Transportation and Logistics

Protecting Legacy. Preparing for Growth.

BACKGROUND

Founded in 2003 by Jerry Gray, TeamOne Logistics is a workforce partner based in Alpharetta, Georgia, and is focused on the asset-based transportation and logistics industry. Aiming to be an enhanced alternative to typical staffing and leasing companies, TeamOne Logistics offers expertise and solutions in recruiting, safety, compliance, and insurance. “In the transportation logistics industry, finding and keeping safe, qualified employees is a tall task. With TeamOne Logistics as your partner, that tall task is our top priority,” said CEO Page Siplon.

PARTNERSHIP

The transportation logistics industry comes with many unique issues and TeamOne Logistics needed a partner to help navigate those industry-specific issues and execute a top-line growth strategy plan. As TeamOne Logistics considered the options, Georgia Oak stood out due to its commitment to local businesses, economic growth, and focus on securing legacy. The partnership launched in December of 2012, and Georgia Oak assisted TeamOne Logistics on several fronts by focusing on a long-term strategic plan and providing additional leadership capabilities. Georgia Oak operating partner Dean Ditmar joined TeamOne Logistics as Chief Commercial Officer to assist CEO Page Siplon in growing the company. Siplon spoke about the impact the partnership has had on the company: “Sharing my vision for growth with the team drives strong morale in a big way. Our growth impacts every single one of us on the team, and we all need to work together to make it happen.”

RESULTS

Today, TeamOne Logistics is a leader in the transportation logistics industry. The COVID-19 pandemic accentuated several challenges in transportation logistics, such as increased driver shortages and costs of shipping. “Both finding people and keeping them is becoming more and more difficult,” Siplon explained. “In March, we hit a record low for commercial driver availability.” TeamOne Logistics is trusted to help its clients navigate these issues through an experienced team of employees with broad expertise across the country. A dedicated focus on building a legacy and economic growth through the partnership with Georgia Oak has helped TeamOne Logistics become a nationally recognized workforce partner.

TEAMONELOGISTICS.COM

When Joe Dickman founded Emerald Transportation Solutions in 2001, he was a one-man show with a passion for solving customer’s needs. Together, Joe and co-owner Todd Cawley built Emerald into the nation’s premier manufacturer and seller of refrigerated trucks and vans. Emerald now serves thousands of customers across the U.S., ranging from local retail businesses to Fortune 500 companies.

SITUATION

Before Joe and Todd met the Georgia Oak team, they knew they needed a partner with the capability to supercharge Emerald in its next phase of growth. A partner who would help craft a defined roadmap and growth strategy was needed for the next chapter to be successful. However, neither owner was ready to lose control through a majority equity investment.  s they interviewed numerous private equity firms, they struggled to find a partner who was willing to listen to their desire for a minority equity investment. Finally, after an  pen dialogue and brainstorming session in the first meeting, it was clear that a fruitful partnership was already in the works between Emerald and Georgia Oak.

WHY GEORGIA OAK?

“Before Georgia Oak, we decided we wanted to put ourselves out there for private equity, but it wasn’t a good experience. Then, when we first met Mike and Dean, there was an  mmediate sense of comfort. That meeting went really well. It was important for us to work with someone who could add to what we were doing – not just working for the money but  helping us accomplish our goals and wanting to see us succeed. Looking to the future, I know Georgia Oak will be instrumental in growing Emerald to new heights.”