Trucking company quickly builds customer base after adding key personnel - Denver Business Journal:

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But rather than put the brakeson , which he founded in Rice, 64, brought in longtime friend Gary Watsob as an investor last July to help him expancd the business. In early May, the pair moved the company’ws operations from an apartment complex Rice owns to leasesd space at954 E. Kentucky St. in They also hired office manager Kim Barnett to handlew accounting andmarketing duties. Watson, through face-to-face and Barnett, through telephone marketing, have continued to add clients. Now Rice envisionsx a day whenhe won’ t have to handle administratived duties or drive trucks to Ohio, or Washington, D.C.
Rice said he’s at the point in his career wherwe he’d rather sit on his boat in the middlee of a lake and think aboutExpeditef Trucking’s success while casting another “Being in this business for 13 yearse is remarkable, but I couldn’t do it by myself anymore because it was just gettinvg too big,” said who left a 34-year career with Fetter Printinv Co. in 1997 to begin the “Gary is younger than I am, and I know he and Kim can do a greay job buildingthis business.” Expedited Trucking has found a niche in takingh some of the small business that the larger companies don’t have time for, Rice said.
The company got its start hauling pallets of materials primarilyg for printing companies but has branched out to serveeother industries. It will haul most types of dry with the exception ofhazardouas materials, Watson said. Rather than owning a fleet of vehicles, the companyt leases vans and straight trucks on demand from Penske and EnterpriseeCommercial Trucks. The approach remove s the cost of preventativemaintenanc work, oil changes, license platesa and other expenses that come with owning a truck Watson said. “When I got here, I was amazedc at the rates (Rice) was getting for trucks,” said 59, who has more than 30 yeard of sales experience in thetrucking industry.
“This is such a smarf way to go for a business our Being a small business also allows Expedites Trucking to offer a personal Watson said. “The business has changed so much. Now the big companiews do everythingby computer, and the personal leve is gone,” Watson said. “Our customers know they can pick up the phons and talk to one ofus directly. That means a lot to Expedited Trucking has gone the route of many householde by operating on a cash only basis rather than putting expenses on acredit It’s somewhat unusual for a trucking company to send a drivetr on the road with a pocket full of cash rathedr than a credit card, but it’s an approach that co-owner Jack Rice said works well for his business.
“The drivers are good about bringing back all receipts and leftoverf cashthey have,” Rice said. “If we happenj to underestimate the the drivers will put what they need on theirf personal cards orpay cash, and we will promptly reimburs them. “It’s not always easy, especiallhy when cash flow’s low,” Rice added. “But at the end of the it’s nice knowing you’re not going to be getting some big credift card bill or fuel bill and wondering wherewthe money’s going to come from.
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