One of the things we love most about our region is the inspiring spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship, and community that is ubiquitous throughout the sound. Every day we meet more and more people who are transforming the world we all live in, in their own unique way.
Today, we want to introduce you to two of them: Vibists Lisa and Al Zulanas. Born in the midst of the pandemic, their startup company, Task Force Delivery, is bringing more speed, efficiency, and reliability to the world of home delivery across the Olympic Peninsula. Together with their team, Lisa and Al have built a trusted brand in just a few short months that is wholly devoted to serving their customers, and providing the ultimate customer experience.
How do they keep this up in the face of a global pandemic, skyrocketing online shopping rates and busy-as-ever holiday shopping?
We sat down with their team to find out more about the company that Al and Lisa have built, their impressive growth, and how they continue to put customers first.
Founded by Vibists Lisa and Al Zulanas, Task Force Delivery is a service company specializing in last-mile transportation. You’ll see their team delivering packages to residential and commercial locations throughout the Olympic Peninsula and Greater Puget Sound region.
Tell us a bit about your story and how Task Force Delivery came to be.
Lisa + Al: About three years ago, Amazon started partnering with Delivery Service Providers (DSP) across the nation and worldwide to create a ‘Last Mile Logistics’ operation model that is customer driven and service oriented.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to bring basic necessities to the front door of customers greatly increased and we decided we could have a role to play in helping to meet that need. Task Force Delivery began delivering with Amazon as in September of 2020.
When people couldn’t leave their house, we helped provide necessities like food, supplies, medications and much more. We’ve been able to do it in a way that’s not only convenient, but also in a way that’s extremely timely.
Throughout the pandemic, we were able to adjust our business model to meet the needs of our customers, supporting them in their efforts to stay safe at home, while also ensuring our drivers’ safety by making sure that we have all the appropriate measures in place. Safety and accountability are really paramount. It has been a challenge, but one that we are prepared to meet!
Shipping demands have increased dramatically given the COVID-19 pandemic and now the upcoming holidays. How has that increase impacted Task Force Delivery?
Lisa + Al: Because we founded and launched Task Force Delivery post-pandemic, our aim has always been to focus on the “new norm” which is increased demands and increased customer expectations. We have been able to build an extremely strong support team that has worked hard to solidify the logistics process.
We deliver to both high-density and rural areas, some of which are very hard to navigate. Our team of drivers has done an excellent job of adapting to the demands, while also becoming experts in their craft. We deliver to many of the same houses, same areas, and same neighborhoods daily. We’ve learned about our customers, created relationships with many, and tried to become experts in high-quality safe delivery.
Amazon entrusts Task Force Delivery with delivering customer packages on time, safely and professionally without fail. Task Force Delivery’s Delivery Associates/Drivers make that happen. In a typical 10-hour shift a DA will deliver a whopping 200-300 packages a day.
Managing growth is tricky for any startup. How has Task Force Delivery dealt with the incredible growth you’ve experienced along the way?
Lisa + Al: Although Task Force Delivery is a startup, we have an extensive background in the logistics industry which has helped us be able to manage the “trial by fire” experience that most startups usually go through.
We have taken a very measured, conservative approach to managing growth. It is very important to us that we are able to consistently deliver the same high-quality service that Task Force Delivery and Amazon are known for, with safety as our first priority.
We have grown from 10 employees to 95 over the last 14 months, which we are incredibly proud of. What we are even more proud of, however, is the quality and commitment of our team. We are small but mighty!
“We have grown from 10 employees to 95 over the last 14 months, which we are incredibly proud of. However, what we are even more proud of is the quality and commitment of our team. We are small but mighty!”
Tell us a little bit about what it’s like to be a startup. What helps you keep going when things inevitably get tough or you hit a roadblock?
Lisa + Al: As a startup, you must remain flexible and responsive. We come from a collaborative mindset that allows us to continually evolve our business and adapt to customer needs. It is our goal to create a runway of opportunities for our team, tapping into their knowledge, experience and expertise. Our greatest asset is the people who drive our business!
How does Vibe fit into your work as a delivery service?
Lisa + Al: We have used Vibe as a central meeting space to host team meetings, interview candidates, and even train new hires. The staff at Vibe has been welcoming, knowledgeable, and helpful. We have met some fantastic local entrepreneurs and made connections that have been very helpful as a new business. The facility is modern, always clean and extremely accessible!
“The staff at Vibe has been welcoming, knowledgeable, and helpful. We have met some fantastic local entrepreneurs and made connections that have been very helpful as a new business.”
Task Force Delivery works with Amazon, which is a pretty big deal! Can you share a bit about that partnership, how it works and how it came to be?
Lisa + Al: Amazon has a long history of partnering with talented entrepreneurs, and the DSP Partnership Network is yet another example of this. This global partnership model has been a game-changer for Amazon, the logistics industry itself and also customers! We have been able to meet a critical component in a model that allows for next day delivery, exceeding our customers expectations.
Rumor has it that Task Force Delivery is hiring. Tell us a little bit about what roles you’re trying to fill. What kind of people are you looking for?
Lisa + Al: Task Force Delivery is always hiring! We look for individuals that are not afraid to work hard and hustle. Our shifts are 10-hours a day of non-stop action! You must be mentally sharp, tech savvy, organized, highly efficient and be able to multitask while keeping safety and productivity in mind. We value our team members and it shows! We make sure you have the knowledge and equipment to do the job right and feel appreciated and recognized for doing good work.
Task Force Delivery operates by the Golden Rule: to treat others as we would like to be treated. For the Task Force Delivery team, the most important asset in their business are their friendly, reliable and motivated delivery associates, who have a passion for customer service.
Companies like Task Force Delivery use Vibe for things like team meeting space and business mail services. Ready to try it out for yourself?
Explore our meeting room options in Bremerton and Poulsbo, book a tour, or RSVP for a free day of coworking.