We are thrilled to introduce one of the newest additions to our team, José M. Lopez. Although he has only been with us for two months, José brings nearly three decades of industry wisdom to the table. From his start in a pharmaceutical warehouse in Barcelona to handling complex freight operations today, his journey is a testament to continuous learning.
We sat down with José to discuss what keeps him motivated in the fast-paced world of logistics, how he maintains a healthy work-life balance, and why you might find him behind a pottery wheel after hours.
A Career Built on Challenges
Apollo Global Experts: Welcome to the team, José! Can you start by telling us a bit about your background and your role here?
José M. Lopez: Thank you. My name is Jose M. Lopez. I officially started my journey in logistics back in 1995. My first role was within the logistics division of a pharmaceutical company in Barcelona. It was a great training ground. After about a year, I was offered a chance to join my first freight forwarding company when Rohlig started their operations in Spain.
Now, I’ve been with Apollo Global Experts for two months, and I am excited to bring that history to my new role here.
You have been in the game for quite some time. What first drew you to this industry? Was it a lifelong passion?
José: To be honest, I wasn’t really interested in logistics initially. Like many teenagers searching for a career path, I was practical. I realized that logistics was one of the best-paid sectors in Spain at the time, so I decided to join for the stability.
However, the motivation shifted quickly once I was inside. One of my first managers used to say, “In the freight industry, every day is a challenge and a reason to learn.” After 30 years in the industry, I can confirm that is absolutely true. The money might draw you in, but the constant problem-solving keeps you there.
Wisdom from the Warehouse
Thirty years is a long time. How do you ensure you keep growing professionally after all these years?
José: My growth has been constant since 1996. I think the key is not forgetting the basics. I started my career physically storing shipment files and issuing House Bills of Lading (HBLs). Even today, I can still do both. I never forget where I came from. Understanding the foundational work helps you manage the complex high-level strategy much better.
If you could boil down your experience into one valuable life lesson, what would it be?
José: That’s easy: Every problem has a solution. And if it doesn’t have a solution? Then it’s not a problem anymore. It is a simple philosophy, but it keeps you sane in a high-pressure environment like ours.
The Chef Who Chose Logistics
Let’s step away from the supply chain for a moment. If logistics didn’t exist, what would you be doing?
José: I would probably be a chef. I love cooking, especially the process of discovering new recipes and flavors. Cuisine is powerful; it can easily take you to another place in your mind.
It sounds like you have a creative side. What else do you do to unwind when you log off?
José: It really depends on the weather! In spring and autumn, I love taking “detox” walks by the beach to clear my head. In winter, my routine is arriving home, preparing a nice café latte, and reading for a while. Summer, of course, is always just about having fun.
We’ve heard rumors about some interesting hobbies. Care to share?
José: Haha, I have a lot! All my friends know about my passion for cooking, pastry, and making barista-level coffees. But I also try to stay active. I regularly play for the veteran team of my hometown basketball club, and I organize weekly games of padel with friends. Padel is a recently acquired passion of mine.
More surprisingly, about three years ago, I started learning pottery. I used it as a tool to avoid overthinking. The result was amazing and unexpected. When you are doing pottery, you have to focus entirely on your hands. It gives your mind a break.
A Final Word
José’s journey from filing shipments to managing global logistics is a great reminder that expertise is built one day at a time. It’s his blend of a “solution-first” mindset and a calm, focused approach that makes him such a valuable partner to our clients.
Whether he’s navigating a complex shipment or centering clay on a pottery wheel, José puts his full attention and experience into everything he does—and we’re so glad he’s part of our team.