Team Baxter from the very start.
This year we’re celebrating 10 years of Baxter Freight (yes 10 whole years!) and the people that’ve been with us from the very beginning, who’ve grown with us, and seen the developments across the past decade.
Think back to 2014… Well for Dan, that’s quite easy – he was starting his career at Baxter Freight!
From starting his career as an Account Manager, to overseeing the entire Account Management department, to now, being an Associate Director working within our team of Solutions Consultants, it’s fair to say that Dan has had plenty of experience in moving all sorts of extraordinary goods across the globe!
From dinosaurs, to sporting events, we chatted about Dan’s experiences in logistics, and what’s led him to where he is now…
Congratulations on your 10 year anniversary! How does that feel?
D – Honestly time has flown! I can’t believe 10 years have just passed by. During my time here, there’s always been opportunities to grow and develop, so I think that’s made the years fly by. Every day I come into work, not knowing what’s going to happen – and that excitement has lasted every day of this decade.
What was it about Baxter Freight which made you want to work here?
D – After studying modules like entrepreneurship, logistics, and management strategy at university, I knew I wanted to work at a start-up business, as I’d be able to make my own mark. Funnily enough, logistics was the module I liked the least – but once I started at Baxter Freight and discovered how integral supply chains are to business of all sizes, I couldn’t get enough of it! Also being a start-up business, I’ve received so much focus and interaction from the Senior Leadership Team, which I might not have been exposed to in a bigger business.
What are some of craziest things you’ve helped move?
D – I’d say the craziest probably has to be a life-size T-Rex which was shown on National Geographic. Another cool project I worked on was when I helped move a model of a Volkswagen Polo which was used to test the aerodynamics. But, I’ve also got a few stand-out customers that I’ve worked with across the years including Portakabin, Daler Rowney, Dickies Workwear, and a FTSE 500 fashion retailer which’ve shaped the way I work today. They taught me how to provide customer service under pressure, (I’d be moving around 300 shipments a month as an Account Manager) how to deal with lots of work, and that you can always do more!
What benefit does working with Baxter Freight bring to our customers?
D – Baxter Freight can be anything our customers needs us to be. We understand our customers needs, what makes them successful, and where they aim to be in the future, and look at how we can support them. We want all of our customers to be market-leaders within their sectors, which is why we go into depth to uncover any issues to make their supply chain their competitive advantage.
What are some of your first memories of Baxter Freight?
D – I was part of the first ever group of Account Managers who were hired, and I remember vividly being scared to death of speaking to people on the phones! I took the role to push me out of my comfort zone, gain confidence, and overcome my weaknesses, and I can now say: I thoroughly enjoy speaking to different people over the phone!
Are there any tips and tricks you learned as an Account Manager that you still use in your role as Associate Director now?
D – I always say as an Account Manager, you’ve got to embrace your ‘inner onion’! You’re constantly learning new things, taking on advice, and building rapports with a broad range of people – which help build more layers of your onion! Putting yourself out there and building relationships is a necessity, as teamwork is so vital within logistics. During my time as an Account Manager I often had to deal with resilience, and pick myself up when things went wrong, something which I still have to do as an Associate Director. Now, I’m more reflective on what I can control when things don’t go as planned, and implement those into an actionable plan.
What’s something working in logistics has taught you?
D – Working in logistics has taught me that I’m obsessed with logistics! I love it! All of the most important functions of businesses rely on logistics, and you get to meet so many people, and learn so much, So, although I didn’t enjoy studying about logistics back at university – it turns out it was where I was meant to be in the end! I’d also like to change what young people think of logistics – to make them feel passionate about it. Logistics is a place for everyone, and you’re able to gain something every day, it’s not just a job.
What advice would you give to yourself 10 years ago?
D – Believe in yourself and remain eager for the challenge.
With you for all your logistical needs
Within just 10 years Baxter Freight has grown from working out of our founder’s home, to a modern office in Nottingham with over 140 staff!
We’ve been able to develop relationships with our customers, suppliers, agents, hauliers, and most importantly, each other.
The partnerships we’ve grown along the way have helped shape the way we operate and the solutions we’re able to offer.
To everyone who has been on our journey so far – thank you! Here’s to the next 10 years of providing innovative solutions with the highest level of service.
We’re here to support you with any logistical requirements you have – from customs to sustainability and everything in between.
Click below to find out how we can make your supply chain your competitive advantage!
