Here at Interstate Cold Storage, we recognize that our company would be nothing without our team of employees working behind the scenes. As a family-owned company, we think it is important to highlight the talented personnel that has made our company what it is today. This quarter’s employee spotlight is Rod Waiters, the Warehouse Supervisor at our Columbus 2 location.
How long have you been with Interstate Cold Storage (ICS)?
I have been with the company for 16 years now.
Can you tell us what your job entails?
I’m responsible for overseeing the daily activities of all warehouse workers at the ICS Columbus 2 location.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hopefully, I’m still with ICS in five years. I believe it will be great to see the continued advancement and expansion of the company. Being here as long as I have, there have been many innovations and improvements throughout the years.
What’s the best advice you can give to someone who just started in the cold storage industry?
Grasp as much knowledge as possible and give yourself time to adjust to the cold environment. That is something that takes a little time to adjust to.
What’s the most exciting thing you are working on right now?
Developing and mentoring new hires at the warehouse.
What are the toughest challenges you’ve had at work?
I would say the recent or not-so-recent labor shortages. From a supervisor’s perspective, that has been very difficult and unexpected.
What year did you start with ICS and what was your first job?
I first started working for ICS in 2006 at the Columbus 1 location as a forklift operator.
What has your experience been with our company culture?
It’s been great. Working for a family-owned company has helped me create a stronger bond with my own family.
What are some things you’ve noticed about our leadership team?
They care about their employees on and off the clock. That is something that has always stood out to me and a lot of the other employees.
What have been your biggest accomplishments on our team?
Being a leader by example and knowing that our team has learned and grown to respect one another.
What’s the most unique part about working here?
The bonds that have been forged.
Established in 1973, Interstate Cold Storage is a leader in cold storage facilities, shipping and distribution, with a network of facilities strategically located across the Midwest. Headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, ICS is a family-owned company with five locations and nearly 22 million cubic feet of refrigerated space. ICS is a top 20 North American refrigerated warehousing company, according to the International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses. The facility network currently supports temperature ranges from -15°F to 35°F with multi-room, multi-temp offerings. Interstate Cold Storage is a subsidiary of the Tippmann Affiliated Group and has two facilities in Columbus, OH; one in Napoleon, OH; and two in Fort Wayne, IN. For more information, call 260-428-2505 or visit https://interstatecoldstorage.com/.
