Executive Summary
This executive summary highlights the knowledge, skills, and achievements I gained while pursuing my Bachelor of Business Administration with a general concentration at American Military University. It is designed as part of my E-Portfolio to showcase the learning outcomes of the BBA program and my personal reflections on growth and development.
I chose the BBA program to build on my existing experience in operations and sales and to strengthen my understanding of the corporate side of the marine industry. The curriculum provided a well-rounded foundation in leadership, management, finance, marketing, communications, strategic planning, and ethics. Combined with my extensive professional experience, these courses have made me a more versatile and effective leader.
I am particularly proud of completing 48 credit hours in just 17 months. I carefully planned my path, met every milestone, and balanced my academic work with demanding professional responsibilities, including a mid-program role change. This accomplishment reinforced my discipline, time management, and commitment to continuous improvement.
Throughout the program, I applied my experience to real-world business scenarios, developing stronger analytical and decision-making skills. The coursework deepened my understanding of crisis management, long-term strategy, and ethical leadership.
Overall, the BBA program at American Military University has exceeded my expectations for both professional and personal development. It has strengthened my analytical, communication, and leadership skills and provided a solid foundation for my continued educational and career journey.
Cover Letter
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to you to express my interest in the Sales Director position with your company. I have an established background with over 20 years in the marine industry. My background spans from time in the field acting as captain onboard vessels, operations management and risk mitigation, to sales and customer relationship management. The unique combination of hands on experience, operational leadership and commercial acumen position me to be a strong addition to your company.
My entire career has been within the maritime industry, and I have had the unique opportunity to work from the deck level up to the corporate level. This hands-on progression has given me a comprehensive understanding of most aspects of the marine transportation business and gives me a distinct advantage when faced with complex issues and difficult decision making. I am able to function seamlessly, matching operational capabilities with customer needs. My firsthand operational experience allows me to understand customer requirements and provide them with a realistic expectation of service. I have demonstrated the ability to gain the trust of the customers through knowledge and experience without overpromising and underdelivering.
I am driven by continued sustainable growth for both myself and the company. I look forward to bringing my decades of experience and industry connections to your company and continuing that growth and success together.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you further regarding this opportunity.
Sincerely,
JW Holt
Professional Resume
A comprehensive overview of 22 years of maritime and leadership experience, including recent roles and responsibilities.
Campbell Transportation, Houston, Texas
Manager of Sales, June 2024–Present
Manage strategic long-term relationships with major oil companies developing long term partnerships to meet customers’ marine transportation needs.
Negotiate long-term agreements and spot contracts, maximizing utilization of assets and maximizing profitability.
Develop relationships with new customers and increase company’s footprint in liquid transportation space.
Work as a direct liaison between customer, operations and executive leadership to ensure premium customer service, and meet the needs of the customer.
Analyze and evaluate market rates and forecast future demand needs.
Experience
Kirby Inland Marine, Houston, Texas
Port Captain, April 2016–June 2024
Managed the direct operations for a fleet of up to 15 vessels daily, overseeing up to 100 direct reports.
Conducted incident response and root cause investigations, create corrective actions and drive procedural improvements for safe operations.
Ensured smooth operation between vessel, sales and customer ensuring task are completed safely and efficiently.
Ensured regulatory compliance for USCG, ABS and customers.
Developed and implemented Safety Action Plan and maintained strong focus on all aspects of incident reduction.
Edison Chouest Offshore, Cut Off, Louisiana
Captain/OICNW, October 2012–March 2016
Responsible for operation of dynamic position supply vessels and anchor handling vessels up to 312’ in support of deepwater drilling operations.
Transferred cargo and oil-based petroleum products i.e. (liquid mud, base oil, fuel) as well as dry bulk products.
Ensured vessel compliance with all USCG, ABS and IMO regulations.
Experience with diesel electric Z-Drive, conventional shaft, Controlled Pitch Propulsion and Voith Schneider Drives.
Iberia Marine Services, New Iberia, Louisiana
Captain/OICNW, January 2011–October 2012
Responsible for safe operations and navigation of M/V Lady Eve, 175’ Fast Supply vessel.
Transported crew and supplies to offshore platforms.
Ensured vessel kept in compliance with all USCG regulations.
US Coast Guard
Enlisted, July 2005–January 2011
Boatswain Mate 3rd Class. Certified search and rescue Coxswain on multiple platforms.
Responsible for safe operation and navigation of vessels, completion of all assigned missions and preservation of life and property.
Boarding officer conducting Maritime law enforcement.
Training and development of new personnel.
Successful completion of over 300 maritime law enforcement and search and rescue missions.
Support and supervision of cleanup efforts from the Deepwater Horizon spill.
Function through the emergency response phase working under the ICS structure.
Responsible for planning daily job tasks for crews of more than 200 people and 35 vessels who were successful in the protection and cleaning of 400 square miles of marsh.
Implementation of environmental remediation plans.
Junior Marine Officer. Gained foundational knowledge in navigation, maritime law, and vessel operations during early career development.
American Military University, Charles Town, WV
Bachelor of Business Administration, Expected Graduation: December 2026
San Jacinto Community College, Houston, Texas
Associate of Applied Science, Maritime Technology 2021
For official transcripts and verification of academic records, please contact the APUS Registrar directly.
Maritime Endorsements
USCG Mariner #2887231, 1600 Master Near Coastal, 6000 ITC OSV Master, Master of Towing Vessels, Unlimited Radar Observer, ARPA Radar, ECDIS, VSO, GMDSS, Radio Operator, All applicable STCW Courses. Advanced Dynamic Position Operator.
+1 (800) 555-0199
Professional References
Complete contact information and formal letters of recommendation are available upon request to verify my leadership and operational expertise.
Expert Recommender Groups
Maritime Industry Leaders, Executive Management Partners, and Academic Mentors
Available Upon Request
Transcripts (Personal Information Removed)
Official transcripts are available upon request with personal information removed for privacy. For verification or transcript requests, please contact the APUS Registrar.
APUS Registrar, American Public University System, 111 W. Congress Street, Charles Town, WV 25414
registrar@apus.edu
+1 (877) 755-2787