Transportation/Logistics

TECHNOLOGY

MATT WISDOM

CEO

Turbosquid

In 2021, Shutterstock acquired the company Wisdom founded with his brother in a deal valued at $75 million. A leading seller of 3D models, TurboSquid has served such diverse industries as film, architecture and defense. Wisdom is chair of the New Orleans Startup Fund and serves on the boards and executive committees of GNO Inc. and Idea Village.

Education: Brown University (BS) On the Horizon: “The emergence of the metaverse, the true version of reality inside the computer” Nonprofit Cause: “Anything supporting entrepreneurship” Poboy Pick: Fried shrimp Go-to Restauarant: Pêche Snoball Style: Cream ice cream

TECHNOLOGY

SCOTT WOLFE JR

CEO

Levelset

When Wolfe’s construction payment startup was acquired by Procore for $500 million in 2021, it was the biggest tech acquisition in the city’s history. Wolfe founded the company after practicing construction law and becoming frustrated by “the unfairness for the little guys.” Contractors and suppliers across the globe have used the platform to facilitate more than 6.5 million projects.

Education: Loyola University New Orleans (JD), Southern Methodist University (BA) Advice: “Don’t lose your enthusiasm.” Poboy Pick: “Anything from Melba’s (my parents’ restaurant)” Hidden Talent: Juggling fire Snoball Style: “Rainbow. Am I too old for that?” Go-to Restaurant: Lilette

TRANSPORTATION/LOGISTICS

KRISTI APP

Vice President

J.W. Allen & Company

This licensed customs broker joined the family business in 2001. She’s got extensive experience with imports and exports as well as civic affairs. “We’re turning the volatility of the employment market and the instability of the supply chain into an opportunity to become more efficient and establish operations that can easily transition between in-person and remote.”

Education: Our Lady of Holy Cross College (BS) Go-to Restaurant: Costera Nonprofit Cause: Hogs for the Cause Dream Career: A surgeon Heroes: “My parents prioritized the education of their children, taught us to be open-minded and kind, and support us no matter what!” Hobby/Passion: “Traveling the world”

TRANSPORTATION/LOGISTICS

TOMEKA BRYANT

General Manager

New Orleans Public Belt Railroad

This second-generation railroader directs the daily operations of a Class III railroad on the nation’s fourth-largest rail gateway that connects with six Class I railroads and serves Port NOLA and local industry. She leads railroad strategy, safety strategy and process improvement initiatives. She launched her career as a trainmaster for both CSX and NOPB.

Education: Pfeiffer University (MBA), Elon University (BS) Go-to Restaurant: Drago’s Hobby: “I was a college athlete, so softball will always be a passion of mine. I also enjoy traveling and spending time with my family.” What Do You Love About Your Job? “I truly have the best staff and workforce.”

TRANSPORTATION/LOGISTICS

SHEILA BURNS

Vice President

Global Parking Systems

Since 1984, Burns and her husband, Ronnie, have grown QCS Logistics from a onecar operation into a “last-mile logistics” powerhouse making thousands of deliveries each day. In 2020, they sold the company to Austin-based Dropoff Inc. The Burnses also own Global Parking Systems, which operates airport lots nationwide, and consulting company Burns Management Group.

Education: Harvard University, Wellesley College (BA) Nonprofit Cause: “I am passionate about educating African-American youth.” Advice: “Embrace failure as a learning tool because those failures often provide a pathway.” Poboy Pick: “You can’t go wrong with a juicy oyster/shrimp combo ... dressed to the max.”

TRANSPORTATION/LOGISTICS

KEVIN C. DOLLIOLE

Director of Aviation

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

With more than 40 years of experience in various facets of the aviation industry, Dolliole strives for innovative approaches to air service development, customer service initiatives, and construction project management. At the helm of Armstrong International, he manages operational, organizational and development initiatives like the new $1 billion airport terminal that opened in fall 2019.

Education: University of New Orleans (MBA), Xavier University of Louisiana (BS) Go-to Restaurant: “Leah’s Kitchen in the airport” Best Fest: Jazz Fest Hobby/Passion: Golf On the Horizon: “The potential for rail connection to the airport with the proposed Baton Rouge to New Orleans rail service” BIZNEWORLEANS.COM

TRANSPORTATION/LOGISTICS

CARLTON DUFRECHOU

General Manager

Greater New Orleans Expressway Commission

Since 2009, Dufrechou has been responsible for overall operations of the “world’s longest bridge,” including emergency response, traffic management, maintenance, administration and future planning. Under his leadership, the commission has reduced its annual operations budget to 2005 levels while implementing numerous projects to enhance commuter safety.

