Page 28 - Port of Baltimore - Issue 5 - 2022
P. 28

   PORT BUSINESS
 Still Going STRONG
FAMILY-OWNED BELTS LOGISTICS SERVICES HAS BEEN A PORT PRESENCE SINCE MID-1800s
“One of my first experiences in logistics came during a high school senior work project where I spent
three weeks as a Belts employee and later wrote a research paper on the experience,” Allen said. During the project, Belts assigned him to the trucking division for a week, then to
be a warehouse laborer for another week, and finally to be an assistant to one of the company’s customer service clerks. “From that experience,” he said, “I realized how interesting and diverse the distribution industry was, with customers and products from all over the world.”
Allen continued working for Belts during the summers of his college years, eventually recognizing the opportunities available at the ever-growing company. After graduating from Randolph Macon College in 1989, he began working full- time at The Belts Distribution Center
in Elkridge, MD, eventually becoming
a Facility Manager and serving as Corporate Vice President.
Chris Brown is the son of Skip Brown’s younger brother, George, who has been an integral part of
Belts’ growth ever since he joined the company in 1975. According to Chris, “My father’s fiscally conservative nature allowed us to successfully weather the various recessions during his 47 years of leadership at Belts.” Now, at 75 years of age, George continues to serve as Belts’ Controller. (Skip Brown passed away earlier this year.)
Chris Brown’s path wasn’t as linear at Belts. “Although I grew up hand-unloading containers (six hours in a 20-foot container that feels like 120 degrees) and driving a forklift, I ultimately jumped ship to get more experience,” he said. “I worked in banking as a commercial real estate analyst and in project management
for a national builder. I’m amazed how transferable those skills are in our industry. I finished up with a master’s degree from John Hopkins, then came back to my roots at Belts to ultimately try to add value. I worked as a Shipping & Receiving Associate, CSR, Ops Manager, General Manager, Director of Ops... I can’t successfully
   Belts Logistics Services VP
Chris Brown and President S. Allen Brown IV
BY TINA IRGANG LEADERMAN
It’s often said that most family businesses fail by the third generation. If that’s true, Belts Logistics Services has certainly proved it can buck the trend. The company is currently led by two members of the fifth genera- tion: President S. Allen Brown IV and Vice President Chris Brown.
In addition to his role at Belts, Allen Brown also presides over Belts Realty Services, Inc., Belts Transportation Services and Belts Intermodal Corporation. Growing up, he gravitated naturally towards Belts by witnessing the passion his father, Sewell A. “Skip” Brown III, had for the company and the successes that he achieved.
 DONOVAN EATON PHOTOGRAPHY
     [26] The Port of Baltimore ■ ISSUE 5 / 2022















































































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