In the realm of third-party logistics, Gilmer stands out by providing its customers with the right capacity, expertise and resources to keep their daily operations running smoothly. Its expertise has proven valuable to many leading brands in sectors like consumer-packaged goods, retail and food and beverage. The company has undergone significant developments and milestones in the last two years, something Satu Mehta, Chief Executive Officer, is keen to discuss.
“Gilmer is a privately owned third-party logistics company specializing in contract packaging, warehousing and transportation. We have been family owned since our inception, and this year marks our 40th anniversary. The company was originally founded out of necessity by a gentleman named Tom Gilmer, who had worked for Anheuser-Busch before relocating his family to Georgia and starting a warehousing business in 1986. That business evolved considerably over the years, and in the 1990s Tom’s three children took over, running and owning the business together,” he begins.
In January 2025, the family made the decision to transition from a family-managed organization to a professionally managed one. That is when Satu joined as President, with the intention of taking over full operational management of the company and continuing its journey. This is Gilmer’s first year and a half operating as a family-owned, professionally managed and performance-driven business, and it marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter of growth. The company has also recently relocated its headquarters from Perry, a small town in mid-Georgia, to Macon, one of the largest cities in the state. This strategic move positions it ideally for exponential growth over the next few years.
The relocation of its headquarters is more than a change of address. Moving to Macon places Gilmer in a significantly better geographical position for talent acquisition, customer-facing activity and proximity to major transport links, including airports, all of which are critical to a logistics operation of this scale. Being situated on a main artery that connects to different parts of the state gives the business a meaningful operational advantage as it continues to grow. Alongside the move, Gilmer is also looking to form relationships with different customers across verticals it has not previously operated in, broadening its market presence.
While Gilmer’s strategy is shifting under the new management team, the previous family management led the company to success, as it celebrates its milestone 40th anniversary, which is no small feat. According to Satu, this longevity can be attributed to a dedication to relationships and culture. “I think being family run has been crucial to the company’s success. The level of attention given to customers over the years has been very personal, with Tom and his three children involved in every customer relationship. That closeness to customers has been a major driver of our longevity, and it has also shaped something equally important: the culture. Our attention to detail and the value placed on customer relationships has built a phenomenal culture that still exists within the business today, and it is that culture that has really kept the 40-year momentum going,” he reflects.
Gilmer’s approach to commercial relationships is directly shaped by long-term thinking and prioritizing partnerships. Rather than pursuing transactional business, the company is focused on building a strategic partner network across both its vendor and customer base. This philosophy is becoming increasingly central to how the business operates under its new leadership. “While we would never turn down transactional business, that is not our favored approach. Our philosophy is very much centered around long-term partnerships, solving problems together and building a strong foundation that can weather the inevitable ups and downs of our industry,” Satu explains. “I cannot reveal too much just yet, but we have some exciting partnerships in the pipeline and are dedicated to building the right ones and growing that area of the business, something that has probably been an afterthought until now.”
In the meantime, the company is directing its attention to achieving its goals and overall vision for the rest of 2026. Last year was all about modernizing and professionalizing the business while adding a handful of strategic new customers, and that work will continue through this year. Gilmer has already spent the past six months rebuilding the leadership team, and with the final two appointments made in the last couple of months, the company is now ideally positioned for the significant growth it has been preparing for.
Throughout the remainder of the year, Gilmer is aiming to continue hiring for some important leadership positions to strengthen its abilities. So far, new additions include a transportation leader, two operational leaders and a strategic IT leader, all brought in with specific future customers and capabilities in mind. Two of those planned new customer relationships are expected to come on board before the end of the year.
Forty years of competent family ownership built a strong business that a new management team is now being trusted to carry forward. At present, Gilmer is well-prepared to tackle its next phase of growth with the right people and strategic partners, in the right city.