At the helm of JK Logix’s routing and field team management, Josh is a pivotal player in the JK Logix's operations. Starting his journey with the company in December of 2021, Josh has quickly become an indispensable part of the JK Logix family. His role encompasses creating daily routes for all vehicles (outside of the Warren/Detroit location), managing 13-15 trucks per day, addressing delivery and pickup issues, and providing direction to the field team. Josh’s problem-solving skills ensure that the field teams keep rolling smoothly, making him a key asset to the company.
Q. Tell us about your job as Routing Manager in the cannabis supply chain industry.
In the cannabis transportation industry, a routing manager plays ensures the safe and efficient delivery of cannabis products. A routing manager is a problem-solver. Maybe even a 'puzzle-solver,' as it's very rare you're ever just addressing one individual issue vs. looking at all the (literally) moving pieces and pulling them together into an effective plan that eliminates waste and improves clients ROI.
My primary responsibilities could be grouped into two categories: helping direct our field team and include designing and optimizing delivery routes to maximize efficiency while adhering to stringent state regulations. Every day I'm creating delivery routes for 12 - 15 of our trucks covering thousands of miles across the state. It takes a lot of problem solving and communication skills.
And, it's definitely not monotonous! No two days are ever alike.
Q: How do you create the most efficient pickup and drop-off routes?
In the cannabis transportation industry, when you're dealing with high-value and perishable goods, time doesn't just equal money, it also equals quality. JK Logix is a fully integrated secure transportation service, meaning we handle both cash and cannabis - making sure it moves from grow facilities to warehouses and to dispensaries with safety AND speed.
This means a lot of my work is constantly optimizing our efficiency. Every day, I'm analyzing factors like road conditions, traffic patterns, customer density & deadlines, and the specific requirements of each delivery to put together a strategic (and literal!) roadmap for how our drivers get our customers' products from point A to points B, C, D, E, ets. I typically create around 19 routes for our trucks every day.
Once you get to that volume of transportation, there are a couple of must-haves you need to be a successful Routing Manager:
Clear and direct communication with your drivers
Strong internal organizational processes and guidelines
Real-time GPS tracking and reporting technology
Ability to predict outcomes, but plan for contingencies
A "we're-all-in-this-together" mindset to teamwork
Q. What current trends are you seeing in the Michigan cannabis transportation industry?
Being relatively new, the supply and demand side of the Michigan cannabis industry has traditionally been difficult to predict. You know that demand will always spike around the holidays and 4/20, but there were also times where the market could get unexpectedly volatile. This could be due to anything from harvest dates to QA issues to pop culture events! An unforeseen spike in demand has implications all up and down the supply chain and usually everyone involved would have to scramble to make it work.
This was because the industry was so new and there wasn't a lot of data yet. However, since JK Logix uses some pretty powerful software to track volume and inventory data, we've been able to predict sales trends pretty accurately. We share these industry data trends with our clients and partners and I've seen it make a big difference easing concerns over volatility.
Q. What's your favorite part about working at JK Logix:
Easy. I'd say the teamwork and camaraderie that define the company culture. Everyone at JK Logix wears multiple hats and is dedicated to never leaving anyone behind. For example, there was a time during the High Times Cannabis Cup when the team faced an overwhelming volume of orders. Everyone, including top executives like Jordan and Cam, jumped in to help. This level of teamwork and support is what makes JK Logix stand out in the industry.
Q: Why do clients choose JK Logix over other competitors?
I'd say the top two reasons I hear from clients about why they choose to work with JK Logix are our customer service and our focus on planning ahead vs. just being reactive to problems after they've already happened.
For example, I've heard of several clients being frustrated with how other secure transportation companies only make drop offs on their own schedule vs. catering to the clients needs. Being so set in your ways like is a bad business practice because it means you're not adaptable. And a 'one-size-fits-all-dispensaries' approach just doesn't work in this industry.
Q: Do you have any examples of clients that are killing it right now?
I'd say Blue Fox in Lansing, Michigan. Just like us, they ship out a TON of product everyday. The more volume you process, the more complex that process gets. But the team over there (special shout-out to Shelly, Costas and Cory!) are not only true pros at what they do, they're also simply great people to work with. :)
You did say clients, with an 's', so I'll give one more example: Red, White and Bloom. They're located right next to our Warren Michigan warehouse and distribution facility. They are fantastic and communicating their orders and their labeling process is pristine.
Join the JK Logix Family
Josh’s story is a testament to the dynamic and supportive environment at JK Logix. Whether you are a potential customer or someone looking to join a vibrant team, JK Logix offers a unique blend of professionalism and camaraderie. If you’re interested in learning more or joining the team, don’t hesitate to reach out and become a part of this exceptional company.
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