And Then There Is Jo Frigger

     And then there is Jo Frigger, CEO of EMO Trans.
     If this guy isn't the poster boy for the self-made, straight shooting air freight forwarder in the world today, he will have to do until the real thing comes along!
     But Jo didn't drop out of the sky.
     He has worked and thought about what it takes to be successful since he was a little boy more than six decades ago in Germany.
     “EMO Trans began providing professional air freight services in Germany in 1965.
     "Since that time, our capabilities have expanded to include virtually every facet of worldwide shipping.
     "Yet one thing has remained constant: our ongoing commitment to providing door-to-door solutions for each individual customer.
     "In a business where creativity is often the key to problem solving, there is no substitute for human ingenuity.
     "Our capabilities have grown to include solutions for air cargo, ocean freight, distribution, warehousing, and all international transportation needs.
     “EMO Trans network offices worldwide have significantly increased the scope and coverage of our global operations.
     "With more than 250 offices located in over 120 countries, EMO offers door-to-door control of each and every shipment.
     “In addition we bring global visibility through local representation and knowledge of the unique characteristics of local markets.”
     This year 2006 has proven to show continued growth over 2005 for the EMO Group.
     “Our Asian, European, Latin American and South African markets have all increased traffic.
     “The U.S. economy remains robust and in Germany (still our single strongest market) there are clear signs of a new consumer and industry confidence.
     “India has become an important market for Emo Trans.
     “Industrial growth of the subcontinent is spectacular and we are ready for the challenge.”
     So much for the sales pitch.
     We have gotten to know Jo Frigger in 2006 but have known about the man for quite some time.
     Unlike some others in air cargo, Jo gives of himself for the betterment of the industry at meetings and seminars all year looking.
     How he juggles a hectic schedule with raising bison is anybody’s guess, but there does not seem to be any quit going on here.
     Earlier this year he was a vocal and down to earth logical voice of the forwarder at CNS Las Vegas as part of a main panel at North America's biggest, most important air cargo show of 2006.
     Just a few weeks ago he presented a white paper titled “Energy Issues & Transportation” at a USA Highway Administration “Talking Freight” Seminar.
     But it doesn’t stop there.
     Jo is constantly out among his offices hosting meetings around the world all year long.
     “I take nothing for granted.
     “Air cargo among all the occupations is very much a people business that requires face to face interaction to advance the form.”
     Through it all Jo Frigger, who is both level and understated, combines a love and concern for the transportation business with a great sense of building and maintaining a lusty growing enterprise.
     Jo Frigger, it can be rightfully said, lifts a lot more than cargo these days.
(Geoffrey)