Scott Schara lives by the motto that you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. As a long-time executive, Schara has fulfilled this motto by taking on increasing responsibility and taking key roles for companies in the transportation industry including Coyote Logistics, eventually purchased by UPS, and now as the CCO of Forward Air.
Forward Air started as a vision in 1981 to provide a precise, cost-effective, expedited ground transportation alternative to air freight. Now, over 40 years later, Forward has evolved into the preferred supply chain partner for companies across North America. Forward trucks are delivering goods to customers and communities across the U.S. and Canada, reaching more than 94% of the combined population.
As the Chief Commercial Officer, Schara is responsible for organic growth across Forward businesses. Prior to joining Forward Air, Schara held various management roles, including enterprise sales and executive vice president of strategic initiatives at Coyote Logistics and was promoted to CCO. His role in the sale of Coyote to UPS was recognized by The Modern Sale as a blockbuster deal, earning Schara a spot on the Top 100 Global Sales Leader list. He also oversaw $800 million in truckload and intermodal spending for Home Depot and held various positions at the Hub Group, CH Robinson and Exel Logistics.
“Scott is a world-class leader with a surgical approach to driving profitable revenue growth,” said CEO Tom Schmitt. “His broad understanding of the surface transportation landscape coupled with his ability to create high-performance sales teams and develop high value strategies makes him a perfect fit for Forward.”
With Schara as a leader, the company is moving forward by leveraging the core strength of its staff, network and service. “Our services continue to diversity with expanded service offerings that are complementary to the core expedited LTL business,” said Schara. “The growth leaves us positioned to executive upon organic and inorganic strategic investments.”
As a leader, Schara said he relies heavily on his team. “I have learned to take time to listen to those around me,” he said. “Majority of the best ideas come from within the team.”
Schara said to remain influential as a leader, supporting his team is the top priority. “I strive to make those around me better,” he said. “My legacy will be measured by the people I have influenced and their ultimate success.”
