The former CEO of New Breed Logistics shared his visions and valuable advice with Elon students.
Louis Dejoy, former chairman and chief executive officer of New Breed Logistics, a nationwide third-party logistics services company now merged with XPO logistics, shared stories and insights from his career journey in a presentation to Elon students on April 13.
DeJoy began his presentation discussing his entrance to the industry through his father’s trucking company, a business originally performing poorly. His disinterest in pursuing a life-long career in accounting encouraged him to assess the various weaknesses in the infrastructure of his father’s business. At this time, DeJoy had a vision to grow the small, regional business ultimately into a leading logistics provider in the U.S.
DeJoy continued his presentation highlighting various milestones in the business’ journey to the top. He demonstrated the importance of his marketing strategy, which played a vital role in building the company’s name and credibility. He noted that his strategy attracted the first large client, the U.S. Postal Service, further enhancing the business’ attractiveness to other impressive clients down the road.
Under his leadership, the company developed broad-based capabilities, including supply chain management solutions and world-class physical distribution. DeJoy informed students who owned products from companies like Disney, Verizon, and Zara, that New Breed was responsible for shipping them. The company also developed information technology services, business process improvement, aftermarket services and business intelligence.
In 2014, New Breed merged with XPO Logistics for $615 million. Until last December, DeJoy led the supply chain business unit as CEO. He now serves on XPO’s board of directors.
DeJoy concluded the presentation offering students eight principles to live by. The values included perfecting the skills of your trade, recovering well and as DeJoy put simply, refraining from doing “stupid things.”
DeJoy is a member of the boards of trustees of Elon University and the PGA Wyndham Championship, and serves on the board of directors for The Fund for American Studies in Washington, DC. He is a past member of the board of trustees of Moses Cone Health System in North Carolina, and was an appointee to the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships.
DeJoy received his Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in accounting from Stetson University, then went on to become a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Florida.