Meet Our Experts

Key team members

PLG’s consultants represent a broad spectrum of real world expertise across various industries, markets, and transportation modes with an average of 20+ years industry experience and 8+ years of consulting experience. PLG’s team approach to projects combines the right mix of domain and functional knowledge applied to every engagement, working closely with our clients to rapidly deliver practical and actionable solutions and insights.

We love speaking at events and conferences and bringing a level of focus to supply chain and logistics that helps our clients reach their business objectives.

Our Leadership

Graham Brisben headshot

Graham Brisben

CEO and Founder

Graham is the CEO and founder of PLG Consulting, forming the business in 2001 following a career in the railroad and trucking industries. His various operations and business development roles helped to identify the market need for objective, expert consulting services for shippers, transportation companies, financial firms, government entities, and other stakeholders in the world of logistics. 

Graham began his transportation career at Burlington Northern Railroad, performing operational and financial analysis in the areas of asset deployment and utilization, network optimization, and yield management. He later served as a Trainmaster at the Chicago, St. Louis, and Ft. Worth terminals, where he developed and implemented new management methods for railroad terminal operations.

Graham went on to serve as District General Manager for America’s largest bulk truck carrier, Quality Carriers, where he started and developed the multi-state Chicago District. In addition to full sales, marketing, operations, P&L, and safety responsibilities, he also started and managed new rail transfer and warehousing operations in Minneapolis and Chicago. Graham also opened and managed Canadian National Railway’s Chicago CargoFlo bulk transfer facility, and he helped CN implement new transload facilities in Detroit and Hamilton, Ontario.

Graham lives in Oak Park, Illinois with his wife and two children. He is a graduate of the University of Iowa.

Taylor Robinson LinkedIn

Taylor Robinson

Managing Director - Energy and Investment Strategy Practices

Taylor is the Managing Director – Energy and Investment Strategy for PLG Consulting, bringing over 30 years of experience in supply chain, strategic sourcing, operations, and consulting at the executive level. His accomplishments span diverse sectors, including energy, automotive, and aerospace. Taylor’s expertise encompasses Fortune 500 corporations and start-ups, showcasing his versatile skill set. Taylor excels in implementing strategic initiatives that reduce costs, improve cash flow, and create value for organizations. He possesses the innate ability to lead cross-functional teams and partner with senior leaders and stakeholders to achieve growth objectives.

As the Managing Director – Energy and Investment Strategy at PLG Consulting, Taylor is responsible for driving revenue growth, overseeing project delivery, and serving as a subject matter expert in the energy sector. He plays a crucial role in developing and nurturing client relationships, providing strategic insights, and contributing to the firm’s overall direction. Taylor is also the firm’s leading expert in the rapidly developing renewable energy market, authoring a thought leadership presentation on the business case for green hydrogen. For the past three years Robinson has been consulting green energy companies with strategy and supply chain advice in green hydrogen, solar, and vehicle electrification. Taylor previously served as President of PLG Consulting from 2012 to 2018, where he grew revenue by developing three customer verticals and expanding logistics consulting services to large global shippers. He also developed investment strategy capabilities for private equity firms, corporate development clients, and surface transportation providers.

Taylor’s dynamic career includes executive positions at several prominent companies, including Honda of America, Honeywell, and HJ Heinz. His achievements include implementing strategic initiatives that reduce costs, improve cash flow, and create value with global leadership responsibilities.

Taylor holds a Bachelor of Science in Procurement & Materials Management and Production & Operations Management from Bowling Green State University. He is a Six Sigma Black Belt, demonstrating his commitment to process improvement and operational excellence.

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Candy Mitchell

Managing Director - Facility Design and Automation Practice

Candy is the Managing Director of the Facility Design and Automation Practice for PLG Consulting, bringing over 35 years of experience in process excellence, warehouse automation, and global operations. Her accomplishments span diverse sectors, including distribution, manufacturing, aerospace, and technology. Candy’s expertise encompasses Fortune 500 corporations and manufacturing operations, showcasing her versatile skill set in driving operational excellence through data-driven strategies. She excels in implementing strategic initiatives that optimize operations, reduce costs, and create value through innovative automation solutions.

