Latin America and Caribbean Relocation: Marco Alvarado on International Relocation & Teamwork

Marco Alvarado, Senior Move Coordinator, GSA Services

What is your position in the company, and what do you enjoy most about it?

I am a Senior Coordinator at Arpin International Group, focusing on relocations to Latin America and the Caribbean for the GSA division. I manage the coordination of international shipments and work closely with our agent network to navigate the complexities that come with each move. What I enjoy most is problem-solving. No two shipments are the same, and there’s always something new to figure out. I value being able to work with strong partners to overcome challenges and ultimately deliver a smooth, hassle-free experience for the transferees.

What are your expectations of being part of the LACMANext group through the LACMA organization?

To build strong, lasting relationships with the next generation of industry leaders. I see it as an opportunity to connect with peers who are facing many of the same challenges, but from different perspectives and markets. I’m especially interested in using those connections to exchange ideas, improve how we operate day to day, and better understand each other’s challenges. Ultimately, I want to contribute to a more collaborative and forward-thinking network that grows together and supports each other’s success.

How did you get started in the moving industry?

I got started in the industry through a temp agency, where I took on a high volume of short-term assignments that most people avoided. That ended up working in my favor because it allowed me to build a strong relationship with my recruiter. They saw my work ethic, the consistency in my work, and the range of experience I had built across different roles. At one point, they told me that if I helped them through a difficult stretch of short -term placements, they would go out of their way to find a role that truly fit me…and they backed that up.

When they later recommended a position at Arpin International Group, I was honestly skeptical, especially after hearing how demanding the role could be during the interviews. But I trusted them and decided to give it a chance. Once I got into the role, I realized not only that I enjoyed the work but that I had landed in a company that genuinely supports its people. The environment feels more like a team than a typical corporate setting, and that’s a big part of why I stayed. It turned into something I enjoy, in a place where I’ve been able to grow, and I can’t really see myself doing anything else.

What aspect of your job do you find most challenging?

The most challenging part of my role is managing the level of detail across so many different countries. As mentioned, I handle relocations throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, and each location has its own rules, documentation requirements, and processes. Staying on top of all of that while managing a high volume of shipments, especially during peak season when that number can reach several hundred under my direct responsibility, can be intense.

What makes it work is the relationships behind the scenes. I’ve built strong connections with our partners, where communication goes both ways, and I feel comfortable reaching out whenever I need clarity. At the same time, I make it clear that they can rely on me for support, especially when it comes to account-specific requirements or challenging situations with transferees. If something escalates, I would rather step in and handle it directly so they can stay focused on their role. That level of trust and collaboration keeps everything running smoothly and helps prevent issues before they happen. At the end of the day, it is not about handling everything on your own. It is about building the right network, so nothing falls through the cracks.

*As featured in LACMANews Magazine.

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Karen Bannon

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Karen has over three decades of global mobility industry experience. As director of marketing and ESG, she maintains overall responsibility for global brand management, content creation, corporate identity, and environmental, social, and governance for the Arpin Group of companies. Additionally, Karen serves as Vice President of the Arpin Charitable Fund, Inc. a/k/a Arpin Strong, overseeing its global CSR initiatives.

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