Elias Demangos, Fortigo Freight Services Inc.
Q: When did you join the Young Leaders Group? Why is the Group important?
A: I joined the YLG over a year ago. As for the why, the PMTC like most organizations of this type, is very synergistic. A common truth is that a collection of people is often greater than just one person. The benefit that I (and I believe others) receive from being a member of the PMTC is the opportunity of enhancing my network while at the same time broadening my industry knowledge. I get to share ideas, exchange ‘best practices,’ hear about key achievers in my field, and also meet and brainstorm with others who are also looking to share and learn new information. At the end of the day, it’s good to give back to the industry that has given me so much. It’s often my greatest reward and benefit.
Q: What is your background in the private trucking industry? What current industry issues concern you?
A: The private trucking industry is all about SERVICE and SERVICE is all about Fortigo (a final mile carrier) – that’s my background.
As for the industry issues that concern me, where do I start? I’ve always been a great proponent of history repeating itself, which is why although I’m part of the YLG, I also enjoy talking to some of the senior members of the PMTC. The challenges they faced in the past are similar to the ones that I face in the present – challenges that I will undoubtedly have to deal with in the future (e.g., driver shortages, unsustainable rates, mergers and acquisitions, changing legislation that is detrimental to the flow of Canadian commerce, etc.).
Q: As President and CEO of Fortigo Freight Services, can you briefly describe your company and what it does?
A: Did I mention SERVICE and how Fortigo evolved from that foundational consideration? Fortigo is a ‘final mile’ dedicated outsourced fleet service provider that manages the complex issues involved with connecting our customers to their customers. We assume all risk associated with driver compensation, cargo liability, insurance coverage, asset investment and maintenance. We handle all labour issues and leave our customers branding intact – and we wrap all of this up with leading-edge technology.
Q: How would you describe your leadership style?
A: I think my leadership style is an interesting one. I am very fortunate to work with a great group of leaders at Fortigo. Their experience is vast and spans many years, but is also quite detailed. Our senior leadership team is quite exceptional and as such, I find myself being a collaborator, which is quite nice. I have much more to learn by listening – especially with this team! We work very well together and we push ourselves as a team to do better – for us, for our people and for our customers.
Q: Where would you like to see the Young Leaders Group moving in the future?
A: In 2012 the PMTC Board of Directors started a committee of young industry professionals between the ages of 25-45. My recommendation would be to include the ages of 19-40. We need to empower those in the younger demographic ranges, before they’ve determined their vocation in life.
Q: How would you ‘sell’ membership in the Young Leaders Group to a young professional who is a non-member?
A: If we all agree that the youth of today are the PMTC members and industry leaders of tomorrow, then the goal should be to promote, encourage and support young professionals to become active proponents of the PMTC by developing opportunities to assist, educate, and involve these young professionals in their industry-related interests.
We should have a young leaders program with four basic pillars:
• Formal gatherings throughout the year;
• Awards and recognition;
• Sponsorship; and
• Practical learning opportunities.
YLG can foster young professionals through a variety of development opportunities, exchanges, social gatherings, recognition, and sponsorship support. These activities can be designed to equip young professionals with the right tools and expanded networks to help experience personal and professional development for the betterment of themselves, the PMTC and the transportation industry.
Q: When you aren’t working or attending Young Leader Group events, how do you like to spend your free time?
A: Free time – what is that? (LAUGHS) What I really enjoy is seeing my friends and family and keeping up with their lives! I really enjoy a busy schedule, so we are out exploring the city with friends all the time.