As the Managing Director – Facility Design and Automation at PLG Consulting, Candy specializes in warehouse design optimization, automation strategy, and operational excellence. She successfully implements large-scale automation projects, including AutoStore solutions that increased picks/hour from 24 to over 120. Her achievements include driving $28M in productivity improvements through Lean Operations initiatives and executing 65 facility consolidations/new sites in two years.

Candy’s dynamic career includes executive positions at prominent companies like WESCO, Honeywell, Jabil, and Schneider Electric. At WESCO, she created and led the Advanced Operations function globally, establishing automation strategies and implementing solutions that delivered significant cost savings and operational improvements. Her expertise in data analytics and AI led to recognition with a CIO Top 100 Award for developing a unique Citizen Data Science Program at Jabil.

Candy holds a Master of Business Administration from Rockhurst College and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri. She is a Certified Black Belt / Lean Expert, demonstrating her commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement.

ChrisBonura

Chris Bonura

Director of Project Operations

Chris is the Director of Project Operations for PLG Consulting, bringing supply chain expertise with a broad perspective derived from working in and analyzing multiple transportation modes over the last 20 years.  His areas of expertise include site selection and lease negotiation of logistics-related facilities; the acquisition of railroads, railroad property and assets; port and railroad strategy formulation; industrial real estate portfolio management, research, and entitlements; plastics packaging facilities; Foreign-Trade Zones; business continuity; grant writing; media relations and crisis communications.  Chris has concluded nearly $200 million worth of purchase and lease transactions involving supply chain assets.

His long tenure at the Port of New Orleans and New Orleans Public Belt Railroad led to major industrial development, focused nurturing investment opportunities on port property and along the rail network. Prior to his port and rail career, Chris was a business journalist covering transportation. Chris brings significant experience in business strategy, data analysis and assessment along with client project management and building team consensus.

As Director of Project Operations, Chris combines his strategic vision, operational expertise, and client-focused approach to ensure the successful execution of consulting projects. He leverages data-driven strategies and builds high-performing teams to deliver actionable insights and tangible results for PLG’s clients.

Chris lives in New Orleans, Louisiana, with his wife and two children.  He holds a Master of Business Administration, graduating from Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business in 2009.

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Lisa Underwood

Director of Finance and Administration

Lisa is the Director of Finance and Administration for PLG Consulting, where she oversees finance, accounting, and daily operational functions. She brings over a decade of finance leadership experience, most recently serving as Vice President of Finance and Operations at Quick Leonard Kieffer where she managed complex budgets, strategic planning, and operational excellence, making her well-equipped to support PLG’s diverse consulting needs.

At PLG, Lisa manages the organization’s financial operations, including budget planning, revenue monitoring, and strategic financial analysis. She also oversees administrative functions such as contract administration, client communications, and internal systems management. Her strong background in operational leadership and team building helps ensure smooth organizational processes and excellent client service.

Her previous experience includes roles at the Brain Research Foundation and Marketstaff, where she developed expertise in financial reporting, audit preparation, and accounting operations. Lisa holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Business and Finance from Ball State University.

Join the people behind our success

You’re a project manager, subject matter expert, or analyst with a strong desire to help clients, work collaboratively,
and thrive on applying your skills and expertise to complex business problems and opportunities.
We have opportunities for both independent contractors and employed positions.

Our Featured Consultants

Don Allee

Senior Consultant

Marine | Terminals | Intermodal | Chemicals

Don is a seasoned veteran bringing over 30+ years of experience in transportation economics, international trade, logistics and supply chain expertise to some of the largest ports in the world. He specializes in services to public/private port operators, terminal operators, and developers on all strategic aspects of operations and program management. He has managed facilities that receive/export dry bulk, containers, neo-bulk, break-bulk and project cargoes.

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David C. Anderson

Senior Consultant

Chemicals | Marine | Truck

David is a 41-year veteran of the petrochemical industry with executive-level experience at major chemical companies including TOTAL Petrochemical USA and ExxonMobil Chemical in addition to several consulting practices. His expertise spans the entire petrochemical polyolefin industry and end-use markets for olefins, polymers, and specialty derivatives.

