75 Years of J.M. Rodgers: CEO Jamie Rodgers Reflects on a Family Legacy

This year, J.M. Rodgers celebrates 75 years in business, and it has given me an opportunity to reflect on what that milestone truly means.

When my grandparents, John Martin and Martha Rodgers, founded the company in 1951, I don’t think they could have imagined what it would become. What began as a small customs brokerage serving the New York piers has grown into a global trade compliance and logistics partner serving clients around the world, while remaining family-owned four generations later.

Over the past 75 years, our industry has transformed in remarkable ways. We’ve seen the rise of containerization, the expansion of global trade, advances in technology, evolving regulations, and increasingly complex supply chains. Through every change, one thing has remained constant: our commitment to integrity, service, and long-term relationships.

Those values have guided us through decades of growth and change, helping us earn the trust of our clients and partners, many of whom have been with us for generations. That trust is something we never take for granted.

When I joined J.M. Rodgers in 1993, I became part of the third generation of family leadership. In 1998, I unexpectedly took over leadership of the company when my father’s medical condition forced him to step away from the business. At 32 years old, I was overwhelmed.

I was well aware of how few family businesses successfully transition from the second generation to the third. The responsibility of preserving what my grandparents and parents had built weighed heavily on me, but it also motivated me to keep the company growing for future generations.

Today, seeing members of the fourth generation become part of the business is both rewarding and humbling. Brendan Rodgers, Isabella Fragomeni, and Bradley Rodgers are already making meaningful contributions and helping take the company to the next level. Their fresh ideas and energy give me great confidence in the future of J.M. Rodgers.

Family businesses are often measured by longevity, but I believe their true success is measured by continuity. The ability to adapt to changing times while staying true to the values that made them successful in the first place is what allows a business to endure.

Over the years, we’ve faced challenges that tested businesses across every industry. We navigated the aftermath of September 11th, economic downturns, shifting global markets, and the unprecedented disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through it all, we remained focused on our clients, our employees, and our long-term vision. We were built for the long run, and that mindset has helped carry us through some of the most difficult periods in modern business history.

What makes me most proud isn’t simply that we’ve reached 75 years. It’s the relationships we’ve built, the trust we’ve earned, and the dedicated employees who have helped shape our success every step of the way.

Equally important is our commitment to giving back. Supporting charitable organizations and community initiatives has always been a core value for both my family and our company, whether in my hometown of Mountain Lakes, throughout New Jersey, or in communities beyond our local area. We believe businesses have a responsibility to make a positive impact.

I encourage you to visit our website to learn more about the charitable organizations and community initiatives we support. Giving back has been an important part of our story, and it will continue to be an important part of our future.

As we celebrate this milestone, I want to thank our employees, clients, partners, and family members for being part of our journey. Your support, trust, and commitment have made this achievement possible.

We are proud of our history, grateful for the relationships that have shaped it, and excited about what comes next!  

Here’s to 75 years, and to the future ahead!

Jamie Rodgers
CEO, J.M. Rodgers Co.