Messenger Courier World: How long have you been in
business?

Lori Baron: Baron Messenger Service started June 1981.

MCW: How did you get your start?

Baron: I started the company inside my father's transmission shop. At the beginning, Mel Baron (my dad) decided to go into business with me and my brother Jody. Mel and Jody continued running their two transmission shops, while I moved into an office to continue in the delivery business. With a pen, a pad and a 1972 Chevy Impala, I kept the company going. There were no investors, and there wasn't enough money backing up the company. It ran day by day. Larry Schwartz left his sales job selling copy machines and joined me at Baron Messenger Service soon after it all began.

MCW: What challenges did you face in the early years?

Baron: It was hard to keep drivers. Since the business was new, we didn't have much work, and therefore drivers weren't able to support themselves on what they were earning. At the beginning, Larry did many of the deliveries while I did all the office work, such as customer service, dispatching, billing, etc. Don't kid yourself: I also made many deliveries as well. We worked endless hours, sometimes seven days a week, having no vacations or time off for years. We didn't worry about the money so much. If we had enough to pay the drivers and

the bills, we were happy. I remember being so afraid to talk to the customers when we made a mistake or when we had to charge more money for special services. When I look back, I wonder why I was so afraid of these things. Nobody is perfect; mistakes and errors occur every day in business. Being honest with your customer is the best policy.

MCW: What factor do you think was most important in making your business successful?

Baron: The reason why Baron Messenger Service is so successful is that we never quit. "We" meaning the owners, the staff and the drivers. I try to keep my staff happy at all times. It is very important to allow your staff to think on their own and to listen to all their ideas. I take pride in treating my drivers with respect. I continually institute the thought that the driver's position is very important. It is important to let your staff know that they are pleasing you. I let them know when they are doing a great job, and I thank them. The customers know that they can call anytime and reach one of the owners or the General Manager.

MCW: What types of service do you currently offer?

Baron: From an ounce to ton, across town or across the country, we deliver fast! Slower service at a discounted rate is available upon request.

MCW: What was your most unusual delivery; worst customer story; and most rewarding delivery?

Baron: How about a delivery from a real live Santa Claus at Christmas time. Boy, do