Trevor Jess - Global Business Development Manager - Continental

Name: Trevor Jess

Position: Global Business Development Manager

Company: Continental

Professional Background

Continental, Global Business Development Manager (United States): 2015 – Present

Continental, Client Development Director (United States): 2015 – Present

Graebel Van Lines, National Account Manager (United States): 2015 – 2015

Graebel Companies, National Account Manager (United States): 2012 – 2015

Graebel Companies, Commercial Sales Executive (United States): 2009 – 2012

Graebel Companies, Residential Sales Representative (United States): 2007 – 2009

Emerald Downs, Promotions Manager (United States): 2004 – 2007

Career Insider

Q: Why global mobility, and how did you get started in the industry?

A: Over the years I have developed a passion for global mobility as the need for such a service has grown exponentially. My brother was recruited in the early 2000s by a board member within his college fraternity who worked the summers for Graebel Companies. Naturally, Graebel had sought me out for a sales position a few years after I finished college (March 2007).

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Q: What at Continental keeps you going to work every day?

A: Self-motivation by setting personal goals and striving for global excellence. Global mobility is never boring, and I strive to embrace the continued innovation and diversity within the industry.

Q: What advice would you give to someone looking to build a career in global mobility?

A: Interview with multiple companies and choose the one that feels like the best fit. Make sure the opportunity allows potential for growth within the industry.

Industry Insider

Q: What do you think is the primary thing hindering the global mobility industry's progress? 

A: I believe global mobility is progressing faster than ever. Although, from a moving and transportation industry standpoint, there is a serious driver shortage that is having a negative effect on global mobility. As a collaborative effort, we must come up with strategies to recruit younger truck drivers in order to meet the needs of our global clients.

Q: What is the most important strategic tip you can give to companies handling international moves?

A: As a global mobility manager, being knowledgeable and proactive are key for global success. Make sure the employee/transferee fully understands all documentation required for an international relocation. Simplify the international moving process for the transferee so that they are well-educated on the customs regulations for that particular destination.

Q: What aspects of global moves should be carefully controlled for maximum success?

A: The pre-move and post-move process are essentially the most important aspects of global relocation. During the pre-move, expectations are set and questions answered. Post-move survey feedback is the most critical part because it allows the mobility team to address any weak links throughout the relocation and correct them. Striving for continued excellence in all phases of the relocation is the overall goal.

Visionary Insider

Q: How can global mobility practices get better in the next 5 years?

A: The global mobility industry must fully embrace technology and innovation as the most successful global companies do. Who knows, maybe we will be using autonomous (self-driving) trucks. For clients who prefer utilising technology, I started virtual home surveys (via Skype or FaceTime) roughly 9 years ago, and currently it is just becoming the “new thing” in the moving industry.

Q: What more can be done to improve current global mobility practices to benefit talents on the move?

A: Global mobility professionals should really attend their regional Worldwide ERC chapters (i.e. PNwRC, BAMM, PRC) so that they can network with other professionals and get educated by the panels and/or speakers related to current trending topics within the global mobility industry.

Q: What are the major developments you currently see happening in the industry, and how do you feel about them? 

A: 2018 tax laws affecting corporate moving expenses. In the past, when an employer paid for a worker’s moving expenses due to a new job or relocation, the amount was not taxable to the employee. The new law suspends that tax-free treatment through 2025. This means the relocation allowance will be considered income to the employee, therefore, taxed as such. The only exception to this rule is for active-duty military members. Brexit has also had its negative impacts on global mobility due to overall cost increase.

Either/Or…

• Short-term or long-term assignment? Short-term assignment.
• Airbnb or serviced apartments?  Airbnb.
• Excel or global mobility software?  Excel.
• Lump-sum or flex-ben?  Flex-ben.
• Facebook or LinkedIn?  LinkedIn.
• Outlook or Gmail?  Outlook.
• Taxi or Uber?  Uber.
• iOS or Android?  iOS.
• Mac or PC?  PC.
• Computer or tablet?  PC.
• Work hard or play hard?  Work hard. Play harder.