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Perry Mandera
Active in the transportation industry for more than three decades, Perry Mandera founded The Custom Companies, Inc., in the Chicago market in 1986. As President, he oversees the op...view moreActive in the transportation industry for more than three decades, Perry Mandera founded The Custom Companies, Inc., in the Chicago market in 1986. As President, he oversees the operations of the “Full Service Transportation Company”. The first trucking company to offer such a wide range of services, The Custom Companies, Inc., handles truckloads, less than truckload (LTLs), forwarding of domestic and international airfreight, intermodal and local and dedicated-contract cartage. Under Perry Mandera’s leadership, the business also offers warehousing and distribution services as well as trade show and exposition services to its customers. Since starting his first trucking company at age 23, Perry Mandera has remained active in the community, serving as a Republican Ward Committeeman for the 26th Ward in Chicago and sitting on the Board of Directors of the Walter & Connie Payton Foundation as well as the Jessie White Tumbling Team. Perry Mandera also served on the board of the Illinois Trucking Association (ITA); the ITA had previously honored Perry Mandera as one of the Top 100 American Transportation Executives of the Millennium. Under Perry Mandera’s watch, The Custom Companies, Inc. also earned public recognition, garnering the Pat Summerall Award “Champions of Industry”. The Custom Companies Inc. offers competitive rates, cutting-edge technology, and 24-hour service, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Since its inception 25 years ago, Perry Mandera has grown the company to more than 350 employees, servicing the transportation community in the LTL, truckload, local cartage and airfreight arena. The company services all points in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. In addition to the headquarters in Illinois, The Custom Companies, Inc. operates a Full Service terminal in Los Angeles, California. In 2005, Perry Mandera, at his own expense, sent 40 truckloads of food, water and other supplies to the Louisiana and Mississippi victims of Hurricane Katrina, and also provided free transportation services for the victims of Hurricane Wilma. In other philanthropic endeavors, Mr. Mandera supports Special Olympics, Rainbows charities, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and many other charitable organizations. An avid sports fan, Perry Mandera has aided several boxers, including Olympians, and has coached youth sports teams in baseball, football, and basketball.view less