Website: www.efreightcourier.com
Industry: Transportation-courier/ messenger service
Number of Employees: 27
Education: B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; M.A. from Cardinal Stritch University.
Family: Wife, Julie; and daughter, Emma
What was the smartest thing your company did in the last year? “We recently added several straight trucks for same-day expedited runs in addition to our same-day courier/messenger service.”
What’s new at your company? “We added two new managers – a dispatch/driver manager, Jay Kowalachuk, and operations manager, Mike Wood. Both have extensive same-day delivery/logistics experience and give us a strong management team. We also recently implemented a ‘go green’ campaign and are doing our best to eliminate paper as much as possible.”
Do you plan on making any significant capital investments during the next year? “Yes, we recently purchased a software program to streamline and integrate with our customers who will be able to monitor their accounts and pay their invoice electronically, as well as do driver reports. The software will also enable our customers to see where our drivers are so they can efficiently decide who and when to dispatch the driver for the most expedient pickup.”
What will be your company’s main challenges in the next year? “To continue finding and adding quality employees. We have very strict hiring practices, and all drivers have to pass TSA background checks as well as have close-to-perfect driving records. We hold our drivers to a high standard. Another major challenge for us is we are a new company. It is taking time for us to get our name out there. Marketing is a major challenge. We are trying to promote the company from the drivers dropping pamphlets to the managers knocking on companies doors, to running ads in publications such as yours-small business times. Time and great service will do it, we just need to be patient and continue to serve our customers with the best service possible.”
Do you have a business mantra? “The E-Freight Vision is to set the standard for excellence in expedited medical, banking, and small package delivery. Our drivers spend a lot of time in banks and hospitals. They need to portray a professional attitude. We also have what is called ‘Patrick’s three P’s,’ professionalism, prompt and polite. Service with a smile.”
From a business standpoint who do you look up to? “There are several logistics managers I work with almost daily – Eric Skogg at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and Chris Behling at the Milwaukee Blood Center. I try to emulate their management styles. They run their companies on ethics and morals. The customer is always right.
What was the best advice you ever received? “Never ask an employee to do something you would not. My father-in-law, Jack Hornak, former president of American Paper, taught me to learn to delegate. You can’t do everything, and you can’t grow effectively without allowing others around you to handle some of the day-to-day operations. Another close family friend and insurance rep at Robertson Ryan, Keith Frauen, has closely guided me on obtaining the proper insurance and the importance of being insured and protecting our customers and our company.”
What is the funniest thing that ever happened to you? “Watching my daughter pretend to be a delivery person and walk around our house delivering packages and asking for signatures.”
What do you like to do in your free time? “Family, eventually coach my daughter’s basketball and softball team, golf, and still actively play baseball and softball, attend Packer and Brewer games. History buff, anything from the Revolutionary War to European history.”
