CBX Global Newsletter -SPECIAL EDITION April, 2022
40 years of innovation and growth!
April, 2022 - SPECIAL EDITION
40th
Anniversary is here!
April arrived and we are all motivated by CBX Global's 40th Anniversary!
April 6, 2022, marks the commemoration of a legacy that has transcended geographical barriers and led us to be recognized worldwide.
You are part of this great achievement! One Team, No limits!
We're dedicating this Special Edition Newsletter to all in the CBX Global TEAM: drivers, warehouse, traffic, IT, Commercial Support, procurement, operations, sales, finance, maintenance, and pricing. From the Senior Employees, who started the gears to make the company we have today, and to the new generation that will continue the legacy to make it greater. There is not enough space in our hearts to extend the gratitude for your hard work and commitment. To all of you: THANK YOU!!
In the following lines we will learn everything about how our company was created, including anecdotes from those who experienced those early years.
Happy Anniversary, CBX Global! Cheers, to many more.
A Message from Our CEO
I remembered a sunny summer day in 1987 a friend told me about a job opportunity at Ramey-Aguadilla, Puerto Rico Airport. On my bike, I rode to meet a group of people working in something called “a Transportation Company” (later called logistics). I was a young student, not knowing that my destiny had just started, falling in love with the energy and adrenaline of this industry, something that molded my professional life.
After many years, this new home became my second family and the best school ever. We grew organically due to the hard work of many leaders for many years, like Mr. Joseph Chatt Sr., who envisioned creating a transportation company (1982) called Caribe Express. Mr. John Ford started Excel Cargo services (1987) with a global freight forwarding vision and, with the union of his partners, created CaribEx Worldwide.
We were blessed to have exceptional leaders like Mr. Nestor Gonzalez's with his commercial mentality, Mr. Robert Pfeffer's wisdom and experience, Joe B, Oscar, Don, Russell, and many more (the list is long). During this time, I inherited new siblings from the Chatt Family: Boo, Debra, Peter, and Madeline.
Four decades of entrepreneurship with our challenges, laugher, smiles, and tears built what we are now. We are proud to be part of a group of friends that had a big dream, trusted themselves, and believed in others. As in any history book, our story has many chapters, and this week, we remember the starting point of a 40-year journey with happiness. We celebrate with admiration the life and vision of many amazing people who worked hard to create and develop our great company called CBX Global.
I feel honored to have so many great people around me and have the privilege to have so many friends in our industry, from vendors-partners, coworkers, customers and friends, and leaders around the globe. Today, our 500 employees worldwide exhibit our commitment, hard work, dedication, and passion for our company: from the Caribbean, Latin America, the US, and China.
On this day, we celebrate a long journey from our beginnings as Caribe Express, Excel Cargo Services, CaribEx Worldwide, and now the radiant CBX Global. Today marks the achievement of a Milestone and the Beginning of a New Era as One Team.
Joselin Ramos - CEO | Jacksonville
Liliana Rivera - Accounting Representative | El Salvador
From a one truck and one van operation to a multinational multimillion-dollar corporation, this is the story of CBX Global.
1982, the beginning: Caribe Express
CBX Global started in 1982 with the creation of Caribe Express in Aguadilla Puerto Rico and, it was consolidated in 1997 with Excel Cargo Services in Greensboro, North Carolina along with 12 other sister companies creating CaribEx Worldwide.
In 1982 Caribe Express was founded by an entrepreneur, Mr. Joe Chatt, a former air force accountant that established ground in Puerto Rico on the late 1960’s. After, various attempts at building different companies he decides to evolve in the transportation industry by starting a trucking company. Mr. Chatt dedicated his time developing his company and building joint ventures to expand its services and coverage, always having in mind to provide a Fast, Secure and Reliable Service, like no other.
1987, join forces: Excel Cargo Services
(In the picture from left to right, John Ford & Joe Chatt)
In 1987, Excel Cargo Services, a freight forwarding company was created in Greensboro, North Carolina under the leadership of John Ford with a group of longtime friends. A new era of global business began with the partnership of multiple entities opening the door to greater services.
