If childhood hobbies have any bearing on your future career path, then Andrew Paxton has been “training” for a career in logistics his whole life.

Andrew is the logistics manager for Mega Group Inc., Canada’s largest member owned group serving independent retailers in the furniture, major appliance and electronics industry. His responsibilities include evaluating and selecting carriers and freight forwarders capable of effectively delivering furniture while also finding cost-effective solutions to maximize the competitiveness of Mega Group’s extensive membership.

Andrew’s most recent significant achievement thus far was helping to introduce a vastly improved import program with the development and implementation of an automated order management process that reduced errors and streamlined service. He is now working on an enhanced version that will feature a real-time inventory component.

Andrew became a CITT-certified professional in 1994, and feels the comprehensive Program of Study gave him a solid educational base on which to build upon. Active in the CITT community, Andrew once served as Chair of the Toronto Council and now serves on the National Board. Being an active volunteer participant with the CITT even helped him secure his position at Mega Group.

The challenge of working in an industry that is constantly in motion appealed to Andrew’s competitive nature, and is what initially attracted him to the logistics profession. His goal of keeping the stores in the Mega Group co-operative competitive with the big box furniture outlets ensures his days are never dull.

To help meet such a lofty goal, Andrew’s logistics “super power” definitely comes in handy. His unique ability to pause, take a step back and then make the right decision during a crisis helps keep everyone focused.

As for the future of the logistics and supply chain industry, Andrew believes the combination of a shrinking workforce, over taxed infrastructure and exponential growth in the Far East will continue to challenge his skills as a logistics professional.

And when he’s not wearing his logistics cap, Andrew wears a conductor’s cap.

Andrew is an avid model railroad enthusiast. His love of trains was engrained at an early age when he received a model train set for Christmas. Life on the rails was also in his blood. His grandfather worked for the old Temiskaming and Northern Ontario Railroad, now known as Ontario Northland Railway (ONR). But this passion is more than a loop of track around the living room floor. Before moving, Andrew’s basement display measured a generous 15 X 20 feet. The next layout will be even larger.

Andrew shares his enthusiasm for trains with two fellow CITT members. The trio speak on a regular basis and also assemble at most industry events where the conversation invariably switches to locomotives.

And what would his co-workers be surprised to know? Andrew used to be an accomplished water skier. Considering how he leaves complex logistical problems in his wake, this should really come as no surprise.

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