#meetFlexe is an ongoing series profiling the individuals that make up the Flexe team. To learn more about Flexe, visit www.flexe.com/company.
Tell us about yourself and your role at Flexe.
I’m a Director of Business Development based in Chicago. Twelve years ago, I moved from Minneapolis to Chicago to attend DePaul University, and I never left. Despite being a finance major, I accepted an internship at a fourth-party logistics company called TMC, which led to a full-time position at its parent company, C.H. Robinson. In that role, I got exposure to companies of all sizes and industries which fueled my interest in business development. I’m continuously fascinated by the number of ways people can grow a successful business, and that’s why I love working with a diverse set of clients.
I don’t care what industry you’re in — logistics affects your business in some way, shape, or form. Despite having a $1.6 trillion market cap, the logistics industry, for the most part, has lacked innovation — until now.
What excites you about the logistics industry, and why did you choose to work for Flexe?
There’s a tectonic shift happening in the world of logistics, and the industry is prime for disruption. Many traditional logistics companies are focused on automation, which is great, but it’s not enough. To truly modernize, businesses must also innovate their operations through an entirely new approach.
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and ultimately, I chose Flexe for three reasons:
- I believe the Flexe model is innovative and helps companies modernize their logistics.
- It’s an early-stage growth company, which means I can make a bigger impact and help build the business.
- Flexe has an incredibly strong leadership team that empowers everyone to have a voice.
I don’t care what industry you’re in, logistics affects your business in some way, shape, or form. Despite having a $1.6 trillion market cap, the logistics industry, for the most part, has lacked innovation — until now.
What makes being on your team at Flexe great?
I’m blown away by the collaboration and selflessness of our team. Because many of us work remotely, you might think we’d lack a sense of “togetherness.” In reality, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Our team is comprised of a truly diverse group of supply-chain backgrounds. We do an amazing job of leveraging that diversity of experience to continually improve our approach and build the business.
“Charlie has shown that he is dependable and willing to put in the extra work to ensure our customers succeed. I look forward to seeing Charlie grow with Flexe and continuously help our customers utilize our on-demand warehousing solution.“ — Taylor Richardson, Key Account Manager, on working with Charlie
What’s an unexpected place where you’ve found inspiration?
The golf course.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I co-founded an investment group, Blue Whale Capital, with some close friends of mine. Initially, it was a good way to stay connected and test ideas with one another. The group has steadily evolved, and now we’ve started investing in multi-unit rental properties in Chicago.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
Anything that keeps me moving! Whether it’s playing sports, working out, or traveling, I love staying active.
What organizations are important to you and why?
The Breast Cancer Education Association (BCEA) is a non-profit organization that I’ve been involved with since its inception in 2001. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000. While she was able to beat this horrible disease, many people, of all genders, are not as fortunate. Many enter the treatment process lacking the knowledge or understanding necessary to make informed decisions about their health. My mother experienced this firsthand, and it inspired her to co-found the BCEA in 2001. The BCEA’s mission is to educate the community by providing support and information about detection, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
If you had your own personal warehouse and could fill it with any one thing, what would it be?
Can I say I’d build an indoor golf course? Or is that cheating?
What’s your favorite buzzword or phrase and why?
I’m an advocate for putting yourself in uncomfortable situations. The more uncomfortable situations you experience, the more successful you’ll be. You have to enjoy stepping out of your comfort zone and thrive off that feeling of discomfort.
Taylor Richardson, Solutions Analyst, on working with Charlie:
“Charlie Harris, the winner of the North Suburban Conference Player of the Year in golf, has taken his talents to fulfillment and warehousing. His first week here at Flexe, with no game prep ahead, he was summoned to sub for our company kickball team. Not only did Charlie show up, but he displayed his grit and willingness to help the team with little-to-no preparation.
On the professional side, Charlie has also jumped in to help our enterprise customers understand how the Flexe solution can help solve their logistical nightmares. Charlie has shown that he is dependable and willing to put in the extra work to ensure our customers succeed. I look forward to seeing Charlie grow with Flexe and continuously help our customers utilize our on-demand warehousing solution.”
Find more #meetFlexe profiles here.