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Russ Bernhardt

Senior Consultant

Chemicals | Rail | Marine

Russ has over 30 years of broad business experience with a focus on logistics and supply chain strategy and performance. His primary focus has been on U.S. rail freight negotiations, distribution strategy, manufacturing/packaging site evaluations, and benchmarking.

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Matt Cangiolosi

Senior Consultant

Site Selection | Rail | Due Diligence

Matt is an accomplished real estate professional with over 20 years of expertise in transactions, brokerage, and development across industrial properties for major railroads, land acquisitions for corridor development by utilities and short lines, and commercial retail deals. He has successfully negotiated, executed, and closed over 600 transactions through keen market knowledge, business acumen, and a relationship-driven approach.

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Ron Cormier

Senior Consultant

Chemicals | Oil and Gas | Marine | Pipeline

Ron is a deeply-tenured, industry professional with 36 years of experience in upstream, crude oil & gas, midstream/NGLs, refinery processes/fuels, and petrochemical feedstocks/derivatives. His span of responsibilities and expertise includes engineering, operations, commercial, thought leadership, and P/L. He has worked for some of the largest brands in the hydrocarbon market, including Dow Chemical, Dow Pipeline, Sunoco, and Chevron.

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Tony D'Uva

Senior Consultant

Warehousing | Truck | Manufacturing | Chemicals

Tony is a career supply chain and logistics professional with demonstrated expertise in warehousing and transportation management. Tony has led teams in cost reduction initiatives in warehouse operations, transportation, customer service, and inventory control. He has driven teams in the development of SOPs, productivity standards, and KPIs to highlight cost and service opportunities in supply chain and distribution operations.

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Phil Fisher

Senior Consultant & Project Manager

Oil and Gas | Truck | Marine

Phil began his career in refinery construction and engineering before moving on to commercial and engineering leadership roles for Chevron’s byproducts business unit. He led sales for all of Chevron’s US refineries advanced to include refinery operations planning, capital investment strategies, investment analysis, cap and ops budgeting, and contracting.

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Charlie Fukala

Senior Consultant

Rail | Engineering | Operations | Warehousing

Charlie is a seasoned transportation executive in the rail industry’s mechanical engineering sector. He excels in operations management, freight, pricing, locomotive procurement & logistics, and warehouse operations. Charlie’s expertise encompasses the strategy, procurement, safety, and installation of locomotives, both new and repowered. He advises on fleet cost-effectiveness and aligns locomotives with railroad infrastructure.

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Sean Gerrity

Senior Consultant

Marine | Chemicals

Sean has over thirty-five years of working in the marine industry with extensive knowledge of marine transfer operations and the movement of hazardous liquid products on the inland river system. He has both tactical and strategic experience in developing and running terminal and barge operations, including; strategic planning, auditing, safety training, and customer relations.

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Jon Gilbert

Senior Consultant and Project Manager

Manufacturing | Truck | Rail | Chemicals

Jon is an expert in operations improvement, transportation, logistics and supply chain management. He has over 30 years of experience in truck freight, small package logistics and supply chain. Jon has strategically sourced over $150 million in dry van, TL, LTL, bulk, rail, and specialized logistics spending.

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Jeannette Goldsmith

Senior Consultant and Project Manager

Manufacturing | Site Selection | Economic Development

Jeannette is a site selection professional with experience in the North American aerospace, automotive, energy, and chemical industries. Jeannette’s background spans more than 20 years in site location consulting, incentive negotiations, and economic development consulting. Her specific experience includes a heavy focus on manufacturing (specifically, aerospace, logistics, advanced materials and automotive sectors), as well as office sectors.

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Bill Graham

Senior Consultant and Project Manager

Renewables | Oil and Gas | Pipeline | Green Energy

Bill has over 20 years of business development experience in the environmental services industry – specializing in renewable fuel production and distribution, transportation logistics, energy production, solid waste management, and site remediation. Bill’s additional areas of expertise and direct experience are in large‐scale facility siting, permitting and development, and project finance.

