In this Splashcast episode, host Nolan Mackey sits down with Jonathan Martinez, Standard Fluids’ Warehouse & Logistics Manager, for one of the most human, insightful, and behind-the-scenes conversations yet. We dive into Standard Fluids’ logistics, quality and how the team supports customers across the globe.
Jonathan is the person who moves Standard Fluids from idea to delivery, handling global shipments, customer orders, documentation, safety, and the entire fulfillment pipeline from the company’s Indiana warehouse.
This episode reveals not just how Standard Fluids operates, but the people, values, and leadership mindset behind it.
A 13-Year Logistics Journey That Started at 18
Jonathan shares his remarkable path from starting as a temp worker, unloading freight by hand in a Walmart distribution center, to becoming a forklift driver, then a lead, a supervisor, and eventually an operations manager.
His story includes:
- Moving up through every department of a 250-truck-a-day logistics operation
- Learning leadership the hard way, often managing people twice his age
- Navigating safety culture shifts in warehousing
- Handling personnel issues, hiring, training, and high-pressure operations
- Experiencing a facility closure after more than a decade of dedication
It’s a story of grit, mentorship, and earned experience.
Taking a Leap of Faith: Why Jonathan Chose Standard Fluids
After his previous facility closed, Jonathan had multiple job offers, some with higher pay. But a chance encounter changed everything.
A recruiter walked into the local staffing agency next door to Standard Fluids’ warehouse… and Jonathan’s sister-in-law connected him with the team.
What sold him wasn’t money. It was:
- The family-oriented culture
- The chance to build something from the ground up
- The trust placed in him
- The challenge of creating structure instead of inheriting it
Jonathan chose the harder path because he believed in the mission and the people.
What Logistics Looks Like at Standard Fluids
Jonathan gives an inside look at what it takes to run global operations for engineered fluids:
Order Fulfillment & Speed
Jonathan manages everything from incoming orders to preparing, packaging, and shipping product, often within hours, not days. He prides himself on getting samples and fluids to customers faster than they expect.
Quality & Documentation
Every order includes:
- Certificates of Analysis
- SDS sheets
- Technical data
- Tracking and logistics paperwork
He builds complete “documentation packages” so customers receive everything they need accurately, consistently, and transparently.
Packaging & Fluid Handling
Jonathan doesn’t just ship product. He fills it.
Standard Fluids receives large drums and packages fluid down into the exact sizes customers require. That means precision filling, weighing, sealing, cleaning, and labeling every container.
Being the Hub of Communication
Jonathan is the daily link between:
- Customers
- Sales
- Accounting
- Third-party logistics providers
- International freight partners
Every shipment worldwide passes through his hands—literally or operationally.
Global Logistics Challenges: Tariffs, Strikes, Delays & Planning Ahead
The episode goes deep on how geopolitical and economic changes affect logistics:
- Tariff changes can double costs overnight
- Rail and port strikes stop supply chains cold
- Global booking windows shift with demand cycles
- Transit times (ocean, rail, OTR) vary dramatically
- Monday.com dashboards and automated communication keep everything aligned
Jonathan and Nolan talk through how Standard Fluids stays ahead through proactive planning, constant communication, and transparency with customers.
ISO 9001: Jonathan’s Biggest Project Yet
One of the most impressive parts of the episode is Jonathan’s role in leading Standard Fluids toward ISO 9001 certification—a major milestone for any global supplier.
He recently completed internal auditor and lead auditor training and is now:
- Writing new procedures
- Auditing the company
- Shaping Standard Fluids’ Quality Management System
- Working toward company-wide certification in 2025–2026
It’s a massive responsibility—and he’s rising to the challenge.
Why This Episode Matters
This conversation highlights exactly what makes Standard Fluids different: its people.
Jonathan embodies the company’s values—efficiency, transparency, initiative, and care. His pride in his work and his deep commitment to customers reflect why Standard Fluids can deliver engineered fluids anywhere in the world with confidence and speed.
The episode is not about warehouses.
It’s about ownership, trust, growth, and the human side of technical excellence.
Final Takeaway
Episode 4 is a powerful reminder that world-class products require world-class operations—and world-class people behind them. Jonathan’s work is foundational to Standard Fluids’ ability to scale globally, maintain quality, and deliver on the promise:
Solutions you need, from the people you trust.