1997, the consolidation: CaribEx Worldwide
(In the picture: from left to right, Joe Chatt Jr, Joe Chatt, Joselin Ramos
& John Ford)
After 15 years of entrepreneurship, innovation, and partnership with 16 logistics companies, across the Eastern USA, Dominican Republic, USVI and Puerto Rico, a major decision needed to take place: the consolidation of all!
After carefully analyzing the markets, a major decision was taken, to consolidate the companies under one umbrella, creating the holding company called CaribEx Worldwide, also the tradename utilized by all entities. The energy of expansion kept flowing and additional ground was covered expanding to Central America.
2009 – 1st step to a new generation
(In the picture, Mr. Joe Chat)
The year 2009 was the saddest of all. We lost our father, founder, mentor, and friend Mr. Joe Chatt. Cancer got him, but the union of our partners and the family, kept the business focused on our founders’ goal: to provide the best possible service to our customers, a family environment within our employees and a steady growth within the company.
Our friend, and partner Mr. John Ford took the leadership of the company as chairman and continued the growth and development, expanding the company's services and reach with multiple partners around the globe.
By 2017 we knew we needed to rebrand our company with a name to represent our multinational footprint. CaribEx Worldwide rebranded to create CBX Global. During this period, CBX Global expanded our business in Asia, opening multiple offices in China.
2019 - 2nd step to a new generation
(In the picture, Mr. John Ford)
In 2019, after many years of hard work and dedication Mr. Ford decided to retire and endeavor in a new lifestyle. Something that was well deserved. Younger blood came into place when the Board of Directors appointed our partner Mr. Joselin Ramos as the new leader, creating a new way of thinking, One Team!
Many changes and a new structure came into place creating a stronger and steadier company. Sales were sky high and our goals were being achieved. New times and younger executives. A circle in life! Ending 2021, and aiming to the 40 years celebration, CBX Global holds many memories and future opportunities like no other!
2022 - One Team, No limits!
(In the picture, Madeline Chat - Director of
Trade Compliance | Aguadilla)
Today, 40 years later, we celebrate the hard work, commitment, and dedication of all our employees, customers, and vendors!
Thank you all for being part of our great adventure and for supporting our business. We feel proud to have you as part of our amazing family.
Always keeping in mind, there are no limits!
In Honor to Mr. Joe Chatt Sr. (1940-2009)
It was the beginning of the era of virtual games and Puerto Rico had Law 936 where large manufacturers benefited economically, which attracted the ATARI company to the Island. That was the first client our company had.
Back in those days, security and operational processes weren't established. On one of the first trips, our driver went to pick up the customer cargo, and had an unfortunate accident, leaving the manufacturing plant without power. My father immediately went out to the factory to see how he could help to resolve the situation.
After seeing the damage and not having a solution, he went to the transportation director's office and put his head on the desk. The man asks him: “Joe, what’s going on, are you ok? Why you have your head in my desk?”. To what my dad replies: “just chop my head off, sorry but there’s nothing else I can do”. After that day they became best friends and we managed the account until ATARI closed its operation in PR.
Keep in mind that memories are the only thing we leave behind, … do your best to create your own stories.
An anecdote by Joe Chatt Jr.
Elizabeth De La Cruz - Accounting Representative | Santo Domingo
Rodrigo Granados - Commercial Support Manager & Darlin Heidrich - Customer Service Manager | Jacksonville
You are part of the History!
"It always seems impossible until it's done'.
Nelson Mandela
Congratulations to CBX Global for 40 years of service and for promoting growth and giving many people the opportunity to work and be a part of this event. I know that this company will continue to expand and get bigger and better. I have truly enjoyed working for CBX Global over 21years. I started here as an ordinary everyday warehouse worker to now being a Warehouse Manager. I have seen a lot of people come and go during those years whom I still can call my friends.
Thanks, CBX for giving me the opportunity!
James Evans | Warehouse Manager - Greensboro
I started with CBX Global in August 1998, during the middle of the merger with Excel and Caribe Express. For my first month, I answered the phone as “Excel Cargo Services, CaribEx Worldwide". All business was done by phone and fax. We all got pagers. No computers or e-mail or mobile phones. The only computer that were used was to enter billing information. Our Miami office had a one dock door warehouse. It had a real “small business” feeling to it. I felt like we were the little sharks that swam unnoticed by the big sharks. We didn’t take the big bites but we kept well fed and took bigger bites as we got larger.
