Meet the Team
Core Values – Integrity, Passion, Knowledge and Respect.
Biography
Sumar Bhatti serves as Trans-Border’s Director of Freight Operations. Sumar has 15 years of supply chain experience in the U.S. and Pakistan. Beginning in Trans-Border’s import operations department, Sumar now oversees the daily management of all of Trans-Border’s operations, pricing, and brokerage departments.
Sumar holds a bachelor’s in international business and was named Trans-Border’s Employee of the Year in 2015. Sumar also serves as a youth leader and head usher at his church, City Harvest Family Church.
Fun Facts
- What is your favorite place to travel to (even if you have never been there)?
- Cypress & England
- Name three words that best describe you.
- Dedicated, Hardworking, Compassionate
- What is your personal motto?
- God above all
- If you could get a new skill in 10 minutes, what would it be?
- Speed Reading
Get in touch with Sumar!
sbhatti@tbgfs.com
Biography
Brunilda Carroll serves as Director of Exports at Trans-Border. Brunilda has held a range of positions in her ten-year journey at Trans-Border, most recently serving as Strategic Account Manager before moving into her current role. As Director of Exports, Brunilda oversees both the export operations and export pricing departments.
Brunilda holds an associate degree in medical assisting and a bachelor’s degree in communications. Brunilda was named Trans-Border’s Employee of the Year in 2018.
Fun Facts
- What is your favorite place to travel to (even if you have never been there)?
- Spain!
- Name three words that best describe you.
- Inquisitive, Diligent, Motivated
- What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done or seen?
- Moved to the US at the age of 12 without speaking a word of English!
- If you could get a new skill in 10 minutes, what would it be
- Ability to learn more languages
Get in touch with Brunilda!
bcarroll@tbgfs.com
Biography
Yateen “Yatz” Patel serves as Trans-Border’s Director of Export Compliance. Yateen has nearly 20 years of supply chain experience in both the U.S. and U.K. and is responsible for Trans-Border’s export law compliance, regulatory affairs, and insurance and risk management.
Yateen holds a bachelor’s in business IT and multimedia. Yateen is also one of Trans-Border’s most public faces, providing consulting and training services to our clients regularly.
Fun Facts
- What is your favorite place to travel to (even if you have never been there)?
- Australia
- Name three words that best describe you.
- Witty. Professional. Badass.
- If you had a yacht, what would you name it?
- The Flying Yatz
- If you could get a new skill in 10 minutes, what would it be?
- To fly a plane
Get in touch with Yateen!
ypatel@tbgfs.com
Biography
Kevin Calkins serves as Trans-Border’s Director of Information Technology & Systems Management. Kevin has been with Trans-Border for 16 years working in a variety of operational and IT roles, now leading Trans-Border’s technology management and implementation.
Kevin holds a bachelor’s degree in business marketing from SUNY Plattsburgh and is a CargoWise Certified Specialist through WiseTech Global. Kevin was named Trans-Border Employee of the Year in 2014.
Fun Facts
- What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
- Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to accept the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.
- If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be
- Telekinesis
- What is your favorite place to travel to (even if you have never been there)?
- I like to travel back in time to when I was kid, prior to school, just playing with my Tonka trucks the front sidewalk. Enjoying life without the fuss of TV, Internet, or smart phones.
- What’s your favorite music genre?
- Hard Rock / Heavy Metal
Get in touch with Kevin!
kcalkins@tbgfs.com
Biography
Dianne Klamm has been with Trans-Border for over 20 years and now serves as our Director of National Accounts. With an enthusiastic and sincere sales approach, Dianne provides efficient and thoughtful logistics solutions to our clients. In her leadership capacity, Dianne also oversees the training and management of new sales staff.
Dianne holds an AAS from Bryant & Stratton College and supports the City Harvest Church in her free time.
Fun Facts
- What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
- “Surround yourself with honest people; keep your word; establish a solid reputation based on your integrity.”
- What is your favorite place to travel to (even if you have never been there)?
- Anywhere on the coast
- Name three words that best describe you.
- Sincere, ethical, and loyal
- What is your personal motto?
- “Do the right thing and the right thing will happen to you.”
Get in touch with Dianne!
dklamm@tbgfs.com
Biography
Martin Hellwig is one of the partners and founders of Trans-Border currently serving as its President. Marty has over 30 years of experience in the supply chain industry with a particular focus on global sales and business development.
Fun Facts
- What is a fun fact about you?
- I was once locked in a dryer for two hours.
- Do you have any phobias?
- Flying
- What is your favorite cuisine?
- Italian
- What is your favorite movie?
- Jaws
Get in touch with Marty!
mhellwig@tbgfs.com
Biography
Jeffrey Millens is one of the partners and founders of Trans-Border currently serving as its Chief Operating Officer. Jeffrey boasts 26 years in the supply chain industry with specific expertise in sales and logistics operations. Jeff’s straightforward and creative approach to management and business development makes him one of Trans-Border’s greatest assets.
Jeffrey holds a bachelor’s in communications from Emerson College and an MBA in international marketing from SUNY Albany.
Fun Facts
- What is your personal motto?
- Be Kind & Be Real
- If you could get a new skill in 10 minutes, what would it be?
- Reading Minds
- What’s your favorite music genre?
- Alternative & Pink Floyd
- What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
- Stop thinking about it and do it!
Get in touch with Jeffrey!
jmillens@tbgfs.com
Biography
Joshua Spiegel is one of the partners and founders of Trans-Border currently serving as its Chief Financial Officer. Joshua has industry experience spanning 30 years and has dealt with nearly every aspect of the logistics industry. His primary focus at this time is U.S. Customs Brokerage, international agent relations, and company finance. Josh is also a licensed U.S. Customs Broker.
