Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Jessica Sawyer

Green Turtle Cay

Summary

Resilient and community-focused logistics leader with over 25 years of diverse experience in hospitality, accounting, and international shipping. As the first licensed customs broker on Green Turtle Cay, leadership at Sawyers Customs Brokerage is driven by a mission to enhance trade transparency and efficiency, empowering small island economies. Recognized for operational excellence and strategic outreach, with a proven ability to create and implement effective business strategies that foster collaboration and drive growth. Adaptable and results-oriented, excelling in dynamic environments while demonstrating exceptional leadership, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills, along with a relentless work ethic.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience

Work History

Founder & Licensed Customs Broker

Sawyers Customs Brokerage
11.2023 - Current
  • Founded the island’s first licensed customs brokerage firm, delivering transparent, community-focused import and export solutions.
  • Simplified customs procedures for local businesses and residents, improving turnaround times and regulatory clarity.
  • Led strategic engagement with government stakeholders to position customs brokerage as a key driver of post-Dorian recovery and long-term economic resilience.

Pastry Chef

Nick’s Café and Bakery
05.2021 - Current
  • Co-managed bakery operations alongside family members.
  • Created custom pastries and supported local food service.

Shipping Agent

Bimini Shipping
05.2020 - Current
  • Coordinated freight operations and import and export documentation for U.S.–Bahamas shipments.
  • Supported restoration of direct shipping routes to Green Turtle Cay post-Dorian.
  • Ensured regulatory compliance and operational continuity during global disruptions.

Customs Liaison

Fredericks Agency Brokerage
01.2009 - 09.2023
  • Managed tariff classification, import/export filings, and customs clearance.
  • Served as liaison between Bahamian customs and international clients.
  • Applied Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to streamline customs brokerage workflows, reduce processing delays, and enhance overall operational efficiency—driving measurable improvements in service delivery and regulatory compliance.

Accountant / Sales / Pastry Chef

Lowe’s Food Store and Gift Shop
01.1999 - 05.2020
  • Maintained financial records, processed payroll, and managed inventory.
  • Supported business continuity and customer service.
  • Contributed to retail operations and culinary offerings.

Waitress / Server

Laura’s Kitchen
11.1998 - 08.2000
  • Delivered attentive service in a family-run restaurant.
  • Strengthened interpersonal and multitasking skills.

Waitress

Islands Restaurant and Grill
06.1996 - 11.1998
  • Provided high-quality hospitality in a fast-paced environment.
  • Built foundational skills in teamwork and customer engagement.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree - Business Administration (Accounting concentration)

Southern New Hampshire University
03.2027

High School Diploma - undefined

Forest Heights Academy

Skills

  • Customs Brokerage & Tariff Classification
  • Freight Coordination & Import Operations
  • Regulatory Compliance & Documentation
  • Financial Management & Bookkeeping
  • Strategic Communication & Public Relations
  • Lean, Six Sigma, and Triple Bottom Line Application
  • Operational Dashboard Design & Data Analysis
  • Team leadership
  • Strategic thinking
  • Marketing
  • Entrepreneurial and innovative

Timeline

Founder & Licensed Customs Broker

Sawyers Customs Brokerage
11.2023 - Current

Pastry Chef

Nick’s Café and Bakery
05.2021 - Current

Shipping Agent

Bimini Shipping
05.2020 - Current

Customs Liaison

Fredericks Agency Brokerage
01.2009 - 09.2023

Accountant / Sales / Pastry Chef

Lowe’s Food Store and Gift Shop
01.1999 - 05.2020

Waitress / Server

Laura’s Kitchen
11.1998 - 08.2000

Waitress

Islands Restaurant and Grill
06.1996 - 11.1998

High School Diploma - undefined

Forest Heights Academy

Bachelor’s Degree - Business Administration (Accounting concentration)

Southern New Hampshire University
Jessica Sawyer