MEET BRIAN – KINGSGATE’S DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY

Another week, another introduction to a new member of the Kingsgate Family! This week I want to introduce, Brian Mize, our Director of Technology. Brian joined the family at the beginning of April and jumped right into bolstering our growing IT team.

The need for an innovator like Brian came with Kingsgate’s seven-figure investment into the innovation and pioneering of technology in the logistics space. Kingsgate always aims to be at the forefront of industry changes but with this emphasis on technology we hope to create changes in the industry. Brian will take a large part in achieving this new goal!

——————————————

1. Tell me a bit about your background.

It seems I’ve grown up with technology (my first computer only ran DOS), and as it evolved, I’ve watched how it has transformed business and society. I’ve always enjoyed being part of that change, even though my first career was in physics, I returned to my first passion when the dot com bubble was growing and never looked back. I’ve led technology innovations in Government, Finance, and Manufacturing.

2. How long have you worked in the development/it/tech space? What got you into it? And why do you like it?

I wrote my first line of code in 1983. Took a small detour through nuclear power, and then decided to begin coding as a professional in 1999 because of ‘dot com fever’.  However, in doing so, I found my true niche and calling. Writing code is like writing music or a good story. It has a beginning, a middle, and an end, sometimes a plot twist, and there’s always plenty of drama.  There is a rhythm to it and, when its off, you can tell. Above all, it serves a purpose, and should bring joy.

3. How do you hope to bolster Kingsgate’s growth with your involvement here?

I hope to be able to help bring Kingsgate into the arena of competition with the biggest of players out there. That’s the great thing about technology. It can really magnify and multiply efforts and efficiencies such that an organization can scale and grow incredibly quickly while still maintaining control and their core identity.

4. What are your thoughts/feelings about heading up the technology department? What excites you? What challenges do you see ahead?

If I were to have a magic wand and the ability to create that perfect dream job, this would be it.  It is exciting to be able to watch the enthusiasm and ideas that everyone is able to contribute.  The challenge will be in focusing on those that are achievable and will deliver the biggest return for the investment. In deciding which projects fit with the culture and our long term goals.

5. What’s one thing you’ve learned about Kingsgate since working here that surprised you?

The amazing amount of commitment of the whole organization to embracing new technology and growth which is just a reflection of the culture and infectious enthusiasm that ownership has inspired from the top. Also, since I’m new to logistics, I was amazed as just how complex and multi-faceted the challenges can get, the volume and speed of the data, and how far technology has already moved into and transformed this space.

——————————————

The entire Kingsgate Family is excited to have Brian on board and looks forward to seeing how he continues to optimize profitability and customer satisfaction through technology!

All the Best,

Jeff Beckham