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Ben Guido

P.E., Senior Consultant

Rail

Ben is a registered Professional Engineer with over 40 years of experience in the rail industry. Ben has been the principal engineer on hundreds of rail projects, providing design guidance and construction oversight throughout the United States on a range of projects including industrial parks, manufacturing sites, new mainline corridors, build-in/build-outs, ports, and transloading facilities.

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Daniel Guido

P.E., Senior Consultant

Rail | Chemicals | Mining, Minerals & Metals | Terminals

Daniel is an experienced railroad professional with over twenty years of project management experience. He is responsible for railroad project scoping, due diligence, design, plan production, permitting, and construction execution.

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Rob Hart

Senior Consultant

Finance | Due Diligence | Rail | Truck

Rob Hart has 40+ years of experience in transportation finance as the treasurer of a Class I railroad, a financial advisor to short line and regional railroads, and as a banker providing loans, leases, and other banking products to railroads, rail supply companies, and rail equipment lessors, truckers, and marine transportation companies.

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Belinda Hess

Senior Consultant and Project Manager

Bulk Commodities | Rail | Terminals

Belinda is a seasoned logistics and transportation professional with 22 years of experience at CSX Transportation and expertise in strategic planning and marketing, project management, process improvements, and customer relations.

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Michael Iden

P.E., Senior Consultant

Rail | Green Energy | Renewables

Michael has had a distinguished career as a mechanical engineer in the railroad industry, specializing in locomotive engineering and technical management. He played a pivotal role in post-merger locomotive fleet assimilation, modernization, and crashworthiness improvements and was involved in the specification management for over 3,500 new locomotives.

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John Jansen

Senior Consultant

Chemicals | Oil and Gas | Truck | Renewables

John brings more than 30 years of experience in all aspects of bulk truck operations, marketing, pricing, and safety. With increasing levels of responsibility, John has led management teams to improve safety, increase loaded miles, reduce freight claims, introduce new technologies, and reduce driver turnover for some of the industry’s most respected carriers, including the two largest bulk carriers in North America.

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Eric Johnson

Senior Consultant and Project Manager

Chemicals | Rail | Terminals | Marine

For over 20 years, senior executive Eric Johnson has been analyzing, developing, and managing rail-based transportation services for bulk and liquid commodities, including fertilizers. Eric’s experience in supply chain and project management includes developing and managing a $200M portfolio of import/export business for CSX Transportation.

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James Keeney

Senior Consultant

Chemicals | Bulk Commodities | Supply Chain | Purchasing

James is an accomplished senior executive with over 20 years of commercial leadership experience at Fortune 500 companies. He has extensive expertise in purchasing, logistics, materials management, strategic planning, and market analysis for industrial products, with particular experience in bulk commodities such as ammonia, sulfur, natural gas, and fertilizers. James has executive roles overseeing raw materials, industrial products, and logistics.

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Wayne Kennedy

Senior Consultant

Rail | Truck | Green Energy | Renewables

Wayne is an innovative technical executive with 20+ years of experience and proven expertise in fuel conservation/management systems and GHG emissions reduction technologies for both the rail and trucking industries.

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Kyle Khadivi

Senior Consultant

Rail Transloads | Intermodal

Kyle is a recognized leader in rail terminal operations, construction, and business development, with a solid track record of improving multi-modal rail terminal performance. As President of Transflo, he achieved an 18-point improvement in operating ratio and doubled income within three years. With extensive executive experience in intermodal and transload terminal management, Kyle oversaw 46 terminals across North America, generating $100M in material handling revenue and facilitating $350M in rail business.

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Doug Kratzberg

Senior Consultant and Project Manager

Rail | Chemicals | Oil and Gas | Manufacturing

With extensive experience in railroad operations and commercial rail negotiations from his 37-year tenure at ExxonMobil, Doug is an expert in all aspects of rail operations, fleet planning, maintenance, storage, and rail accessorials management.

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Tom Lake

Senior Consultant

Supply Chain | Manufacturing | Procurement | Sourcing

Tom is a distinguished manufacturing and supply chain leader with over 36 years of experience at Honda. As a Senior Vice President of Business Unit Lead, Planning and Strategy, he developed and executed company-wide strategies while leading a 335-person operational team. His expertise spans procurement, cost reduction, operational excellence, and business growth.

