Scott Smith, president of JD Smith & Sons, held a monumental bash to celebrate his proud company’s 100 years in business.
“I want to thank my (late) father, who I’m sure is bursting with pride for all of us today. His passion for JD Smith was legendary,” Smith, who was flanked by his uncle Jack, partner Brian and nephew Jason, told employees at the celebration.
The company planted its roots in World War I, when John D. Smith and his uncle started a freight cartage business with two trucks called Bennett and Smith. Today, the company the family-run company has grown into an industry standard bearer for commercial transportation and logistics management and is one of the leading voices at the Ontario Trucking Association and Canadian Trucking Alliance.
Scott Smith got his start in the family business about 45 years ago when he accompanied his father, Doug, to work on Saturday mornings to work in the warehouse.
People always ask, ‘how do you last for 100 years’,” Smith, said.
Smith credited his father and uncle Jack who laid the strong foundations for quality and effort and integrity – as well as kindness and compassion for employees.
“Secondly, it’s the people in front of me today and those that came before you … as long as I can remember, without you, we’d be average at best.”
“I often tell potential clients ‘we don’t want to just be your provider, we want to be your strategic advantage. All of you help make that possible.”
OTA president Stephen Laskowski said the company’s contributions and leadership in the Ontario and Canadian trucking industries over the last century have been invaluable.
“On behalf of the OTA, I would like to congratulate the Smith family on celebrating their Centenary anniversary of J.D Smith. One hundred years in business is an achievement for any family enterprise, but to thrive in the highly competitive Ontario trucking industry for that period of time speaks volumes to the multi-generation leadership and entrepreneurial spirit of the Smith family.”
“Leadership in the Ontario trucking by the Smith family did not stop within the doors of JD Smith. Like any great business, its corporate leaders are not only concerned about the health of their businesses but that of the sector they also understand the importance of giving back to the sector.”
“The Ontario Trucking Association, itself closing in on its one-hundred-year anniversary, has been fortunate to have both Douglas Smith (1984-1985) and son Scott Smith (2004-06) as Chairman. They both lead OTA during key times during the history of the industry.”