Vice Chair: IAM Executive Committee

Over the last 25+ years, I've had the privilege of volunteering with the International Association of Movers (IAM). It’s been a truly rewarding journey. My time with IAM started when I was essentially “recruited” as a volunteer. I was talking with one of my industry colleagues about a few challenges related to Guam tariffs and rates, and he immediately encouraged me to get involved. I soon found myself on an IAM subcommittee focused on tenders and tariffs.

I quickly learned that working with IAM would create far-reaching impacts, not just for the companies I lead, but within the industry as a whole and within myself. It’s been a humbling and meaningful experience to work alongside other professionals with a shared common purpose and commitment to finding solutions to the industry’s challenges. Together, we've been able to create some significant changes that promoted the growth and success of the moving and forwarding industry.

One of the things I value most about my involvement with IAM is how it's exposed me to completely different perspectives. Serving on the IAM Executive Committee—first as the Claims and Risk Management Chair, then as Vice Chair—has allowed me to see the common issues we all face from a multitude of perspectives. It’s also encouraged me to find solutions that accommodate as many people as possible. In addition to being a great learning experience, it has also developed my skills in leadership and collaboration. 

Additionally, I've taken those diverse perspectives back to the companies I lead. There, they’ve offered me insights into new ways of operating—an absolutely invaluable benefit for a business leader.

Volunteering with IAM also offers the opportunity to effect positive change. If you want to make an impact in the industry, I encourage you to get involved. Giving your energy, expertise, and perspectives to IAM contributes to the success of the industry as a whole. I've also found it personally rewarding to see our work impact so many people—and to be a part of something larger than myself.

If you’re thinking about getting involved, I have two suggestions:

#1: Consider volunteering with one of IAM's standing committees. That's how I started with IAM, and it kicked off a 25+ year path that's served me well.

Don't be discouraged if you don't have expertise in the areas these committees focus on. You don't need to be a subject matter expert to contribute. You simply need to be willing to learn and be interested in making an impact. Your role, for example, might revolve around helping other people share their knowledge to support the goals of the committee.

#2: I've also encouraged a few of our team members to join IAM Young Professionals, a group for moving and mobility professionals under the age of 40. It’s a great way to form relationships with industry peers in the same age bracket. It's also been a significant springboard for future IAM leaders. A number Executive Committee members started in the Young Professionals program.

Ultimately, my work with IAM has been an incredible experience that taught me a great deal about myself and the industry. It’s shown me the value of humility, the power of teamwork, and the importance of giving back to an industry that has given so much to me. I’m grateful for the continued opportunity to contribute to the success of the industry and to work alongside such a dedicated and talented group of professionals.