As we celebrate Black History Month, it is important to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Black entrepreneurs in the United States and around the world. Today, we're focusing on the success of Black-owned logistics companies and their leaders, their growth and the milestones they've achieved over time, the many caveats they have faced, and the learnings and success stories they've collected along the way. These companies have made significant contributions to the logistics industry and serve as sources of inspiration for new entrepreneurs, such as us at Airpals and other friends around the country.
Celebrating Black Entrepreneurs in the US Logistics Industry
Logistics is the backbone of many businesses as it plays a crucial role in the economy because it is the process of planning, implementing, and controlling the movement of goods, information, and people from one place to another. This is an essential, yet sometimes disregarded, aspect of supply chain management, and without effective logistics, many businesses would struggle to meet the demands of their customers. (If the world was a Matrix-like simulation, we'd be running through the back rooms, ensuring everything runs smoothly and no one notices how it's being done).
In fact, logistics is such an essential element of the business that according to the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, the logistics industry in the United States is worth over $1.5 trillion, which is equivalent to approximately 10% of the country's GDP. This highlights its importance in the US economy and its impact on businesses, which goes way further than the old image we had in our heads of a simple messenger service. The times are changing, and companies are adapting to these changes. In today's fast-paced business environment, customers expect to receive their orders quickly and efficiently. To meet these expectations, companies must have a well-designed and efficient logistics system in place to ensure that products reach their destination in a timely and cost-effective manner, giving all involved another reason to share a smile.
Remember that no matter the needs, effective logistics can help businesses to expand into new markets, increase their customer base, and grow their revenue. This is because a well-organized crew enables companies to reach new customers, reduce delivery times, and improve the overall customer experience.
Now, being realistic, a true organic community that drives and supports companies requires a unique combination of skills, including strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a passion for problem-solving, along with a high level of emotional intelligence and the people skills required to excel at any time. The logistics industry has been dominated by large, multinational corporations for many years, but that is changing. Thanks to the hard work and determination of new entrepreneurs, the number of Black-owned logistics companies is growing, and they are making a big impact on the industry that can be seen and felt all around us.
At the forefront of this success are some truly remarkable leaders. These entrepreneurs have faced countless obstacles and built thriving businesses that are changing the landscape of the logistics industry. They are innovative, creative, and passionate about what they do, and they are setting an example for others to follow. They love what they do and that love can be seen in the quality of their jobs. When dreams take shape, a different vibe can be felt in the air, a different vibe can be seen, and believe us when we tell you, this is the case.
Innovative Success Stories from Black-Owned Logistics Companies
One such leader is Kameron Norwood, the founder, and CEO of Packdash, a Chicago-based company that offers the expertise, and support for affordable 2-day shipping, inventory management, and kitting services designed for rapidly growing brands. As a matter of fact, this endeavor came from a place of need, from the lack of support in logistics and what originally came as a caveat, but where Kameron saw an opportunity. Many things changed in 2020, and within the need that arose during the COVID pandemic, he realized how something that would usually be considered a hindrance became the driving force for a niche business. Now, PackDash is known in both Chicago and Tucson as a service that, from the beginning, allocates a dedicated manager to your account so that whenever you need them, they will be there. Their hands-on, consultative approach goes way beyond picking, packing, and shipping, they offer the whole package. Kameron is also the co-founder of Half Day CBD along with Dave DiCosola and Kam Norwood, two friends, and entrepreneurs inspired by the promise of CBD as a healthy answer to some of life's most common stresses and ailments. A combination of experience and opportunity and an example of a dream evolving into a dream job (just like Airpals became the most cherished NYC courier service, where a sense of accomplishment is always in the air).
When we talk about delivery and logistics, we tend to focus on the US model, even the NYC messenger services, and we forget that the same issues happen all over the world. This is the case for Kobo360, a tech-enabled digital logistics platform that aggregates end-to-end haulage operations to help cargo owners, truck owners, drivers, and cargo recipients achieve an efficient supply chain framework in Lagos, Nigeria. Over 50.000 vehicles, all interconnected through a digital ecosystem that links owners to shippers, giving them end-to-end digital visibility. When it comes to growth numbers, it is not a surprise that since their inception, they have raised over $85.3 million and have become the preferred choice for their freight needs for over 700 companies all around the country. But the continuous striving for growth does not end here, since the company is also preparing to enter the agro-trading space by creating a marketplace that links farmers with buyers all over the world. The marketplace will effectively eliminate the high cost of middlemen for smallholder farmers and significantly improve profits, giving due recognition and creating social justice within the market.
Despite the success of these leaders and their companies, they have faced countless challenges along the way. Unfortunately, the industry is still plagued with obstacles such as unconscious bias which affects proper commercial relations among peers, lack of access to capital, and limited opportunities for blooming companies. But they have not let these situations stop them. Instead, they have used their determination, creativity, and resilience to overcome these issues and built successful businesses, using the market to their benefit by finding niche needs and providing a clear and streamlined solution, such is the case with AptDeco, a company that takes care of all the details of selling, moving and installing used furniture all around the country, with a service that ensures the whole experience is as streamlined as possible.
AptDeco is not just a moving company, its a company dedicated to changing the mindset of consumers around used furniture, and as stated by their CEO Reham Fagiri: "We remain steadfast in our commitment to providing consumers with safe and secure transactions, and the most accessible options in the continental United States. With the expansion of national shipping and delivery, anyone can easily participate in a circular economy."
The success of these logistics companies is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and determination of their leaders. Despite facing challenges that arise during the early days of any dream, these innovators have overcome obstacles and built thriving businesses that are changing the face of the logistics industry. From PackDash's hands-on approach to Kobo360's digital ecosystem, these companies are examples of how creativity, strategic thinking, and passion can lead to success. Just like the furniture company AptDeco is changing the mindset of consumers around used furniture, these logistics companies are changing the landscape of the industry for the better. As the old saying goes, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." These entrepreneurs are tough, and they are making their mark in the world of logistics, going from anytime errands to very complex moving enterprises. These are inspiring people with inspiring stories, whose work must be known and whose success is emulated, so let's give them some true and sincere recognition and share their stories through LinkedIn, closing the gap and creating the connections that help us become better through our improvement, inspiring others to grow.
Remember that for all your needs, big or small, Airpals is always just one message away.
