AQUA GULF LEADERSHIP

  • Robert Browne founded Aqua Gulf in 1966. The company originated as a New York-based transportation company with a single truck that Browne drove himself. Throughout the following four decades, Browne proved to be an industry pioneer by creating the continued growth, innovation and expansion that Aqua Gulf and its customers enjoy today.

  • Dr. Robert M. Browne is the Chief Executive Officer of the Aqua Gulf family of companies. As the son of Robert J. Browne - Aqua Gulf’s founder - he has experienced the company grow and evolve, bringing his second-generational passion for the industry with him as he leads the company’s strategic direction. 

    He spent his early professional years with the company before obtaining a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree. During that time, he operated the second-largest chiropractic office in Staten Island, helping tens of thousands of people to heal. He has both served on the Board of the American Parkinsons Disease Association and as the President of the New York Chiropractic Council. In addition to his time on medical boards, Dr. Browne has also been the recipient of the prestigious Beacon Award which is given to those who shine so bright they become a beacon of light for others to follow. He was even a pioneer in the development of spinal decompression technology to non-surgically treat herniated discs. Throughout his medical and logistics careers, Dr. Browne has been on the cutting edge of progress.

    Dr. Browne returned to Aqua Gulf full-time in 2013, bringing a disciplined, methodical, and safety-first mindset. He became the president of Aqua Gulf Xpress, where he spearheaded the company’s unmatched safety standards. In all facets of the company, Dr. Browne has been on the cutting edge of technology. He established electronic log mandates years before the federal requirement, ultimately leading Aqua Gulf to be one of the leading truck lines on the East Coast. Additionally, he successfully oversaw the construction and implementation of the state-of-the-art Key Cargo Marine reefer warehouse in Jacksonville, Florida.

    In addition to leading the Aqua Gulf companies in the evolution of the industry, Dr. Browne believes that exceptional service is the true cornerstone of Aqua Gulf’s success. His goal is to provide customers with a seamless, worry-free logistics experience, where Aqua Gulf takes on the complexities and delivers results with safety and precision — the Aqua Gulf way.

  • Sergio Sandrin is the President of Aqua Gulf, wearing many hats across the organization. He oversees Aqua Gulf Transport, Aqua Gulf Logistics, and Aqua Gulf Freightshare, playing a crucial role in operations company-wide. Sergio - a second-generation logistics professional - received a BS in Logistics from Northeastern University before beginning his career in the industry. 

    With his deep industry knowledge, Sergio joined the Aqua Gulf team in 1999. Since then, he’s merged his passion for IT with his love for the Trade to propel Aqua Gulf into the next generation of logistics. Sergio emphasizes that Aqua Gulf is built on trust, long-lasting relationships with customers, and getting it done for those customers reliably and effectively.

  • Leon Buice is the Vice President of Aqua Gulf Xpress, bringing with him over 34 years of experience in the transportation and logistics industry. After serving in the United States Air Force. Leon began his logistics career as a CDL driver. He then took on many different rolls within Conway Freight. These ranged from Dock Supervisor, Ops Managers, SME, HR and Training and Service Center manager.  Thanks to his decades-long experience in the trucking industry, he provides a thorough understanding of the complexities of the industry from multiple perspectives. Leon believes in a methodical and deliberate problem-solving approach as he works to deliver solutions to his customers every day.

  • Joe Janer is the Vice President of Customer Care, overseeing customer service operations for Aqua Gulf’s customer base in Puerto Rico. He earned his BS in Arts and International Studies from Texas State University and began his career in the logistics industry shortly after. 

    Before joining the Aqua Gulf team in 1996, Joe held key sales management roles with Naviera NPR, INC in both the United States and Puerto Rico, leading sales teams in Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico. Garnering over 35 years of industry experience, Joe’s commitment to world class excellence in customer service is unparalleled.

  • Luis F. Velez is the Vice President of Aqua Gulf de Puerto Rico, expanding the company’s presence beyond domestic borders and into Europe and the Caribbean. After graduating from the Interamerican University in San Juan, Puerto Rico 30 years ago, Luis immediately began his career in the logistics industry. 

