Amy Smith: Shaping the Future of the Shipping Container Industry

Six years ago, Amy Smith sat across from our founder, Andrei Popa, in a modest office in Europe — not knowing that the decision she made that day would help shape the future of one of the fastest-growing container companies in North America.

Today, Amy is our Chief Financial Officer and a cornerstone of USA Containers. In a recent podcast interview, she opened up about her journey — not just into the company, but into leadership, resilience, and growth.

A Long Commute, A Bigger Dream

Originally from Romania, Amy began her professional career while still in college. She landed a job as a receptionist at a large French retail company, where she quickly developed a passion for purchasing. Her curiosity and drive led her from assistant to buyer, and eventually to senior buyer — all while juggling a demanding daily commute and raising her son with the help of her mother-in-law.

“I didn’t even know my son’s teacher,” she recalled. “I’d leave the house at 5 a.m. and come back at 7 p.m. Something had to change.”

Looking for a new challenge, she came across an opportunity with a shipping container company launching operations in Europe.

From a Leap of Faith to Leadership

Amy joined what she believed would be a stable business. But the reality proved very different — within months, the company was shutting down, and she and her team found themselves without jobs.

That’s when Andrei, who was leading the operation at the time, presented an alternative: a fresh start.

“He asked us to trust him and try something new,” Amy said. “He said, ‘Give it three months. If we don’t make it, we’ll walk away.’”

They didn’t walk away.

USA Containers — or “USA Conex Containers” as it was originally called — was launched in May 2019. Within the first month, the small team turned a profit. From makeshift systems to checks-only payments and wild logistics workarounds, the team was scrappy, resourceful, and committed.

Building Systems, Scaling Impact

With her deep background in purchasing, Amy naturally took on inventory and procurement. But as the company expanded, so did her role. In 2023, she became the company’s Chief Financial Officer, taking over finances, forecasting, logistics, and operations strategy.

“I love numbers,” she said. “I love data, and I love seeing how we grow. There’s always room to improve — and that’s what keeps me going.”

Under Amy’s leadership, USA Containers has tightened internal processes, introduced stronger fraud protection, and fostered a more connected, communicative operations team — something she considers one of her proudest achievements.

Lessons from a $80,000 Mistake

One of the company’s toughest challenges came in 2023, when scammers used stolen credit cards to place large orders, accepted delivery, and then disappeared — leaving USA Containers with no product to reclaim and tens of thousands in losses.

“That was our most expensive training,” Amy noted, estimating the total losses at $80,000.

But instead of retreating, the team built robust fraud detection systems. The result? A safer, more resilient sales process — and a two-year record with zero losses from scams since then.

Amy’s Vision for the Future of USA Containers

Amy has a bold vision for the company’s future: “I want us to build our own containers. Ship them. Sell them. Move internationally. Go big or go home.”

With over 100 team members, a headquarters in Salt Lake City, land holdings, and unforgettable company retreats, USA Containers has already surpassed expectations. But Amy’s just getting started.

“Have faith and trust the process,” she told new recruits during the podcast. “If you’re hardworking and patient, you’ll make it. It’s been proven.”

One Container, One Idea, One Bold Decision at a Time

Amy's journey — from a young professional in Europe to the CFO of a multimillion-dollar business in the United States — is a reminder that success is rarely linear. It takes grit, trust, and the willingness to bet on something before it’s fully built.

And thanks to leaders like Amy, USA Containers continues to grow stronger — one container, one idea, and one bold decision at a time.

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