JAS Worldwide
6195 Barfield Rd.
Atlanta, GA, USA
Maria Paula Eslava's family owned a freight forwarding company in Colombia, but she felt her true passion lay elsewhere. While her parents moved to the United States, Maria chose to stay behind, determined to carve her own path. She pursued a degree in Marketing and Advertising, dreaming of one day working at a prestigious advertising agency in New York City.
While working through university, she joined the family business, taking a position in the Sales Department. Though it wasn't her chosen field, Maria approached the role with dedication and a positive attitude, viewing it as a stepping stone towards her ultimate goal.
That's when fate stepped in.
From sales, then to procurement and finance, she started learning more about the intricacies of the industry and quickly found that she loved operations鈥攕he knew very early on, that was her sweet spot. "I'm a natural problem-solver and I love customer service. I believe sales brings the customer, but its operations that maintains the customer."
For the next few years, she grew her knowledge and worked her way up to Operations Manager. The family business was growing just as fast at Maria's skills and love for the industry. So, when JAS officially purchased her parent's organization鈥攎aking it JAS Colombia, shortly after, Adrian Emmenegger, Executive Vice President, Americas, presented her with the opportunity to lead JAS Colombia as its Managing Director.
"I was very young. I was probably one of the youngest, and I was the only woman. I was very excited, but I also knew it would be a big undertaking and I would be doing some things I had never done before." To no one's surprise, Maria flourished in this role, and she looked inward to see where she really wanted to take her career. "For a long time, I kept telling myself I would start over and pursue my dream in advertising. But when I finally acknowledged my love for the industry I was working in, and decided to put both feet in the water鈥擨 saw the results right away." Maria doubled down and earned her Executive MBA, and even focused her graduation case writing on the industry experience. She reaped the benefits of fully stepping into the moment she was in.
Shortly after this decision, fate stepped in again, and she was given the opportunity to move to the United States to manage the Miami Branch鈥攍eading her to another opportunity, where she would meet new challenges, she had never met before. Maria wasn't a stranger to unknown circumstances and knew exactly what she needed to do to succeed, "When approaching the unknown, I know when to ask for help and combine it with my adaptability. I learn from others and build teams by surrounding myself with those who are passionate and know more than I do."
Now in her new role, in a new country, Maria reflects on her leadership journey and how far she's grown. "When I started out, I was very controlling, but I soon realized that it was not beneficial for me or my team. Years of building trust helped me to change my approach."
In Miami, Maria focuses on fostering inclusion and ensuring her team stays the course. "Now instead of micromanaging, I give clear directions and build the roadmap, together, with my team." In a branch where there are over 15 different nationalities represented in just 45 employees, empathy and understanding play a key role in Maria's success as branch manager.
"What truly motivates me every morning is the constant opportunity to learn. I strive to approach things differently and think outside the box. I owe everything to the opportunities that JAS has given me, consistently supporting my professional career while understanding my role as a mother of two young men, who are my driving force and daily strength. In an industry typically led by men, JAS has always made me feel valued, safe, and secure."
Maria's unplanned career in logistics is a testament to the growth opportunities that JAS creates and the accomplishments that can come with them鈥攊f you just lean in. Her journey from reluctance to embrace the family business to becoming a respected leader in the industry illustrates the power of adaptability, perseverance, and a willingness to learn. Maria's story is a reminder that the paths we initially resist can lead to the most rewarding destinations. By seizing the opportunities presented to her and fully committing to her roles, she has achieved remarkable success and continues to inspire those around her.
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JAS has once again been honored by Flowserve Corporation, a global leader in flow control solutions, securing the Freight Forwarder of the Year 2024 award. This marks the second year in a row JAS has been recognized by Flowserve, reinforcing its position as a trusted logistics partner in Flowserve鈥檚 supply chain.