Joshua holds a bachelors in English literature from Ithaca College.
Fun Facts
- What is your favorite place to travel to (even if you have never been there)?
- I’ve probably been to Mexico more than any other place. The people are so nice, the food is fantastic, and the weather is great!
- What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
- A fair deal is one where all parties gain something.
- What’s your favorite music genre?
- Can’t pick just one: Classic Rock, Punk, 80s/90s Rock, Blues, Bluegrass, Jam Bands
- If you could get a new skill in 10 minutes, what would it be
- Piano
Get in touch with Josh!
jspiegel@tbgfs.com
Biography
Damien Jarrett serves as the Inside Sales Manager at Trans-Border and is located in Salem, MA. Damien has over 10 years of experience in logistics sales and operations across the U.K. and U.S.
Damien received his APICS equivalent in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport in the U.K. Damien has been active in coaching youth and high school sports in his local community, and loves to referee soccer in his spare time.
Fun Facts
- What is your favorite place to travel to (even if you have never been there)?
- Morocco – the best food, and I got to hike the Atlas Mountains and spend time with the Berbers!
- What is your personal motto?
- Good things come to those who wait, great things come to those who go get it!!
- If you had a yacht, what would you name it?
- Seaduction
- If you could write a book about your life, what would the title be and why?
- Organized Chaos
Get in touch with Damien!
djarrett@tbgfs.com
Biography
Ivo Marsak is an account executive at Trans-Border and is located in Syracuse, NY. He has over 20 years of experience in the freight industry.
In his current role, Ivo represents and cultivates our business across New York State. Ivo’s sales territory covers Northern, Western and Central New York.
Ivo holds a bachelor’s degree in english and theater from Niagara University. He is a certified PADI IDC Staff Scuba Instructor. He has travelled around the world diving and teaching others, in some of the world’s most iconic waters.
Fun Facts
- If you had a yacht, what would you name it?
- “The Maestrale” after the Maestrale Winds that blow in in the northern Mediterranean
- Name three words that best describe you.
- Considerate, Dedicated, Gregarious
- If you could write a book about your life, what would the title be?
- “Permanent Vacation”
- If you could get a new skill in 10 minutes, what would it be?
- I would love to be able to speak French fluently!
Get in touch with Ivo!
imarsak@tbgfs.com
Biography
Jared B. Millens is an account executive at Trans-Border located at our headquarters in Round Lake, NY. Jared previously worked in sales in the manufacturing industry before making the switch to logistics.
In his current role, Jared represents and cultivates our business in the NY Capital Region. Jared’s sales territory stretches from Newburgh, NY, up to the Canadian border. Jared also oversees eastern New York and Vermont.
Jared holds a bachelor’s degree in communications studies from SUNY Plattsburgh. Jared also served as the philanthropic chair for his fraternity coordinating and raising funds for organizations such as the Special Olympics and Relay for Life.
Fun Facts
- If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
- Control time, so I can stay young forever
- Name three words that best describe you.
- Genuine, Determined, Energetic
- What is your personal motto?
- “If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.”
- If you could get a new skill in 10 minutes, what would it be?
- Learn to speak Mandarin Chinese
Get in touch with Jared!
jaredmillens@tbgfs.com
Biography
Dave Usher serves as Trans-Border’s General Manager of Pricing. Dave has been with Trans-Border for 10 years and now oversees the day-to-day operations of our various pricing departments. Dave is also responsible for the account management and business development of our international agent partners and represents Trans-Border in a number of international freight networks.
Dave holds a bachelor’s in international business from the Sage Colleges of Albany. In his spare time, Dave enjoys coaching Special Olympics athletes in golf, playing tennis, and spending time on the water fishing.
Fun Facts
- If you had a yacht, what would you name it?
- Unsinkable II
- Name three words that best describe you.
- Hardworking, dedicated, motivated
- If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
- Predict the future
- What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done or seen?
- Scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands during the great hammerhead migration
Get in touch with Dave!
dusher@tbgfs.com
Biography
Kate Klein oversees the Trade Finance department at Trans-Border. Kate has been a member of the Trans-Border team for the past 14 years, including serving as a member of our ocean export department. She was named Trans-Border’s Employee of the Year in 2019 for her dedication, professionalism, and initiative.
In her role managing Trans-Border’s Trade Finance team, Kate helps our clients get paid on time and within compliance for their international business. From letters of credit to contract reviews, Kate and her team assist our clients with navigating the complex world of international trade finance.
Kate earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the State University of New York at Albany. In her spare time, Kate enjoys spending time with her two sons.
Fun Facts
- If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
- Telepathy
- Name three words that best describe you.
- Sincere, Reliable, Hardworking
- If you had a yacht, what would you name it?
- Blissful Tranquility
- If you could gain a new skill in 10 minutes, what would it be?
- To be able to speak French
Get in touch with Kate!
kklein@tbgfs.com
Biography
Robert Barrett serves as the Director of Sales at Trans-Border. Rob joined us after a rewarding career in the Airforce and over 10 years of experience in the freight and logistics industry.
Rob earned a BA in Business Management from the University of Maryland and in his free time he can be found coaching youth ice hockey in Rome, NY.
Fun Facts
- If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
- Block out negativity
- Name three words that best describe you.
- Honor, dignity, awesome 🙂
- What is your favorite place to travel to?
- Costa Rica
- If you could gain a new skill in 10 minutes, what would it be?
- Coding
Get in touch with Rob!
Rbarrett@tbgfs.com
