QC is proud to spotlight Fred Marsicano, Sr. Vice President - Safety, Security & Risk Management, and his leadership in advancing QC’s safety culture. Before joining QC, Fred spent 21 years in the logistics industry as a safety expert, and earned a Master's degree in Safety Sciences. Since joining QC, Fred has focused on strengthening the alignment between safety policies, communication, and field execution. He emphasizes that safety is not a program, but a continuous process driven by people, clear expectations, and consistent execution. He also highlights the importance of collaboration between safety, operations, and drivers in maintaining and improving performance across the organization. Bruce Gacsal, Sr. Director - Security, stated, "What stands out most about Fred is that he leads by example. The expectations he has for his team are the same expectations he has for himself, and he never asks anyone to do something he hasn’t done. When he joined QC, he made it a priority to get out into the field and meet his team because he believes leadership starts with understanding the work and the people doing it. He’s extremely knowledgeable, but also very approachable. He has an open-door policy for anyone, and you’ll often hear people say he would stop and help any stranger if given the chance. That says everything about him. He genuinely cares, doesn’t judge people, and always wants to help others succeed."
Today is the first day of our Spotlight Series for Military Appreciation Month! We are kicking things off by spotlighting Van Patterson, Sr. Director - Commodities and Chemical Services at Quality Carriers, Inc. (QC). Van began his career in logistics on June 4, 1990, the same day he graduated high school, and served in the United States Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserve from November 1994 to November 2002. Van has dedicated his career to the bulk hazmat industry, and has gained a deep understanding of the business and the evolving landscape of chemical transportation. When reflecting on his military service, Van shared that service members routinely sacrifice their personal freedoms so that others can keep theirs. His perspective is shaped by years of discipline, experience, and commitment, both in uniform and throughout his professional career. What Van values most about being part of the QC team is the strength of the Commodities group. He appreciates the team’s decades of combined experience and institutional knowledge in bulk chemical transportation, and that they are always willing to share insights and support others. We are proud to recognize Van for his service to our country, and the experience, leadership, and knowledge he brings to QC.
Today, we're spotlighting Jared Fowler, a United States Air Force veteran with 15 years of service, who is now a Mechanic 1R in Bossier City, LA. Jared offers valuable advice for veterans transitioning to civilian life: "The shift from the military's structured daily routine to a more flexible civilian life, where saying 'no' is an option, can be challenging at first. Even something as simple as getting used to hearing your first name took some time for me. My approach was to take it one day at a time. It's important to connect with others who have made this transition, so don't hesitate to reach out to people, get in touch with your local VA, VFW, and American Legion groups to help fill the camaraderie that you might miss from your military experience." Reflecting on his time in service, Jared's most memorable experience was as an armament systems specialist participating in a joint NATO training exercise in northeast Italy in 2005. He shared, "Being part of this exercise with seven different nations was incredible. The friendly competition among the armament specialists from different countries at the end was fascinating, seeing their approaches to the same work I did. Plus, I made many friends, some of whom I still stay in contact with!" Thank you for your service, Jared, and for sharing your valuable advice!
Today, we would like to spotlight Shirley Cruz, a member of our QRS Operations team who serves as an Administrative Assistant. Shirley is also a proud military veteran, having served three years in the United States Army. Shirley's journey continued as she transitioned from soldier to spouse, marrying a soldier. She supported his military career, moving alongside him until his retirement in 2014. Reflecting on her time in the Army, Shirley shared that her most memorable experience was her time in South Korea. This period was truly life-changing, offering her the opportunity to meet diverse individuals and, most significantly, where she met her husband. Offering advice to new veterans, Shirley encourages them to "just take one challenge as it comes. Being a soldier is about discipline and overcoming obstacles, and in time, changes will happen." Shirley's commitment to service extends beyond her military career. In 2022, she actively participated in Operation Gratitude at our Tampa office. This volunteer opportunity was particularly meaningful to her as it allowed her to give back to the men and women currently serving in the Armed Forces. Having been a military spouse for 20 years, she understands the impact of care packages from home and was grateful for the chance to show support. Thank you for your service, Shirley and for sharing your experiences with us!
