When asked what he does for a living, Steve Gilmore’s response is simple: “I match good people with good companies,” he says.
In December, Gilmore became the director of VACO’s Distribution, Transportation, Logistics and Supply Chain Services division. Gilmore joined the company after spending more than 18 years in the transportation, distribution and logistics industries, serving in numerous leadership roles across the country.
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Steve Gilmore is the director of Distribution, Transportation, Logistics and Supply Chain Services for VACO. He has returned home after spending 18 years in the industry in various roles across the country.
“I enjoy working with people who are looking for a new career and matching them with companies that have a need,” Gilmore said.
“To be able to see the smile on someone’s face when they get a job makes all the hard work worthwhile. This specialized area of staffing and recruiting is new to VACO, but greatly needed in the Mid-South. As America’s transportation hub, Memphis is a perfect place to find professionals in areas such as supply chain, transportation, logistics and distribution. Across VACO’s 26 offices, I am the only person focusing on these key areas.
“The job market is in a recovery mode and companies are looking for talent. Businesses are being selective in hiring, but the good news is that the trends are heading in the right direction. The potential for growth is tremendous here because the city is a nerve center for transportation, logistics and distribution, especially with FedEx.”
Gilmore focuses his time looking for logistics and fleet managers, transportation directors, distribution leaders, procurement executives, industrial engineers, and professionals with supply chain experience. His extensive industry network makes him a key resource for companies looking to hire capable and talented professionals.
According to leading job agencies, companies are starting to hire again after the worst economic slump in decades and demand for workers is picking up.
Global recruitment firms Adecco and USG People reported recently that general staffing markets are improving, usually the first to pick up in a recovery. According to the firms, this is the latest sign the global economy is back on a path to growth.
Gilmore began his transportation career in 1992 with the USF Companies as a sales executive and large-market service center manager. He moved to work with a Fortune 250 company’s West Coast expansion where he was responsible for rapid growth from 11 to 37 terminals. He also developed the sales call program, streamlined operations and improved processes for the company’s back-office functions.
Gilmore would later go on to serve in executive operational roles at one of the country’s largest snack food companies. He worked for a national trucking company where he was responsible for the operations of the guaranteed and expedited service where the revenue grew from a $35 million business to more than $400 million under his direction.
Gilmore joined one of the country’s largest brokerage companies where he led carrier relations, operations, customer service and the brokerage divisions. He went on to lead North American transportation services for a major national retailer with thousands of stores nationally. Ultimately, he led North American transportation services and supply chain operations for a major international automotive assembler.
VACO began operations in 2002 and has revenues of approximately $120 million. VACO also matches accounting, financial, IT and administrative professionals with unique project and permanent needs of its clients.
Gilmore said it feels great returning to his roots in Memphis helping local professionals get a fresh start.
“I love my job because I am using the experiences I acquired moving around the country in a number of outstanding companies to help people,” said Gilmore, a University of Memphis graduate. “I want to give back to Memphis. This community has done a lot for me and I hope to return the favor.”
Steve Gilmore
Position: Recruiter, VACO
E-mail: sgilmore@vaco.com
Address: 6000 Poplar, Suite 216
Phone: 333-2250
Website: vaco.com
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