About Us

Hybrid History

Hybrid Transit Systems, Inc. was founded by four transportation veterans who shared the same vision of providing a consistent, dependable, and enjoyable shipping experience.  Since launching in 2005, they have worked tirelessly to build one of Eastern Iowa’s fastest growing companies and position Hybrid as a global service company.

Their long-established customers, some of the largest manufacturers and processors in the world, have helped Hybrid develop a strict set of operating procedures and protocols that serve as the rock-solid foundation upon which the company thrives.  As market demands evolved and technology continued to develop at an incredible pace, Hybrid committed to an in-house safety and compliance department; doing so provides structure and sanity in a world where risk is ever increasing and carrier qualification becomes more and more significant.

In November 2008, Hybrid launched its Air Freight division and to this day provides extremely cost-competitive air and expedited options to small, medium, and large customers – on a worldwide level.  Blending the knowledge of an experienced air freight staff with their standard operating procedures; Hybrid Air Freight has experienced a tremendous amount of success in a highly demanding sector.
Hybrid continues to strengthen its commitments to both shippers and carriers, constantly seeking a better way to do things.  In a world focused almost exclusively on the transaction, Hybrid will continue to focus on ways to improve the overall customer experience.

Hybrid Transit Management Team

Robert Helgens, President - As a founding partner, Mr. Helgens has passionately levered his industry experience since 1982 in guiding the company’s strategic vision.  Providing daily leadership to his executive team and a nurturing hand for all Hybrid employees has facilitated the company’s incredible maturation.  Prior to Hybrid, Mr. Helgens served in a variety of sales and account management positions, as well as in senior leadership roles for regional- and national-based transportation companies, including CRST International, RFK Transportation, Cedar Rapids Transportation, and Providence Transportation Group.

John Miller, Vice President, Marketing – As a founding partner, Mr. Miller, in the transportation industry since 1982, is responsible for the advancement and implementation of strategic company initiatives as it relates to shipping partners, program and product delivery, and organizational development.  Mr. Miller has extensive experience in sales, marketing, and operations at a variety of mid- and senior management levels, spread across small, medium, and large organizations such as Providence Transportation Group, KAT Refrigerated, and CRST International, respectively.

Gerald Moore, Vice President, Operations – As a founding partner, Mr. Moore applies hands-on operational experience to the organization on a daily basis, helping guide the development of carrier qualification and development, review and enhancement of standard operating procedure, and functional guidance tied to key operating system design and enhancement.  Since 1990, Mr. Moore has held a variety of field-based and management roles, including route driver, warehouse and fleet management, LTL sales, on-site acquisition and transition of O/O operations, and strategic account acquisition.

Brian Helgens, Vice President, Administration – As a founding partner, Mr. Helgens has 20 years of experience in the aviation industry, both in a military and civilian capacity prior to Hybrid.  As a former US Air Force F-16 Crew Chief with a tour in the Gulf War, Mr. Helgens is responsible for corporate operations, including accounting, legal, HR, and IT infrastructures.  Mr. Helgens has held executive management positions in various civilian aviation companies, overseeing quality assurance, warehousing, repair admin, purchasing and program management specializing in structural components and aircraft projects.  He has directed a multitude of international and domestic aircraft dismantlements, giving him global expertise in key aviation markets.

Ian Lamphier, Compliance Manager, Safety & Risk - Mr. Lamphier, starting his career in 1971, is responsible for the management of Hybrid’s Safety and Risk programs, including carrier qualification, overall risk assessment, insurance and authority analysis, and program integration.  Mr. Lamphier has served as President for both Cedar Rapids Transit and CR Logistics, and held a variety of management positions during his lengthy career at CRST (Regional Sales Manager, Operations Director, Director of Safety and Driver Training, General Manager, and Vice President of Regional Flatbed Divisions).

Mike Ling, Controller – Mr. Ling is primarily responsible for internal financial reporting, business auditing and balance sheet management.  In addition, Mr. Ling provides leadership for the Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable teams as well as directing all activities related to internal payroll calculation and processing.  With 10+ years professional experience, Mr. Ling plays a critical role on the management team as he ensures that solid foundational and structural financial controls are developed, implemented, and managed appropriately.

Cherie Wilson-White, Process Improvement/Human Resources Manager - Ms. Wilson-White is responsible for recruitment, training, and providing process improvement.  She coordinates employee compensation, hiring, performance management, organizational development, process implementation, wellness, employee motivation, communication, administration and training.  Ms. Wilson-White comes to Hybrid with 20 years of manufacturing experience, and brings considerable expertise in sales, human resources, management and process improvement.

Stephen Kossayian, Air Freight Manager - Mr. Kossayian is responsible for managing freight forwarding activities as well as expedited and time definite shipments.  He is the key coordinator for cost effective utilization and management of multi-modal shipments on a project basis and serves a lead role for Hybrid’s AOG (Aircraft on Ground) strategy both domestic and international.  Mr. Kossayian has served in the logistics industry for over 30 years, and brings significant expertise in operations, sales, and corporate administration from several modes of domestic and international transportation.