Jim L. Shephard – President

Shephard's Industrial Training Systems, Inc.

1984 Career Move:

First and Foremost:

I am passionate regarding training and sharing information with people. It is gratifying to watch people’s enthusiasm as they begin to comprehend the information taught. Teammates recognizing and appreciating that someone cares about their safety and is there to help them is my greatest reward.

Military:

Four (4) year tour of duty in the United States Navy – Vietnam Veteran

Early career:

Real Estate Brokers License in Arkansas and MissouriOwned and operated a John Deere Dealership

1981 Material Handling Industry:

Sales Representative for a Caterpillar Dealership in their Powered Industrial Truck Division. In 1982, for his success and accomplishments, was recognized by Caterpillar Tractor and featured in Caterpillar’s worldwide Dealer magazine for sales efforts, marketing strategies, and strong values toward customer service.
Regional Manager for Long Reach and Rol-Lift Manufacturing Companies, a subsidiary of Anderson Clayton Company (a manufacturer of special material handling attachments for heavy equipment). Provided consulting service to 250 plus dealers, assisting in obtaining special material handling equipment that would increase productivity and improve safety for the clients.

1986:

Founded Shephard’s Industrial Training Systems, Inc., which became one of the first, if not the first, consulting company to focus its resources on developing and implementing customized equipment operator training programs for industries. The company’s efforts provide what has become known today as “Site, Equipment, and Task Specific Operator Training and Certification Programs”.
Recognized by many of the leading industrial publications for our customized equipment training material development and implementation process.

1991 – OSHA:

After being approached by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to discuss our customized training system, I was invited by OSHA in Washington, D.C. to assist in rewriting the Powered Industrial Truck Operator Training Standards for General Industries. This task was completed in 1998, and the new regulations were signed into law. Was then selected by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to assist in developing and implementing an Out-Reach Program, named Powered Industrial Truck Operator Training (PITOT). With a representative from OSHA, a litigation attorney from Texas, and an editor of an industry magazine, we traveled to various locations across the country making presentations to companies on how the new Training Rule would impact their Powered Industrial Truck Operations.
Jim's article in Material Handling and Logistics Magazine detailing the effects of developing new work practices and better safe job procedures can have on companies, employees, and the global supply chain.

Accident Investigations:

Recognized as an Expert in the material handling field, having conducts all types of industry equipment incident investigations.

Expert:

An Expert on the Advisory Board of Material Handling and Logistics Magazine - answering tough and relevant questions on technology, global supply chain, logistics providers, transportation and talent. Also, a Webinar Presenter on various topics for the Magazine.

Guest Speaker at:

  • National Safety Council, New Orleans, LA
  • International Industrial Expo, Detroit, MI
  • Pro-Mat Industrial Material Handling Expo, Chicago, IL
  • International Intermodal Expo, Atlanta, GA
  • Association of American Railroads, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
  • North American Material Handling Show
  • Penton Publishing
  • Member of Material Handling & Logistics Editorial Advisory Board
  • And more...