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Michael McGuckin

Senior Consultant

Chemicals | Rail | Marine | Terminals

Michael brings over 40 years of extensive logistics and supply chain management experience within the chemicals, plastics, and bulk commodities industries, including analyst, planner, and operations roles at Exxon Chemical Company. His transportation experience spans rail, marine, trucking, intermodal, and warehousing & terminal operations.

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Louis Muldrow

Senior Consultant

Rail | Due Diligence | Mining & Minerals | Technology

Louis is a distinguished transportation executive with over 30 years in the rail industry. His career spans key roles at CSX Transportation, SMBC Rail Services, and Duos Technologies. At CSX, Louis managed portfolios worth up to $500 million as Director of Marketing for Minerals and Director of Sales & Marketing for Energy. He consistently drove revenue growth, enhanced profit margins, and negotiated successful contracts. Louis excels in business development and strategic planning.

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Roger Nelson

Senior Consultant

Rail

Roger is a career freight railroad executive with over 50 years of experience in Class I, short line, and regional railroad management and ownership. Prior to joining PLG, Roger was the founder and managing partner of North American RailNet, Inc. (NAR), a privately owned short line railroad holding company with six railroads operating in ten U.S. states and the Province of Alberta, Canada.

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Jay Olberding

Senior Consultant and Project Manager

Oil and Gas | Chemicals | Truck | Private Equity

As PLG’s lead analyst on energy and bulk commodities, Jay plays a key role in research, analysis, and market forecasting in the flows of crude oil, NGLs, coal, petcoke, refined products, biofuels, and natural gas in North America. Jay is a mechanical engineer with direct experience managing the transportation of energy products. He has coordinated the distribution of millions of gallons of ethanol via rail and truck, as well as related terminal activities.

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Ed Palmer

Senior Consultant

Chemicals | Terminal | Warehousing | Truck

A solutions-driven logistical operations executive, Ed brings almost 40 years of practical experience from the shipper side with rail and truck procurement and operations. A veteran of chemicals, plastics, and coal transportation, among other industrial products, Ed’s broad experience in rail fleet acquisition, commercial negotiations, management, and maintenance delivers outstanding returns and improves complex and sophisticated logistical operations for enterprise organizations.

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Jim Parker

Senior Consultant

Supply Chain | Procurement | Sourcing | Truck

Jim is an expert in supply chain management, specializing in the logistics of chemicals, plastic resins, oversized freight, and building materials. At Quantix, he led data-driven pricing and reporting improvements, covering most of the company’s revenue, and supported strategic acquisitions, adding new business lines.

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David Perry

Senior Consultant

Truck | Chemicals | Terminals | Due Diligence

David is a transportation and supply chain expert with over 30 years of experience in operations, sales, and business development. He has led growth and efficiency initiatives in the chemical, food-grade, oilfield, and cryogenic logistics sectors, delivering significant revenue gains and cost savings. His expertise includes strategic procurement, pricing, and integrating acquisitions to expand operations.

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Bill Rome

Senior Consultant

Oil and Gas | Pipeline | Mining, Minerals & Metals | Chemicals

With over 30 years of pipeline operations expertise, Bill has planned and managed tactical and strategic planning related to pipeline development. His expertise includes contract negotiations, engineering and construction services, field producer services, and the overall operations of gas control, technical services, pipeline operations, processing plants, liquid storage, and gas storage fields.

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F. Brooks Royster III

Senior Consultant

Marine | Warehousing | Terminals | Intermodal

Brooks is a 50+ year veteran of the maritime, international logistics, and temperature-controlled 3PL industries. His background includes international cold-chain logistics, temperature-controlled warehouse construction & management, port/marine terminal management, marine terminal construction, and vessel agency.

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Rob Russell

Senior Consultant and Project Manager

Intermodal | Rail | Manufacturing | Warehousing

Rob is a seasoned Transportation executive with over 20 years of experience via OmniTRAX and Union Pacific Railroad bringing his passion and expertise in both Class I and Short Line railroads and Intermodal to our client organizations. His core competencies include business development, industrial development, operations management, multi-modal logistics, commercial strategy, negotiations, and customer engagement.

