Our largest customers at HAQM Freight have complex transportation networks with seemingly countless logistics to manage. It means they need a freight provider that takes a hands-on approach but always keeps the long game in mind.
That’s exactly what Colleen Crewe does. As an HAQM Freight Enterprise Account Executive, she works closely with some of the biggest companies in the world to optimize their shipping and tap into HAQM’s freight network. On top of it, she is able to work across HAQM to bring her customers more value outside of just HAQM Freight. It’s part of HAQM Freight’s commitment to deliver for our customers.
We sat down with Colleen to learn more about her role.
Q: We know you work closely with large shippers, but what exactly is your responsibility as an Enterprise Account Executive?
The role of an account executive has so many different meanings across companies. Here at HAQM Freight, put most simply, it’s me partnering with my customers to optimize their shipping operations. That includes responsibilities such as launching new modes, managing RFPs, monitoring performance, conducting QBRs, and building relationships externally with my customers and internally with our partner teams to deliver solutions for our shared customers.
Transportation is a critical part of our customers’ operations and I work closely with the HAQM Freight Operations Team to ensure our performance exceeds expectations. So, when events like disruptions or sudden increases in demand occur, we find solutions to keep the loads moving.
I am also a connection point into other parts of HAQM. I am actively involved in several cross-functional projects with AWS Supply Chain and HAQM’s retail operations. The intent is to improve the customer experience, whether that’s demand planning and forecasting or helping them ship inbound to HAQM more efficiently.
Q: Can you tell us more about your customers?
The organizations in my portfolio are centered in the consumables space. They manufacture and sell a wide range of products from storage containers to sticky notes to foil wrap and packaging. Subsequently, they have complex shipping needs: speed is a critical factor, volumes are high, and seasonality spikes are persistent. They ship inbound to HAQM but also use HAQM Freight to get their goods to their facilities and third-party receivers.
Q: Let’s go into your background a bit. How did you get interested in the transportation space and arrive at HAQM Freight?
Well, as strange as it might sound, I actually started off in the world of science! I studied aquatic genetics in university and did a lot of research after graduating from both nutrition and genetics fields. Though it’s far from the supply chain world, it gave me a good foundation of the scientific method and data analysis that I still use today.
I eventually landed at a large agricultural company where I managed key accounts for aqua nutrition. It included responsibilities of sales, logistics, and technical support for top industry customers. This is where I was first exposed to the transportation needs of large businesses and completed my MBA, which nicely complemented my science background. At that point, I wanted to try something outside of agriculture and go fully into transportation, which led me to HAQM Freight.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of working at HAQM Freight?
I think it is the chance to build something from scratch for my customers. HAQM Freight is a growing offering so it’s exciting to see our product and tech develop and how we can help our shippers succeed. Part of that is creating relationships and educating shippers on our capabilities. I work with anyone from front-line operations managers to supply chain vice presidents.
I especially enjoy conducting in-person visits both at shippers’ sites and our HAQM facilities. Since some of my customers are shipping inbound to HAQM, I like to set up walk arounds of our Fulfillment Centers. There, customers can better understand our receiving processes and uncover pain points that we can take to our leadership to elevate the conversation and drive change. These are also chances to show some of our latest yard tech advancements and the security of our facilities where we park trailers.
I also love exceeding the expectations for our customers when we have tackled many complex projects on tight deadlines such as large inventory movements to support network realignments.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Work-life harmony is important for me and important for HAQM. I am based in Chicago so love to explore the dining scene here. I also enjoy traveling and following my favorite sports teams, especially the Montreal Canadians and Toronto Raptors (I grew up in Canada). These escapes really come into play because a job in transportation can be all-consuming!
Next steps
Are you an enterprise organization and want to learn more about shipping with HAQM Freight? Contact us.
