The International Association of Movers (IAM) is proud to announce the 2025 Hall of Honor recipients—individuals whose leadership, dedication, and impact have shaped the moving, forwarding, and mobility industry.

This year’s inductees represent the highest standards of professionalism and service, each leaving a lasting legacy through decades of contributions to their companies, communities, and the industry at large. Their stories reflect the spirit of innovation, integrity, and commitment that defines the Hall of Honor.

Please join us in congratulating the 2025 Hall of Honor Class. Their achievements will be formally recognized at the upcoming IAM Annual Meeting in New York, where we will celebrate their careers and contributions with the global moving community. The Hall of Honor Recognition awards and remarks will be presented during the Closing Celebration: Advancing Leadership in the Moving Industry at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Manhattan, New York on Monday, October 27th, from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm Eastern Time.

These leaders inspire us all—past, present, and future—to move the industry forward with purpose and pride.

Orphee Beinoglou • Mike Richardson • Ron Smith

Orphee Beinoglou

In an interview for Portal magazine, Orphee Beinoglou said that he sees being inducted into the Hall of Honor as a meaningful recognition of the journey, challenges and achievements of his career. He believes that the biggest factor in his success has been “possessing a strong work ethic and a relentless drive to deliver excellence every day. Staying focused on continuous improvement has allowed me to overcome obstacles and achieve lasting results.”

Regarding his long career, he said “The greatest influence has come from the colleagues and partners I’ve had the privilege to work with—people who have inspired me to lead with integrity, purpose and collaboration, shaping not just my career but my approach to leadership.”

His advice for someone just starting their career? “Embrace failure as a powerful learning tool—taking smart risks and learning from setbacks are essential for growth. Additionally, never underestimate the importance of building strong, authentic relationships, they are the foundation of a successful and fulfilling career.”

Orphee Beinoglou is the founder and owner of Orphee Beinoglou International Forwarders S.A., headquartered in Athens, Greece. With roots tracing back to 1923, the company has grown from a small family business into a regional leader under Mr. Beinoglou’s visionary leadership.

The firm was originally established by his grandfather, a refugee from Smyrna who arrived in Greece following the Asia Minor Catastrophe. Carrying this legacy forward, Beinoglou joined the company in the 1970s after completing his studies in Marine Engineering in the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. He immediately recognized the evolving needs of the relocation market and set out to transform the company into a world-class service provider.

Focusing first on the removals division, he built international partnerships and elevated the company’s profile globally. Under his leadership, the company became a trusted partner for embassies, multinational corporations and international institutions. Its unwavering commitment to excellence earned it the FIDI-FAIM certification, reinforcing its reputation for reliability, professionalism, and discretion.

Mr. Beinoglou also expanded operations into third-party logistics, developing freight services by air, sea, and road. Through the Orbit brand, he established subsidiaries in Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, North Macedonia, and Lebanon, while a partnership with FedEx led to the launch of Orbit Couriers in Greece, further enhancing the company’s reputation and expanding its footprint into yet another sector of transportation.

In 2010, Beinoglou was honored as the first Greek President of FIDI, recognizing his lifelong dedication and influence in the global moving industry, having served on the Boards of EUROVAN and OMNI.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Beinoglou is an art collector, classical music enthusiast, and is fluent in Greek, English, and French. He is also a proud father of two, both of whom play active roles in continuing the family’s legacy of integrity, innovation, and service excellence.

Mike Richardson

The Portal also caught up with Mike Richardson, who said, “I can’t believe I’m joining so many industry greats in this group—it’s humbling. It’s extra special that my father and I are among other pairs of parent/children inductees.

“I had a boss years ago in my dispatcher days who said I was the ultimate ‘yes’ man, I always try to cater to the customer, even if it got me in a jam. I liked to say I’m in the moving business, and not in the saying ‘no’ business.

“My father was definitely the biggest influence on my career. I’m so lucky to have such a resource. I also need to recognize Terry Head—he had an influence on me from all my years on the IAM board, and my time with him helped me grow both personally and professionally.

“Early on, I was taught there is no substitute for hard work. AI can’t teach you that! Something else I learned through the years is that being a good listener is a much harder skill than doing the talking. Take in what others around you have to offer. Most of all, be humble!”

Mike Richardson is a native of Seattle, Washington. His family relocated to Jacksonville, Florida in the early 1970s when his father, Mike Sr, took a position at an Atlas Van Lines agent to build their DoD business. Mike’s upbringing as a second-generation mover involved working the trucks and the warehouse while in grade school and college.

After graduating from college in 1992, Mike took a position in the sales and marketing department of Jacksonville, Florida-based Suddath Van Lines. He transitioned into other roles including national account move coordination, van operator training and long distance dispatch before being relocated to the Pensacola, Florida branch office. After three years in the Florida panhandle, he was transferred to New Jersey where he managed the local operations for Mayflower offices in the New Jersey and New York market. After a short stint in the northeast, Mike was moved to run Suddath’s local and regional dispatch operations in Atlanta, Georgia.

Mike’s career shifted to freight forwarding when he accepted a job at Orange Park, Florida-based Senate Forwarding in 2000, where he currently serves as Vice President over the International DP3/OTO program. During his time at Senate, he has been involved in all phases of the forwarding business. Under Mike’s leadership, Senate was an active participant in re-engineering the three state pilot, the Navy SAM program, and the Full Service Moving Project.

In 2003, Mike was elected to the board of the HHGFAA (now IAM) and has chaired various committees including the Accessorial Services Committee and the Carrier Relations Committee, as well as serving as a past ISA (International Shippers Association) Chairman. Mike was elected the Chairman of IAM at the Annual Meeting & Expo in October of 2020 and served in that role until 2023. He continues volunteering for IAM as a committee member of the Government, Congressional, and Regulatory committee (G.C.R.) and the Ethics Council.

After thirty-three years in the business, Mike still values the time he spent in the “trenches” of the moving and storage industry and applies that experience every day in working to make the relocation process better for all our customers. He resides in the Jacksonville, Florida area with his wife, Julia, and has two children. He enjoys being outdoors, whether attempting to catch a fish or chasing a little white ball around on the golf course.

Mike is a proud inductee to the Hall of Honor alongside many legends in the industry including his father, who was inducted in 2009.

Ron Smith

Ron Smith’s career started immediately after earning his undergraduate degree at Slippery Rock University. He spent 46 wonderful years serving the international moving industry, starting with Ocean Air International in 1975. Six years later, Ron was part of the initial staff that started American International Forwarding (Now AIRES). In 1991, Ron led a group that became Champion International Moving, serving as president and CEO.

Ron’s passion for business flourished with his innovative thinking and wisdom. His knowledge of logistics, vendors and shipment handling was crucial in the creation of Champion’s computerized operational program, C.H.A.M.P.S.

He was a true entrepreneur and a larger-than-life figure in the international moving industry. He traveled the globe, building relationships with everyone in the industry—including competitors—and took great pride in those friendships. Ron was not a president who sat in his office; he was involved with everyone and everything daily.

Ron’s enthusiasm for the moving industry was contagious; his presence was felt by all. He was a teacher, mentor, and resource to others. Ron and Carol enjoyed their Caribbean beach vacations. He loved watching his grandsons play baseball and sneaking frozen M&Ms to his little princess, Estee. He also enjoyed golfing, especially on Saturday mornings with his closest friends. Ron unexpectedly passed in the fall of 2021. He is survived by his wife Carol, daughter Brenda, son-in-law Jason, and grandchildren Antonio, Rocco, and Estella.