Working at CBX Global has allowed me to go to places I’ve never been, meeting people I almost certainly never would have met … and introduced me to Cuban coffee and the Cubano sandwich. The latter two are enough to bring joy to anyone.
Douglas Mangum | Procurement Manager - Greensboro
Back on 2002, I was the second one hired besides a sales person. My equipment to work was a white desktop computer with its JBL speakers. We have been in constant growth over the past 20 years. I feel very proud to had the opportunity to see all these changes over the years.Guatemala
Working at CBX Global have also gave me the chance to board a cargo vessel in Port Quetzal and to saw the operation inside a cargo airplane when we exported a helicopter. Those are great experiences! Is fabulous to know another part of the logistics chain you had been working for years!
Jessica Rosales | Station Manager - Guatemala
I started with this great company in 2001 as a runner going to the customs office to validate 7512, and to the airport to take checks and AWB documentation. Thru the years I have witnessed the growth of this company, specially the station I'm working at. Miami has an operation second to none we handle a big volume of shipments and, from only 2, our warehouse now have 29 docks.
I feel blessed for the friends I have made and the opportunities this company have provided to me, also thankful for the company's management and the trust they have on me.
I started working in Caribe in May 1996, in Santo Domingo. I remember the exact address. Since the beginning, we have had the advantage that this company has been run by enterprising people, who also know that employees are a very important part of it. We have gone through difficult situations, but we have always known how to get ahead, grow every day, and always improving the quality and safety of our services.
An event that I remember as a sign of the union of this great family was in 2017, when Hurricane Maria affected Puerto Rico. I saw how our employees, as humble as they are, turned to help us send everything we could to cooperate with our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico. Another fact that describes the greatness of our company is the way we handled the pandemic crisis, always thinking about the well-being of the employees and their families.
Working at this company has been my best decision. During these almost 26 years that I have been part of this team, all I can say is that this company feels like my second home. I love it!
Lourdes Viloria | Country Manager - Dominican Republic
CBX Global has experienced major growth over the years: new offices in Central America, new warehousing opportunities, more vendors to work with. Especially the last 3 years with the growth of our Asia offices, and new warehouse facilities throughout the Americas. I can only feel proud of the people that works in this company. You are all a very committed team.
I'm also thankful for our customers and the trust they give to us to manage their cargo. As a cheerful anecdote, I remember going to a World Cup game with two customers in Honduras. Honduras beat Mexico in an upset. The next day was declared a holiday, and we celebrated accordingly, as a big family!
I started to work at this company through a temporary agency. The warehouse where I was to be employed was empty at the time. The company had landed a contract with “Bali” brands (back then) and was to start a raw goods distribution for them. The staff was very tight knit , accommodating and helpful.
Its great to see that through the years the company has survived the economic and industry challenges along the way and still shows a positive and bright future.
James Umstead - Corporate Compliance Manager | Greensboro
Elmer Duran - Runner |
San Pedro Sula
Jose Martinez - Logistics & Warehouse Manager | Jacksonville & Peter Chatt -
Senior VP | Aguadilla
Juan Lara - Freight Forwarding Customer Service | San Pedro Sula
More Memories to Share
(In the picture, from left to right, John Ford, Lisa Travis & Eddie Night)
In the past 20 years the company has grown from a small to a medium size business. Currently on the brink of passing the daunting hurdle to become classified as a large business.
We have grown drastically sometimes painfully but all has been worthwhile.
I remember a day of our traditional Halloween Contest. I was dressed as a little devil. No one warned me that a potential customer and leaders were coming in for a meeting with the team. About 30 minutes into the meeting a senior manager located me asking to join. I enter the room and the comments start flying.
After a bit of banter from everyone, I bowed as though I was ending a play. It was actual perfectly fine and, in all truth, I think the clients enjoyed the fact our company culture has little fun at work.
It was embarrassing however I handled like a champ and all was good!
