Leadership in Action: Tony Smith's Journey at Mercury's Columbus Office

Meet Our People – Tony Smith

Meet Tony Smith, the dynamic squad leader of Foxtrot Squad at Mercury's Columbus office. Since joining in August 2023, Tony has been expertly navigating the complexities of global logistics, ensuring client needs are met with precision and care. His background in social work fuels his passion for handling life-saving shipments, often containing critical medical research supplies. Tony's leadership shines through his commitment to open communication and team growth, encouraging his staff to voice their opinions and challenge ideas.

Can you share your role at Mercury and how you joined the company initially? 

Currently, I am the squad leader for the Foxtrot Squad.  I joined Mercury in August 2023 with the opening of our Columbus, OH office. 

Can you describe a typical day for you as a Squad Leader at Mercury? What are some of the key tasks and challenges you encounter?

Typical day?  There is no such thing as a typical day at Mercury!  My team and I are ever adapting to work the ins and outs of both domestic and international shipments.  We are the shipping voice of our clients, and they rely on us for expertise and execution.  My day is centered around ensuring our clients’ needs are met and ensuring my team is prepared for what lies ahead.  Challenges include navigating a complex global customs network and providing the same level of personal touch for those shipments going next door as well as those going halfway around the world.  Both the Foxtrot squad and Mercury in general, pride ourselves on this level of service.

What do you find most rewarding about helping clients navigate the logistics process? 

As a former social worker, I find it rewarding that many of the shipments we handle have life attached to them. We ship research samples, medical trials, and what could be the cure for life threatening diseases.  For many, and myself included, this defines our company’s purpose. 

"As a former social worker, I find it rewarding that many of the shipments we handle have life attached to them."

Can you share a specific instance where you went above and beyond to ensure a client's shipment arrived safely and on time? 

Within the first few months of my employment, a client needed supplies from Ireland for a research study in Michigan that would be shut down without said supplies.  I was able to jump in and provide the client with a personalized option to hand deliver the supplies from Ireland to Michigan.  (This was a Mercury-first service offering.)  I personally kept the client updated on all movement from initial pickup, flight, customs clearance, and final mile delivery.  This required numerous after-hours contacts including calls at 1 AM, 2 AM, etc.  Ultimately, the client received their needed supplies and was able to conduct their research study.  I had several members of the Mercury team on my side throughout this shipment, and, we made it happen!

What advice would you give to someone interested in a career as a Squad Leader?

Work hard, share knowledge, accept criticism, learn, grow.  Do that again!

Beyond your core duties, are there any ways you contribute to a positive team environment at Mercury? 

Logistics can be both rewarding and stressful at the same time.  It is fast paced and always evolving.  What works one day may not work the next.  To keep positivity, I encourage open communication from my team.  Just as things run downhill, they should also run uphill (reverse Uno, if you will).  I ask staff to challenge my decisions, to disagree with me, and to hold me accountable.  Oh, and… don’t forget about coffee runs in the afternoons! 

What are some of the values or principles that guide you in your professional and personal development? 

My personal life has always influenced my professional life and vice versa.  We spend so much time building a career that there is no doubt a spillover between the two. Honesty and integrity are two values that I hold very close to.

“One lie ruins a thousand truths.” 

I will always believe this and live by these words.

Looking back at your career, what would you say has been your biggest learning curve? 

Managing others was a huge learning curve.  There is a delicate balance between being a good manager who provides encouragement, discipline, and opportunity and a manager who strives for approval.  I have made the mistake of seeking approval and it does not bode well for the team or the manager.  By learning effective management, a strong team is born and continues to mature.

Imagine you could have lunch with any inspirational figure, who would it be and why? 

This person is inspirational to me, maybe not so much to others.  My grandmother was a key person in my life for 30 years.  She taught me so much about life and living.  She was an accomplished, world traveled woman with more life experience than anyone I have known.  I often think of how amazing it would be to have one more dinner to share my life so far.  To share my successes and failures, to catch up with my wife of nearly 20 years, and to meet our two beautiful children.