Born in Norfolk, Virginia 1947 and served in the United States Marine Corps from 1965 to 1969. I am a Veteran of the Vietnam War, in country from December 1967 to January 1969.

I first entered the Customhouse Brokerage and International Forwarding business in September of 1969 having left the Marine Corps with a MOS in Supply and felt immediately right at home in a CHB/IFF office that looked very much like the Marine Corp Supply office I had just left.

I passed the Customs Broker Exam and obtained my License in 1987 and in 1989 obtained a Federal Maritime Commission License. I created Nelson International in September 1989 being frustrated with the direction our industry was taking through computer automation. Computer technology could perform many of the processes involved in our services; but, the trend was to save money through investment in automation and cutting back of expensive personnel. I felt that while automation was certainly a necessary tool, there was still a market for the services and attention by qualified personnel. Thus began Nelson International in which we feature the latest computer technology along with the live experienced professional personnel.

I am a member and past President of the Hampton Roads Traffic Club and Society of Maritime Industries. I am a member and served on the Board of Directors of the Customs Brokers/International Forwarders Association of Virginia. I have also served on the Virginia Advisory Commission of the Virginia Port Authority and the Customs Brokers Committee of the Hampton Roads Maritime Association now the Virginia Maritime Association.From 1969 to 1993 I was an avid softball player until I severely broke my ankle sliding into second base. I took up the game of golf and it soon became my passion. I am currently a 7 handicap.

I attended Kempsville High School (graduating class of 2000) and have lived in Hampton Roads my whole life, proudly. As well as an Associates Degree at Tidewater Community college I am working on a Bachelors Degree at Norfolk's Old Dominion University. If you don't catch me at work you may see me at a softball game playing for our softball team (NI Titans). I have worked in the business since 2002ish, but I have been involved in it since I was a child. Around the office you may catch me asking my colleagues for their thoughts about various shipping principles. This is what we do here at NI, we team up to solve our Customer's problems.

Regards,
Ben

I was born in Souix City, Ia., raised in Redondo Beach, Ca. Join the Navy a few months after graduating High School, while in the service met and married a navy man, left the Navy after 2.5 years to start a family and have two sons and a daughter, after traveling the country for 12 years finally settled in Hampton Roads in the early 70's.
Joined the Maritime Industry in 1976, I have been with Nelson International for 19 years as Vice President of Exports.I have learned this business by working and following the examples of others, starting as a runner, bill of lading typist, etc - (before computers) paying attention to what was happening in the industry and how it could relate to my work, doing a whole lot of reading of government and industry material.
Getting to know others in this business, people I respect and could learn from, which would later form into lasting personal friendships which I cherish.

Respectfully,
Blanche Wentzel

I was born in Concord, NC, raised in Virginia Beach, Va... I began my career as export clerk with a steamship line in 1980. After working on the steamship side, I moved on to the freight forwarding industry where I worked for approximately 12 years before coming to Nelson International.

As part of the Nelson team since 1992, I work specifically in the export department, helping small and large companies logistically move their cargo throughout the world, port to port or door to door. From booking the cargo to providing the documentation required for shipping to the overseas destination makes the job an exciting and challenging adventure.

My goal is to always extend the commitment and loyalty to the customer as the Nelsons have extended to us, the employees. When you become a customer of Nelson International you become a partner in a company who wants to ensure your success as an international shipper. Dedication, loyalty and commitment are the foundation and philosophy of Nelson International.

Respectfully,
Cyndy Hall

I graduated from Kempsville High School in 2001. Although I'm new to the business, I'm learning things everyday. Accounting isn't something I dreamed of doing, but I've always been good with numbers and a perfectionist. So it's a pretty decent fit. When I'm not doing accounting work, I'm probably helping someone with his or her computer questions and/or problems. I'm definitely, what you would call, a "tech geek." I can surf the web for hours reading articles about the latest electronics, gadgets, and technologies. If it plugs in or has batteries, I'll probably like it. I also play softball for our company's team. We have a pretty good team with a good group of guys. And that's what we have at Nelson International, a good group of people, with great minds and lots of patience.