Education: Tulane University (MS, BS) Go-to Restaurant: College Inn Advice: “Be patient and persistent.” Hidden Gem: Tic Toc cafe Hobby/Passion: Flying Nonprofit Cause: St. Rita Church Best Fest: The National WWII Museum’s air show at Lakefront Airport

TRANSPORTATION/LOGISTICS

JACK JENSEN

Owner

TCI Trucking and Warehousing

Jensen founded his trucking and warehousing services company in 1983 with just one truck. Today, TCI operates multiple locations across the Americas and dispatches hundreds of vehicles each day. He says he’s invested more than $70 million in New Orleans industrial property, including TCI’s 9th Ward headquarters. Jensen donates his time to many civic, professional and philanthropic groups.

Education: University of New Orleans (BS) On the Horizon: “The new port in Violet is going to be a game changer for the entire region. Also, we own Triton Stone, which just acquired six locations, for a total of 25.” Nonprofit Cause: The Catholic Foundation Advice: “Make sure you have enough money to pay your taxes and your wife.”

TRANSPORTATION/LOGISTICS

RONNIE MAINS

Owner and President CRC Global Solutions

In 2003, Mains founded CRC Transportation and Warehousing, which now includes 48 facilities in the U.S., and soon to be six internationally. The company’s success led Mains to establish CRC Global Solutions, which also includes CRC Realty, CRC Construction and CRC Property Management, each of which has created its own extensive portfolio of clientele.

Go-to Restaurant: “Herbsaint is one of my favorites, but narrowing it down to just a single restaurant is like asking who your favorite child is!” Hidden Gem: Port Orleans Brewing Co. Advice: “Don’t be afraid of failure.” Nonprofit Cause: Children’s Rights Council Best Fest: Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival Hero: Sam Walton

TRANSPORTATION/LOGISTICS

MATTHEW ROSENBOOM

CFO

International-Matex Tank Terminals (IMTT)

Before he began managing all of IMTT’s finances in 2018, Rosenboom served as the head of the company’s financial planning and analysis department for four years. Prior to joining IMTT, Rosenboom worked in New York for Macquarie Group’s infrastructure asset management team for eight years managing various energy and infrastructure businesses.

Education: INSEAD (MF), The University of Texas at Austin (BS) Hidden Gem: Polo Club Lounge at Windsor Court Hobby/Passion: “Hunting, fishing and my three daughters” Nonprofit Cause: Boy Scouts of America Go-to rant: Herbsaint Best Fest: Mardi Gras

TRANSPORTATION/LOGISTICS

OTIS TUCKER

Managing Principal

T.I. Contracting

Tucker has more than 15 years in the truck hauling equipment service and construction industry and has helped grow T.I. Contracting from a one-man, one-truck operation into a firm generating millions in annual sales revenue. In addition to serving various community organizations, Tucker strives to help other small businesses and entrepreneurs enhance their professional skills.

Education: Delgado Community College, Nunez Community College Go-to Restaurant: Lil’ Dizzy’s Café Advice: “Never stop learning.” Heroes: Deborah Tucker and Kevin Bush Hidden Gem: Second Vine Wine Nonprofit Cause: United Way Best Fest: Jazz Fest

TRANSPORTATION/LOGISTICS

ANGELA VERDIN

President

Complete Logistical Services

Since joining CLS in 2015, Verdin served as chief financial officer and controller before settling into her current leadership position. Before CLS, she held various accounting and management positions with energy companies including Entergy and Jindal Tubular, and has more than 25 years of experience in accounting and business management.

Education: William Carey University (MBA), Southeastern Louisiana University (BS) Go-to Restaurant: Messina’s Runway Cafe Hidden Gem: Blue Oak BBQ Nonprofit Cause: Kingsley House Advice: “Surround yourself with smart people who will argue with you.” Best Fest: New Orleans Wine and Food Experience

HOSPITALITY

Arts/Entertainment Hospitality/Tourism Restaurants Sports

PHOTO BY EDMUND D. FOUNTAIN Robert LeBlanc oversees a hospitality portfolio that includes Barrel Proof Bar, Anna’s, the Will & the Way and the Chloe, a 14-room hotel on St. Charles Avenue. PG 49