiatives you’ve implemented within the dedicated division during your tenure at A. Duie Pyle and how they have contributed to the growth and success of Pyle?
During my tenure in the dedicated division, our team was tasked with the challenge of self-developing internal strategies and processes to expand and manage dedicated solutions. Simultaneously, we had to define our sales strategy and competitive advantages against well-established competitors. In the absence of a pre-existing book of business, we adopted a “friends and family” approach, which proved instrumental in securing our initial contracts and establishing credibility to approach larger, more sophisticated target customers.
Moreover, we recognized the importance of diversifying our customer base beyond our existing portfolio within the LTL and warehousing groups. This led us to cultivate relationships with customers in sectors such as grocery and food distribution, where we have since achieved significant success.
This experience not only enabled us to grow and operate dedicated solutions effectively but also broadened our reach into new markets, laying the groundwork for future successes.
As the Vice President of Dedicated Solutions, how do you approach developing and maintaining strong partnerships with customers, and what role do you see these relationships playing in the long term success of Pyle?
As the VP of Dedicated Solutions, and for any future subject matter experts (SME) who may follow in my footsteps, I would emphasize the same principles that have underpinned our successful sales efforts thus far: a thorough understanding of our customers’ needs and a deep knowledge of the tailored solutions offered by Pyle. Above all, honesty and transparency are paramount in our interactions with clients.
By prioritizing these core values, we not only build trust and credibility with our customers but also ensure that our solutions are truly aligned with their requirements, fostering long-term partnerships and sustained success.
What achievements are you most proud of during your time at Pyle?
I take great pride in my accomplishments at Pyle, particularly in growing the revenue and relationships within my local and national account territories. Notably, during the 2009 recession, where I managed both simultaneously.
However, what I am most proud of is the transformation of the dedicated division into a thriving business unit. As part of a small, dedicated team, we have worked tirelessly to establish dedicated services as a legitimate and successful component of our organization. Today, it brings me immense satisfaction to see over 700 team members and their families benefiting from the opportunities provided by our dedicated division, with a promising future ahead.
Any closing thoughts?
On a personal note, my family and I will always hold deep gratitude towards the ownership and leadership at A. Duie Pyle. Their faith in me, entrusting me with significant responsibilities, has been instrumental in my journey and in contributing to the success of our company. Their support and belief in my abilities have been invaluable, and I am truly thankful for the opportunities they have provided me.