I was born in the Philippines, province of Cavite. I studied at University of the East, Manila and earned a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration. Shortly after graduation, I began my first job at an export company and acquired a passion for business. After more than 12 years in the export industry, I decided to leave the Philippines and pursue my career in the United States.

I came to the U.S. 22 years ago with my 2 daughters. I worked in California and New York before I finally settled in Virginia. After 3 years working in an NVO, they closed their office in Norfolk. However, it did not stop me from looking for another opportunity in the industry and after only a week, I started with Nelson International. I have been a proud member of the Nelson family for 12 years working in accounting, exports and imports.

There is one thing I am sure of about this business - there is never a dull moment, as everyday is always a challenge.

-Florian McKeveny

I'm married with 3 children and 8 grandchildren. I am originally from Tyler, Texas and I graduated from John Tyler High School. My hobbies include all kinds of arts and crafts, especially painting. I have been a Freight Forwarder (Export) for 20 years now and have been here at Nelson International for 13 of those years. Just like with my hobbies...I believe in the 'hands on' approach to my Export Services. We here at Nelson always go the extra step for our customers and that is what makes us better than all the others.

I started with Nelson International in January 03. I feel that this type of business is very exciting and interesting. I enjoy learning new things every day. I graduated from Princess Anne High in 01 and 05 I received my associates degree at TCC. I'm working towards my bachelors degree now. I am very big into playing sports. I play coed recreational softball and hopefully soon I will get back in to recreational soccer.

My love affair with this industry began in 1989. I started as a data clerk working for an importer with a bonded yard. It wasn't long before I was working directly for a Customs Broker. The ambiguity of the law, intricacies of rulings, and the vastness of commodities all captivated me. I received my Customs Broker's license in 1994. With that license, I became a corporate license holder for a broker in Dulles, VA. However, after a few years, I thought to move on. I took a position as a commodities buyer for a manufacturer of cell phones. My knowledge of logistics was still in play and I progressed to Director of Sourcing and Supply for the cable modem division of the same company all in five short years. After the company decided outsourcing was their future road map, I went on to be the Director of Supply Chain Management for a bleach manufacturer. With all that and having traveled the world over, I missed the legal part of what we do as Customs Brokers. I joined Nelson International in 2005 and haven't looked back. The shared values of dedication to customer service and due diligence for regulatory compliance makes a good fit to be with Nelson International either as an employee or client!

I am 43 years old. I grew up in Baltimore and moved to Tidewater when I was 19, which is also the year I started working with the owners of Nelson Int'l. I've been with them ever since and have thoroughly enjoyed working together over the years, building a company to be proud of. When I'm not in the office, most likely I'm with my husband and two boys at school or sporting events, never a dull moment!

"Please call to find out more!"

1968 - Graduated U.S. Army Transportation school, Fort Eustis, Virginia

1968-1969 U.S. Military Sealift Command, South East Asia

1970-1972 U.S. ArmyTransportation school, Fort Story, Virginia - Instructor

1973-1975 Thompson Respess, Steamship agents - Boarding agent

1976-1982 Norton and Ellis, International Freight Forwarder

1982-1990 First Union International Transportation, Inc., (Formerly Norton and Ellis) Vic President

1990-1992 John V. Carr Inc. (Formerly First Union International Transportation, Inc.) Vic President

1992-2008 Nelson International, Inc. Customer Service, Export

I got into the customhouse broker business by chance. A friend asked me if I knew of anyone that wanted a job with his company. I said yes, me. At first he did not take me seriously and asked again. He was finally convinced I was the person he needed, and I didn't even know what kind of business it was. I am a licensed customs broker and have extensive experience and knowledge in all facets of the import trade. After a career spanning many years and 5 companies, I finally figured out what this business is about, change.

I have been in the Maritime business for 40 years, and have lived in the Hampton Roads area all my life. Have worked in both the Export part of the business as well as the Import part of the business where I am now. I managed the airport office for 8 years with another Broker in the area. I wear many hats and can solve many problems that may arise.

Winnie