Doug Potvin’s journey to becoming the CFO of Trinity Logistics reveals the power of adaptability and continuous learning. Initially captivated by technology in high school, he pursued a degree in computer science—only to discover a passion for finance during a college course. This pivot led him to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), where he gained invaluable experience in loan origination and financial analysis.
Despite the security and stability of his government job, Potvin felt increasingly constrained by bureaucratic micromanagement. Seeking greater autonomy and having a desire to directly impact business operations, he made the key decision to transition to the private sector. He was looking for an environment where he could leverage his skills more dynamically and foster deeper connections with a business’s strategic goals.
Read MorePotvin’s next move was to a family-owned seafood company, where he initially served as a controller. Over a decade, he expanded his role to that of general manager, overseeing HR, legal issues, farming operations, and technology integration. This hands-on experience in a diverse set of responsibilities provided Potvin with a comprehensive understanding of business operations beyond finance.
In 2006, drawn by the challenge of transforming and growing the company, Potvin joined Trinity Logistics as CFO. Under his financial leadership, the firm has grown from a $100 million company to a $2 billion enterprise. Potvin’s emphasis on leveraging technology and automating processes has been instrumental in driving efficiency and growth. His collaborative approach and deep understanding of business operations have allowed him to create a robust financial strategy that supports Trinity’s long-term objectives.
Doug Potvin’s career journey highlights the importance of seeking environments that align with your own values and aspirations, demonstrating how a strategic shift can lead to remarkable professional growth and success.
“The difference between a solid CFO and an ordinary finance person is the ability to tell the stories behind the numbers. A CFO can effect change. You can influence possibilities and have a much larger presence at the table. If I’m interviewing for a new CFO role, I’m asking about the opportunities that exist to actually be involved in helping the company to change and grow—rather than to just report the numbers.” –Doug Potvin, CFO, Trinity Logistics
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CFOTL: Tell us about Trinity Logistics … what does this company do?
Potvin: Trinity Logistics is a freight broker, or middleman, between shippers who want to move goods from point A to point B. We also offer freight services to motor carriers who have the capacity to do this. During the 18 years that I’ve been here, we’ve always been among the top 20 brokerage firms nationwide.
Read MoreWe coordinate approximately 550,000 shipments a year and have 450 team members across seven offices within the United States. We also have 160 independent contractor freight agents throughout the U.S., two in Canada, one in Mexico, and a few overseas.
This job can be done simply with a computer and phone, so there’s nothing that we’re really making. We thrive simply on the people-centric way that we treat all of our stakeholders: shippers, carriers, team members, agents, and the communities in which we find ourselves. We also have a 501(c) foundation that we utilize to benefit these local communities.
Trinity Logistics | www.trinitylogistics.com | Seaford, Delaware