JAS鈥檚 2024 recognition builds on its exceptional 2023 performance, which included Customs Broker of the Year and Best Account Management of the Year awards, with a special commendation for Regional Account Manager Katarina Cook. Flowserve annually awards five logistics partners across three freight forwarding and two non-freight categories (e.g., trucking, small packages), making JAS鈥檚 multi-year success a testament to its operational excellence and client-centric approach.
鈥淲e are proud to receive this award; it is a testament to the dedication and passion of every JAS team member across the globe. It proves that at JAS, it鈥檚 our people who truly make the difference,鈥 Manuele Mazzacurati, EVP Global Sales and Marketing, JAS.
鈥淛AS plays a vital role in keeping our operations in motion. Their dedication to operational excellence, collaborative approach and innovative adoption of new technologies have been instrumental in supporting our mission to deliver reliable flow control solutions worldwide,鈥 said Matt Dowgill, Flowserve鈥檚 Vice President of Global Supply Chain. 鈥淭his award reflects not only their performance but also their commitment to helping Flowserve develop and mature our logistics function.鈥
About JAS
JAS, a global leader in logistics and supply chain solutions, was founded in Milan, Italy, in 1978. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and supported by 7,000+ team members in more than 100 countries, JAS focuses on creating solutions that are innovative, sustainable, and tailored to customer needs. As a privately owned company, JAS is committed to creating opportunities for communities, customers, and colleagues to thrive.
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This month JAS proudly celebrated the grand opening of its new Beijing branch office, marking another important step in the company鈥檚 growth in China. The event welcomed Mr. Marco Civardi, CEO of JAS China; Ms. Cathy Yu, North China Area Manager of JAS China; and Mr. Marco Midolo, First Counsellor & Head of the Economic and Commercial Office at the Italian Embassy in China.
In their remarks, Mr. Civardi and Mr. Midolo reflected on the importance of strengthening ties between Italy and China, and shared their optimism for the continued development of the Beijing branch. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebratory toast followed, setting a warm and festive tone for the day.
鈥淭his new office is more than just a space鈥攊t鈥檚 a foundation for the future,鈥 said Cathy Yu. 鈥淎s a key logistics hub in North China, it positions us to deliver even greater value to our clients and deepen our role in the ongoing partnership between China and Italy.鈥
Guests joined in creative activities, including the Wishing Pot game and a Wishing Tree, where they shared personal hopes for the success of the new branch鈥攁dding a meaningful and memorable touch to the celebration.
With deep roots in Milan and a growing presence across China, JAS remains committed to supporting cross-border collaboration, especially as trade and cooperation between China and Italy continue to evolve. The Beijing office will play a vital role in delivering tailored logistics solutions, strengthening customer partnerships, and driving growth throughout the region.
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JAS, a global leader in logistics and supply chain solutions, is pleased to announce its participation in the 2025 Paris Air Show, one of the most prestigious events in the aerospace and aviation industries. The event will take place at Le Bourget Airport in Paris, France, from June 16-22, bringing together key industry players to explore the latest advancements in aerospace technology and supply chain solutions.聽
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JAS will be exhibiting at Booth AB190, where its team of experts will be available to discuss the company鈥檚 comprehensive aerospace logistics services, including AOG (Aircraft on Ground) solutions, just-in-time deliveries, oversized cargo handling, and end-to-end supply chain management. With decades of experience in managing the complex, time-sensitive needs of the aerospace sector, JAS provides customized solutions that keep supply chains moving efficiently and reliably.聽
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鈥淭he Paris Air Show is a premier event for the aerospace industry, and we are excited to be part of it once again,鈥 said John Brennan, Senior Vice President- Aerospace, at JAS. 鈥淎s supply chain demands continue to evolve, our focus remains on providing tailored, innovative solutions that help aerospace companies around the world optimize their logistics operations and reduce downtime.鈥澛
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Visitors to the JAS booth will have the opportunity to meet with industry specialists, learn about the company鈥檚 latest innovations, and explore solutions designed to address the challenges faced by aerospace manufacturers, suppliers, and operators.
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