Answering the Call
1/29/2025 - Commercial Stories and Insights | SouthState Commercial
For Alabama-based SGI Logistics, being ready to go at a moment’s notice isn’t just a promise – it’s their identity.
The very day Sandi Gornati decided to start her own business, she wasn’t searching for a new challenge. She was happily retired, spending her days as a hands-on grandmother and enjoying the slower pace of life. But when the phone rang, everything changed.
An acquaintance from a national logistics company in Alabama had startling news: their company was pulling out of the state, leaving countless businesses scrambling for a reliable business partner. It was a situation Gornati couldn’t ignore. With decades of experience in the logistics industry, she knew she had the expertise – and the vision – to step in and make a difference.
“This wasn’t something I was looking for,” Gornati recalled. “But when I heard about the gap being left behind, I realized this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create something meaningful.”
That realization marked the beginning of SGI Logistics, a business built on urgency, precision, and trust. Almost 20 years later, SGI has grown into a regional leader, renowned for it’s ability to deliver critical solutions when time is of the essence.
Whether it’s delivering a crucial computer part to keep systems operational or transporting a life-saving donor organ between hospitals, SGI has earned a reputation for reliability. Their skilled couriers are strategically stationed across their service area, prepared to act at a moment’s notice.
One of the keys to SGI’s success is their “asset light” business model, as described by Gornati. Rather than investing in a large fleet of company-owned vehicles or maintaining a roster of full-time drivers, SGI taps into a network of professional drivers who use their own vehicles—be it a car, van, or truck—tailored to the specific delivery need.
This approach offers SGI the flexibility to adapt quickly to the evolving demands of its customers while ensuring drivers are personally invested in the quality of service. “We’ve empowered the people we work with to make their own decisions,” Gornati explains. “We teach them how critical their work is, and in return, they strive to deliver excellence every time.”
Gornati’s confidence in SGI’s ability to maintain superior service is unwavering. When it comes to outperforming competitors, she states boldly, “The competition down the street isn’t taking our business.”
The very day Sandi Gornati decided to start her own business, she wasn’t searching for a new challenge. She was happily retired, spending her days as a hands-on grandmother and enjoying the slower pace of life. But when the phone rang, everything changed.
An acquaintance from a national logistics company in Alabama had startling news: their company was pulling out of the state, leaving countless businesses scrambling for a reliable business partner. It was a situation Gornati couldn’t ignore. With decades of experience in the logistics industry, she knew she had the expertise – and the vision – to step in and make a difference.
“This wasn’t something I was looking for,” Gornati recalled. “But when I heard about the gap being left behind, I realized this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create something meaningful.”
That realization marked the beginning of SGI Logistics, a business built on urgency, precision, and trust. Almost 20 years later, SGI has grown into a regional leader, renowned for it’s ability to deliver critical solutions when time is of the essence.
Always at the Ready
In addition to inventory management and distribution services, SGI Logistics stands out for its exceptional ability to handle time-critical logistics with precision, speed, and dedication. Their 24/7 customer support and dispatch team are always ready to address urgent needs, no matter the hour.Whether it’s delivering a crucial computer part to keep systems operational or transporting a life-saving donor organ between hospitals, SGI has earned a reputation for reliability. Their skilled couriers are strategically stationed across their service area, prepared to act at a moment’s notice.
High-Level Service, Low Overhead
One of the keys to SGI’s success is their “asset light” business model, as described by Gornati. Rather than investing in a large fleet of company-owned vehicles or maintaining a roster of full-time drivers, SGI taps into a network of professional drivers who use their own vehicles—be it a car, van, or truck—tailored to the specific delivery need.This approach offers SGI the flexibility to adapt quickly to the evolving demands of its customers while ensuring drivers are personally invested in the quality of service. “We’ve empowered the people we work with to make their own decisions,” Gornati explains. “We teach them how critical their work is, and in return, they strive to deliver excellence every time.”
Gornati’s confidence in SGI’s ability to maintain superior service is unwavering. When it comes to outperforming competitors, she states boldly, “The competition down the street isn’t taking our business.”
Treasury Solutions Lifts SGI Logistics to New Heights
Building for the Future
In the early days of SGI, the company found success in the Birmingham market by landing contracts with many large banks to deliver checks. These regular clients provided stability for the company.But as technology evolved and electronic banking grew in popularity, paper checks fell out of favor. Gornati knew change was necessary. “We had to look to the future,” she said.
Gornati decided to expand the business beyond deliveries, so she approached Jason Bryant, Commercial Relationship Manager at SouthState, about the next phase of SGI: Distribution.
With Bryant’s help SGI secured an SBA loan and was able to purchase their first warehouse in Birmingham. Now, along with making deliveries, they are a distributer for a variety of goods: everything from dog food to auto parts. SGI can deliver the products or just prepare them for another shipper to handle.
SGI has since grown its distribution service by leasing a second warehouse, allowing the company to further expand its client base.
A Growing Partnership
SGI’s relationship with SouthState has expanded beyond the SBA loan. Gornati now relies on SouthState as her primary bank, utilizing many vital services, like Treasury Management and payroll, checking accounts, and lines of credit, just to name just a few.Gornati credits her close relationship with SouthState and especially Bryant as part of SGI’s success. “He’s always responsive, I call his cell directly when I need help. Even when he’s on vacation, he’ll figure it out. It’s been that way since day one,” Gornati said.
Bryant praises Gornati for being a helpful client, “She’s been nothing but responsive with us, always willing to share information we need to help her business. Her willingness to collaborate makes it easy to facilitate her long-term plans.”
The Next Generation
Gornati’s plans include more growth on the distribution side as well as taking a step back in her day-to-day role. Her youngest son Brian Naugle, who started working at SGI while he was in college, is now VP of Operations.“There’s nothing more important than family,” says Gornati. “And to have Brian grow into the capacity he serves now – I couldn’t be more blessed. I know I have someone who cares about the the business just as much as I do. It makes my heart warm.”
To see how SouthState’s commercial banking team can help grow your business, contact a banker.
