Logistic Firm Keeps Growing

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Logistic Firm Keeps Growing

Thursday, December 25th, 2008

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The key officials from Access America could debunk some stereotypes about corporate America, and particularly the transportation industry.

The Chattanooga-based company’s three executives — also best friends — are still in their early 30s, all carry the newest iPhones and embrace technology as if it it were the fourth partner in their highly successfully logistics company.

Since forming in 2002, the company has become a 68-employee outfit that grew an average of 65 percent over the last several of years.

The three executives — Ted Alling, Barry Large and Allan Davis — run the company out of a humble office building in East Chattanooga. But what’s bubbling beneath the surface of the company is a level of enthusiasm and a unique approach to boss-dom. When asked what sets their company apart from the competition, they quickly say its the employees.

“We acknowledge that, and doing what we can to put them in a position where they can be successful and ultimately make us successful,” said Mr. Davis, chief operating officer.

They three friends, fraternity brothers at Samford University in Birmingham, say they have a pretty simple philosophy: Compensation, empowerment and recognition. It’s something they all agree as been tremendously successful for the company and helps foster an enthusiastic attitude among employees.

“Everyone here is so passionate about the job,” said Mr. Alling, 31, the company’s president. “We wake up in the morning and we’re just fired up to get to work and I think it flows through all of our people.

“Throughout the company everyone’s on the same page with the same goal, and we really feel like we have not even done anything yet.”

But that’s not exactly true. The company’s sales topped $50 million in sales this year, up from $40 million in 2007.

And along the way, the third-party logistics company also has earned a truckload of accolades from its employees and customers. This year, Access America was named to the Hot 100 by BusinessTN, which each year recognizes the fastest growing companies in the state.

The company also was ranked fourth on the list of Top 25 Best Employers in the state, which explains why Access America has had no turnover since it opened in 2002, said Barry Large, chief financial officer.

The three officials admit their youth and willingness to question long-accepted practices has given them an edge in an industry that has resisted change for decades.

“(Being young) allows us to embrace technology,” Mr. Alling said. “We’ve grown up with it.”

Like their bosses, employees use iPhones loaded with the company’s operating system, so when they are out on sales call they have access to just about everything they need. The company also uses voice over Internet protocol, or VoIP, technology that allows users to make voice calls using a broadband Internet connection.

About six months ago, the company started an incentive program called “I Love Rewards,” which awards points to employees for going above and beyond in their jobs. Workers collect points to buy items like iPods, laptops, TVs and even trips, through an online store.

Robb Millican just celebrated his two-year anniversary at Access America and is on the company’s points “leaderboard.” The new rewards program is awesome, and incentives like this one are what make his job enjoyable.

“I feel like everyone’s treated well,” he said. “It’s a good atmosphere.”