Member Spotlight: Meet Martha Brown of Advantage Brokerage Corporation in Loveland, Colo.

March is National Women’s Month. This month we will be highlighting our women-owned brokerages.

Meet Martha Brown, president of Advantage Brokerage Corporation in Loveland, Colo.

How did you get involved in the industry? In the 1980s, I worked as an administrative assistant to a couple traffic managers in south Florida. That resulted in my being hired by a Miami-based freight brokerage as a customer service representative.

How many years have you been working in the industry? I spent a few years learning about the industry from a user standpoint, then a couple years as a CSR in a brokerage. I’ve been self employed for almost 30 years. About 15 of them was operating as an independent agent under a large corporation’s flag. I opened my first brokerage 14 years ago and my second 10 years ago. We also have been providing custom warehouse solutions for our largest customer for about eight years.

Who has inspired your career? My customers have inspired me by way of challenging me to find solutions during difficult times.

What has been the greatest challenge/opportunity in your career? The greatest challenge AND opportunity we face is recognizing when we make a mistake, taking ownership of it, and offering and providing solutions to reconcile the situation.

What advice would you give to others who want to start working in the industry? Learn the language of the industry in general. Then find a niche that resonates in your soul.

Why is it important for you to be a member of TIA? TIA membership provides so much education and resources! The templates are top notch and easily tailored to each member’s particular needs. Members have access to information that isn’t found elsewhere. Further, the camaraderie among fellow brokers is remarkable.