Many Siena College alumni have made names for themselves all across the globe for their professional achievements. As Managing Director at Bongo International, Greg Sack ’99 is no exception.
In 2007, Greg and a close friend founded Bongo International, a company that delivers cross border enablement services to over 250,000 customers in more than 200 countries. In 2012, 2013 and 2014 Bongo was named by Inc. 5000 as one of the 500 Fastest Growing Companies in America. In 2013 and 2014 his company was highlighted in Deloitte's Technology Fast 500.
After seven years of company growth, Bongo International was purchased by FedEx in December of 2014. The corporation believes that Bongo International will “expand the FedEx global portfolio. Bongo's technology and processes will provide a comprehensive and integrated end to end solution that will help retailers grow by reaching international e-commerce consumers.”
The drive for success that Sack has today started long before his many Bongo International achievements, and he attributes much of that to the education he received at Siena.
“I believe that my personal success came from hard work, dedication to my company, and an ethical approach to business. The professors I had at Siena were great in helping to shape my life in all of these areas. I was challenged, told to fight my fears of public speaking, forced to work hard, and always had to gut check myself to make sure I was approaching things the ‘right way.’”
During his time as a marketing management major at Siena, Sack embraced all of the opportunities for personal and professional growth that were presented to him. He enrolled in public speaking classes to enhance his presentation skills and took a law class to gain background knowledge in the basics of contacts, writing and negotiation.
Sack also sought out the mentorship of Siena professors and alumni while he worked to develop a strong foundation in business. An internship with Michael Rosato ’78, as well as the connections he made in his marketing classes, played an important role in Sack’s path to success.
“In addition to my internship, I felt that I connected the most with professors Bonnie Baker and Gil Brookins, as they both challenged me, and were willing to spend the needed time with me when I didn’t understand a subject. Rather than just giving me a response or telling me an answer, they would challenge me and help me find a path to the answer I was looking for.”
Brookins had no doubt that Sack would see success after he graduated from Siena.
“It's not surprising that Greg has had the success he's had, in such a short time. As a student he demonstrated not only a drive to master the content of his courses, but he clearly exhibited great communication and leadership skills--those things that have paid off great dividends for him. He's another Siena success story”
After having over 13 years of experience in the industry, holding positions with DHL, Airborne Express, and UPS, Greg is still reminded of the lessons he learned in the Siena classrooms. He urges current students to take advantage of all that the college has to offer.
“Spend time to get to know your professors. If you attend class and walk out every day without communicating with your professors, you are missing one of the most valuable assets that Siena has to offer to you.”
