Learn about alumni Anton Posner ’92 & Margo Brock (Bransfield) ’95, founders of The Mercury Group.

Tell us about your experience as a cadet.

Margo: “I graduated Class of 1995. My brother was Anton’s classmate, which is how I first learned about Maritime. My father was deeply involved in the college’s parent association and had become diehard Maritime. Throughout high school, he repeatedly told me, ‘You would be great there, you should go.’ However, since I was three years younger than my brother, it was not on my radar, and I dismissed the idea outright.

It was not until my senior year, on the day the training ship was leaving, that my perspective shifted. I went with my brother, boarded the ship with him until guests had to leave, and suddenly, I saw it differently. As I was preparing for college, my eyes were open to new possibilities. I thought, ‘This is kind of cool. I will be challenged if I go here.’ I was not fully committed to attending SUNY Albany and I could not stop thinking about Maritime. I told my mother, ‘I want to go to Maritime.’ She thought I was just following my brother’s path, but my father was simply ecstatic. He faxed my transcript first thing that next Monday morning, and I was admitted at the last minute.

Maritime was a unique experience. It had its challenges, especially being a woman, but I also had a network of ‘big brothers’ looking out for me. The training ship and campus life created some of my best memories. Fort Schuyler teaches you hard work, and while not every day is easy, the discipline and resilience you gain stay with you for life. My resume stood out in the business world because of it. The alumni network is incredibly strong, and we have been taking care of each other for 30 years now. Maritime graduates have an undeniable, enduring bond.”

Anton: “I initially wanted to go active-duty Navy and was looking at schools with NROTC programs. A neighbor from the Maritime Class of 1988 told me about Fort Schuyler, so I applied. I joined as a non-scholarship NROTC student but quickly realized that I was not the ‘active-duty naval officer’ type. So, I switched to the reserve program and got my reserve commission.

I was not the best student, but Maritime taught me invaluable life skills. I was an IDO, did the time with Marines preparing for incoming MUGs, took on the role of editor of our class yearbook Eight Bells, and collaborated with student government on budget planning, all of which were great learning experiences. During that time, I started figuring out my career path.

One of my defining moments was getting on a naval reserve tanker as a cadet during Christmas break my first-class year, the USNS Sealift Arabian Sea, part of the Military Sealift Command fleet. We transported jet fuel through the Panama Canal to the US Naval Base in Rodman Panama, which was an incredible experience. I got to use a bit of my high school Spanish, negotiated in high-pressure environments, and gained hands-on knowledge that proved invaluable later in my career. Over time, I realized that the business side of shipping was my strength. That realization led me to my current role, navigating the business world.”

What were some highlights and key takeaways from your time at Maritime?

Margo: “Accountability was the most important takeaway. On a ship, accountability of people is critical, and that carries over into real-world success. Employers recognize this and the strong work ethic and discipline Maritime instills in its graduates. In job interviews, demonstrating the ability to handle responsibility in high-stakes environments really sets you apart.”

Anton: “The real-world experience was invaluable. Maritime does not just teach theory; it teaches practical problem-solving. Whether operating a ship or handling logistics, you develop a skill set that is applicable far beyond the maritime industry. Compared to four years spent sitting in a traditional college classroom, the hands-on learning at Maritime is unmatched.”

Tell us about your career path after graduation.

Anton: “I started at Neptune Orient Lines handling container stowage, working with the longshoremen unions and automation challenges at just 22 years old. Then I moved to Canada Maritime for a role in container export pricing, which helped me understand the business side of shipping and that is where I met up with Margo and we became good friends. Later, I joined The MID-Ship Group on Long Island, working in logistics for industrial commodities. Soon after Margo and I established CWT Commodities USA, specializing in commodity logistics, warehousing and ocean freight. When the company transitioned to Chinese ownership, we started our transition to building our own company. In 2018, we established Mercury Resources, bringing our clients along with us, and have been thriving ever since.”

Margo: “I graduated a semester early in 1995. Initially, I intended to sail, but I took a shoreside job, and one thing led to another. My first role was in the containerized sector, providing a strong foundation in customer service and logistics. After a short stint, I moved into a Manhattan trading company specializing in cocoa, where I gained experience in containerized freight and bulk chartering. After eight years, I transitioned to The MID-SHIP Group, where my timeline aligned with Anton’s.

My career has been diverse, starting in containers but primarily focusing on bulk and breakbulk freight, with extensive trading experience. This varied background gave us the expertise to build Mercury Resources.”

Tell us about the state of the industry today.

Margo: “The industry is complex. As non-asset-owning logistics and supply chain managers, we handle a diverse range of commodities, from coal to steel wire rods, which allows us to balance market fluctuations. However, infrastructure, particularly the inland waterway system, is severely neglected. Weather changes impact water levels, disrupting barge movements. Rail freight is still monopolistic despite efforts to improve it. Government policies, infrastructure conditions, and market demand all play significant roles in logistics and supply chains.”

Anton: “Our business is closely tied to the commodities market. Because we are non-asset-based, we can adapt quickly to industry shifts. We are seeing consolidation, with railroads merging and shipowners acquiring smaller companies. Infrastructure improvements are critical, but political factors such as tariffs and trade policies also influence our operations. The energy transition is shifting trading trends, with traditional oil companies entering the metals market. We need to track multiple commodity sectors to stay ahead.”

What guidance would you offer to new graduates or someone in their 40s looking to join your industry?

Anton: “For new graduates, start at a good company, be willing to learn from the ground up, and aim to become a revenue generator. Build your personal brand from day one. For those in their 40s, leverage your experience and network while being open to industry changes. Logistics is fast-paced, and adaptability is key.”

Margo: “Opportunities exist in supply chain management, vessel operations, and logistics. Relationships are key. Fort Schuyler’s alumni network is invaluable. If a Schuyler graduate applies for a role with us, they automatically get priority consideration. The maritime community looks out for its own.”

Closing Thoughts:

“The maritime bond is undeniable. It connects alumni in both personal and professional capacities. Margot and Anton’s experiences highlight the resilience, adaptability, and strong network that Maritime College fosters. Their journey from cadets to business leaders underscores the lasting impact of a Fort Schuyler education.”

 

Thank you to Anton & Margo for taking the time to speak with Rick McClain ’14 & Peter Bermont ’12 for this interview.

Connect on LinkedIn with Anton Posner & Margo Brock.