Brian E. Hall certainly didn’t step into an easy position when he took over Industrial
Transport Inc., a provider of dedicated trailer spotting, shuttle and freight yard management on large manufacturing and distribution sites.
The company was founded by Hall’s father and uncle, and Hall purchased it in 1999.
He subsequently sold a small interest to Mattie Harris, president and COO, but by
2005, Industrial Transport was out of working capital, and it was up to Hall to develop a strategy to restructure the business, shed unprofitable lines and create needed
systems of accountability. Through a restructuring of debt, cost reductions (including the owners’ salaries) and some personal capital infusion, they were able not only
to reposition Industrial Transport, but also to purchase 51 percent interest in
Innogistics LLC, a provider of value-added warehousing services, as a strategic addition to their logistics capabilities. In 2 1/2 years, this investment has yielded a 100 percent cash on cash return.
Though Hall was dedicated to turning the company around, he does not use all of
his drive at work. He is also active in other business activities and maintains a busy
civic life. The American Jewish Committee recognized Hall with the 2007 Bridge
Builder Award, he was elected to the Inside Business Hall of Fame and named a 2007
Pacesetter by the Christian Business League. In previous years, he was named
Volunteer of the Year by Leadership Cleveland and led his company to Ford’s
Supplier of the Year for Community Service.
Hall has served on a number of civic boards and co-chairs the Commission on
Economic Inclusion with Christopher Connor, chairman and CEO of Sherwin
Williams Co.
Four out of the last five years, Hall’s companies have been named in the Black
Enterprise Magazine Top 100.
HOW TO REACH: Industrial Transport Inc., (216) 881-5052 or www.industrialtransport.com
