Don Durm, PLM Fleet LLC
Congratulations to Don Durm of PLM Fleet LLC dba PLM Trailer Leasing for being selected as this week’s Cold Chain Champion. Don Durm has contributed to the cold chain in many ways… as a speaker, writer, advocate and supply chain solution provider.
As an active member of GCCA and most recently the Vice Chair of IRTA, Don sits on several committees including the Supply Chain, Government, and International Committee. He has also worked on GCCA - WFLO International Projects in Africa, Middle East, and Asia.
Don is a subject matter expert on cold chain transport application, regulatory compliance, and technology application in the cold supply chain. This year, we were grateful to have Don testify in Washington, D.C. before a joint House/Senate Agriculture Committee on Technology in the Supply Chain in response to building a resilient supply chain based on the pandemic.
Ted Royals, Americold Logistics, LLC.
Ted Royals works as the Senior Energy & Sustainability Manager at Americold Logistics, LLC. Ted is an active member of GCCA and an engaged participant in GCCA’s (EERP), a program created to help temperature-controlled warehouse operators measure and improve energy efficiency at their facilities. Through Ted’s involvement in EERP, he has demonstrated commitment to the mission of energy excellence in the cold chain while driving sustainability and cost-savings throughout the entire supply chain. This dedication to energy conservation and Ted’s support for the GCCA Energy Excellence Recognition Program are easily evidenced by the fact that Americold now has over 160 facilities enrolled in the program. Ted is a consummate teacher and is always eager to invest his time and efforts to help educate others in the areas of energy conservation and industrial refrigeration. He also participants in volunteer events such as cleaning up local parks, planting trees, and making the world a little bit greener.
Daniel Kaplan, Polaris Cold Storage and Rack Builders Inc.
Daniel Kaplan of Polaris Cold Storage and Rack Builders Inc. has been a frequent and reliable volunteer for GCCA’s World Food Logistic Organization (WFLO). Recently, Daniel volunteered his time for a Q&A session for Cold Storage owners in the Republic of Georgia. The session was about Temperature Monitoring and record keeping.
As this week’s Cold Chain Champion, we want thank Daniel for his willingness to share his expertise and knowledge with others, particularly to those in developing countries.
Pat Hughes, Patrick Hughes, Ltd.
Pat Hughes has been involved in numerous cold chain development projects across the globe supporting GCCA’s core partner, the World Food Logistics Organization (WFLO). Specifically, he has been accredited by colleagues for his ability to address cold chain gaps in agricultural development projects and communicate them well to project beneficiaries and others involved in each project.
As well as for project participants, Pat has been called on to share his knowledge and give presentations at schools and universities. In recent years, he presented to both students and faculty of the University of Balkh, located in Northern Afghanistan, to present Cold Chain Management as a potential vocation to engineering students completing their degrees.
Pat has also been commended for his quick thinking and ability to problem solve. Pat is a Cold Chain Champion with a positive presence around the world!
Arjan Dogterom, NewCold
Arjan Dogterom of NewCold works as a IT Manager at NewCold. IT plays a key role in the industry, keeping the cold chain secure. Together with his team, he keeps NewCold’s systems and data safe, guarantees flawless functioning of their websites globally and solves an assortment of IT issues. He is tightly connected with all departments, a great communicator, and is always interested in all new plans and adapts quickly to emerging technologies. Arjan keeps the cold chain moving forward.
Mohamed Zuber Ahmed, Southern Shipping Services Ltd.
Mohamed Zuber Ahmed is the Procurement Officer at Southern Shipping Services LTD, responsible for all purchases at the company. Since the start of the pandemic in Kenya, Mohamed’s colleagues have observed him work tirelessly to support others, often coming in early and leaving later. In addition to his primary responsibilities, Mohamed has worked as the project manager for several team projects where he has exhibited leadership and added value with his experience. He also played a major role in the company’s WMS rollout by helping the developers of the WMS identify gaps and improve the system. Mohamed has a full plate handling the requirements of 120+ people across 3 locations but does his work with a smile on his face.
Mohamed’s leadership, positivity, and ability to adapt to challenges make him a true Cold Chain Champion!
Lisa Battino, United States Cold Storage, Inc.
Lisa is the United States Cold Storage Vice President of Compliance and Safety. Her normal role is to ensure a safe and efficient work environment through the development and implementation of internal controls, oversight, governance, and measurement systems to meet compliance requirements while providing strategic direction and leadership for USCS’ health & safety programs to foster the ‘Best in Cold’ safety culture.
Lisa has been responsible for the USCS pandemic response strategy which includes the creation of a tiered response plan, internal and external communication coordination, collecting and assimilating data from federal and local government entities including the CDC and OSHA, state specific guidelines, employee tracking and reporting, vaccine distribution planning and monitoring, and the safe reopening of facilities throughout our network. She has worked tirelessly to keep the USCS Cold Crew safe and healthy so they can continue to support the cold chain and feed our American families. She has a passion for people and for USCS and is a true Cold Chain Champion during this challenging time.
