By Laura Kroeger
NKyTribune staff writer
This is Verst Logistics’ 60th anniversary year, complete with a forward-thinking anniversary logo and plans for a fall bash at Drees Pavilion to celebrate the milestone.
Chairman and CEO Paul Verst has watched the company grow from a small family-run operation into a nationwide logistics partner operating more than 8 million square feet of strategically located warehouse space. Most visible is the Verst fleet of red tractors and colorful branded trailers.
While other young men in the ‘60s were dreaming of being astronauts or major league baseball players, Paul Verst wanted nothing more than to join the family business. At the age of 11 he completed every task thrown at him in the initial Verst headquarters on Spring Grove Avenue in Cincinnati.
“In 1966 I watched my Dad buy Strothman Express and then the assets of JC Buckles Transfer Company two years later. I saw first-hand the virtues of hard work, dedication, innovation and love of family and the community. I absolutely knew I wanted to be part of the family business,” Verst recalls.
To prepare for his opportunity to lead Verst Logistics following his father, William (Bill) Verst, Paul earned a Bachelor’s degree in accounting at Xavier University followed by an MBA in management. He took over the reins of the company in 1992 at the age of 35.
Verst Logistics now has 2,200 employees, 24 warehouse locations and a fleet of over 450 assets. They have operations in Alabama, Arizona, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio and Wisconsin. At least another location will be added this year.
“It wasn’t always easy, especially when the recession in the ‘80s hit, Paul reveals. “Mom and Dad had to add a second mortgage to the house and take out loans. But it all worked out and we grew every year.”
For those unschooled in modern logistics, Verst provides solutions for warehousing and contract logistics, omnichannel fulfillment, contract packaging, shrink sleeve labeling, transportation management and freight brokerage.
“We design cost-effective solutions to get products to market whether they are a global brand or an entrepreneurial operation,” he explains. “We use state-of-the-art technology in everything we do. We even have new GPS Tracking so we can follow everything we ship for our clients with speed and efficiency.”
He rattles off a few of the large companies they assist such as Kroger, P&G, and Toyota.
Imagine that a company has a product. They may need it boxed and sealed, some shrink wrapping, products loaded on a truck, and out to the customer in 1-2 days. That’s why Verst locations are near waterways, railroads, airports and interstate highways. They also work closely with shipping hubs like UPS, FedEx, Amazon and DHL.
Leaning into technology is the next generation of the Verst family. Paul’s son Chris is Vice President of Transportation and nephew Kyle Stadtmiller is Senior Vice President of Accounting and Finance.
Meanwhile, Paul continues the Verst tradition of community service. He serves on the Kenton County Airport Board, Horizon Community Foundation, Xavier University Board of Trustees, Central Bank Board of Advisors, and the St. Joseph Catholic Church Educational Endowment Committee.
He previously served with such organizations as the Gateway Community and Technical College Foundation Board, Dan Beard Boy Scout Council, Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, and BE NKY, formerly known as Tri-ED. The list doesn’t include the many logistics industry organizations he has served.
“Reaching 60 years is a remarkable milestone for our organization, and it speaks to the dedication of our employees and the trust of our customers,” says Paul. “Our success has always been rooted in our people — their commitment, their expertise, and their passion for serving our customers with excellence. As we celebrate this anniversary, we’re also looking ahead with excitement. The opportunities in front of us are significant, and we’re ready to continue growing, innovating, and delivering value for the next 60 years.”
Paul and his wife Sue have three children and six grandchildren ages 6, 4, 3, 2, and 1. They attend their soccer, gymnastics, swimming and T-ball events. Perhaps they are already scouting who will lead the fourth generation of Verst Logistics.
To learn more about Northern Kentucky’s Verst Logistics and future events to commemorate their 60th anniversary, visit their website at www.verstlogistics.com or look for announcements in future issues of the NKyTribune.