Breakbulk NextGen – Samuel Holmes


Logistics and Export Compliance Coordinator, Wood Group

Nominated by:
Doug Hickey, vice president, product delivery, Agility Project Logistics.


Reason for nomination:
“Since Samuel Holmes’ graduation from the University of Houston, he has not hesitated in coming forward to leadership to volunteer for committees. He gives a lot of his own time back to the industry above and beyond most of the next generation. Holmes is a key listener and pays attention to the experienced personnel on logistics panels. He has learned early to absorb lessons learned from industry leadership. I see a lot of potential in Holmes on taking the role of leadership in our industry as part of our next generation.”

How came to choose this industry:
I chose logistics as a career because I wanted to be part of a profession that has a direct positive impact on society. I specifically chose the project cargo-breakbulk sector of logistics when I attended the Education Day at Breakbulk Americas Conference in Houston, Texas, almost 10 years ago. I recalled a case study presentation about a major capital project in Peru. I was intrigued with the level of detailed planning, execution and the collaborative team effort from various stakeholders that went into successfully executing the project. I decided that was exactly what I wanted to do for living. It was at this event that I met Margaret Vaughan, who later became my manager.

Industry’s significance, from your perspective:
The industry plays a pivotal role in driving the global economy. The world-class projects we support as logistics professionals have a direct impact on society and also contribute to the growth of businesses.

A mentor or industry leader who greatly influenced you:
Margaret Vaughan, my former manager, has influenced me as an industry leader. Vaughan mentored me early in my career and provided invaluable opportunities for me to develop the skills I needed to succeed.

Professional background:
Logistics professional with more than seven years of experience in logistics management, trade compliance, project management, and business administration and finance. Extensive experience in working with all levels of company members ranging from the project level to corporate management. I work for Wood, a global leader in the delivery of project, engineering and technical services to energy and industrial markets. I obtained a Master in Business Administration from West Texas A&M University and an undergraduate degree in supply chain and logistics from the University of Houston.

Management style:
Servant leadership. I practice this both in my professional and personal life, primarily because my faith is the yardstick I use to measure my life and leadership philosophy. I strive to lead and manage people with humility. I also find great joy in serving and empowering those I lead to help them succeed.

Long-term professional goals:
To be a logistics executive. I would also like to teach part-time in the future to pay it forward and help educate and mentor the next generation of logistics leaders.

Your role as a developing industry leader:
My passion for the industry will continue to drive my active involvement in advocating for education, innovation, and safety. This will enable me to develop into a well-respected industry leader.

Most important industry issue:
Attracting the next generation of project logistics leaders that are passionate, teachable and innovative with a global mindset. If industry leaders do not act now, we run the risk of becoming like the truck driving sector that’s struggling to find drivers. I am hopeful because the Breakbulk organization and the Exporters Competitive Maritime Council are helping to close the gap by partnering with schools to help educate and provide opportunities for logistics students.
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