Crown Worldwide Moving & Storage in California announced recently that its Board of Directors has appointed Salvatore (Tori) Ferrante as President and Chief Executive Officer effective immediately. Bob Bowen, Crown’s CEO for over nine years, will be assuming the role of Chairman of the Board and Tom Doyle, one of Crown’s original investors, will be retiring from that position.
Tori joined Crown in 1985 as a corporate sales executive after working for several years for Commercial Business Establishments (CBE) in Saudi Arabia. His international moving experience and sales acumen won him the role of president of the international division when Bob Bowen assumed the role of CEO in 2008. Tori’s contributions include spearheading Crown’s move-management software integration, instrumental in Crown’s merger with Armstrong Relocation’s family of companies all while maintaining an enviable sales record. He currently functions as the head of the international division for Crown and Armstrong. A strong voice in his industry, Tori is presently president of the U.S. Section of FIDI and a Director of OMNI. Tori is also very active in the ERC and other industry associations.
“It has been inspiring to watch Tori grow over the years both as a leader in our company and in our international associations where he is well respected by his peers,” said Bob Bowen. “Tori has proven to be even keeled, making decisions based on gathering all the facts and placing emphasis on providing quality to our customers and training for our employees. I am confident Tori will take on his new role, focused on the growth and success of Crown, with the same enthusiasm and professionalism which he has displayed for the last 31 years.”
“We didn’t even own a truck, just a lease to a warehouse in San Francisco,” said Bob Bowen when asked what the company was like when he joined. Bob was one of the early investors in Crown. At the time he was still working for Del Monte where he had cut his teeth in the transportation industry. U.S. military service pulled him away for a while, but upon his return to civilian life he joined Crown full time. He ran the international division for 30 years before becoming CEO in 2008. During that time he served on the OMNI (Overseas Moving Network International) board and in 1994 founded OSA (Overseas Shippers Association) a non-profit organization dedicated to helping its 200 members negotiate effectively with the global ocean carriers to move household goods and related commodities. As CEO Bob expanded the company to Sacramento, CA and relocated its operation in Los Angeles, CA to a state of the art facility in 2013, and revenue grew from approximately $20M in 2009 to $30M in 2016. In assuming the role of Chairman, Bob will focus on training, quality, cost containment, process improvement and supporting Tori as he grows into his new role. He also plans to remain an active member of the industry he loves by continuing to serve as director and member of the executive board of OSA.
Tom Doyle has been a calm leader for Crown in a tumultuous industry. In 1960, after achieving the rank of 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, he began a career in the moving and storage business that now spans over five decades. In 1972, when Crown was founded by Bob Menne, Tom was an initial investor. Originally charged with building a sales team for both household goods and office moving business, his leadership and resourcefulness were rewarded when he was promoted to President of the Domestic Division in 1973. While working for Crown Tom also served on the Unigroup board for six years. It was during this time that United Van Lines purchased Mayflower Transit and Van Liner Insurance Company. When Bob Menne decided to retire in 1999 it was clear to the board of directors that Tom should take over his role as Chairman. The role that Tom now proudly passes to Bob Bowen. Tom will remain on the Crown board of directors, but his retirement will give him more time to spend with his wife Pat, their four children and three grandchildren.
“Crown represents 45 years of my life,” said Tom. “Being part of a startup was challenging and its growth has been exciting. I am proud of Crown and know that the company will grow and prosper under this new management structure.”