Leadership

Our people are at the core of our success.

We strongly believe that our most valuable asset lies within our people. ALS’ dedication to nurturing talent is apparent in every individual you engage with and within our teams that are geared to address our clients’ most intricate challenges.

Owner & President

Joe Parker

Joe is the driving force behind ALS. Leading by example, he’s quadrupled the size of…

Chief Operating Officer

Matt Eckler

Matt is a TIA Certified Transportation Broker and was acknowledged as a Jackson…

Vice President of Sales & Operations

Nick Schaefer

With a deep-rooted passion for driving sales excellence and a wealth of experience…

Vice President of Managed Services

Colin McCloskey

Colin is a graduate from the nation’s top Supply Chain program and a TIA Certified Broker…

Vice President of Corporate Services

Beau Braman

Beau is a data-driven, servant leader that is adept at achieving results through digital…

Strategic Advisor

Paul McDonald

Paul has over 30 years of end-to-end supply chain experience. Before joining Automated…

“The family approach runs deep in our culture and is evident in the way that we interact with our co-workers, vendors, and customers. We have a genuine care for one another, and a competitive drive that moves us forward. This personal touch combined with an unwavering commitment to excellence is what truly sets us apart.”

Tailoring Logistics Solutions to Suit the Needs of Companies Across Diverse Sizes and Industries.

Serving industries such as automotive, industrial, healthcare, aerospace and defense, consumer goods, and more, ALS customizes logistics solutions that are just right for you and your business.

Owner & President

Joe Parker

Joe is the driving force behind ALS. Leading by example, he’s quadrupled the size of the company since 2004. He steers the company with a passionate belief in the power of amazing people, quality communication, process rigor, and effective implementation of useful technology. He’s been recognized by his peers with several accolades including a TMW Technology Award.

Joe is the youngest of 11 children and an Eagle Scout. He obtained his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from University of Notre Dame. He loves to spend his free time with his beautiful children Jonah and Reina. Joe’s family loves to travel, visit family, and spend time on the water. His favorite part of running ALS is watching the people he’s brought together grow, both personally and professionally.

Chief Operating Officer

Matt Eckler

Matt is a TIA Certified Transportation Broker and was acknowledged as a Jackson Magazine 30 Under 30 Award Winner. He is recognized as a self-starter, creating and launching our Specialized and Flatbed department. In recognition of his achievements, Matt has risen through our ranks to become the Chief Operating Officer where he now oversees the entire ALS operations.    

Matt is a Michigan native, diehard Spartan, and father of two. When Matt is not attending MSU games with his wife and twin daughters he enjoys reaping the benefits of living in the Great Lakes State. Whether that’s playing hockey in the winter, taking family trips to the Sleeping Bear dunes in the summer or playing on the ALS Softball Team in the spring there’s always an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with family and friends.

Vice President of Sales & Operations

Nick Schaefer

With a deep-rooted passion for driving sales excellence and a wealth of experience in the logistics industry, Nick Schafer serves as the Vice President of Sales & Operations at Automated Logistics Systems. A seasoned leader, Nick is at the forefront of our dynamic sales team, spearheading initiatives that optimize supply chains, deliver cost efficiencies, and forge lasting client partnerships.

Nick’s career is marked by a relentless commitment to results. He has consistently surpassed sales targets, providing tailored logistics solutions to clients across a broad spectrum of industries. His ability to identify opportunities and deliver value has solidified Automated Logistics Systems’ reputation as a trusted 3PL partner.

A collaborative and innovative thinker, Nick fosters a culture of excellence and mentorship within the sales team. He is dedicated to nurturing talent, ensuring our team remains at the forefront of industry trends and client needs.

Nick was born and raised in Jackson, MI and a graduate of Central Michigan University with a dual major in Logistics and Marketing. Nick is a proud father to his son Grayson, daughter Emersyn and husband to his wife Chelsea. Nick is an avid fisherman, golfer, and exercise enthusiast. He appreciates any opportunity he can to get on the water and specifically loves the diversity Michigan has to offer, inland lakes, streams, rivers, and the Great Lakes. He fishes them all!

