JAS Worldwide
6195 Barfield Rd.
Atlanta, GA, USA
Maria Limberg considers herself “more than just an accountant.” “Finance is pretty basic, but it’s more than just the numbers,” she explains. What sets Maria apart is her holistic approach to finance. She recognizes the importance of deep industry knowledge, asserting that, for her, understanding the intricacies of logistics and supply chain is crucial to accurately interpreting financial data.
She hasn’t always been an expert at crunching numbers for logistics companies though.
After studying finance for four years, she found herself navigating a tough job market and eventually started at a call center as a debt collector. The work was grueling, and she knew she wasn’t putting her talents to use. So, when the role of a Finance Assistant at a logistics company presented itself, she took a leap of faith and accepted. “It wasn’t the type of role or industry I initially saw myself in, but it seemed better than working for a collection agency,” she reminisces.
Despite her initial reservations, Maria embraced the role and quickly adopted a deep interest in understanding the 'how' and the 'what' that drive supply chains forward. What began as a leap of faith blossomed into a career where Maria found herself as a leader and “voice of reason” for many projects and initiatives.
While one might assume that being a woman in finance in an already male-dominated industry would come with its obstacles, Maria acknowledges she is lucky that she hasn’t felt the pressure of any of those stigmas. “My approach has always been, do the work you know how to do, work hard, and appreciation will come. I’ve always felt that support,” she reflects.
This constant support coupled with her tenacious and unrelenting spirit has enabled her to drive innovation and automation, often advocating for solutions where others initially did not see the benefit. She has played a crucial role in revolutionizing finance processes and enhancing efficiency within her team and beyond.
Alongside her dedication to invention and efficiency lies a passion for mentorship and leadership. Maria's leadership principles revolve around collaboration and empowerment – as she knows firsthand how empowerment can help guide one’s path. In the past, Maria has worked as a mentor for new residents of Sweden, helping international professionals navigate the job search process in tandem with learning the norms of the Swedish culture. “It’s the cultural things that these very educated and experienced professionals need help with. They are very qualified, but even advising on how long to wait to call back for a job have been bits of advice that have made a big impact,” she shares. For her teams, she prioritizes this same environment of transparency where team members feel valued and encouraged to voice their opinions.
Maria's positive attitude and resilience are evident. She emphasizes the importance of cultural alignment and teamwork in overcoming obstacles and driving success. Beyond her professional endeavors, Maria finds fulfillment in her role as a mother to two sons, actively participating in their extracurricular activities. “If I’m not at the office, I’m at a game,” she mentions with a smile.
Her journey epitomizes resilience, passion, and the transformative power of taking a leap of faith. So now, when people ask Maria, “Why logistics,” her answer is, “Why not logistics?”
Meet Jenna Naylor, a luminary at JAS Charleston, whose journey from a customs entry writer to an award-winning business development manager represents the boundless opportunities for growth within JAS.
Jenna's path into logistics was more serendipitous than planned. Initially set on a career in journalism, envisioning herself as a frontline reporter or news anchor, she pursued this track through her college studies. However, a pivotal moment a month before graduation saw her reevaluating her aspirations. "I understood the communications industry, I had success in my work in college, but I didn't want to be a reporter anymore," she reflects. So, in what many can describe as "typical Jenna fashion," she embraced change and dared herself to explore new uncharted waters, literally.
As fate would have it, her first post-college interview landed her a role at a logistics company, where she started as an ocean import specialist. After mastering this role in 1 year, she eagerly transitioned to export, driven by her innate thirst for new challenges.
In 2014, Jenna joined JAS as a customs entry writer, eventually expanding her responsibilities to manage the Charleston branch's air imports while also diving into the intricacies of the quoting process. Her growing expertise across various domains fueled her hunger for growth. "I had worked in customs entry writing, ocean import, ocean export, air import, and quoting. So, I asked myself again, what can I do next?"
Fueled by her desire to tackle new challenges, Jenna set her sights on sales, leveraging her deep understanding of JAS's services. Her dedication was unmistakable as she pursued and earned her customs brokerage license, underscoring both her ambition and JAS's commitment to nurturing internal talent. She continued her path of success, earning new business and slowly growing her client base.
In a proactive sales approach, Jenna launched the #JavawithJenna series on LinkedIn, leveraging her communication background to attract new audiences and generate leads, flipping the traditional cold-calling approach on its head.
Now, in her newly acquired role as the Head of Country Sales for the Automotive Vertical, Jenna continues her quest for growth, always seeking the next challenge to conquer.
In her nearly ten years at JAS, Jenna has flourished in an environment that she describes as eclectic and welcoming—a true melting pot of diverse backgrounds and perspectives. She credits the unique culture of JAS for fostering an environment where collaboration and growth thrive.
Jenna's leadership style is marked by patience—a quality she believes is integral to navigating the complexities of the logistics industry. Her mentor, Brandon Miller, Vice President of Automotive Sales - Americas, has played a pivotal role in shaping her journey, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and passion in achieving success.
Looking ahead, Jenna's focus is on expanding the automotive vertical, a challenge she embraces with enthusiasm, of course. She finds fulfillment in the dynamic nature of logistics, a field that demands constant learning and adaptability. Her advice to aspiring salespeople echoes her own journey: always be closing, challenge yourself to grow, and find joy both in and outside of work.
Jenna Naylor's story embodies the spirit of Women@JAS, showcasing not just her individual achievements but also the collective strength and support that define the JAS culture. Congratulations, Jenna, on your well-deserved recognition as JAS USA's 2023 Salesperson of the Year and the #1 Global Business Development Manager Earner. Your journey inspires us all to reach greater heights and embrace every opportunity for growth.
As widely reported by various media outlets, the southern region of Brazil is currently facing a significant weather-related crisis in Rio Grande do Sul, leading to dire circumstances in the state's most severely affected cities.
The impact of this weather event extends beyond individual homes, affecting critical infrastructure and logistics. Major disruptions have been observed in transportation networks, with 85 sections of 38 highways either wholly or partially blocked.
Current updates are as follows:
We are commited to closely monitoring developments and sharing relevant information with everyone affected.
JAS Brazil proudly announces the appointment of Karin Schöner as its new Managing Director/President, effective May 2, 2024.
Karin Schöner is a native Brazilian executive recognized for her extensive expertise and leadership in the logistics industry. With a distinguished career , Karin has held key roles in sales, general management, and strategic leadership across various countries and sectors, including airlines, freight forwarding, contract logistics, and maritime operations. Prior to joining JAS Brazil, Karin served as the President for a company in the East Coast of South America, where she successfully led transformation initiatives.
Karin's track record is a testament to her exceptional capabilities in navigating complex challenges, fostering strategic partnerships, and driving innovation in supply chain management. Her deep understanding of market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and industry best practices positions her as a leader in the logistics landscape.
Throughout her career, Karin has demonstrated a commitment to developing and empowering her teams. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes mentorship, collaboration, and continuous learning, resulting in high-performing teams that consistently exceed expectations and deliver outstanding results. Karin's passion for nurturing talent and fostering a culture of excellence aligns seamlessly with JAS's core values and vision for sustainable growth.
"Karin's unparalleled expertise, strategic acumen, and commitment to excellence make her the ideal leader to propel JAS Brazil forward. We look forward to her transformative leadership and contributions to our continued growth and success in the region," Adrian Emmenegger, Executive Vice President of JAS Americas, expressed with confidence.
Karin Schöner's appointment as Managing Director/President reinforces JAS's commitment to delivering superior logistics solutions, driving innovation, and exceeding customer expectations across Brazil and beyond.
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