Today, we're spotlighting Rita Beatty, Coordinator - Repair Order at Quality Repair Solutions in LaPorte, TX! Rita is a proud retiree of the United States Navy, where she dedicated 20 years to our country. Rita offers this valuable advice to fellow veterans transitioning to civilian life: "Remember, you're not in the military anymore. Apply that same level of excellence expected in the military to your civilian job. You will go far." Reflecting on her time in service, Rita shared a memorable experience: "I was aboard the USS Safeguard ARS-50, and we towed a boat to Vancouver, Canada. We spent over a week there, and a few of us took leave for a 3-day camping trip! I loved it! The woods were so quiet my ears were ringing." As a woman veteran, Rita witnessed significant progress for women in the Navy, from serving on non-combatant ships to her final assignment on the destroyer USS Stump DD-978. Rita, thank you for your dedicated service and for sharing your experience with us!
We’re proud to feature Gary Hogan, our Mechanic 3 at QRS Shop 606 in Wilmington, NC! Gary is a proud military veteran who served in the United States Army for over 13 years. Shop Manager Allen Mitchell says, "Gary's knowledge and positive spirit make him an invaluable member of our team." Thank you for your service and your bright outlook, Gary!
Today, we celebrate Bryen Porrazo, an M1R-stamp welder at QRS Shop 606 in Wilmington, NC. Bryen served honorably in the United States Navy for four years. Bryen's most memorable moment in the Navy was being recognized by his Fleet Rear Admiral O-8. He was presented with a coin for completing multiple critical welding repairs on his ship, repairs so significant that failure to complete them would have rendered the ship out of commission until it could be serviced in a shipyard. His work saved the Navy millions of dollars. Bryen's advice for those transitioning out of military service is this: “you have been trained to handle stress with laughter, pain with motivation, and failure as an opportunity. Leverage your trained emotional responses as tools to progress and excel in every endeavor.” Allen Mitchell, Shop Manager, shared, "Bryen's attention to detail and his ability to master any project are unparalleled. His extensive welding knowledge places our shop among the best in the company, and he is vital to the growth of shop 606." Thank you for your service, Bryen and for sharing your insightful advice!
Quality Carriers is proud to announce that we have been named a Responsible Care® Partner of the Year! Responsible Care is part of the American Chemistry Council (ACC), and is dedicated to improving the environmental health, safety, and security of the chemical transportation industry. Cynthia Harvey, Sr. Director - OSHA Compliance & Responsible Care, has served as the ACC coordinator for Quality Carriers since 2007. She shared, “This was the first time Quality Carriers applied for this prestigious award and this year I felt the timing was right to showcase the significant time and investment Quality Carriers has made in our sustainability initiatives. In the past we have met the "usual" requirements for this award but this year it felt just right!” Randy Strutz, President of Quality Carriers, said, “I’m extremely proud of our team for being recognized as one of the Responsible Care Partners Companies of the year for safety and sustainability. In 2007, QC became the first RC Partner to pass the Responsible Care Management System certification audit. Our ongoing commitment to safely and compliantly handle chemical shipments for our customers throughout North America is unwavering, and we greatly appreciate this latest recognition from the American Chemistry Council (ACC)." Congratulations to the entire Quality Carriers team for winning this prestigious award!
Today, we're highlighting Dillon Aubrey, a military veteran who served over eight years in the United States Army and now works as a Shop Lead at QRS Shop 606 in Wilmington, NC. Dillon considers it an honor to have woken up every morning to lead a platoon of soldiers. Training and mentoring soldiers both in and out of the motor pool was the most memorable and rewarding aspect of his service. Dillon advises newly transitioning veterans to remember that their intangible skills and discipline are their greatest assets. He encourages them to maintain their steadfast attitude and utilize core values such as loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. “These values are ingrained in you from your daily service to our great country, where you put the needs of others before your own. You understand what it takes to be trained and possess the strength to train others. Remain true to the leadership you provide or have been provided”. Allen Mitchell, Shop Manager, shared "Dillon is essential to our shop's daily operations. His leadership keeps our team focused, and his computer skills and organizational abilities are critical to 606's success. I deeply appreciate his support in helping our shop grow within the company." Thank you for your service, Dillon and for sharing your words of encouragement!
Meet Patrick Goode, the pioneering Mechanic 4 at our Magnolia, AR QRS shop! Patrick discovered his passion for welding in his high school agriculture class and has been honing his skills for about ten years. This dedication has led him to a significant milestone: becoming the very first welder at our QRS location in Magnolia. Patrick's expertise and commitment are instrumental in establishing a strong foundation for our operations in Magnolia and creating opportunities for future welders. His journey truly highlights how pursuing your passion with purpose can lead to remarkable achievements. We extend our sincere gratitude to Patrick for his leadership and for his contributions to building something lasting in Magnolia.
