How would you describe your current position to someone that doesn’t work in the transportation logistics industry?
I help customers and carriers by pairing shipments with available capacity for the best possible price so that everyone wins. I source this capacity with relationships I’ve built or by making calls and negotiating. When my kids were little, I used to explain it as, I’m the one that helps get the candy to the store.
How did you end up working in logistics?
My best friend was working at C.H. Robinson and introduced me to the great world of logistics and suggested I interview. The company culture, the talent there, the training – everything was exceptional and I spent over a decade there with an incredible team and built relationships with carriers, dispatchers, and people I still talk to today.
How many years have you worked in logistics?
Hard to believe but I’ve been in the industry since ‘06 so 18 years.
What are some of your favorite things about working in logistics?
I love the thrill of it and the hunt. I’m a busy bee and having a career in logistics suits me. It’s a lot of hustle and bustle throughout the day and good definitely outweighs the bad. Lots of problem-solving, strategy, and negotiating day in and day out. Meeting new people daily – it’s great. I’ve built great relationships with carriers over the years and it’s not just business… we get to know each other and become friends. Not just a broker, but sometimes an unlicensed psychologist for some so it’s not just business all the time.
What surprises do you encounter?
In the past few years, I’m most surprised by the amount of double-brokering that is going on in the industry. At Sleek, we do our due-diligence but the volume of calls we receive from fraudulent carriers is unbelievable.
Do you have any fun work stories you’d like to share?
Recently I made a call to someone I have never worked with before and we started talking and it turns out we’re from the same town and high school, although we have never met. However, as we keep talking, he says he knows my husband (from another town) very well from years ago. Side note – I happen to be the more social spouse who seems to bump into someone I know more often than not so this was a complete shock. Since I work from home, they were able to chat and do a quick recap of the last 15 years. It really is a small world.
Do you have a favorite saying?
When there’s a tough one to cover, “It’s time to smile and dial.”
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Time with family and friends is everything to me. I have a very large extended family and am fortunate enough that they live close and we actually like spending time together. I host a lot and enjoy the time we get to spend together. I have 2 kids, Adrian (11) and Arianna (10) so when I can, I volunteer my time at school and with extracurriculars. I’m also a coach for Girls on the Run which is a non-profit that focuses on building confidence and embracing individuality in young girls. Outside of that, my family and I love to go camping, hiking, traveling and exploring new places.
What advice would you give your 21yr old self?
Network more. My confidence was sky high after school and in my career and in my eyes, I had it all together. Back then, LinkedIn wasn’t what it is today and the importance of building connections is huge. You never know who you can help along the way or vice versa.
What are some challenges that you see in the future of supply chain, and what do you think will happen?
I think those that embrace technology are going to thrive but those that don’t will face challenges. The industry is rapidly evolving with AI and ML capabilities and the results speak for themselves – it makes everything more efficient. The challenge will be most difficult for those that continue to push back.
Thanks, Tashi, for doing such a great job and being a joy to work with at Sleek!
This blog was written by Tashi Budilovsky. With nearly two decades in logistics, Tashi excels at matching shipments with available capacity, utilizing her extensive network and sharp negotiation skills to secure optimal rates for her clients.
