Member Feature: Ronnie Odom, Corporate Security Manager, Ergon Inc.
Ronnie Odom is the newly named co-chair of ILTA’s Security Subcommittee. A retired law enforcement officer for over 25 years before joining Ergon Inc., Ronnie’s role is to ensure that asset and personnel security are top priorities for his company.
We recently had the opportunity to interview Ronnie about his career and engagement with ILTA, learning how his professional life has inspired his personal life and vice versa.
How did you first become involved in the terminal industry?
After retiring from a career in law enforcement, I worked in the telecommunications sector as a Safety and Security Manager. While there I became acquainted with Ergon Inc.’s Corporate Security team and learned more about their company and industry through various professional engagements. When Ergon posted a vacancy for a Senior Security Specialist, I applied, and the rest is history. Two years later I am the Corporate Security Manager at Ergon.
What is the best part of your job?
It is hard to pinpoint a single aspect of my job that I consider the best. I genuinely enjoy the many opportunities to engage at all levels of our organization—from building relationships through various initiatives to developing policies and training, as well as overseeing incident investigations and security compliance. Seldom are two days alike, and I appreciate the variety. Although the workload can be demanding at times, I genuinely enjoy the travel involved in visiting our facilities across the country. I’m particularly fond of the historic river towns where many of these facilities are located, as they play a crucial role in our country’s inland waterway transportation system. These locations are rich in history, each with unique stories that collectively highlight the remarkable diversity and greatness of our nation.
What advice would you offer to someone just starting out with a liquid terminal company?
Learn something from everyone you meet; seek opportunities to engage with experienced individuals while also valuing the perspectives of those new to the industry. Both groups offer valuable lessons. Those who can effectively bridge the gaps in generational knowledge will have the greatest impact on the current and future success of terminal companies.
What would you say to a young person to encourage them to pursue a future career with a liquid terminal company?
Our industry offers opportunities for everyone, including some of the most technically challenging work you can find. My son Jacob, a chemical engineering student at Mississippi State University, thinks it is pretty cool that our CEO, Kris Patrik, started out as an Ergon “Chem E” Co-Op many years ago. There are many stories like Kris’ within our industry that can inspire the next generation of employees.
Beyond the numerous opportunities to showcase your skills and talents, you would be hard-pressed to find a more genuine group of people. Those who drive the day-to-day missions in our industry are exceptionally capable, often with calluses on their hands and a suit coat hanging on the back of their office door. They thrive in both the dirt and grime of the field and the polished environment of the boardroom. An atmosphere that combines a blue-collar work ethic with a white-collar capacity is truly a special place to work.
How have you seen the industry change over the course of your career?
This is a fast-moving environment. From identifying and implementing the next best practice solutions to adapting to recent or impending regulatory requirements, very few things remain static. In this industry, no one can stay competitive by being content with the status quo. You will seldom hear, “that’s the way we’ve always done it.”
How do you think the industry will continue to change over the next 5, 10, or 20 years?
Sustainability has become a key topic in our conversations and is a practice I believe will shape many future engagements. From my perspective, we need to balance our ability to identify opportunities for improvement in sustainability with empowering our teams to explore new frontiers in resources and work practices. While it is important to understand how we achieved success in the past, it is even more crucial to look ahead and determine how we will succeed in the future.
What is your level of involvement with ILTA?
I recently took on the role of co-chair of ILTA's Security Subcommittee. Having been involved with the committee since joining Ergon, I am grateful for the opportunity to engage with and serve our members in this capacity. The activities of the ILTA subcommittees provide meaningful engagement and advocacy opportunities for professionals across our various fields. Each member and member company contributes valuable insights to help shape the future of terminal companies. As the saying goes, “the best way to predict the future is to create it,” and the EGHSS Committee gives us another platform to do just that.
What’s your favorite part of being involved with ILTA?
Several things come to mind. On the first night of my first ILTA function, I was introduced to a group of members heading to dinner. I tagged along as if I belonged—and, in fact, I was treated like I belonged. As the saying goes, people may forget what you said or did, but they will never forget how you made them feel. I will always remember that first event and how those ILTA members I had not met before made me feel welcome. I encourage all members to be equally inviting to those you meet along the way.
Everyone has a story, and our members are more than willing to share theirs. Each story serves as a stepping stone on our path forward, making our individual journeys a little less treacherous. I actively seek out and collect these stories, hoping that somewhere along the way, I can share one that adds value to someone else’s journey.
Lastly, it is crucial for those in our industry to stay “plugged in” to a community of like practitioners. Networking, educational opportunities, career development, and industry advocacy are just a few of the benefits that come from engaging with purpose and diligence.
Do you belong to any community or civic organizations you’d like to mention?
Not so much at present. In years past, I was heavily involved in the Fraternal Order of Police and the Police Benevolent Association. I have served as a volunteer team leader with our church security team and was honored to be trained and certified for many years with the Law Enforcement Alliance Peer Support (LEAPS), a free peer support group for law enforcement officers dealing with an officer-involved shooting, relationship struggles, spiritual challenges, and other high-stress events. More recently I take full advantage of time away from work to be with family. At the risk of sounding stingy with my time, I am not hesitant to say that I spent 25 years of my adult life looking out for other families, and I genuinely want to make sure I have spent as much or more time looking out for my family going forward.
Do you have any hobbies or interests you’d like to mention?
I’m an outdoorsy guy who loves fishing, kayaking, hunting, or simply hitting the road with my family. We are a road trip-loving bunch, enjoying long drives to places like New York, Key West, and the Grand Canyon, just to name a few. Modest hotels, snack hoarding at Love’s Truck Stops, and burgers on the road prove that a great road trip does not have to be expensive. Whether it’s kayaking in the crystal-clear waters of Florida, riding the Cog at Pike’s Peak, hiking in Zion National Park, riding dune buggies in the desert, or taking a ferry to Liberty Island, these are experiences, not just destinations. I believe it is important to show the next generation how small their daily world is in comparison to everything that surrounds them.
Anything additional you'd like to add?
We get out of organizations like ILTA what we put in. If we all chip in even just a little, that little suddenly becomes something immense. So, chip in—you will not regret it. If you have not attended an in-person ILTA event, seriously consider making plans to do so soon. Whether you are a regular or a “newbie,” offer a smile and a handshake to those you meet. You never know whose story may benefit your personally or profession.