BOBBY HARRIS

FOUNDER, PRESIDENT & CEO, BLUEGRACE LOGISTICS, RIVERVIEW

BlueGrace, which Harris founded in 2009, uses a digital platform to work with customers on management of their supply chains. The firm provides third-party logistics from 12 locations around the U.S., employs some 600 and has more than 10,000 customers. The company has become one of the largest third-party logistics providers in the country with a corporate culture that’s anything but stodgy: High-volume music plays throughout the workday, and when employees meet goals or close deals, the banging of a gong can be heard.

Harris, a recipient of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in the emerging company category, aims for BlueGrace to become a multi-billion-dollar company with more than 3,000 employees by 2022. A University of South Florida graduate, he gained experience in logistics and supply chains through stints at Southeastern Freight Lines and United Shipping Solutions.

His community service includes membership on the council of governors for the Tampa Bay Partnership and the advisory council for the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.