ASCEND LOGISTICS, LLC

Ascend Logistics, LLC offers a variety of services for the small to medium sized business owner.  Every business is different; we offer the opportunity to receive a complementary consultation with one of our seasoned business specialists.  We can help you set up the tools necessary to take your business where you want it to be! 

Click below to take the Breakeven Analysis and Entrepreneur Aptitude Test.  Get immediate results.  You will learn when you will break even and how much you need to keep in reserve.   See how well you match the profile of an Entrepreneur!

Become a Small Business Supporter and find other small business owners in your area.  Click below to access the Small Business Directory.  Don't forget to ask one of our agents how you can get your business listed the Small Business Directory.

ABOUT US

ALLEN FURRER Managing Partner

Allen has been active in the transportation industry since 1976.   He began his entrepreneurial endeavors at age 18, when he opened a local restaurant in Remington, IN.   Since then he has President and owner of several successful companies in the software and logistics industries with over 1100 employees.  Allen is a current member of Rotary, World Presidents Association, Rainmakers and the Logistics Power Circle. Currently Allen uses his expertise in purchasing, negotiations, mergers and acquisitions, project management, sales, non-profits and technology to consult small business owners and provide solutions for developing and operating business.  Allen has grown Ascend Logistics into a virtual "one stop shop" for the small business owner.  When asked, "What do you do",  Mr. Furrer answers, "I connect business owners with the resources necessary to protect and grow their profits."

MELISSA HUGHES Vice President

Melissa Hughes has spent more than 13 years managing the safety and human resources department of a national trucking company and has held the position of Director of Safety & Risk Management for a transportation and manufacturing company with more than 1100 employees. She has extensive experience working logistics and fulfillment industries. Melissa’s responsibilities haven included direct involvement with State and Federal Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration compliance, OSHA compliance and ISO 9000 certification. She has also been responsible for employee and truck driver recruitment and retention.  Melissa has implemented top notch Transportation Safety Programs, gaining recognition by Indiana Motor Truck Association and the National Truckload Carrier Associations.  While administering safety programs the company she worked for received 1st place in the division of competition. These include the Truckload Carriers Association National Fleet Safety Award for Division 1 carriers under 5 million miles in 2001, 2002 and 2005 and the Indiana Motor Truck Association Safety Award for over the road carriers under 1 million miles.  Ms. Hughes is a certified ISO Internal Auditor, with an ability to create highly effective ISO compliant processes to streamline business functions.  Her ISO certification teams created such an effective program that zero non-conformances were issued during the external audits. She has also served as a Project Planner and Manager for several types of projects including software upgrades, department revitalization and new entity development.  Melissa is a current member of the Indianapolis Traffic Club, Unique 3, Rainmakers and serves on the Logistics Power Circle.   Melissa has continued to increase her expertise in the transportation industry by also providing legal solutions for transportation individuals and Commercial Driver Licensed drivers. 

 

 

See What Others Are Saying

 “Allen is one of the most effective, honest, professional executives with whom I have had the pleasure to work. I always found Allen to be a very good business partner with a wealth of knowledge. He was a tough but fair negotiator who always fought hard for his company. I was also impressed by the teams that Allen built around him and how hard people worked for him.” 

Jeffrey Karbowiak, Executive Vice President - Operations & Finance, MGM Home Entertainment

“Allen is extremely energetic and entrepreneurial. He has helped me develop solid business ideas to improve operations at the Chamber and on other projects. I seek his advice regularly.” 

Jonathan Wales, Manager, IndianaNet, Indiana Chamber of Commerce

“Focus, commitment and a huge desire to help others get what they want - that's Allen. Allen knows where he is going and would like you to go to the top with him. If you're frustrated with the amount of money you're making now, Allen can help you change that dynamic forever.” 

Tim Roberts, Principal, Sandler Training - Trustpointe

 “Allen is a very innovative individual. When working with him I noticed that he focuses on excellent customer service and being knowledgeable on new technology to keep his business at the forefront of the industry.” 

Bill Wettstein, CFO, Nussbaum Trucking, Inc.

“Allen is able to multitask, uses technology to its fullest, and is able to make difficult decisions in challenging times. He stays positive in the face of adversity, demands total loyalty to the customer, and will always take the extra step to achieve total customer satisfaction. He will make a positive impact on you and your business!” 

Brian Eagle, J.D., Eagle & Fein

 

“Melissa is one of the most dedicated and knowledgable transportation professionals I've worked with. Her ability to relate to all levels throughout the organization always impressed me.” 

Wanda Miller, Director of HR,  Schilli Transportation