Michael Whalen
About Michael Whalen
Michael Whalen serves as the Logistics Operations Director at Cascades, overseeing logistics operations in the United States and parts of Canada. With a diverse background in logistics and management, he previously held leadership roles at Restoration Hardware and other companies, emphasizing ethics, hard work, and teamwork.
Current Role at Cascades
Michael Whalen serves as the Logistics Operations Director at Cascades, a position he has held since 2018. He operates from Niagara Falls, New York, where he oversees logistics operations across both the United States and select Canadian locations. His role involves engaging in key business partnerships that span production, manufacturing, distribution, warehousing, customer delivery, and corporate offices. Whalen focuses on providing creative solutions aimed at improving efficiency and reducing costs in a fast-paced, metrics-driven environment.
Previous Experience at Restoration Hardware
Before joining Cascades, Michael Whalen worked at Restoration Hardware for five years, from 2013 to 2018. His roles included Senior Regional Leader for the North East USA and Canada, where he worked for two years, and Regional Manager in the Baltimore, Maryland area for nine months. Additionally, he served as Network Manager for OS&D at the Baltimore Distribution Center during this period. His extensive experience at Restoration Hardware contributed to his expertise in logistics and operations.
Career Background in Logistics and Management
Michael Whalen has a diverse background in logistics and management, having held various positions prior to his current role. He worked at McLane Company, Inc. as a Manager Trainer from 2004 to 2006 and at Giant Food as Warehouse Manager from 2004 to 2012. He also served as Home Delivery Leader at Room & Board for ten months in 2012-2013. Earlier in his career, he worked at Super Value Foods in multiple roles, including Receiving Manager and Shipping HR, from 1995 to 2004.
Education and Academic Background
Michael Whalen studied at North Carolina State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Business Administration and Management. His academic background has provided him with a solid foundation in business principles, which he applies in his professional roles within logistics and operations.
Values and Leadership Philosophy
Michael Whalen emphasizes the importance of ethics, hard work, and camaraderie as essential components for achieving over-performance within his team. His leadership philosophy focuses on fostering a collaborative environment that encourages team members to excel and contribute to the overall success of the organization.