Member Feature: Adam Smith, BWC Terminals
With technology transforming terminal operations and new challenges on the horizon, what will the liquid terminal industry look like in the next 5, 10, or even 20 years? Adam Smith, CEO of BWC Terminals, shares his bold vision for the future—where automation, AI, and human expertise work hand in hand to drive safety, efficiency, and growth. In this interview, Adam reflects on his own career journey, lessons in leadership, and why the next generation should be excited about the opportunities ahead. Dive in for an inspiring look at where the industry is headed.
How did you first become involved in the terminal industry? Share a bit about that journey.
My professional journey began in the military, where I developed leadership skills, discipline, and a strategic mindset—qualities that later proved invaluable in the terminal industry. In 2006, I transitioned to Kinder Morgan and was selected for their manager training program within the terminals division. Over the next 12 years, I progressed from a management trainee to Vice President of Operations, where I oversaw 36 terminals and managed a workforce of 1,200 employees.
One of the most transformative experiences during my tenure at Kinder Morgan was managing a company joint venture. This role granted me direct exposure to a board of directors and provided deep insights into the complexities of running a business independently. I was actively involved in human resources including serving as the fiduciary for the 401(k) committee—all of which broadened my understanding of executive leadership and the responsibilities that come with steering an organization.
After Kinder Morgan, I briefly explored a position in private equity in the Caribbean. While the experience was unique, it did not align with my aspirations for professional growth. Recognizing the need for a role that matched my leadership style and industry expertise, I returned to New Orleans to join Blackwater Terminals, which later merged with Contanda to become BWC Terminals.
Each stage of my career has reinforced my passion for operational excellence and strategic leadership in the terminal industry, shaping my approach to building high-performing teams and driving business success.
What is the best part of your job?
It’s interesting how my role has evolved over time. Early on, I would have said the best part of my job was working with a team to solve problems—and while that’s still true, my focus has shifted. What energizes me most now is tackling challenges, whether they’re internal company issues or obstacles faced by our customers. Problem-solving keeps me fully engaged, pushing me to think critically and drive meaningful solutions.
Beyond that, I’ve developed a deep passion for mentoring and team development. Seeing people grow—from viewing their roles as just a job to embracing them as a career—is incredibly rewarding. I love helping my team take on new challenges, knowing that stepping outside their comfort zones is where real learning and success happens.
My military background instilled leadership skills early in my career, but it was the willingness to take on new challenges that truly shaped my growth. Now, I strive to create those same opportunities for others—to empower them, help them navigate obstacles, and ensure we’re collectively addressing customer needs effectively.
At the end of the day, it’s all about creating an environment where both my team and our customers thrive—and there’s something deeply fulfilling about that.
What advice would you give to someone just beginning their career with a liquid terminal company?
The terminal industry offers incredible opportunities for those willing to put in the effort. It’s a sector that quietly powers much of the global economy, ensuring the storage and movement of bulk liquids that keep industries running. While it may not be the most high-profile field, its stability and demand make it a strong career path.
When I first started, I never imagined I would one day lead a mid-sized terminal company. But every time a challenge came up, I made a point to step forward. My mindset was simple: If a situation was already difficult, what harm could come from trying to make it better? By taking initiative, I not only gained valuable experience but also showed my team I was willing to put in the work alongside them.
Success in this industry comes down to commitment and resilience. The best way to grow is by embracing challenges—whether it’s handling late-night operational issues, troubleshooting unexpected setbacks, or stepping in when things don’t go as planned. Some of my most valuable lessons came from the nights spent at terminals, working through problems firsthand.
For anyone just starting out, my advice is simple: be proactive, be adaptable, and don’t shy away from hard work. The more you immerse yourself in the industry, the more doors will open—and before you know it, you’ll be the one leading the next generation forward.
What would you say to a young person to encourage them to pursue a future career with a liquid terminal company?
The terminal industry offers a solid, rewarding career path for those willing to put in the effort. Success here isn't just about sitting behind a desk—it’s about understanding the operations firsthand. If you aspire to lead, you need to start by learning the fundamentals at the terminal level. Want to be a CEO one day? Then you should know what it takes to hook up trucks, manage rail logistics, and troubleshoot issues on the ground. Leadership is built on credibility, and that comes from hands-on experience.
This is an industry where respect is earned through hard work and commitment. You won’t just be observing—you’ll be out in the field, working alongside teams, understanding every process that keeps things running. And even after years in leadership, I still believe in rolling up my sleeves and getting involved, even if I need a refresher on the latest tech! That willingness to do the work alongside your team is what separates good leaders from great ones.
How have you seen the industry change over the course of your career?
