Rob Parrish

Rob Parrish, Charleston, SC

Overview

Rob Parrish is a Charleston, South Carolina resident with a seasonal residence in Castine, Maine. He is a prominent logistics executive, United States Marine Corps veteran, passionate sailor, accomplished skier, avid art collector, and engaged civic contributor. 

As the founder and president of FGN Global Logistics, Inc., Rob leads a top-tier third-party logistics firm specializing in international bulk liquid shipping. His military service, competitive sailing, skiing expertise, art collection, civic involvement, and deep Philadelphia family roots, combined with a diverse educational background, define his multifaceted profile.

Founder and President of FGN Global Logistics

In 2012 Rob Parrish founded FGN Global Logistics, Inc., in Charleston, SC, establishing it as a leading third-party logistics provider for international bulk liquid shipping. As president, he oversees operations serving major multinational corporations, leveraging advanced logistics management software to optimize flexitank and ISO tank shipping and fleet management. 

Rob’s strategic leadership has expanded FGN’s global footprint, delivering efficient, cost-effective solutions for hazardous and non-hazardous liquids. During the COVID-19 pandemic, FGN adapted seamlessly, meeting ambitious goals and delivering a strong financial performance. FGN is presently investing heavily in domestic and international expansion, supported by its new state-of-the-art, AI enabled Transportation 

Management platform. 

Corporate Logistics Career

With over three decades in logistics, Rob’s career includes senior corporate leadership roles at Fritz Companies, Inc., DHL International, and BDP International. His experience at these leading international freight forwarding, as well as two previous successful startups, culminated in the founding of FGN, where he continues to innovate in bulk liquid logistics space.

Military Service: USMC Logistics Officer

From 1983 to 1988, Rob rose from the rank of private to captain in the United States Marine Corps, ultimately specializing as a logistics officer. Most of his service was with Second Battalion, Twelfth Marines where, from its home base in Okinawa, he helped provide logistics support to forward-deployed artillery batteries throughout Southeast Asia. 

Education

Rob’s academic background includes:

St. Mark’s School, Southborough, MA, where he studied for four years and excelled on the football field.

University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, contributing to his foundational knowledge.

University of Denver, Denver, CO, where he majored in history and minored in international relations, both subjects that he continues to be interested in to this day.

London Business School, London, UK, where he earned an MSc in Business (1995–1996), enhancing his understanding of core business principles.

Family and Upbringing

Rob was born to parents from the Sellers and Parrish families of Philadelphia, both families having long and notable histories in that city. The Sellers family has deep roots in Philadelphia’s industrial, artistic, and civic spheres, while the Parrish family is known for their prominence in the Quaker community and their contributions to philanthropy, medicine, education (founding Swarthmore College), and social reform (leading abolitionists and involvement in Indian affairs).

Rob grew up in New Hampshire and Maine, fostering his lifelong connection to New England’s maritime and outdoor culture.

Interest in Classic Wooden Sailboats

Rob is a passionate sailor dedicated to classic wooden sailboats and racing them in Classic Yacht Owners Association (CYOA) events in Maine. He owns Celia, a 40’ racing sloop designed by Sparkman & Stephens and built by John Trumpy & Sons in Annapolis, MD, in 1950. Rob purchased and oversaw the restoration of Celia by Artisan Boatworks in Rockport, ME. She races in the CYOA Vintage Class where she has won and placed in several races, including two firsts in singlehanded competitions.

Art Collection  

Rob is a collector of paintings and etchings by Stephen Parrish, a cousin, notable 19th-century artist, and father of Maxfield Parrish, as well as works by other painters of the same era. Being a descendant of Charles Willson Peale, his collection also includes several pieces by three generations of Peale family painters. His collection reflects a deep appreciation for the artistic heritage of his family and the aesthetic of 19th century American painting. 

Skiing 

Rob is an accomplished skier who has skied extensively throughout North America and Europe. His expertise on diverse terrains and resorts highlights his adventurous spirit and love of the winter sport. Rob competed on the Coors semi-pro racing tour in Colorado in 1982 and in various other amateur alpine skiing competitions in his formative years and throughout adulthood. 

Civic and Charitable Involvement  

Rob is a member of the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati, a notable historical and patriotic association dedicated to preserving the memory of the American Revolution. He is also a contributor to the Semper Fi Fund, a leading veteran’s charitable organization that provides financial and emotional support to wounded, ill, and injured service members and their families.

Additional Notes  

Rob splits his time between Charleston, SC, where FGN Global Logistics is headquartered, and Castine, ME, home of Maine Maritime Academy and near where his parents lived for many years. His Charleston residence ties him to the local business and maritime communities, as does Castine. 

Rob has lived in six countries in Europe, North America, and Asia over the course of his career and, at last count, has visited one hundred and fourteen. He continues to be interested in international relations and diverse cultures and is an avid reader on a broad array of subjects. He is a classical music lover and attends the Huguenot Church in Charleston. 

This information was compiled by Grok AI.