Lisa Travis | Chief Information Officer - Greensboro
I started as a part-time employee back in 1991. Back then, our offices were spread over the cargo hangar at Ramey Base, at BQN. Very basic setup pretty much overcrowded by employees, boxes and office equipment.
A long time ago, I remember John Ford decided to learn Spanish and enrolled into a two-week intensive program. I waited for his return wanting to prank him over this. I disguised my voice and forced an accent (in Spanish) letting Mr. Ford know he partially paid for the courses and needed to send the remainder amount.
He tried to maintain the conversation in Spanish but got frustrated very quickly and unsuccessfully tried to switch the conversation. I said to him, in Spanish “Mr. Ford; why are you speaking to me in English? Seems to me you did not complete this conversational course satisfactorily.
You would have to ask John for his reaction and unrefined reply once he figured out it was me on the phone; not suitable for printing.
Hery Roldan | Chief Financial Officer - Aguadilla
Damaris Perez
Freight Forwarding Customer Service | Aguadilla
Drivers & Leandro Fonseca - VP Commercial Development | Aguadilla
Giovanni Mercado
Warehouse Manager | San Juan
Our People is always Making the Difference
Our People is always Making the Difference
I was working at a manufacturing company when I learned that Caribe Express in Aguadilla (my home town) had an opening position in their Accounts Receivable Department. Numbers were never my thing, however Logistics had my attention. I thought to myself once I'm in, I can move around, and that is exactly what I did after I got the job.
I started on January 10th, 2000, shortly soon I was in the Operations Department handling freight. My personal life had a turn in 2003 and I had worked for another Logistics company until destiny brought me back in 2005, but this time the company name was CaribEx Worldwide. Years have gone by, many people joined our work force and left, others came and stayed like me.
Too many stories and memories over these 22 years, I have learned a lot, have encountered challenges, have great colleagues who I can call my friends and met wonderful people in the industry. I love working for this amazing company, now known as CBX Global. Yes, because we are a global company providing logistics services around the globe. We work hard every day and strive to provide the best customer service.
Now, it's 2022 and we celebrate our 40th Anniversary... yeahhh!! Congrats to all the company members, you are my family.
Many thanks to all our customers, without you we wouldn't be celebrating; thanks for trusting our CBX Global team to handle your freight. Now blessings and cheers to many more!
Sasha Davila | Director of Customer Service & Business Development - Jacksonville
My father was my main mentor and friend. I was in high school when he decided to start a new stage of his life.
Determined to succeed and do everything possible to have a better life, in 1982 he begins his journey in the transportation industry in Aguadilla, PR. Those were tough times, but he never gave up.
That company was named Caribe Express. Years later, it was consolidated with several sister companies to create CaribEx Worldwide, what we know today as CBX Global.
I would visit his office every day after school to help out checking the trucks, sweeping the containers, and doing whatever it took to learn more about the industry. Several years later, in 1985, I decided to start working full time at his company, and that was the beginning of my professional career.
There were many people who acted as my mentors for many years. I will mention them by their nicknames: Joe B, Oscar, Nestor, John and Victor, among others. There remains a very special person who today serves as the CEO of our company, Joselin. Thank you all!
I am also extremely proud and thankful of all CBX Global employees, suppliers and customers, who have supported us for so many years. It is an honor to have you as part of this family.
Thanks to you, we celebrate our 40 years!
Joseph R Chatt Jr / President & Chairman - Aguadilla
One team, no limits!
You are part of the 40th anniversary of CBX Global and we celebrated together these 40 years of evolution and achievements! Thank you for your commitment and dedication! For this team there are no limits!
Nigua, Dominican Republic
Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
Jacksonville, Florida, USA
San Pedro Sula, Honduras
Remote Team
AILA, Dominican Republic
Guatemala City, Guatemala
Santo Domingo,
Dominican Republic
Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
Chongqing, China
Shenzhen, China
Miami, Florida, USA
Managua, Nicaragua
San Salvador, El Salvador
San Juan, Puerto Rico
We are CBX Global, this is Our Resilient Family!
This newsletter is made by us for us, with all the passion and dedication that characterizes us as One Team! It is a privilege to work at CBX Global with all the people that composes it.
Now, let's continue creating new memories. Send your news and adventures to mdechoudens@cbxglobal.com.
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