Our Story: The History of R&S Logistics

A History of R&S Logistics

Rooted in Service and Stewardship

1992–2001: From a quick-lube shop to our first 20,000-sq-ft Loudon warehouse.

We didn’t start out trying to build a logistics company.
Back in the early nineties, it was just a quick-lube shop for commercial trucks and a few folks willing to work hard. We stored some overflow material for Kimberly-Clark and learned pretty quickly that if you take care of people and say yes when others say no, doors open.

By 2001, we bought our first warehouse in Loudon, Tennessee — 20,000 square feet that would change everything. What began as a side operation turned into the foundation for something much bigger. When a customer needed help moving product, we figured out how to do it. No fancy systems. Just grit, a few trucks, and the willingness to show up.

The Early Days: Learning by Doing

2001–2005: Early contracts and 24-hour operations tested our grit and built our reputation.

Our first big break came with a manufacturer that needed rail service. Their numbers were off — by about 300%. We thought we were running an eight-to-five operation, but that week turned into a twenty-four-hour scramble. We didn’t have enough trucks or trailers, but the team pulled together and never let the line stop.

Two hundred employees kept their paychecks that week, and we earned a reputation for never letting a customer down. That moment defined who we are. From then on, R&S wasn’t just about trucks and warehouses. It was about partnership, stewardship, and doing what’s right — even when it costs more or takes longer.

Growing Through Challenge

2006–2015: Expansion into brokerage, trucking, and new industries across East Tennessee.

Over the next decade, we expanded from one small warehouse to multiple sites across East Tennessee. We added brokerage and asset-based trucking, and stepped into new industries — food, supplements, automotive, and chemical.

Each new venture taught us something. Some lessons came easy, others didn’t. We overhauled our warehouse management system four times to keep up with technology. It wasn’t about being perfect — it was about improving, staying adaptable, and caring enough to fix what wasn’t working.

Passing the Baton

2011–2017: Leadership transition from founder David Schmid to Joe Michalik and a new era of growth.

As the company grew, our founder, David Schmid, realized he’d need the right kind of leadership to take R&S further. That’s when Joe Michalik stepped in — a Knoxville native with a business background, a steady hand, and the same heart for people.

Joe brought discipline and strategy but never lost the spirit that got us here. He still jumps in to offload a truck, pick an order, or clean a warehouse when it needs doing. Around here, no one’s above the work. That attitude keeps us grounded — it’s our way of leading by example.

Our Culture: Showing Up When It Counts

2017–2020: Building a team culture rooted in ownership, accountability, and partnership.

We’ve built a team that believes in ownership and accountability. Mistakes aren’t hidden or blamed away — they’re fixed. When we damage something, we make it right, even if it costs us.

There was a time we damaged a drum of chemicals. We didn’t just admit it; we reimbursed the customer and paid for expedited shipping so their end client wouldn’t feel the hit. That honesty earned more trust than any marketing pitch ever could.

At R&S, you’ll find folks who started sweeping floors and now lead departments. We don’t overlook people; we grow them. That’s how we’ve built leaders like Garrett in onboarding and insurance, or Aaron, who began picking orders and now handles finance. Everyone here knows the company’s success is something we build together.

Why Knoxville Matters

2020–2022: Knoxville becomes our strategic hub with over 2 million sq ft of operational space.

Our home base in Knoxville isn’t just convenient — it’s strategic. Sitting at the crossroads of I-40, I-75, and I-81, we can reach about 80% of the U.S. population within two days. We’ve even supported FEMA during national emergencies, delivering generators and supplies into storm zones when others couldn’t.

That kind of reliability comes from being rooted here — steady, central, and built to move when it matters most.

Looking Ahead

2023–2026 and Beyond: Expanding our footprint, investing in people, and partnering with the University of Tennessee.

We’ve come a long way from a single warehouse, but our vision is still simple: to keep getting better for the people who count on us. Over the next 15 years, we plan to double our footprint while holding tight to the values that built us — stewardship, partnership, and integrity.

In 2026, we’ll be opening our doors to University of Tennessee supply-chain students for a hands-on learning program inside our facilities. It’s a chance to invest in the next generation, pass on what we’ve learned, and stay sharp as the industry keeps changing.

Because that’s the heart of R&S — we’re lifelong learners, caretakers of what’s been entrusted to us, and partners who do what we say we’ll do.

Why Customers Choose R&S Logistics

For our clients, it’s not just about warehouse space or truck capacity. It’s about trust. We show up — even at midnight on Christmas Eve if that’s what it takes. We own our mistakes, learn fast, and serve with integrity.

That’s what’s kept us growing for more than two decades. And that’s what will keep us moving supply chains forward — one truck, one partnership, and one good decision at a time.

Local Commerce & Community Partnerships

As a Tennessee-based logistics company, R&S Logistics maintains active relationships with Chambers of Commerce across Knoxville, Loudon County, Morristown, and other regions, ensuring strong local engagement and community support.

Industry Affiliations & Associations

R&S Logistics is proud to be affiliated with leading national and regional organizations that promote logistics excellence, industry safety, and professional standards.
Our partnerships with groups such as the Southeastern Warehouse Association, Biomass Thermal Energy Council, and Corporate Chaplains of America reflect our commitment to quality, sustainability, and people-first values.

Professional Memberships & Trade Organizations

We are proud members of recognized trade associations such as CSCMP, IWLA, and the Tennessee Manufacturers Association, supporting ongoing education, compliance, and innovation in warehouse operations.

4PL & Logistics Partnerships

We collaborate with some of the most trusted 4PL brokers and logistics leaders in the U.S., including TQL, C.H. Robinson, and Flexe.
These partnerships allow us to deliver reliable, scalable warehouse and fulfillment solutions nationwide.