Today we’d like to introduce you to John Keogh.
Hi John, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I graduated from Jacksonville University not long after the “Global Financial Crisis” in 2013 and couldn’t find a job to save my life, but I knew that as soon as I found what I wanted to do, and someone to give me a shot at it, I was going to be all in and prove any doubters I had wrong. My career would ultimately be in third-party logistics.
I started at XPO Logistics in September 2013. I still think of that time as the “Big Bang” of my career. I was immediately drawn in by the energy, hustle, and camaraderie of the industry. It was love at first sight.
From there, I moved on to R2 Logistics, where I got my first real look at the operational side of the freight brokerage business and how crazy it can be, and I loved every minute of it. R2 is where I built my foundation of over-the-top customer service and fulfilling relationships that made the work worth it.
I then joined Magellan Transport Logistics, where I spent over a decade with some amazing people through multiple roles in sales, operations, and management. During that time, I learned what it really meant to lead and keep people together, especially in an industry where things don’t always go the way you want them to. Whether it was navigating COVID-19 or the “Great Freight Recession,” my mindset was always simple: make it happen and take care of your people. I focused on developing strong teams, long-term customer relationships, and a relentless commitment to customer service.
I then joined FLS Transportation Services as a Sales Executive in July 2025 during a time of major disruption in the market, with tariffs creating uncertainty and volatility. I focused heavily on cross-border Mexico freight during that time, as I felt it was the most relevant need for customers.
That experience ultimately led me to take the next big step in my career—building something of my own. In December 2025, I founded Summit Logistics Management. Starting Summit was about bringing everything I’ve learned together into one vision: an energetic culture that puts its people and customers first, no matter the circumstances.
What drives me today is the same thing that hooked me almost 13 years ago: the culture, hustle, and relationships with my coworkers, employees, and customers. I’m extremely excited to be at this next stage of my career and life, and I look forward to seeing where it takes me.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’d say the toughest challenge I’ve faced yet was during the “Great Freight Recession,” when I was a Branch Manager at Magellan. Freight dried up across the entire industry, and a lot of people were leaving for jobs in industries that were doing better than freight brokerage.
During that time, however, my team stuck together. They believed in the long game, and they believed in the vision because they were tough and were some of the best operators in the entire company. I appreciated everyone’s dedication more than anything, and I know their success will compound as their careers continue to develop—I was just lucky to have the chance to manage them.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Summit Logistics Management?
Summit Logistics Management provides full truckload, less-than-truckload, intermodal, and cross-border Mexico transportation services across all modes throughout North America. Summit Logistics delivers personalized customer service and solutions, along with the capabilities of the largest 3PLs. I look forward to leveraging value in a freight market that is finally recovering and ready for new, hungry players to get into the game. I look forward to hiring the next driven kid who’s just looking for a chance.
What makes you happy?
I love spending time with my family and friends when I’m not working on building the business. Success is nothing without the people who root for you and support you along the way!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://summitlogisticsmanagement.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-keogh-48b9a86a/
