Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Smith Jr.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
The family has been involved in the maritime industry for a few generations, going back to near when containerized freight began in the US markets (1950s). My Grandfather had an esteemed career that saw him manage steamship agencies, chair the foreign trade council, and even receive knighting from the Queen of Denmark for his work as Counsel General. My Father carried forward with an equally expansive career, starting in New Orleans, working for leasing companies. Later he held positions in San Francisco, Hong Kong and finally in Texas to open what became the most comprehensive depot service provider in North America for 25+ years.
With all of this exposure, I was fortunate to learn a vast array of information as it relates to containers. I began in college with a container sales/rental company and found myself immediately hooked! Every day was different, you were communicating with people in so many different parts of the country (or world) and creating service-minded solutions. Fast forward about 15 years to today and I still feel that excitement.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Any person, any story, any career will have obstacles. All of the clichés about working hard, fighting through challenges and staying with your eyes ahead are entirely true. There are daily struggles in this industry about finding/training the right personnel, keeping the machinery and transportation equipment all serviced, repaired, running within code. Then, there are the protracted impediments such as financing when banks may not necessarily understand what the industry does, finding suitable land proximate to Port locations and trying to stay ahead of technology needs.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
EMS is an off-dock terminal company serving the leasing and shipping community. Daily management of container inventory may include inspection, survey, repair, transportation, modification and container sales. The service platform takes care of anyone from a multinational company to the individual looking for a storage or container home customized product.
The people that work for EMS are what has created our niche, allowing for success. I’m able to look around the EMS locations seeing a blend of experienced professionals and straight from college enthusiasm within the staff. When you surround yourself with talented people that share your vision for the company, then you can create a culture that is contagious. It’s full of positive energy and treating work as a place they get to go, instead of a place they have to go. That’s key! Hopefully that is the environment at EMS more often than not and what I’m most proud of.
What were you like growing up?
I’ve always been absorbed with the art of the deal. How can I provide a resolution to people’s need? I had a run of small business ventures throughout my youth as soon as I could work, each aiming at a void in the market. This industry has allowed me to fulfill that aspiration on a more elaborate scale.
Combine that with having some incredibly supportive family, some pivotal mentors and some long hours of work, I can continue an ambitious projection towards the future for EMS.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ems-llc.com
- Email: kj.smith@ems-llc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emsllc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Equipment-Management-Services-LLC-393776717303987/?ref=bookmarks
Image Credit:
Aerovision
Brian Austin
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