From "FIT" to Freight
From "FIT" to Freight: A Conversation with Orit Horn, Owner of International Logistics Express
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Orit Horn is the owner of International Logistics Express, referred to as "ILE" for short, an international freight forwarder and U.S. Customs Broker. In effect, what ILE does is move cargo (aka "stuff") across countries, continents and foreign, as well as domestic customs via air, ocean, rail or truck. When I heard about what Orit's company did, I was completely fascinated, so a colleague at Citibank, where Orit banks, arranged for us to speak. Here are some highlights from our conversation:
On how she got into the business of logistics...
Orit started out working for a passenger airline while she was going to the Fashion Institute of Technology (or FIT) to study interior design. Throughout school, she worked in a number of different roles, from translation to customer service to supervising arrivals and departures to managing the weight/balance requirements for the aircraft, both on the passenger and cargo side. After finishing her degree, she worked in interior design for a few years, but realized that she enjoyed the airline business more. So, she returned to it and eventually started her own company, which has been in business for 18 years.
On one lesson she would share with an aspiring entrepreneur...
"When I started my company," Orit shared, "I had limited experience on the freight side. So, as I think back, getting all my (U.S. Customs) licenses sorted out and my operation up and running probably would have been easier if I had worked for a freight company for a few years before going off on my own. It would have saved me some time and energy -- and given me a better network of contacts in the industry that I could have leveraged to help me." Net-net, according to Orit, "Invest in getting real-world experience and building your network now, before you set up 'shop'."
On the best piece of advice she ever received or shared...
It's all about attitude and homework to Orit. "You have to have a positive attitude to make it as a business owner, because it is tough to run your own business" she said, adding, "Don't just take on clients to have business. Make sure you are careful when taking on staff, vendors, partners and clients. Don't short change on the work you do as far as due diligence, especially look at the details."
On the traits most critical for success...
The traits that are top on Orit's mind are honesty, integrity, a willingness to help, as well as an openness to receiving help. Also important is networking. She continued, "Today you have to be everywhere; you have to be present. That means having a website, being on LinkedIn and Facebook, attending key conferences, and being involved in trade-related organizations."
When it comes to her longevity in the business, Orit attributes ILE's success to customer service. "We keep our clients informed of where their cargo stands. Whether we have good news to share or not, we tell it to them straight."
On her financial role model(s)...
Orit credits her parents with teaching her the importance of "financial moderation." She elaborated, "My parents were 'calculated' with money. They didn't spend just for the sake of having things, and we lived within our means. I guess that is why I've always taken the attitude that 'if I don't have, I don't spend.'"
On achieving financial harmony in her household...
To Orit, financial harmony hinges on shared values and open communication. "My husband and I discuss everything and we have similar approaches when it comes to money. We don't go 'crazy' with spending or with debt. Like our parents, we believe in moderation," she said.
On what inspires her...
Every time she finds a new way of doing something, Orit gets inspired. "What keeps me moving and inspired are challenges because it forces me to think out of the box and that creates the opportunity to refresh and recharge."
