1. Can you share a specific example of how your involvement with the CLDA board has positively impacted your career or business?
Most recently with Xcel Delivery Services, we expanded into the Phoenix, AZ market when I joined the company. I reached out to many friends and colleagues that I have met over the years with CLDA and the business that we have received through CLDA members is easily in the millions of dollars. Creating long-lasting relationships does not happen overnight. It does take time and a commitment to put yourself and your company out there for others. It takes the willingness to help others. In my experience, the effort you give comes back many times over. I know that it has for me through the CLDA.
2. What unique opportunities for networking and education has your role on the CLDA board provided, and how have these opportunities enhanced your professional development?
When I first join the CLDA, I literally knew very few of the members or much about the association. Getting the opportunity to serve on the board allowed me to meet so many smart and amazing people. I was only 28 years old when I joined the board and it allowed me to network and form lifelong friendships with people whose experience, advice, and guidance have been invaluable in my career and business. I have learned so much just from being able to send a quick email and get advice or from listening to experiences and shared struggles that others have had.
3. How did you hear about CLDA, and what convinced you to join?
In 2000, I was the President of Canyon State Courier, Inc and was encouraged to join and run for the board of the MCAA, now CLDA, by Al Foos my VP of Operations. He had been involved with the CLDA since its early days when it was known as the MCAA, Messenger Courier Association of the Americas. Al introduced me to Kim Household a competitor of ours from Hot Shot Services in Phoenix. Kim had also been a part of the MCAA for many years. I had a meeting with her about some local business we were collaborating on and she asked me about running for the board of the MCAA. She then proceeded to tell me that if I wanted to be on the board to meet her in the lobby of the hotel on the first day of the conference and in her words, “You’re on the board.” I met her in the lobby and she proceeded to walk me around to person after person in the pool, in the convention area, and in the bar, telling each one that they were to vote for me. Each one quickly responded with, “Yes Ma’am.”
Needless to say, I was elected to the board with her support. At the time I did not know all that much about the association, but it has definitely had a profound effect on my career and the success of the companies that I have been associated with. I had the pleasure of serving on the board from 2000-2004 and left the board as Second Vice President of the Association. In 2018, upon joining Xcel Delivery Services, I was elected again to rejoin the board. I thoroughly enjoyed the first two terms on the board and it was an easy decision to serve again. I grew up in the courier industry, my grandfather started a courier company in Southern California in 1963 and my dad went off on his own to start his company in 1985 in Arizona. I know a lot of our CLDA members grew up in the business and when it’s in your blood, it’s in your blood. Because of that, I enjoy giving back to the industry that has supported me and my family literally for generations.