From Our Founder

Paraclete started conceptually in early in 1999. I had been a driver, managed people, and finances. I knew the transportation business, I had lived in it. Running my own business in this industry is a very different story. I have to admit it was daunting but also exciting! I spoke with some business owners I respected and asked the hard questions; what to do and more importantly, what not to do.

To start I asked myself, “What is most important to the people and businesses I have been serving? How do I deliver this on a daily basis in a highly competitive industry?” My answer, “Help both my customers and carriers navigate a tough world through a brokerage in tank truck transportation.” With 27 years in trucking and 6 years in Third Party Logistics, a brokerage was the best place to put my energies. Two years later, Paraclete Management, Inc was born.

What do we hope comes to mind when people think of Paraclete? Whether personally or professionally it should always be, “We do what we say we are going to do.” Admittedly, this does not always happen perfectly, but our intent has to be clear. In every facet of Paraclete, integrity has to be its upmost purpose and intent.  There is such significance in the importance of straight, timely, honest communication; with our customers in what we can do, what is happening moment by moment, when we can’t meet their needs, what is the best alternative plan? So we partner with you, carrying the common goal of satisfying your customer, and therefore satisfying you.

Paraclete is Greek; meaning to come along side, advocate, or help. We want to become a daily partner to our customers, to support you in your quest to consistently satisfy your needs. That word, carrying such depth of meaning, is a constant reminder; “We do what we say we are going to do”. In 2002, our foundation as laid, the cornerstones of our business took shape and solidified; Quality, Integrity, Honesty, and Trust. These core values are still put into practice in the daily happenings at Paraclete.

So, there you have it, how Paraclete started. It has been the most unique thing I have ever tried. I look back, and look at what it is today, and I am grateful to see that Paraclete continues to assert these values in our daily activities. We are serving people the way I dreamed we would. If you have not yet introduced yourself to us, or if you would like to get to know us better, please do not hesitate to call or email us. We are committed to be ‘By Your Side’.

~ Doug VanderArk