Meet Frank Sonzala

BS Degree in Business Management and Minor in Sales and Marketing 1970. Gannon University, Erie, PA.

• General Electric Apprentice Program 1970 to 1973. The program trained me in each aspect of the manufacturing business. I learned procurement, HR, production systems, computer sciences, logistics, government contracts, MRP, corporate security, international globalization and lastly worked for Jack Welch in Strategic Planning.
• Bucyrus Erie Corporation, Erie, Pa Manager of Procurement, Production and Factory relocation of the Hy-Dynamic Company from Lake Bluff, Illinois to Erie, PA. This was to secure the Alaska Pipeline order for mobile subzero excavation equipment. 1973- 1975.
• Artist and Entertainers Talent Corporation, Cleveland, Ohio. This was a production, repertoire and artist management position which encompassed 56 music-oriented performers, a Night Club, (Artist and Entertainers) a Concert Theater (Moon Dancer Concerts) on the Board walk of Ocean City Maryland. Production of largescale concert tours for big name acts and North American promotion and marketing of acts in major cities and stadiums through a new video media directly from the Artist and Entertainer Night Club. (Prior to MTV) 1975-1980.
• Reef Industries, Houston, Texas, Vice President of Production with procurement, product development, Quality Assurance, Safety and Security, MRP and computerization of all departments. This was a 5-year contract to take the company from $5 million is sales to $25 Million in sales. This was achieved in 3.5 years with the invention that is seen every day since 1981on television. So, I cashed out and took my very first vacation! 1980-1983.5.

• Known as ITI (International Transquip Incorporated), Houston, TX heavy duty manufacturing of a patented remarkable airbrake system for class 8 vehicles in the trucking industry. The Mini-Max Brake system replaced a dangerous spring applied brake system that was mandated by FMVSS-121 regulation. The company was started with a piece of paper (patent) and was sold 4 times in a 10-year timeframe,1983.5 to 1994.
• Pressure Systems International, Inc. known as PSI Automatic Tire Inflation Systems San Antonio, Texas was also started by a patent to inflate tires in the trucking industry automatically as they roll down the road. I was hired away from ITI to head the sales and marketing as well as the building the foundation in the trucking industry marketplace. The concept was original and remarkable, and the company is now 31 years old and has been worldwide since 2000, spawned numerous competitors, and still is the original #1 leader in automatic tire inflation and tire maintenance systems with 65% market share throughout the world. I was the Executive Vice President for the first 22 years responsible for sales and marketing as well as factory development and international expansion and government relations.
• CIE Manufacturing LLC, (formerly CIMC Intermodal Equipment, Inc.) the world leader in container chassis manufacturing with HQ and factory in South Gate, CA and factory in Emporia, VA. Which is a large customer for PSI systems as a heavy-duty trucking manufacturer of chassis and container boxes. I had introduced the product to them 19 years ago in Shenzhen China, I was their main contact and because I had been doing business in China since 1983, I am very cognizant of their culture and their business powers.
• In 2015, I was asked by the chairman of CIE’s BOD to put my hat into the ring for the next CEO/President’s position. I struggled with that decision because of my sincere ties with PSI. However, it was my chance to be the best CEO/President and I accepted their offer and started my 6 year-contract March 1, 2016. To February 28, 2022. As CEO/President, I completely created a work atmosphere that brought the entire workforce into a team of dedicated employees with clear direction, empowerment in their job description and management of their responsibilities and tasks. The company reached great profitability in 2016 through 2019 and set record sales of 45,441 chassis delivered in FY2018, with a solid carryover of close to 10,000 units into 2019. During my last years of the contract, I had orchestrated a 33-month CIE Executive Committee (CEC) and mentored 3 candidates from the CEC (all VP’s) to take my CEO/Presidents position. During this period, we transitioned the company and the two factories into made in America manufacturing lines with capabilities of more than 200 chassis built per day per factory. Of course, with the COVID19 pandemic, tariffs, logistical nightmares it was the most challenging of times. In essence, we kept all our employees, got through COVID by having free inoculations inside the offices and plants in both locations. Managed working from home, however, we are an essential category business, so factory, security and offices were all open yet secure during the entire outbreak and months of mask and contamination restraints.    During my transition out of the HQ in California and back home to San Antonio, I was promoted to Vice Chairman of the CIE Manufacturing LLC BOD as the only American on the board. I am still in contact with the troops and the management; however, as a 38 year member of the Intermodal Association of North America, I have taken up the challenge of the problem of Port Congestion on the west coast and other ports throughout North America. Also, as a member of the American Trucking Association from 1984 to the present, I am helping the trucking industry solve many problems such as class 8 truck parking needs in North America.

I presented my resignation from The CIE Manufacturing Board of Directors. I am available to pursue other industry endeavors and programs as of January 1, 2023. I   am looking forward to continuing my career within the transportation industry and being a very active member in the industry of transportation. Looking forward to even more challenges that need to be conquered in the transportation business world.

I became CEO of USRALLSET PARK, LLC, a company formed to attack the lack of safe and secure parking for the class 8 trucks and trailers. It is a well-known fact for every truck and trailer that can park legally in the lower 48 states, there is a need for 11 more parking spaces. The ATRI has stated that there are over 365,000 parking spaces now, so that means a shortage of 4.3 million parking spaces. Our company is working on 100 parking facilities for Class 8 Truck and Trailers only with each facility will handle 450 or more daily. These facilities are named ALLSET Truck Parks and will have the amenities the drivers need plus security they deserve. Check out allsetpark.com.