[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 34 (Monday, February 25, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1435-S1436]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING MAGELLAN TRANSPORT LOGISTICS
Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I wish to honor and commend one of
the dedicated and hard-working small businesses that does so much for
the State of Florida. As chairman of the Committee on Small Business
and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize a small business that
exemplifies the unique American entrepreneurial spirit. Today, it is my
distinct pleasure to name Magellan Transport Logistics, of
Jacksonville, FL, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.
Founded in 2006, Magellan Transport Logistics is a Service-Disabled
Veteran-Owned Small Business dedicated to providing its customers with
a wide range of transportation needs. Tom Piatak founded Magellan
Transport Logistics based on many of the same qualities that he learned
while serving in the U.S. Army. A graduate of the U.S. Military
Academy, Tom instills into the company the values he learned from West
Point, as well as from his service as a combat engineer during
Operation Desert Storm.
Today, Tom serves as chief executive officer and chairman of
Magellan. Under his guidance, the company has quickly become a leader
in supporting the vast transportation needs of its clients. Tom and his
team have gained much of their success by recruiting some of the most
talented leaders and logistics professionals in the industry. By
instituting four core values of entrepreneurship, ownership mentality,
innovation, and transparency within the company, Magellan has created a
positive culture that has translated into rapid growth and success. In
March of 2018, Magellan announced the acquisition of a 47,000-square-
foot warehouse and the hiring of 100 employees over the next 5 years,
furthering its investment in the Jacksonville community.
Magellan is known for its dedication to its employees and as a pillar
of the Jacksonville community. The company offers complete logistics
and transportation services, both local and international, by truck or
airplane, while also providing warehousing services and supply chain
management. Magellan has built strong relationships with its clients by
embracing the ``no man left behind'' principle that Tom learned during
his time serving our country in the U.S. Army.
As a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, Magellan is
committed to hiring veterans and participating in community service
events to benefit America's veterans. This past December, Magellan
sponsored 20 wreaths for National Wreaths Across America Day, as well
as assisted with unloading and placing the memorial wreaths on the
graves of fallen servicemembers. Magellan actively supports the Wounded
Warrior Project, and their commitment to veterans in their community is
a testament to the company's values.
In addition to their continued service to our Nation's veterans,
Magellan has also aided the community in disaster relief efforts.
Following Hurricane Michael in the fall of 2018, Magellan
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worked directly with FEMA, providing 40 trucks and three staff members
as part of the disaster recovery effort. They also partnered with
Operation BBQ Relief, a nonprofit organization, to deliver meals and
supplies to families throughout impacted areas.
Tom Piatak and Magellan are regularly honored for their success and
dedication to the Jacksonville community. During the 2017-2018 NFL
football season, the Jacksonville Jaguars honored Magellan as their
Veteran Business Owner of the Week. The Jacksonville Business Journal
recognized Tom and the team at Magellan for their efforts to hire
veterans, and the Wounded Warrior Project awarded the company with the
Wounded Warrior Certificate of Recognition in 2017.
Tom Piatak's work to grow Magellan Transport Logistics while staying
committed to his community and veterans represents the dedication to
service for which Florida entrepreneurs are well known. Through hard
work, Tom and his team at Magellan Transport Logistics have built a
successful business grounded in strong values, while serving as an
example of superior corporate citizenship. I would like to congratulate
Tom and the entire team at Magellan Transport Logistics for being named
the Senate Small Business of the Week. I wish them good luck and look
forward to watching their continued growth and success.
____________________