Vice President of Managed Services

Colin McCloskey

Colin is a graduate from the nation’s top Supply Chain program and a TIA Certified Broker. Since being hired in 2011 he has touched all departments of the company to now being Vice President of our Managed Services division. He enjoys the satisfaction that comes from working closely with a client on their pains and creating and implementing a solution that resolves it and makes their lives easier! In 2014, he moved to Grand Rapids and started up our ALS Grand Rapids office, which has grown significantly ever since. He says the things he treasures most from the job have been the personal relationships he’s gained with his customers and co-workers.

Colin was born and raised in Marshall, MI. He graduated from Michigan State University with an undergraduate degree in Supply Chain Management. Colin is a proud father to his son Hayden, and loving husband to his wife Emily. Colin is a sports enthusiast and loves competing in anything and everything!  He also enjoys packing up his jeep with the family and getting away to his cottage in Manistee, MI to enjoy the great outdoors and beauty of Lake Michigan. You may often find him out on one of Michigan’s many golf courses.

Vice President of Corporate Services

Beau Braman

Beau is a data-driven, servant leader that is adept at achieving results through digital customer engagement. Bringing a wealth of expertise to the organization, he is committed to fostering a culture of excellence and driving strategic outcomes.

Beau laid a foundation with ALS during a 5-year tenure where he initially played a pivotal customer-facing role then progressed to leadership responsibilities, successfully growing existing accounts and acquiring new business. He then transitioned to the Financial Services industry for the next 9 years assuming diverse roles, ultimately leading large teams with responsibilities encompassing customer experience, technology, and process improvement. Recently returning to ALS, Beau took on a role overseeing Technology, Human Resources, Facilities, and Corporate Insurance. His focus remains on driving customer experience through talent acquisition and development, process enhancements, and technology solutions. Beau is committed to leveraging his experience to steer the organization towards innovation, growth, and sustained excellence in customer-centric practices. Beau graduated from the Supply Chain Management program at Michigan State University and has an MBA from Central Michigan University. 

Outside of his professional pursuits, Beau finds joy in spending time with his wife Ashley and son Brooks, whether enjoying the outdoors on the lake or engaging in sports activities with Brooks.

Strategic Advisor

Paul McDonald

Paul has over 30 years of end-to-end supply chain experience. Before joining Automated Logistics Systems, Paul spent 16 years of his career at Roadway Express, 7 years at Eagle Global Logistics, and 7 years at Menlo Worldwide Logistics. He is the leading expert on supporting multinational customers across the global logistics programs.

Paul has broad exposure to programs that work and he understands scenarios that get people into trouble. As a senior executive, he guides the team in applying improvement strategies that he has used successfully with other clients and steers them away from the potholes. He’s developed, implemented, and managed transportation, warehousing, manufacturing, materials management programs, supply chain and global supply chain strategies. Paul has successfully created logistic network design and management programs. He’s implemented lean and continuous improvement programs, developed and applied value stream mapping, technology platforms, utilization enhancements, and cost savings initiatives. Paul’s capabilities and expertise encompass a wide range of relevant skill sets including S&OP, finance planning, operations management, P&L management, technology strategies and execution, and business transformation.

Paul is a Detroit native and has lived in multiple locations throughout the United States. He and his wife Diane have celebrated more than 30 years together. They have three beautiful children: Meghan, Lauren, and John Paul. They are now proud grandparents as well, enjoying the company of their first grandchild, Thomas Paul. When not with family, or enjoying vacation time in Northern Michigan, Paul loves to officiate high school football and has been a MHSAA high school football referee for more than 25 years.

Order Capture

Our proprietary technology allows for flexible input formats to achieve a uniformed output and automatic order building in to our TMS.

Once the releases are sent, ALS handles the rest and proactively escalates any exceptions while there is still time for adjustments. The ALS Connect middleware is a flexible solution that allows your business to connect to ALS without overhauling your current process.