Overcoming Logistics Talent Shortages: AmeriPol's Solution in Poland

The ability to adapt, innovate, and operate efficiently is crucial in freight and logistics. For AmeriPol, this adaptability has been a cornerstone of success. Responding to talent shortages in the United States, AmeriPol has grown into a dynamic force in the outsourcing industry, establishing a strong presence in Poland. This is AmeriPol's journey from its humble beginnings to its current status as a rising market player focused on improving the efficiency of the freight market.

The Problem: A Talent Drought in St. Louis

In the heart of St. Lous in 2019, the corridors of Artur Express, a thriving logistics company, were buzzing with potential. Still, a silent crisis loomed: a severe shortage of skilled talent that threatened to cap the company’s soaring growth. They were growing like crazy – at least 25% every year over the past 20 years. The demand was there, the growth was palpable, but the local talent pool was drying up. The company knew they needed a solution, fast. 

Peter Jasinski, a business partner of Artur Wagrodzki of Artur Express, proposed an idea one morning. “Maybe we should try Poland,” he suggested. 

They were both intrigued yet admittedly clueless about how to proceed. But the seed of an idea had been planted.

Why Poland is Ideal for Logistics Outsourcing

Poland was not a random choice for AmeriPol’s expansion. As they pondered the possibilities, Peter connected with a man from Przemyśl, a small town near Rzeszów, Poland. This man was working for a large Canadian logistics company and seemed like the perfect bridge to their international expansion.

"I just called him and asked if he'd be willing to start working for us and help us open our company over there," Peter recounts. "The first thing he told me was, 'I need to move to Rzeszów. I can't do this out of Przemyśl—there aren't enough people for a company of your size.'"

Trusting his expertise, they agreed. The man moved to Rzeszów, and the wheels were set in motion. However, neither Peter nor Artur had ever been to Rzeszów. Due to the onset of the pandemic, traveling to Poland was impossible.

They started learning about their new city remotely. "We watched a video about the city called 'Rzeszów: The Capitol of Innovation' on YouTube—a short film showcasing what Rzeszów had to offer," Peter says. "This video showed us enough to make the decision, and that's how it all started."

Several key factors drove the decision to set up operations in Poland:

1. Young, Ambitious Workforce: Poland boasts a highly educated and skilled workforce. Many professionals hold advanced degrees and international business experience and are eager to apply their knowledge to help companies operate efficiently industries.
2. Work Ethic and Initiative: Polish employees are known for their strong work ethic and proactive approach. Pawel Banaszak, Head of Marketing at AmeriPol, speaks highly of the team's initiative. "Not only do they perform the work they are assigned, but they look for ways to improve it and make it more efficient. They think outside the box, go in-depth, and try to understand the business better. That’s what makes us stand out."
3. Educational Attainment: Peter says of his AmeriPol staff, “When you look at what they have the capabilities of doing behind the scenes, they can be in more complex roles simply based on the level of education that our teammates are bringing to the table…We’ve got people with master’s degrees in finance, accounting, software development and HR. The list goes on. And that’s not to mention their language skills. Many of our people have experience working abroad.”
4. Cultural Affinity: The existing cultural connections between Poland and the U.S., especially in the trucking industry, facilitate smoother communication and collaboration. Cities like Chicago have large Polish communities, creating a familiar bridge between the two countries.
5. Technological Advancements: Poland boasts one of the most developed technological infrastructures in Europe, making it an attractive location for businesses looking to expand their operations internationally.
6. Cost Efficiency: From a financial perspective, outsourcing to Poland offered significant cost savings while maintaining high-quality work. Peter noted that companies can save up to 40-50% on hiring and overhead costs annually by hiring top talent in Poland, compared to hiring domestically.

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Growth

Setting up an office in a foreign country during a global pandemic was no small feat. From navigating legal frameworks to building a team remotely, obstacles were plenty. 

They started small, with their first office in Rzeszów located in a modest building. "Our first office was in that pink, tall building over there," Peter smiles. "We began as a shared service center with just 30 employees."

The dedication of their Polish team propelled AmeriPol forward. Their initiative and drive not only met expectations but often exceeded them, contributing significantly to the company's growth.

AmeriPol's Expansion into Central European Logistics Hubs

July 2023: The Expansion in Rzeszów AmeriPol leveled up to its own four-story office building in Rzeszów. (Interesting fact: Rzeszów is now a key logistics hub for Ukrainian war support, complete with an airport guarded by Patriot missiles and over 5 thousand US troops on the ground).

April 2024: Opening in Gdańsk Building on its success in Rzeszów, AmeriPol expanded further by opening an IT and marketing support office in Gdańsk, Poland.

July 2024: A New Frontier in Bosnia: They branch out to Bosnia, tapping into the large Bosnian community in St. Louis (over 80,000 strong) who know the trucking business inside out. As other companies in Bosnia either closed or relocated, many workers, particularly in Velika Kladuša, chose to remain in their hometowns. This presented AmeriPol with the opportunity to hire highly qualified workers, provide training in Rzeszów, and then deploy them back to Bosnia. As a result, the new Bosnian office is staffed with experienced personnel, many of whom have previously worked with American companies. 

AmeriPol's expansion from a small office in Rzeszów to a multinational operation with offices in Poland and Bosnia exemplifies strategic foresight, adaptability, and a relentless commitment to excellence. By harnessing the unique strengths of the Polish workforce and strategically expanding its locations, AmeriPol has established itself as a rising leader in the outsourcing industry. 

Their story is a testament to what’s possible when you dare to look beyond the horizon. And they’ve learned lessons along the way:

1. Think Globally: Sometimes, the talent you need isn't in your backyard – it might be across the ocean.
2. Cultural Connections Matter: Look for outsourcing options where there's already a cultural bridge to your industry.
3. Quality and Efficiency Count: It's not just about saving money but doing more with less; it's about finding people who can not only do the work but also optimize it.
4. Start Small, Think Big: AmeriPol didn't become a multinational overnight. They started with one small office and grew from there. What mattered was making smart decisions quickly.

Remember, outsourcing isn’t just about substituting people 1 for 1. It’s about looking at the work that needs to be done. The real value lies in monitoring it, improving processes, and continually making improvements. This way, you save money and don’t sacrifice quality. 

Curious About How This Could Work for You?

AmeriPol's been there, done that, and they're ready to share their playbook. Why not reach out and see how they can help you tackle your staffing challenges by exploring outsourcing opportunities in Central Europe? With the right approach, you might just find that perfect blend of skill, work ethic, and cost-effectiveness to take your business to the next level.