The industry has evolved significantly over the years, yet some fundamental principles remain constant. The core priorities—ensuring the right product is in the right container and maintaining a strong commitment to safety—haven’t changed. What has transformed, however, is how we accomplish these tasks. Advances in technology have opened up incredible opportunities, reshaping operations in ways that once seemed unimaginable.
For example, tank cleaning can now be done without requiring personnel to enter confined spaces, reducing risks dramatically. Inspections, once a manual and labor-intensive process, are now performed using unmanned vehicles and robotics, improving both efficiency and safety. The shift from manually operated terminals to automated systems has reduced the amount of manpower required while increasing precision and reliability.
Even technologies that have existed for a while, like automatic radar gauges on tanks, weren’t always widely adopted—some terminals lagged behind. But today, the industry has largely embraced automation, streamlining operations across the board. It’s been fascinating to witness these advancements firsthand, seeing how innovation continues to drive greater safety, efficiency, and adaptability in terminal operations.
Looking ahead, the pace of change will only accelerate. I’m excited to see how emerging technologies will further enhance operational effectiveness and redefine the way we work in the years to come.
How do you think the industry will continue to change over the next 5, 10, or 20 years?
One of the biggest challenges facing the industry is attracting younger talent. We need to make it clear that this field offers a dynamic and rewarding career path but achieving that will require a shift in perception. The future of liquid terminals is bright, and technology will play a central role in shaping how we operate. While the core function of our industry—moving and storing bulk liquids between supply and demand—will remain the same, the way we do it will evolve dramatically.
Automation has already transformed trucking loading operations, but there are still significant opportunities for improvement. For instance, while many logistics processes are now automated, the loading and unloading of rail cars remains largely manual. It’s a complex challenge that has yet to be fully solved, but I’m confident that advancements in robotics and engineering will eventually streamline this process. Even with automation, human oversight and expertise will remain critical to ensuring safe, efficient operations.
Artificial intelligence will also become more integrated into the industry, particularly in areas like customer service, quality control, and safety management. AI will not replace human workers, but it can significantly reduce errors—helping prevent product contamination or safety incidents by enhancing precision in operations. The ability to detect risks in real time and anticipate potential issues will be a game-changer for both efficiency and workplace safety.
Looking 10 to 20 years ahead, I see an industry that is smarter, safer, and more streamlined—where automation, AI, and advanced logistics systems work in harmony with skilled professionals to create a more resilient, adaptive workforce. The challenge will be balancing technology with human expertise that keeps everything running smoothly.
If we can successfully bridge the gap between tradition and innovation, we’ll not only strengthen the industry but also ensure that the next generation sees it as an exciting and viable career path.
What is your level of involvement with ILTA?
I've always been with companies that are part of ILTA, and right now, I'm supporting the organization mainly through our SVP of Operations, who sits on the ILTA Board. We’re also actively involved in different subcommittees, which helps BWC advocate for important issues in our industry such as Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality (HSEQ). We’re proud to be part of the ILTA organization.
What’s your favorite part of being involved with ILTA?
The key advantage of being part of an organization like ILTA is having a collective voice that represents smaller companies in policymaking, both at state and federal levels. This advocacy is crucial for addressing regulatory issues that impact the industry. Additionally, the organization provides a platform for members to share ideas, best practices, and trends, particularly through subcommittees—like the Safety Subcommittee BWC participates in. Further, ILTA’s conferences facilitate collaboration among industry professionals, promoting knowledge exchange and identifying key issues to focus on.
Do you belong to any community or civic organizations you’d like to mention?
As a former Army officer, I have always been passionate about supporting veterans, particularly those navigating the transition from military service to civilian careers. Over the years, I’ve been actively involved with several organizations dedicated to this mission.
One notable group is Combined Arms, which plays a crucial role in assisting veterans in the Houston area. I’ve had the privilege of volunteering with them and have seen firsthand the impact they make in helping service members integrate successfully into civilian life.
I’ve also begun collaborating more with NextOp, an organization focused on connecting post-military professionals with meaningful career opportunities. Their work in workforce development aligns closely with my commitment to empowering veterans.
Additionally, I support Dress for Success, particularly its subgroup dedicated to women veterans. Their mission to provide professional attire and career development resources helps veterans gain confidence as they step into new roles.
Through these organizations, I’ve been fortunate to contribute to initiatives that provide veterans with the tools and support they need to thrive. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of efforts that honor their service by helping them build fulfilling post-military careers.
Do you have any hobbies or interests you’d like to mention?
I hope this doesn’t offend anyone, but I refuse to go to movie theaters. However, I absolutely love live theater. My wife and I have season tickets for the Houston Broadway Theatre. We also support TUTS (Theatre Under the Stars), a non-profit home for musical theater that educates the community, especially children and those with disabilities, to get involved in the musical arts.