CFCC Alum Shows Students a Path to Logistics Careers

Before stepping into his current role as Head of HR & Talent Acquisition at Summit Logistics Group, Garrett Parker was chasing something completely different.

After starting at Cape Fear Community College, he transferred to the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

Garrett began working at Eagle Point Golf Club in Wilmington, starting as a caddie. Over time, he worked his way into a leadership role.

“I started Eagle Point as a caddie on the weekends. After a couple of years, I worked my way into a management position. I worked a total of 16 years there.”

A New Opportunity in Texas

He later moved to Texas and took a role with CADDIEMASTER® and helped launch a new operation at PGA Frisco. There, he helped build a caddie program and eventually oversaw hundreds of caddies across multiple courses. The experience further strengthened his ability to lead teams, manage operations, and communicate effectively in a fast-paced environment.

It was a major role, but life outside of work was changing, too.

“After my wife and I had our second child, we knew we had to get closer to family,” he said. “We didn’t really know what we were going to do for jobs, but we knew we wanted to be back.”

Entering a New Industry

Garrett and his family returned to Wilmington, a decision that led him into a completely new industry.

He joined Summit Logistics Group as an account executive. Within a few months, he stepped into marketing and events and soon after transitioned to his current role leading HR and talent acquisition.

Based in Wilmington, Summit Logistics Group works with businesses across North America to move freight, everything from local shipments to large-scale logistics operations.

“Think about how many things ship in a single day,” Garrett said. “It’s everything, everywhere. There’s always movement.”

What Sets Summit Apart

Garrett says what sets Summit apart is how they treat both customers and employees.

“We treat every customer like they’re the only one,” he shared. “Customer service to us means consistent communication. We keep eyes on shipments 24/7 and make sure our customers always know what’s happening.”

That same focus shows up inside the company.

“The energy in our office is huge,” he said. “It’s competitive, it’s team-driven, but it’s fun. We want people to enjoy being there.”

As the company continues to grow, so does the need for people who want to be part of it.

“We’re hiring,” Garrett said. “We’re looking for people who want to compete, who want to help build what we’re creating and continue to grow with us.”

Back Where It All Started

After running into the student president of CFCC’s Business Technologies Club, Garrett returned to campus as a guest speaker, sharing his story and discussing career paths in logistics and opportunities at Summit.

For Garrett, it was a full-circle moment connecting with students who are where he once was, still figuring things out and exploring what comes next.

“Growth doesn’t happen in comfort; it happens in the struggle, in the chaos that pushes you beyond what you thought possible,” Garrett said. “Pursue your goals with everything you’ve got, never settle, and remember: the sky isn’t the limit, there’s an entire universe out there for you to reach.”

Learn more about career opportunities at Summit Logistics Group.