Materials Services
Supply Chain Services
Supply Chain Services
Celebrating 20 Years in Logistics & Operations with John Grasmeyer
Congratulations, John on 20 Years with thyssenkrupp!
Congratulations, John on 20 Years with thyssenkrupp!
Introducing John Grasmeyer:
John began his career with thyssenkrupp in 2005 when he joined Copper and Brass Sales (CBS) as a Branch Coordinator in Detroit, MI. In that role, he served as a liaison between sales and operations. Although he didn’t realize it at the time, that first position laid the foundation for the leadership path he would follow over the next 20 years. As John grew within the organization, he moved into operations leadership, serving as an Assistant Plant Manager in Saline, MI, and later as Plant Manager in Rochester Hills, MI, during his 5-year tenure with CBS.
In late 2009/early 2010, John transitioned to join us at thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services (then tk Industrial Services) and relocated to Southern California as the California Region Operations Manager, overseeing three established locations across Los Angeles and the Bay Area. Over the past 15 years, his responsibilities have continued to expand as he progressed into the roles of West Regional Manager, Director, and ultimately into his current position as Vice President of Operations (West).
We took advantage of John's 20-year anniversary with thyssenkrupp to sit down and ask some questions about the industry, how he feels about the company, and just how much has changed in the world of logistics and operations over his career. See below for our interview!
What is the most rewarding part of working for thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services?
"For me, the most rewarding part of working for thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services has always been the people and the impact we’re able to make together. This company attracts individuals who genuinely care about safety, our customers, each other, and who know how to have fun while doing great work. Being surrounded by that level of commitment is both motivating and humbling.
I’ve also found tremendous fulfillment in the ability to help shape our business. thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services is an organization where your ideas matter, where you can drive meaningful improvements, and where the work you do has a direct and visible effect on our customers and our teams. Being part of that kind of environment, one that’s constantly evolving and pushing to get better, has kept me engaged and energized throughout my career here. And on a more personal note, watching people grow into new responsibilities, develop as leaders, and succeed in roles they never imagined for themselves is something I find incredibly rewarding. Supporting that growth and knowing I played even a small part in someone’s career path is one of the best parts of what I get to do."
What has changed the most in 3rd party logistics since you started? What has stayed the same?
John Grasmeyer, VP of Operations - Supply Chain WestOver the past 20 years, the most significant change has been the evolution from “basic” warehousing and transportation services to fully integrated, end-to-end supply chain solutions. What used to be transactional has now become a true strategic partnership focused on design, optimization, and seamless execution of the entire supply chain. But what hasn’t changed is our need to build Trust. Even with the rise of automation and advanced technologies, thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services is still powered by people through teamwork, problem solving, and the relationships we build with our customers. Tools may evolve, but service, reliability and human connection remain exactly the same.
Where do you see the future of the company going? What about logistics?
"I see thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services becoming an even more critical extension of our customers’ operations, measured by the value we create, not simply the volume we handle. We’ll continue strengthening our strategic partnerships, expanding our footprint and service capabilities, investing in our talent, and delivering consistent operational performance our customers depend on. At the same time, we need to sharpen our focus on innovation in a way that enhances execution rather than distracts from it. If we remain disciplined in driving practical, supportive innovation, we’ll position ourselves to be industry leaders in project-based logistics."
How do you believe thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services has had to grow and evolve the most to stay agile/adapt?
Accurate planning has always been important, but the volatility in customer demand, the speed of project launches, and the need for proactive capacity planning has made forecasting central to how we operate. Together, these changes have allowed thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services to stay adaptable and positioned to support our customers with the agility and discipline they expect.
"One of the biggest shifts has been our expansion into new markets, which has required us to broaden our capabilities and tailor our systems and processes to unique customer requirements. This diversification has pushed us to think differently about how we expeditiously deploy resources and structure our teams. We’ve also evolved through a more intentional organizational structure, allowing us to balance regional expertise with functional excellence. As our customer base and service offerings have grown, we’ve needed clearer alignment, better accountability, and operating models that support both speed and consistency. Another major area of evolution has been our approach to pricing; moving to a fixed/variable cost model. Understanding where each is appropriate has helped us stay competitive, flexible, and able to scale up or down based on customer demand. This financial agility has become critical in today’s project‑based and highly variable logistics landscape. In parallel, we’ve placed a much stronger emphasis on intentional talent development. Our business has become more sophisticated, and staying ahead requires leaders and frontline team members who are equipped with the tools, training, and confidence to drive results. Finally, we’ve implemented better forecasting tools and standardized templates. Accurate planning has always been important, but the volatility in customer demand, the speed of project launches, and the need for proactive capacity planning has made forecasting central to how we operate. Together, these changes have allowed thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services to stay adaptable and positioned to support our customers with the agility and discipline they expect."
Any advice for someone starting out in the world of logistics? What do you wish you had known?
"My biggest advice for anyone starting out in logistics is simple: Never Stop Learning! This industry moves fast, changes often, and rewards those who stay curious and adaptable. Once you think you’ve figured it out, the landscape shifts. I also wish someone had told me early on that logistics is not for the faint of heart; it’s very demanding. It requires resilience, a strong work ethic, lots of travel, and the ability to stay calm when things don’t go according to plan because they often won’t.
One of the most important skills you can develop is becoming a “problem listener” before a “problem solver." Everyone wants to jump straight to solutions, but the real value comes from understanding the issue fully, listening to the customer who’s closest to it, and then taking thoughtful action.
Finally, have fun and embrace it! This industry can give you a career full of challenges and opportunities you never expected."
Anything else you want to say?
"Don’t be afraid to take risks and fail. Some of the biggest leaps in my career came from leaning into uncomfortable opportunities, making mistakes, and then learning from them. Growth rarely happens in your comfort zone."
Is there anyone you want to thank or shout out here at thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services that has guided you most on your journey or been there for you along the way/contributed significantly to the company's success?
"I’ve been fortunate to have several mentors throughout my career at thyssenkrupp, and each one played a meaningful role in shaping who I am as a leader today. But if I’m being honest, and even if it sounds a bit cliché, no one has had a greater impact on my development over the last four years than Chris Merz. Chris leads with a combination of poise, tact, compassion, sincerity, and authenticity that is rare to find in a single leader. His ability to navigate difficult situations with steadiness, his commitment to doing what’s right all the time, and the genuine care he shows for his team are qualities I deeply admire and strive to emulate. I consider myself incredibly blessed to have had leaders like Chris throughout my life. Their influence has not only shaped my career but has also contributed significantly to the success of thyssenkrupp as a whole.