Global Product Supply Management (GPSM) is an international freight forwarder and customs broker, founded in 2002 by Lisa Harriott and Bill Alexiou-Hucker. The company is a seamless and successful partnership between two families. Lisa's daughters, Tarsha and Tarlia, and Bill's daughter, Annie, are all involved in the business. Over the years, Bill's other two children have also contributed to the company. We spoke with the team at GPSM to learn more about the family business, the story behind the partnership between two families, and the insights they have for other family businesses.
Tell us about your business?
After many years in the industry, Lisa and Bill saw an opportunity to join forces and create a company with a unique vision: to provide transparent, up-to-the-minute information at the product level, enabling collaboration across the supply chain. This was groundbreaking at the time and continues to set us apart as industry leaders. We named the company Global Product Supply Management (GPSM) to reflect our clear vision.
What has been your greatest success?
GPSM has developed its own platform called Communicator, a live web portal that shows customers in real time where their products are and estimates delivery dates from the time of order placement. This platform goes far beyond standard tracking systems with many clever tools and interfaces available.
What do you value about FBA?
We joined Family Business Association for several reasons. We align with FBA's focus and had heard great things from two of our customers who are also members, AH Beard and Yasmin.
What advice would you give to other family businesses?
Our best advice is to always value the strengths that others bring and maintain transparency in communication, both internally and externally, to foster an honest, supportive, and collaborative culture. Ensure that the entire team, both family and non-family members, understands the company’s vision. Demonstrate the leadership and communication style you want to see adopted across the business. Finally, develop the ability to resolve conflicts as they arise before they become larger problems.
Learn more about Global Product Supply Management
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