ABOUT US
GTL Repair Services, Inc. was founded in 2009, but its origin started well before that time. After serving in the Army, Ray entered the civilian world and began a career in the bulk trucking industry. Using his knowledge of and passion for logistics and trucking, Ray started Griffiths Tank Lines, his own liquid bulk trucking company hauling hazardous materials. After years in the business, Ray struggled to find a high-quality, trustworthy repair facility. He and Leigh Ellen discussed the opportunity and decided to start their own business to address this need for a reliable, trustworthy, expert repair resource for the tank line industry and GTL Repair Services, Inc. was born.
There has been a strong history of advancements over the years:
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In 2010, GTL Repair Services, Inc. earned the National Board "R" Stamp Certification Authorization from the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel inspectors. With this certification GTL gained the ability to perform everything from specialized inspections to full barrel repairs on tank trailers, opening the door for them to pursue business with a vast array of different carriers across the nation.
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In 2012, GTL relocated to a larger facility to increase capacity from three to six bays, allowing GTL to meet current customer needs and expand to new customers.
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In March of 2016, Ray sold his trucking business and joined Leigh Ellen at GTL Repair Services, Inc. where they could focus on one family business and leverage his engineering degree and expertise to further elevate and expand their capabilities.
OUR STORY
GTL Repair Services, Inc. is a woman-owned, veteran-led family business. Leigh Ellen Griffiths is the Owner and President of GTL, while her husband and Army Veteran Raymond Griffiths is the Vice President and Head of Operations.
Leigh Ellen Griffiths
Owner/President
Leigh Ellen Griffiths is a native of Connecticut and earned her Bachelors of Science from Marymount College in NY. After graduation, Leigh Ellen married Ray, and accompanied him to Germany as a military spouse. After leaving the Army, Leigh Ellen and Ray began their civilian life in St. Louis where Ray managed a company terminal of a liquid bulk trucking company and Leigh Ellen managed the start of their family. Three children and several moves later, they came full circle and returned to St. Louis to start Griffiths Tank Lines. During the early years of Griffiths Tank Lines, Leigh Ellen served in a variety of roles, from office administrator to Safety Director. Ray and Leigh Ellen created a shop to support Griffiths Tank Lines and she ultimately purchased the shop from Ray and GTL Repair Services, Inc. was founded. Leigh Ellen was determined to increase the value of the company and to reduce dependence on outside vendors for barrel repairs and inspections. She earned an “R” Stamp certification for GTL Repair Services. Since that time, Leigh Ellen has expanded the business by bringing in new customers and doubling the size of their physical location. She prides herself on not only delivering superior service, but doing so in a dependable and ethical way.
Raymond Griffiths
Vice President/Head of Operations
Ray Griffiths was born in upstate NY and is a graduate of the United States Military Academy where he earned a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Ray is a veteran of Desert Storm and served as the Executive Officer in an armored tank company in the US Army. While stationed in Germany, Ray enjoyed spending time in the motor pool with the mechanics, working on their tanks and other equipment. After leaving the military Ray’s first civilian job was with Chemical Leaman Tank Lines (which later became Quality Carriers) as a terminal manager in St. Louis. As Ray’s career progressed, he held a variety of key positions within the trucking industry as well as earning his MBA during that time. While working as a Regional Vice President of Operations for Quality Carriers, Ray was offered the opportunity to own an affiliate. The terminal from his first civilian job became his trucking company, Griffiths Tank Lines. After thirteen years, Ray sold the company and focused on GTL Repair Services, Inc. where he found his true calling and continues to enjoy working on tanks and other equipment.