We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Cardez Ford, Pharm. D and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Cardez, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The idea of Pelican Logistics, LLC. was birthed in 2018 by four owners/managing members. All of us were working our respective careers, but we knew we wanted something more. All four of us have known each other since childhood, so we have always had a relationship where we would bounce ideas off of one another. Business/ownership was on our minds. We heard that trucking was a good industry to get into. None of us had any experience in the trucking industry, but one thing led to another and we found ourselves at the bank with a business plan a few months later (getting denied for loans over and over).

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Pelican Logistics LLC, serves everyone via the distribution of goods through trucking. Our business structure is very fluid in comparison to others in our sector. It is ready and willing to adapt to the needs of the industry and the inevitable change. We also invest our profits into assets, making our business more sustainable.

Not only do we employ our drivers, but we mentor and train them to become fluent in business. We are very transparent in the workings of the business so they too can become their own boss one day. We educate them on how to access capital, and how to structure their business, credit, and investments. Our goal is to create a positive effect on the community.

I personally have done community engagements in which I speak about the various career opportunities and educate as much as I can.

No, the path was not easy. Although, the process is NOT very complicated either.

Starting a business only requires basic information that is readily available via the internet. To properly structure a business only requires that you employ someone familiar with business/taxes (I personally recommend an accountant or CPA familiar with your industry).

The most difficult part is start-up capital. The best way to do with is with OPM (other people’s money). To inspire others to loan you their money, you must make your idea look as appealing as possible to them. Depending on your audience, you will have to market yourself differently. A good rule of thumb is…. the more money they have, the less risky they will be. Therefore, most institutional money (banks) like good structure and planning.

To overcome these challenges you only need to educate yourself. Speak with your local banker until you find one willing to help (we had one willing to go the extra mile and it made all the difference, Shoutout to Melissa Brown!). Speak with your local PTAC. Go to networking events. Youtube with Intention! Reddit with intention!

I’ve learned that hard work beats talent. Consistency alone will take you a long way.

I want the world to know that Pelican Logistics LLC will hire you and help you achieve your goals.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I prefer local businesses, Houston is full of different cultures. I would recommend they check out Lucille’s, the Greasy Spoon, Turkey Leg Hut, The Breakfast Klub, Taste Bar + Kitchen, Neyows Creole Cafe, and Mikki’s Cafe.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My cousin Pavielle Dortch (dortchlaw.com). Rather than think of any endeavor as a mere “side hustle”, Pavi laid the foundation for me to take business seriously. First, she connected me with a young entrepreneur by the name of Errol Allen. Simultaneously she gave me a list of books to read to open up my mind and change my mindset. An abbreviated list of the books: “The E-Myth Revisited”, “The Simple Path to Wealth”, “The Four Agreements”, and “Outwitting the Devil”. Lastly, the message of the late Ermias Joseph Asghedom.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pelicanlogistics_llc

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pelicanlogisti1

Other: pelicanlogisticstx@gmail.com

Image Credits
Ellis Grimes, NP

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.