We are a small team of talented professionals with a wide range of skills and experience. We love what we do, and we do it with passion. We look forward to working with you.
David Findlay ‘Finn’ Host, Jr.
Partner
Finn has been around ships and the water since he was a child. Born and raised in Hampton Roads, he then graduated from Virginia Tech before joining his family’s shipping agency as the fourth generation. He worked in various departments over 15 years thru operations, forwarding, and management positions including two years operating vessels for a ship owner/operator in Cyprus. He graduated with an MBA from the College of William & Mary in 2013. He is more than excited about the challenge of creating a new Host family tradition alongside his father with Riverside Shipping. When not working or spending time with his young family, he serves on the following boards: Festevents, The Coal Rodeo, Hampton Roads Coal Association, The New York Coal Trade Association, The Portsmouth Partnership, Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic Foundation, and the Lefcoe Leadership Development Fund.
David Findlay Host, Sr.
Partner
David Host was born, educated, and worked in Virginia his whole life. David joined his family ship agency in 1977, established by his Grandfather in 1923. After working for over 43 years in all capacities of the business, finally reaching Chairman, he recently retired from T. Parker Host, Inc.
In response to being asked about the many changes in the shipping industry, David responded, “I think I saw it all.” David is proud of his son Finn in establishing Riverside Shipping to keep the tradition of a truly family-owned company. Together they have extensive knowledge and vast experience. David has served on numerous boards and roles with all aspects of the industry which he feels is valuable to the customers. Ship agency is in his blood and he looks forward to being a part of Riverside Shipping and watching it grow.
Rob Zehringer
Commercial Manager
Rob graduated from Bowling Green State University before completing his Masters at Virginia Tech. He then went on to work in various departments and capacities at Norfolk Southern for 39 years. His last position was Group Vice-President of Coal. He is assisting the new team with all marketing efforts.
Larry Freeman, II
Coal Manager
Larry graduated from Oscar Smith HS before going to work for Norfolk Southern. He spent 17 years working various positions around the Norfolk Southern Pier 6 export facility in Norfolk, Virginia. His last position was Sr. Terminal Manager overseeing all operations at the terminal. He is working closely with coal shippers to ensure accuracy and communication and documentation between the shippers, railroads, labs, samplers, and vessels.
Kristian Thompson
Forwarding Manager
Kristian began her career in 1997 in the Agency business where she worked for over 23 years in various departments. She spent the last 12 years in freight forwarding and past 6 as supervisor and managing all required documents for export cargoes. She has experience with document requirements in various commodities including coal, petcoke, grain, fertilizer, etc. She is continuing in a similar role with our team.
Jonathan Foster
Operations Manager
Jonathan graduated from James Madison University before starting his maritime career at a local Agency. He spent 6 years there working in ship agency while assisting in opening up new operations. He then transitioned and worked in their terminal division in various ports. He is managing our team’s agency operations.
Todd Pringle
Operations Manager
Todd graduated from the University of Virginia before starting a career in wholesale furniture logistics. He then transitioned into the maritime industry working in the Agency business in a few USEC ports. He more recently worked on the analysis side with Hampton Roads Testing. He is managing our group’s agency operations.
Amanda DiStasio
Accounting Manager
Amanda graduated from Virginia Tech and then went onto Old Dominion University to obtain a Master’s in Accounting. She is a CPA with experience in both public, private, and governmental accounting. She is overseeing all facets of our financial needs.