Kupillas is Regional Vice-President for BlueGrace Logistics and the managing director of the Los Angeles office. He has a special focus on the complexity of the food distribution vertical, and works closely with his team developing tools, strategies, and planning processes to optimize supply chains of rapidly growing food and beverage distributors.

“There is no better title than “Rock Star” to encapsulate Chris’ efforts on behalf of BlueGrace,” said Bobby Harris, CEO, BlueGrace Logistics. “Chris has deep industry knowledge that makes him our customers’ ideal partner. He inspires the team and follows one of our top core values, which is to set outrageous goals. As a result, he is someone that everyone at BlueGrace looks up to. I am proud to have Chris as a member of the BlueGrace team.”

The work Kupillas does for BlueGrace isn’t just about getting products delivered on time, but how proper planning can help lean out inventory levels, plan production schedules, and drastically improve fill rates. Kupillas works with several large CPG clients and his creation of the foundation for the BlueGrace Big Box / Retail Compliance program earned him a spot on this impressive list, and helps BlueGrace’s food and beverage customers to stay a step ahead of food safety, tracking and compliance requirements. Through the development of these processes and tools, BlueGrace has been able to help customers increase Must Arrive By Dates (MABD) compliance from as low as 26% to over 95% within 90 days of implementation.

The Food Logistics Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain recognizes influential individuals in our industry whose achievements, hard work, and vision have shaped and attained milestones in safety, efficiency, productivity and innovation through the global food supply chain. From early pioneers and entrepreneurs to non-conformist thinkers and executive standouts, this award aims to honor these leaders and their contributions to our industry.

“Our 2019 Food Logistics Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain reflects the expanding diversity that is emerging in our industry, both in terms of demographics and talent,” remarks Lara L. Sowinski, Editorial Director for Food Logistics. “The combination of experience and wisdom complemented with a new generation of professionals is resulting in a food and beverage supply chain that is in sync with consumers’ demands while simultaneously adept and staying ahead of the logistical requirements.”

Recipients of this year’s 2019 Food Logistics Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain award will be profiled in the March 2019 issue of Food Logistics, as well as online at www.foodlogistics.com.

About Food Logistics

Food Logistics is published by AC Business Media, a business-to-business media company that provides targeted content and comprehensive, integrated advertising and promotion opportunities for some of the world’s most recognized B2B brands. Its diverse portfolio serves the construction, logistics, supply chain and other industries with print, digital and custom products, events and social media.

Food Logistics is published by AC Business Media, a business-to-business media company that provides targeted content and comprehensive, integrated advertising and promotion opportunities for some of the world’s most recognized B2B brands. Its diverse portfolio serves the construction, logistics, supply chain and other industries with print, digital and custom products, events and social media.

About BlueGrace Logistics

Founded in 2009, BlueGrace Logistics is one of the largest third‑party logistics (3PL) providers in the United States. With over 500 employees and working with over 10,000 customers to provide successful shipping solutions, the company has achieved explosive growth in its 10‑year operating history. Backed by a $255 million investment by private equity firm Warburg Pincus, the company operates 12 locations nationwide, and its headquarters are in the sunny Tampa Bay area of Florida. Please visit www.mybluegrace.com for more information, or check out BlueGrace Logistics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.