Giada Balloch | Contributing Writer
Sean Gazitua, President and CEO of World Trade Distribution Center (WTDC), is a driving force in the world of global logistics and warehousing.
As the distinguished guest speaker for the International Business Honor Society at FIU, he shared advice with college students and alumni on Sept. 11.
With over two decades of experience, Gazitua’s leadership has not only propelled the company to new heights but also created opportunities for FIU students to gain invaluable experience through internships.
Gazitua, an FIU graduate from a degree in International Business, started his journey in the logistics industry “dressed as a businessman.”
Despite the company being his father’s, he started from the bottom: unloading containers, handling various roles from driver to receiver, data entry, and customer service. His hands-on experience and dedication paved the way for him to rise to the top of WTDC.
His business embodies four pillars: God and family, health and education, community engagement and work. Gazitua prioritizes employee well-being by providing health coverage, paid lunches, and occasionally arranging massages for his team.
Furthermore, he serves as the Vice President of the Board of Directors at FIU, demonstrating his dedication to our college and its development.
In addition to his role at FIU, his company oversees various non-profit organizations, such as Sean Powers’ Angel Trees, which supports children with parents in jail, foster homes and raising awareness for cancer.
For the CEO, these efforts reflect the importance of giving back to the community.
When asked about his most significant professional and personal learning experiences, Gazitua emphasized the value of learning from failures.
“Learn from failures. Don’t get down, many things can get your spirits up,” he said.
He believes that surrounding oneself with capable and trustworthy people is crucial for success.
His advice to aspiring CEOs is to start networking early, work diligently, and differentiate themselves from others while maintaining confidence without falling into the slippery slope of arrogance.
“I don’t need your business but I’d like to have it mindset,” he said when asked about his attitude when dealing with others.
During his tenure, he steered the company through various challenges, including the impact of COVID-19 on the logistics industry, which saw a significant decrease in cruise and airline operations. As a consequence, in March 2020 liquor transportation was disrupted.
However, WTDC adapted by shifting its focus to handling medical supplies, showcasing the company’s resilience and adaptability. The President turned the downtime into profit by improving it’s facility and invest in infrastructure, such as a high-efficiency AC systems and a paperless workflow.
As the logistics industry evolves with data moving to the cloud, Sean and WTDC are investing in data interfaces to streamline operations and enhance customer service. They are committed to staying at the forefront of industry trends to meet customer demands effectively.
In spite of his successful career, Gazitua acknowledges disappointments, particularly when employees struggle despite assistance. However, he remains focused on nurturing a strong and dependable team.
Competition is fierce in Miami, with warehouse construction booming. He encourages interns at WTDC to take on meaningful tasks in sales and marketing, providing them with hands-on experience and valuable exposure in the field.
Sean Gazitua’s journey from unloading containers to leading a global logistics and warehousing firm highlights his commitment to his employees and community.
“I couldn’t have done it without a team. Surround yourself with good people but who get everything done. People you trust.”
His leadership at WTDC sets an example for the industry, making him a notable figure in the world of international business.
For more information on Sean Gazitua and WTDC, visit https://wtdc.com.
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