Jean started her journey at Hellmann in 1988 as an AUR export night supervisor. With over 34 years in the company, she loves what she does and plans to stay at Hellmann until she retires. Managing various branches, Jean has extensive knowledge of the ins and outs of Hellmann operations and is a passionate F.A.M.I.L.Y member, building up her teams for success over the years.

Hi Jean, you’ve been at Hellmann for over 34 years now. Tell us about your background and how you found your way to the company. 

I graduated college in accounting and my career started in 1976 working for a trucking company doing dispatching and accounting for Boston-based freight forwarders. I went to work for a forwarding company in the air freight export department. Later, I moved on to become a night supervisor at another air freight company while my kids were young. The company was then merged, so I worked nights also as supervisor of air freight exports. One of my colleagues at the time started at Hellmann Boston with Mr. Jost Hellmann and a few months later he asked me to join. Working to build Hellmann Boston was exciting and new, we had great people and great customers. As time went on, I became Air Freight Manager, Operations Manager, and then moved on to be the branch manager of Boston. About 4 years ago I was asked to manage the Edison and Atlanta branches, and then the following year Columbus. I am happy I was able to stabilize the teams and achieve the budget each year. I thank everyone in the Newark Branch for their hard work and dedication. I was passionate about managing the four stations but also knew that it would be coming to an end as it needed to have people that lived where the offices are. All in all, knowing the market and customers and not traveling all the time will help to make them succeed more. Now, I manage the Boston and Columbus branches.

Why Hellmann?

I am blessed to have a staff that has been with me for a long time and have their full support. After I was diagnosed with a brain tumor, Hellmann was so good to me. While in recovery, I was eager to start working again, so after 6 weeks I got up and went back to work. The company provided me with many accommodations so I could work comfortably and keep my office going and that is something I’ll never forget. I have learned many lessons from Hellmann like if you work hard things will come your way and your team is very important so if you do not have a great team, you will not succeed. At Hellmann, we want to make this the company that customers want to be part of, always profitable and maintaining happy employees. We still have a few customers that have been with us for over 30 years. I have been here for 34 years and have always loved what I do. Even through all the years of changes, the company has always been very good to me. I work well with all of the Hellmann network around the world. Respect and customer service is our main goal and that separates us from other forwarders that went to 800 numbers. I always keep our office in personal telephone contact because our clients are also part of our F.A.M.I.L.Y.  

How has working at Hellmann helped you develop professionally and personally?

Many people have been my mentors through the years here at Hellmann. I learn every day. There is one person that always believed in me and helped me in the Finance Controlling part at Hellmann years ago. I always asked questions and most of the time answered my own and he listened and helped. This made me realize that I could do my best at being a manager and I thank him for that as his patience and listening to me helped me mature. When people believe in you it’s easier to succeed.

What is your favorite part of the job? 

My favorite part of the job is taking pride in my work and doing the best I can for my team and our clients. Honesty and loyalty are a must in my life so every day I appreciate the team I have that makes my job so fulfilling.

What are your main objectives at your branch for the new year?

The main goals for my Boston branch this year is to grow, increase profits, and overall be the best we can be. I want my team to benefit from this as they are the backbone of Hellmann. We want to rebuild and be successful in sea freight, air freight, and domestic, all our products. My goals for Columbus are to win new customers with sales and rebuild a full station. I believe these goals will set us up for another year of success.

What do you do for fun?

My hobbies are gardening, reading, listening to good music, and being with family and friends. I have been happily married for 44 years to my high school sweetheart. We have 2 daughters and 1 grandson. I enjoy going to concerts each year to see Andrea Bocelli at Christmas time. Then, the highlight of my summer is being at my camp in Maine which is my happy place and keeps me grounded. I work from there over the summer and have learned that your well-being helps you in your job. In the end, balance is everything so I try to relax there and enjoy life as best I can.

Thank you for your time, Jean!