Since joining ePost Global 3 years ago, Kapil has helped the company execute its strategic initiatives (automation, vendor integrations, improved reporting for data analytics, and branding). As a key member of the Executive team, he collaborates closely with colleagues across multiple departments to chart the course for ePost’s continued growth. Kapil continues to be a driving force behind the company’s success in the international shipping industry.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I grew up in the Chicagoland area and have spent most of my life here. Professionally, I have spent most of my career in finance and strategy roles working in companies across professional services, consumer products, ecommerce and technology sectors. I have worked in organizations ranging from large Fortune 500 companies to startups, and thoroughly enjoy operating in entrepreneurial environments. Currently, I live in Chicago with my wife and son. I enjoy playing sports (tennis and golf) and watching (die-hard Chicago Bears fan).
Tell us about your role at ePost Global
At ePost, I work with the Exec team on the company’s strategic initiatives. Working closely with team members across marketing, finance, operations and technology I help ensure the company is set up to continue its strong growth. Within marketing, I work with our team of internal and external members to communicate the company’s core values, messaging and expertise.
ePost Global was founded in 2003 and has been through two transactions (and rebrandings). In 2020, the business was divested from R.R. Donnelley’s Logistics division to operate as a stand alone company. Our efforts in marketing have been important to help the marketplace recognize that ePost is a three year old brand with over 20 years of experience. Working with operations and technology teams, we have identified areas to streamline processes through automation and methods to enhance the company’s core technology platform.
During my prior roles at PepsiCo and Orbitz, I recognized the impact finance has on a business by not only reporting the results but also providing easily digestible insights to key decision makers. At these organizations, we leveraged data and technology to create scorecards and dashboards for the division leaders that provided leading indicators of business performance. These tools were valuable for the executives, sales and operations team members to quickly understand the business trend, identify issues early enough to address and mitigate the impact to the company’s profitability. At ePost Global, we continue to identify areas to use technology with our finance teams to provide scalability to the team, monitor the profitability of the business and ensure the company’s capital is being deployed efficiently.
What were your first steps to get into the industry?
Almost three years ago, I learned about ePost Global and the international shipping industry. ePost Global (then part of RR Donnelley) was a Saggezza customer, and we recognized that software development was an integral part of the company’s competitive advantage. I interacted with Pep and Kelly and learned more about the business through their story. It was through those conversations that I learned about how important shipping solutions providers like ePost are in the global logistics value chain.
I am fascinated by how much data is exchanged through the logistics industry and the opportunities to continue to innovate and utilize the information to improve processes, operations and speed of logistics.
What is one thing that sets ePost apart from its competitors?
ePost has the optimal combination of in-depth international shipping experience, technology and service to enable cross border commerce. Our key management and customer teams have over 20 years experience in international logistics; this wealth of domain knowledge across the organization is unmatched. We have experts who understand the intricacies of VAT / Duties to export products to countries around the world. They are highly regarded in the industry and continue to stay abreast of the ever changing regulations. Our customer, Zazzle, can speak for us: “…[ePost Global] was crucial for the expansion of Zazzle into Canada and the rest of the world…”
In addition, our service teams work tirelessly to address customer inquiries/orders to make sure consumers’ parcels are handled in a timely manner. Lastly, our technology teams are constantly developing enhancements to our platforms that incorporate the knowledge and service ePost is known to provide. International shipping is complex and ePost has the necessary skill sets to help our customers navigate through these challenges so that they can focus more on developing products and expanding their business globally.
What are you most proud of working at ePost?
The ePost team! I am impressed by the quality, collaboration and work ethic of the ePost team. Team members are willing to help each other work through challenges regardless of the situation. For example, during peak periods where we are short staffed, team members from other departments volunteer time to help process. This is one of the many stories that exemplify the character of the ePost team and company culture.
What’s been your best day at work so far?
In 2021 ePost began to automate its parcel processing operations. This was an initiative that was important to the growth of the company and had been a needed investment for many years. Seeing this plan launch and execute successfully was a rewarding experience.
The initial launch in the LAX facility was the culmination of months collaborating across departments and external vendors. The success of the automation launch has been one of the best days as an ePost employee because we were able to take the project from idea to actual results and it was truly a team effort.
What was the moment you knew you’d made the right decision to work here?
After joining the ePost team, I visited the LAX, ORD and EWR facilities and was able to meet many of the team members in person. Prior to these visits, much of my interactions were virtual and in many cases without video. Being able to visit the facility, see the operations in process and meet team members in person made me realize how fortunate I was to be part of the ePost team. These visits helped me also understand how we can continue to grow the company and identify additional areas to focus.
Connect with Kapil at ‘kkalokhe@epostglobalshipping.com’ for expert insights and tailored solutions. Reach out now and unlock new possibilities for your business!
