Glenn Turner

 

There is no other industry so close knit, where your competitors could also be your co-loaders and friends.

 

For me, I quickly learned the bonds between forwarders was strong.  I started my freight career in recruitment at O’Neils Personnel in Nov 1994. Prior to this, my first job was at the Auckland Star, one of New Zealand’s oldest newspapers, whose demolished building is now a Wilson Car Park in Fort Street. I completed my National Certificate in Advertising via AIT.  I spent some years in radio and yes, the rumours are true, I also sold used cars. 

 

My big break into forwarding was with Vince Hattie of Freight Services Ltd. We had a long-standing dedicated team of six people and located on the 9th floor of the reserve bank building on Customs Street.  Our nearest pub was the Rose and Crown directly next door.  

 

I had continued to work in freight and customs recruitment for the industry and this career path led me to a training role in 2008 where I joined Agoge Training, subsequently IVS, where I have been ever since (albeit on a part-time basis currently).  There are many of you who I have recruited or trained over the years.  My appreciation for the trust you have placed in me!

 

At IVS we developed very successful International Freight Forwarding Training.  I also trained part of the Customs UUI,  Dangerous Goods, Manual Handling, INCO Terms, Marine Cargo Insurance, AP and TFO (MPI regs) courses.

 

One of our greatest achievements was the National Cert NZQA qualification.  We celebrated by a number of then ‘young people’ this 2-year apprenticeship programme has assisted in the launching of successful careers.  Most grads are now leaders in our industry today including one of my own team at Sneddens Global. 

 

CBAFF conferences have always been the function of the year to look forward to.  Looking back, there’re only two that I recall not attending.  The highlight is when my trainees/learners won the CBAFF, Young Achiever of the Year Award consistently over a number of years.  (I will brag and say four winners!!).

 

I now sit proudly as CEO of Sneddens Global.  Garry Snedden, one of the first pioneers on the airport, has been a significant mentor and role model.  Leading this small but strong brand has been a pleasure.  

 

For you all, my door is open.  I love it when I receive a call from any of you and the first words are “we thought of calling GT because most likely you would know the answer”.  This is not just a job, it’s a career.  Freight forwarding and customs clearances is obscenely interesting and constantly challenging.   The job pays well and offers ‘outside the box’ commercial learning and development.

 

Thank you all for being so welcoming to me over the years and I look forward to continued relationships in the future.