3 minute read
Forrest Logistics: The top
from Top Workplaces 2022
by LOCALiQ
T H G I L T O P S S S E N I S U B L L A M S
Small Phoenix logistics startup is always invested in its workforce
B Y Savannah Howe
Small forces can leave big impacts, which is proven by one small logistics company headquartered in Phoenix.
Forrest Logistics, founded in 2019, emerges on the Arizona Top Workplaces roster for the first time this year. This Arizona-based organization, employing 46, provides supply chain solutions all over the nation. In their own words, Forrest Logistics is a thriving startup enjoying endless possibilities. “Forrest Logistics values being a contributing member of its Arizona community,” says CEO Reed Kiefer, who founded the company alongside business partner Vince Fasso. “A priority of the company is developing the nonprofit Friends of Forrest, which will help fund research, scholarships and inclusive opportunities for not just the autism community but all neurodiverse Arizonians.”
The commitment to the autism comLeft – Reed Kiefer, CEO, right – Vince Fasso, President
Forrest Logistics
munity is not random. Kiefer’s autistic son, 9-year-old Forrest, is the namesake and inspiration for the company, and the founders have pledged $1 from every load to their developing nonprofit foundation.
After growing to understand how to find or create solutions to enrich his son’s life while respecting his neurodiversity, Kiefer recognizes the importance for creating a work culture where “individuals are valued for what they bring to
the table and are provided with personal development and growth opportunities.”
Employees thrive in the environment that Fasso and Kiefer created. An average Friday in the Forrest office often looks like a luncheon to celebrate weekly growth, a round or two of cornhole, yoga or gym time, and a stop at the juice bar or cantina. Even further, Forrest celebrates every birthday, marriage, new child or home and personal milestone of its team members — just like a family would.
“We believe strongly that industry knowledge can be developed in our employees over time, but it’s our personal relationships that drive powerful results for the shippers and carriers we connect every day,” Kiefer says, “and furthermore, the success we have achieved as a company. We accomplish this by treating the customer and carrier like family, and maintaining an office culture that feels like a family.”
The perks of working at Forrest aren’t all fun and games, though. The company’s leadership works alongside their teams, meets with staff regularly and provides personal development on an individual level. The entire company gathers as a group once a quarter to review financial statements “with 100% transparency,” Kiefer says. Every goal, progress, milestone and pain is laid on the table.
He added that the founders “feel a deep sense of personal responsibility” for each and every new hire, and ensures that all
Forrest Logistics The Forrest Logistics team in early March. They are now at 65 employees.
employees feel secure in their employment at the startup. Forrest employees “should see a personal return on the investment of their time and contributions to Forrest Logistics just as much as the company benefits from employees,” he says.
In its two-and-a-half years of operation, Forrest has known that the strength of the company will come from the strength of the relationships within it.
“We believe that when you take care of your people, they will take care of your business. Our success as a company has been due to prioritizing relationships and results,” Kiefer says. “This is possible because we maintain a team who look forward to coming to work each day and feel empowered in their role in achieving the big goals we are setting together. And we’ve only just begun.”
