FedEx Ground, the US parcel delivery business, has given three of its independent contractors oneof its highest honours by naming them ‘entrepreneurs of the year’.
Keith Herzig of Hartford, Conn., Sunil K. Patel of Philadelphia and Raymond Skiptunis ofTrenton, N.J., were given their awards at a banquet recognising them for their businessdevelopment, customer service results, safety record, and community support.
The FedEx Ground Entrepreneur of the Year award was established in 2007 to pay tribute to thecompany’s independent contractors who have built businesses delivering superior customer service,helping fellow independent contractors succeed, and supporting their local communities. FedExGround works with more than 13,000 independent contractors who provide pick-up and deliveryservices across the USA.
“The Entrepreneur of the Year honor is our way of recognising those independent contractorswho personify the attributes that make the FedEx experience what it is today,” said Dave Rebholz,the company’s president and chief executive officer. “We are proud to partner with such outstandingsmall business owners in finding better ways to serve our mutual customers and build our businessestogether.”
Since the founding of the Entrepreneur of the Year program, FedEx Ground has named 140regional honorees. Herzig, Patel and Skiptunis were selected from a group of 20 finalists from thisyear’s regional winners. Keith Herzig owns Herzig Hauling, a FedEx Ground contract linehauloperation that encompasses 14 vehicles, 16 drivers, a fleet manager and an operations manager. Healso founded a community fund-raising event in Connecticut.
Sunil Patel was the co-owner of a messenger service business for 17 years before purchasinghis first FedEx Ground delivery route in Philadelphia eight years ago. Today, his company, PAGround 2, is the second-largest pick-up and delivery business supporting the FedEx Ground network,operating 14 vehicles and employing the same number of drivers.
After a 20-year finance career on Wall Street, Raymond Skiptunis joined FedEx Home Deliveryin 2001 and bought his first route in 2003. Today, his business, RMS Delivery, includes six primaryservice areas, two additional routes, 16 vehicles and 15-20 employees in various capacities. He hasfrequently advised fellow independent contractors on how to expand and strengthen their businesses.
