Meet Rich Higgins
A veteran leader in global logistics with over 40 years of experience guiding teams, building supply chains, and learning from remarkable tugboat mentors along the way.
A four decade journey through global logistics
Rich Higgins didn’t start in a corner office. His career began in the trenches of trucking operations, where he learned the fundamentals of logistics, operations management, and most importantly the value of great mentorship.
From those early days managing trucking terminals and distribution centers, Rich progressed through increasingly complex roles in retail logistics, working with major footwear and toy retailers. His responsibilities expanded from domestic operations to international supply chains spanning Asia, Europe, and North America.
Throughout his career, Rich has held leadership positions at prominent retail chains where he oversaw supply chain operations for major retailers, some with annual sales exceeding $1 billion.
But technical expertise alone doesn’t define Rich’s legacy. What sets him apart is his deep appreciation for the mentors his “tugboats” who guided him through challenging waters, taught him best practices, and modeled the integrity and humility that define exceptional leadership.
Career Highlights
Global Operations
Managed supply chain operations across the US and Asia for medium-sized and major retailers, several with over $1 billion in sales.
Team Leadership
Built and mentored high-performing teams, creating cultures of excellence and continuous improvement.
Retail & Operations Leadership
Held executive roles at prominent retail chains, driving operational excellence and significant cost reductions.
Industry Recognition
A respected speaker and panelist at logistics conferences including TPM, RILA, CONECT, and others.
Mentorship Legacy
Dedicated to paying forward the guidance received from tugboat mentors by developing the next generation of leaders.
Supply Chain Innovation
Strength in ecommerce logistics, carrier negotiations, origin management, and integrated supply chain strategies across all transportation modes.
Philosophy
Rich’s leadership philosophy centers on a simple but profound truth: we don’t reach safe harbor alone. Every successful journey requires tugboat mentors those humble, powerful guides who possess the wisdom, patience, and strength to navigate us through challenging waters.
“Personal commitment and professional guidance are both necessary to achieve success. You need the drive to move forward, but you also need the wisdom to know which direction to steer.”
Throughout his career, Rich has witnessed the transformative impact of great mentorship. He’s seen how dedicated teachers build stronger teams, how integrity creates lasting partnerships across cultures, and how gratitude fuels a cycle of giving back that elevates entire industries.
Today, Rich dedicates himself to being a tugboat for others sharing hard-won lessons from four decades in the field, speaking at industry conferences, and inspiring the next generation of logistics and business leaders to seek out their own tugboats and eventually become one for others.
Learn from Rich's Journey
Discover the tugboat mentors who shaped Rich’s career and learn how to find your own guides to safe harbor.