110: Jesse Kaplan - Parcel Podcast

# Episode 110 **Summary:** In Episode #110 Ari sits down with Harvard-grad and budding entrepreneur [Jesse Kaplan](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessejkaplan) of [Parcel](https://fromparcel.com/), an “off-hours delivery service for online shoppers.” During the interview, Jesse and Ari talk about the strategy behind founding a business, the importance of optimization and how technology has an indispensable role in assuring the smooth operation of Parcel. **Time Stamped Show Notes:** - 15:55 – The introduction of Jesse Kaplan, the founder of_ Parcel_ - 16:09 – Jesse provides his definition of what Parcel is as a business - 16:30 – Jesse defines how Parcel works as a service - 17:15 – At this time, Parcel serves all of Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn - 17:44 – All deliveries are performed by Parcel employees, _not _independent contractors like bike messengers - 18:15 – To work with Parcel, all packages must be under 30lbs and no more than 2ft in any dimension - 19:27 – The service costs $5 _per delivery_ and a delivery can include multiple packages _if_all orders arrive to the Parcel facility on the same day - 21:12 – Right now, Parcel is focused on nighttime delivery, but there are plans to expand to early morning and weekend hours as well - 21:25 – Ari defines why he likes Parcel over a service like Amazon Lockers - 22: 10 – Parcel integrates with a 3rd party routing software rather than doing it all in-house - 23:28 – Most of the proprietary technology Parcel has built is designed to optimize the_driver procedures _rather than the _driver route_ - 23:51 – This proprietary tech allows for highly-customizable deliveries: drivers can be notified by customers of broken doorbells, sleeping children, etc. - 24:30 – Jesse mentions Viamente and Routist - 25:10 – Jesse explains how the idea for Parcel came to him - 28:40 – _Are there plans to scale to other cities?_ - 30:20 – Most Parcel-to-User, User-to-Parcel communications are handled by text message - 31:00 – Retailer partnerships are the future for Parcel - 32:05 – The full-time Parcel team is only 4 people (including Jesse) at this time - 33:00 – There have been mishaps and associated learning experiences along the way - 33:38 – Jesse’s Top 3 Tips to be More Effective: - 33:53 – There is a lot of value in establishing a routine - 34:32 – Be conscious of _how _you are using your time - 35:07 – Surround yourself with as many supportive people _as possible_ - 35:50 – FromParcel.com **7 Key Points:** 1. Starting a successful business does not require a lot of seed money; it requires a great idea and the drive to see it through. 2. When starting a business, focus on a specific market and geographical area; then refine your processes to a science before expanding. 3. Concierge services are, in many ways, the future of business. 4. A business that can accommodate user-specific customization to a high-degree will naturally attract customers. 5. Convenient communication is a great selling point for a company. 6. To find success, evaluate _how_ you use your time and find a routine that works. 7. Do not underestimate the value of surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people. **Resources Mentioned:** - [Wendy Myers](http://liveto110.com/about-wendy-myers/) – The founder of _[Live to 110](http://liveto110.com/) _the company conducting Ari’s hair/mineral/metal test - [Plowz and Mowz](http://www.plowzandmowz.com/) – Snow plowing and lawn mowing on-demand - [Petalite Flux](https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/petalite-flux-100-percent-charge-in-15-minutes) – An IndieGoGo campaign promoting a rapid charging power pack that charges smartphones to 100% in 15 minutes - [Viamente](https:/