For this edition of Apollo in The Spotlight, we are pleased to introduce Jonathan T. Siqueira from Alephlog International in Sao Paulo, Brazil. With many years of experience in international logistics, Jonathan shares his journey from his early days at Evergreen to building strong business relationships, embracing technology, and keeping the human touch at the heart of freight forwarding.
Tell us a bit about how your journey in logistics began – was it something you always planned, or did it take you by surprise?
I started in the international logistics business very young. In 1989, I got an entry-level position at Evergreen’s headquarters office in New Jersey. There, I learned a lot about ocean logistics, tariffs, bookings, balancing the vessel, and finally sales for the New York/New Jersey area. It was a great school.
How have you seen technology transform logistics in the past five year, and what are you most excited about for the future?
Technology in general is an advancement in every aspect of our society and life. In logistics, I’ve experienced a quantum leap, especially during the past 5 to 10 years. The business intelligence provided, the automation of certain tasks, and communication in general have been splendid. We basically evolved from manual ledgers and physical files to digital ERPs, CRMs, AI, and the next leaps will be even greater in the future.
Although I am an “aficionado” for tech, I wholeheartedly believe that we must never take the human factor out of the equation. I agree with using all the benefits of technology, automation, etc., but we must keep our human touch in the relationships, whether they are among our supply chain partners, clients, agents, or most importantly, among ourselves.
Sustainability is a hot topic in logistics. How Is your organization approaching eco-friendly practices?
Definitely, in any business and practices we endeavor, we must be conscious of sustainability, targeting efficiency across the entire chain, as well as environmentally friendly and social well-being practices.
Is there a specific project or achievement in your career that you’re particularly proud of? Tell us about it.
I am most proud of acquiring good friends, colleagues, and partners along the years. A business is only built upon a solid network of friends and acquaintances, with a proper and honest trajectory, followed by the right decisions. I have been able to support my family and friends, and have been lucky enough to provide jobs, careers, and success to those around me.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone just starting in your line of work?
Keep your word, be honest, build value for the service you provide, respect everyone,
work hard, don’t give up, conquer all challenges, and be clear, correct, fair, and just with your employees, suppliers, and clients.
What’s one thing you enjoy most about being a member of this community?
In business, as I said, one must choose good partners. The lifelong network is very important, and within communities such as Apollo, and local associations, there are places to discuss projects, new ideas, and foment business among friends.
If you had to describe this network to a new contact or colleague in one sentence, what would you say?
I’d say that less is more, and that Apollo is an association to develop good business partners. It is the right size group and has a family atmosphere, which is essential to bring happiness and achievements among family members.
What’s the funniest or strangest item you’ve ever had to transport?
Top of my memory, I can think of one time when we handled a shipment from Louisiana by barge to a Gulf port, then by ocean to Santos, and then by river to the Bolivia border. It was a used gas mill, with awkward dimensions, and it was funny because we had to get involved personally from origin in Louisiana all the way to Bolivia. Besides the challenges, we had good laughs along the way.
Thank you, Jonathan, for sharing your story and valuable insights with us.