Today we’d like to introduce you to Emilie Keene.
Hi Emilie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my career in healthcare leadership. By year 17 and post-COVID, I was tired! My once hungry passion for the field was gone and I knew I needed to make a change. I called my husband on a particularly difficult day at work and said “I’m turning in my notice”. At the time, he had owned a successful regional courier company for 12 years, but the thought of driving for a living made me nauseous! I mean, have you spent any time on the roads lately?! So, I started doing some research on what type of business I could start that would help supplement his current business model. I stumbled across the “private mail center” industry; similar to a UPS or FedEx franchise, but independently owned and able to process shipments for all well-known parcel carriers (UPS, FedEx, Post Office and DHL). Within 3 months, we were up and running! I have learned so much over the last 3 years and have really broadened my skill set. Every day brings a new challenge and I am here for it!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road for many reasons! Going from managing someone else’s business to my own has been an adjustment for me. I have found a whole new/different side of leadership that I never knew I had! The challenge has stretched me in ways I never thought possible.
Business ownership in and of itself also proves to be a bumpy ride! To my knowledge, there’s no “handbook” on what all business ownership entails. Departments in healthcare that used to just take care of these things for me have now become mine to handle. Workers’ Comp, payroll, marketing, sales, social media presence, customer service/complaints, bookkeeping, accounts receivables and payables…I could go on for days!
I also had to learn skills that I’ve never had to use before, such as graphic design software, small and large format printing, shipping box reshaping (lots of math involved!), key cutting, and much, much more!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We are and independently owned business center. We offer packing, domestic and international shipping on behalf of all the major carriers, printing (copies, business cards, flyers, banners, brochures, invitations, cheer heads, table cloths, canvas, window perf, window clings, car magnets and much more!), promotional items, freight, mailbox rentals for individuals and businesses, local and regional courier services (through my husband’s company), faxing, notary, document finishing services (binding, booklets and presentations), package receiving and holding, and t-shirt printing. I have more, but I think I’m out of room. HA!
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
It’s a marathon, not a sprint! Don’t beat yourself up over the little things. Mistakes WILL happen and things will be forgotten, but most of the time people are forgiving and understanding. You cannot and will not be able to please everyone. Keep good notes and try to stay organized (this is mainly for myself!).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.postalexpress-sc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/postalexpress.sc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/postalexpress.sc
