Logistics Industry Leader D. Paul Thompson Honored in EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2015 Southeast Program

HICKORY, N.C., May 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Transportation Insight, a leading global third-party logistics (3PL) provider, announces that Founder and Chairman D. Paul Thompson is a finalist in the Services category of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015 Southeast Program. The program recognizes entrepreneurs in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.

Thompson has founded or co-founded eight highly successful North American companies. Four of those organizations have become subsidiaries of Transportation Insight, the flagship brand in his portfolio and the market leader in Enterprise Logistics. Thompson is also the driving force behind CHTL Logistics, a rapidly growing transactional truckload logistics firm; United Sourcing Alliance, a group purchasing organization; and Property Acquisition Company, a real estate development organization.

"Most business leaders look at existing markets and see how they will be successful today, but Paul looks to solve the problems of tomorrow through a lens of integrity, excellence and community," says Transportation Insight President and CEO Chris Baltz. "His greatest joy is to see the impact that Transportation Insight has on clients by helping them become significantly better companies. While Paul's vision has helped create jobs and provides a thriving environment for North American businesses, companies become even more successful through their partnership with Transportation Insight."

An honor graduate in Industrial Engineering at the University of Arkansas, Thompson has over 25 years of executive leadership experience in supply chain, logistics and transportation. A recognized industry innovator, his areas of expertise include business strategy, operations, optimization modeling, supply chain consulting and yield management. 

"Paul sees transportation market conditions, visualizes how those conditions evolve and understands what shippers need to achieve supply chain control," says Transportation Insight Chief Operating Officer Laura Easley. "Because he understands what clients need to compete in a dynamic marketplace, Paul created a data-driven logistics company that also serves as a strategic business partner. Paul is also extremely generous and has provided his expertise to the many humanitarian organizations with which he is involved."

Since 1999, Transportation Insight has delivered extensive logistics services – including advanced supply chain analytics and interactive Big Data solutions – to hundreds of clients. The company's transformational Co-managed Logistics® approach enables clients to enjoy non-invasive, flexible and transparent supply chain solutions which enable them to retain control of supply chain decisions while leveraging the 3PL's tools, technology and expertise. The 3PL also offers Extended LEAN® continuous improvement for the supply chain.

Rapid growth resulting from the appeal of this business model has placed Transportation Insight on the Inc. 5000 list of America's Fastest Growing Private Companies for seven straight years. The 3PL is also a Global Trade magazine Top 10 3PL for best range of services and best technology, and an Inbound Logistics Top 100 3PL since 2012. In a growth strategy branded Vision 20/20, Transportation Insight recently announced plans to grow to be a $3.5 billion company by January 1, 2020.

Thompson also shares his formula for business success with many non-profit organizations that serve locally and globally. Highlights include the following:

• He was instrumental in the establishment of the Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship at Appalachian State University.
• He leads the board of strategic advisors for Samaritan's Feet, a humanitarian organization that provides shoes as a platform of hope to children around the world.
• He is the primary seed sponsor for Restore Global/Access to Excess, a humanitarian organization that provides medical and related supplies to people around the world.
• He serves as a strategic advisor to Safe Harbor Women's Shelters of Hickory, Harvest Bible Chapel of Hickory and is an avid supporter of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.

"We are very lucky to have such an incredible group of entrepreneurs to represent the Southeast Program in this global awards program," said Brad Duncan, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Program Principal. "All of the finalists clearly demonstrate how important their role is in the business world, while continuing to innovate and achieve success. We look forward to highlighting their achievements at the award gala."

Now in its 29^th year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program has expanded globally to recognize company builders in over 145 cities and in more than 60 countries throughout the world. Award recipients will be announced for the first time at a black-tie awards gala on June 24 at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum in Nashville, Tennessee.

Award recipients in several national categories, as well as the National EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Overall Award winner, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, California. The awards are the culminating event of the EY Strategic Growth Forum®, the nation's most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.

"I am very humbled and honored to be recognized by this prestigious organization," says Thompson. "In all of my entrepreneurial endeavors, I've measured success by the satisfaction of the people involved – our clients, our associates and our business partners. By taking the simple approach of serving others and doing the right thing, success takes care of itself."

About Transportation Insight, LLC

Transportation Insight is a global lead logistics provider with more than $1.8 billion in supply chain spend under management. For over a decade, the 3PL has partnered with hundreds of manufacturers, distributors and retailers to achieve significant cost savings, reduce cycle times and improve customer satisfaction rates by providing customized supply chain solutions. Transportation Insight offers a Co-managed Logistics® form of 3PL, carrier sourcing, freight bill audit and payment services, state-of-the-art transportation management system (TMS) applications and business intelligence. Its logistics services include domestic transportation, supply chain analytics, international transportation, warehouse sourcing, LEAN consulting and supply chain sourcing of indirect materials. For more about Transportation Insight, visit www.transportationinsight.com.

About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world's most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The unique award makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 145 cities in more than 60 countries.

Contact: Lisa Santos Farley Email: [email protected] Phone: 828-485-5000

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SOURCE Transportation Insight