    Shortly after, he joined the Aqua Gulf team and has led key initiatives like launching Aqua Gulf Logistics. For the past 28 years, Luis has been an asset to Aqua Gulf’s growth and innovation in the Puerto Rican market.

  • Scott W. Fernandez is the Vice President of Business Development at Aqua Gulf, where he spearheads the company’s global expansion. With a career spanning over 42 years in the logistics industry, Scott brings extensive expertise in both operations and sales leadership, having held senior roles at Sealand Service, CSX Lines, Horizon Lines, and served as Chief Commercial Officer at Trailer Bridge.

    A graduate of the State University of New York Maritime College with a BS in Marine Transportation and an MBA from Jacksonville University, Scott has cultivated a broad network of industry connections. His strategic insights and leadership have been instrumental in expanding Aqua Gulf’s Worldwide divisions over the past 12 years, consistently identifying new opportunities for growth.

    Scott is passionate about fostering team development and takes pride in building a successful network of international business associates. His commitment to innovation and leadership continues to shape Aqua Gulf’s global presence.

  • Valerie Manganello McEwen is the Controller at Aqua Gulf, where she has dedicated over 21 years of service. Joining the team in 2003, Valerie began her career in collections and administration, working closely with Aqua Gulf’s founder, Bob Browne. 

    She holds a BS in Business Management from the University of Southern Mississippi, and throughout the past two decades, Valerie has built a strong, cohesive accounting team. She continues to play a key role in Aqua Gulf’s financial management and operations.

  • Raúl W. Martinez is the Vice President of Aqua Gulf Logistics, playing a crucial role in the synchronization between Aqua Gulf’s Jacksonville, FL and San Juan, PR terminals. Raúl holds a BS in Industrial Management, a BS in Transportation and Logistics, and an MBA and began his logistics career over 25 years ago at one of the nation’s top LTL carriers. 

    For the past two decades, Raúl has held key leadership roles, including Operations Supervisor, Account Executive, and Terminal Manager. Since joining the Aqua Gulf team over 3 years ago, he’s led the Jacksonville, FL location in becoming one of the world’s most productive, successful operations with a market-leading ratio of 0.149%. 

    Raúl is most proud of his world-class team of logistics professionals who set the industry standard for service and operations.

  • Nick Weiner is the Vice President of Aqua Gulf Freightshare, specializing in freight brokerage. After receiving his BS in Entrepreneurship 15 years ago, Weiner began his career in logistics. For the past 5 years at Aqua Gulf, he has led key projects, including overseeing domestic shipments for the construction of Florida’s Can plant and spearheading Aqua Gulf Wine Xpress - an inland wine consolidation program. 

    Nick’s leadership style is defined by his can-do attitude, often summed up with his catchphrase, "Can we handle it? Yes.”

  • Mark Davey is the Vice President of Sales at Aqua Gulf, bringing over three decades of experience to the role. As a seasoned leader in the logistics industry, Mark has played a critical role in developing key accounts and making significant contributions to Aqua Gulf’s growth and success. 

    He holds a BS from King’s College, leveraging his experience to foster long-term relationships with clients and drive Aqua Gulf forward. Mark’s leadership is marked by delivering exceptional value to Aqua Gulf’s customers.

  • Anna Easley is the Vice President of Key Cargo Marine warehousing, overseeing all warehouse operations and personnel. Since beginning her career in logistics over 34 years ago, Anna has accumulated a wealth of experience and knowledge that she applies to her daily responsibilities. 

    She began her journey with Aqua Gulf in 1998, and has risen through the ranks to her current role. Driving her decision-making for KCM and her team, Anna strives to maintain a happy and driven staff while making sure they strive to perfect their craft. In doing so, Anna and her team consistently provide optimum service to their customers.

  • Jeff Mayr is the Vice President of Pricing at Aqua Gulf. Holding a BA from Rutgers University, Jeff brings over 40 years of experience to his role. He joined the Aqua Gulf team 14 years ago, playing a critical role in shaping the company’s pricing operations. Thanks to Jeff’s commitment and dedication, Aqua Gulf continues to have a competitive advantage in the industry.