When you think about ATAS projects, you think of ATAS material, in its vibrant colors, different metals, and our expansive product catalog.
Without folks like David, material crafted by our invaluable production team would never reach where it needs to go. He’s the traffic manager for ATAS, but like with most of our employee spotlights, he’s also a cool guy.
“(Traffic manager) sounds cool,” David smiles, alluding that his job is nothing special.
David would try and undersell his importance to the ATAS team but he’s not fooling anyone.
“I’m responsible for making sure all the product we ship out, gets out,” he clarified.
He defines his responsibilities in such concise terms, but a lot goes into being traffic manager! It takes coordination, relationship management, working with different carriers, logistics of travel, bartering, and more, all to ensure ATAS product gets from point A to point B.
Even though David keeps his job description simple, he has favorite aspects of his job. He enjoys more of the interpersonal aspects of being traffic manager.
“I guess,” David starts, as if it’s difficult to choose, “I like negotiating prices and dealing with carriers,” he says.
In the game of transportation, David is a veteran with 30 years of experience from all across the board.
“I’ve basically done everything there is to do in transportation, I’ve worked for intermodal companies, I’ve worked for brokers, I’ve worked for a trucking company, and here I’m putting it all together in one big package,” said David.
A sizeable chunk of that time, over 20 years, had been spent at ATAS.
David doesn’t specialize as much in ATAS profiles or machines, so a favorite project for him stands out as most memorable for a personal reason.
“Sometimes, it’s just a matter of things that stick out in my mind, like Bell’s Two Hearted Brewery in Michigan. That’s one of my favorite beers,” he laughs. ATAS did do a Bell’s Brewery project, but their Two Hearted IPA is what’s on David’s favorites list.
As for favorite places to help coordinate delivery of material David’s not picky, but he prefers the least hassle that comes from the domestic U.S.
“It’s all the same. There’s certain areas truckers don’t like to go, so I try to avoid that if we could, but it (shipping location preference) doesn’t really matter,” said David.
It’s not an apathy that fuels David’s response, but instead a “get it done” go-getter, mentality.
David summarizes what he likes to do outside of work just as good as his job description.
“I like riding my motorcycle, listening to music, watching sports,” he shares.
But not just any music, David is a proclaimed punk rocker whose favorite band is The Clash. If he had a custom jukebox with only 5 musicians/groups to choose from, he’d go mainly punk.
“The Clash, The Ramones, Sex Pistols, The Replacements, and a bit of the Velvet Underground – bit eclectic there,” he happily said.
There’s no music on the bike though, just the electric feeling of hearing the exhaust when he’s out.
As for sports, he describes himself as a “lacrosse guy” who also likes football. At the college level, he roots for Syracuse University.
“Pros – I’m NY Giants fan. Hockey is the Rangers,” he said with a smile.
He must have sensed the next question coming, all New York teams?! David shares that he’s from North New Jersey, close to New York, with an affectionate anecdote.
“You can take the Jersey boy out (of Jersey) but you can’t get rid of the Jersey,” he laughed.
This is the full picture of David: purposive in his approach to work, with a permeating witty and friendly personality. And of course, he’s hard working! Thank you for all you do, David. ATAS appreciates you!