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Robert Sawchuk

Senior Consultant and Project Manager

Chemicals | Oil and Gas | Due Diligence | Advanced Recycling

Robert has over 30 years of experience in the chemicals industry with expertise in petrochemicals, refining and advanced recycling. He has a proven track record of leading commercial organizations, engaging clients to generate results, and building strong relationships at all levels of the client’s organization. Robert has experience negotiating and executing commercial agreements for supply and product sales, 3PL services and transportation, and mergers & acquisitions – both domestically and internationally. Robert has worked as a Senior Advisor and Project Manager with several PLG clients, primarily in the areas of due diligence and supply chain optimization.

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Mike Spahis

Senior Consultant and Project Manager

Chemicals | Oil and Gas | Rail | Truck

Mike is an accomplished career supply chain and logistics executive with over 35 years of experience in petroleum, chemicals, and metals distribution. As a hands-on industry veteran, Mike has been responsible for a $200 MM annual spend in the metals industry and a $150 MM annual spend in the petrochemical industry.

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Azalia Tennis

Senior Consultant

Chemicals | Oil and Gas | Bulk Commodities | Truck

Azalia brings 30 years of experience in business development, marketing, quality control, and customer relations across the transportation industry for liquids (chemicals and crude oil), dry bulk commodities (pellets, sand, and cement), intermodal, rail to truck, gasoline, and LPG and Food Grade services.

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Stephen Traicoff

Senior Consultant

Private Equity | Chemicals | Oil and Gas | Logistics

Stephen has over 40 years of energy-related experience focusing primarily on the areas of energy trading, risk management, and structured finance. He served as an advisor to investment banks, hedge funds, corporations, and law firms with backgrounds in energy-intensive industries of refining, petrochemicals, natural gas, pulp and paper, steel, primary metals, and power.

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Steve Truitt

Senior Consultant

Rail | Intermodal | Mining, Minerals & Metals | Manufacturing

Steve is an accomplished transportation executive with 40+ years of distinguished leadership in the rail industry. He has held executive roles at Class I railroads, including Kansas City Southern, Union Pacific, and CSX Transportation. Steve served most recently as KCS’s VP & Chief Transportation Officer, responsible for the US and Mexico Transportation, Intermodal, and Auto Operations.

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John Tuttle

Senior Consultant and Project Manager

Rail | Truck | Intermodal | Chemicals

John brings 30 years of marketing executive experience with a history of working in the transportation/logistics/trucking/railroad industries focused on industrial products, including chemicals, oil & gas, and bulk commodities. His skills include marketing management, business strategy, strategic negotiations, business development, freight transportation, and pricing strategy.

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Brent von Hagen

Senior Consultant

Truck | Rail | Site Selection | Oil & Gas

Brent has extensive expertise in logistics and freight consulting, specializing in the energy and heavy construction materials sectors in Canada. At Heartland Polymers, he led the development of logistics contracts worth over $100M and executed distribution strategies that enhanced operational efficiency.

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Randy Walker

Senior Consultant

Nuclear/Hazardous Waste | Chemicals | Green Energy | Manufacturing

Randy is a highly skilled professional with extensive program development and management experience spanning DOE, DOT, DOD, DHS, EPA, DOC, NRC, and the commercial government contract sector. He specializes in transportation and project management and focuses on logistics security, technology integration, and hazardous/nuclear waste management.

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Jim Walters

Senior Consultant

Marine | Terminals | Rail | Truck

Jim is an accomplished bulk terminal executive with over 25 years of experience in operations management and terminal development. He has managed the transportation of over one million tons of materials annually by barge along the Illinois River and across ten terminals.

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Roland Wilson

Senior Consultant

Manufacturing | Warehousing | Supply Chain

Roland is an accomplished leader with expertise in logistics, supply chain management, and consulting. He has held senior roles at major shippers such as M. Holland and International Paper and led practices at firms like PWC, West Monroe Partners, and Arthur Andersen.

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