Gil Carpel is the CEO of Washington Express, one of the largest same day, local courier firms in the Metro Washington D.C. area. He has more than 40 years of experience in the courier industry, where he began as a courier himself while still in school. In 1977, he and a partner founded Sky Courier Network, an international and domestic air express company based in Reston, VA. Ten years later, he sold his interest in Sky Courier and took over its former Washington area operations in order to form Washington Express. Since then, Washington Express has consistently ranked among the top local couriers in the Metro Washington area, now handling over 2,000 deliveries each day for more than a thousand business and law firm customers.
Gil is a graduate of The George Washington University. He and is wife, Claudia, have two children, David, a commercial real estate broker, and Jenna, an undergraduate at the University of Michigan. When not working, he is involved with a number of non-profit and civic organizations and, in his free time, enjoys golf and reading non fiction.
I have known Gil for many years and I think this honor is entirely appropriate.
In spite of the many challenges and changes in our industry, Gil and his team have built one of the most successful on-demand businesses in our industry in terms of scale, service quality and financial success.
I believe this success is to tied to a few very important things:
- He’s always known “You can't do it all yourself”. Gil has surrounded himself with competent and committed people who possess important skills that are different but complimentary to his.
- While the skills of those key people vary, there is a shared belief about “how” the business will be successful: Keep everybody focused on quality and consistency and great overall customer service. Meet or exceed customer expectations - and take care the people that make that happen.”
- Talk to your customers ALL THE TIME. Never guess about what your customers think or about their satisfaction level with your service.
- Look “down board” every chance you get (That light at the end of the tunnel might be a train coming in the other direction!). Position yourself so that you can anticipate and then deal with challenges in the business (e.g. Talk to your customers ALL THE TIME)
- Stay connected (network, network, network). He knows you can't know it all. He never stops learning. If you think you know it all – you’re done!
Congratulations on this well deserved award Gil!
Rick McClelland, Dynamex
Gil has worked hard for the MCAA and the industry. Gil willingness to share his knowledge makes him a true industry leader.
Rob Johnstone
Priority Express
Gil Carpel gave me my first job in the industry in 1980 as a Boston based sales representative for Sky Courier Network, based in Northern Virginia. When I arrived for my training period and walked through the doors, there was a buzz in the air. Sky Courier Network was growing quickly and it was a great company to be associated with in any capacity. From Gil, we all learned about the same day delivery industry, sales techniques and most important people. He provided tips to distinguish yourself from others. Hand written personal notes, he insisted, will cement a relationship. He encouraged all of his sales reps to read the Wall Street Journal every day-and if you were pressed for time you should at least read the entire front page.
I am proud to be one of 7 former Sky Courier employees that went on to start "Inc. 500" companies- a testament to the value of Gil's wisdom and the culture that existed there. He has continued this success at Washington Express.
I vividly remember the sincere words of compassion and encouragement that Gil gave me when my father passed away in 1980, just a few months into my tenure at Sky Courier. His comments were sincere and revealed that even for this highly successful businessman, business wasn't everything.
As a young man just graduated from college, I must honestly say that I took away much more from Gil and Sky Courier than I was able to ever give! However, I am forever grateful to Gil and Jim Berluti for offering this wonderful opportunity that has become my professional life for some 28 years.
I also had the pleasure of working on the MCAA Board of Directors with Gil for 10 years. All those who make a living in the courier industry owe Gil their thanks for helping us evolve and grow with the times.
Michael Gualtieri
ProCourier, Inc.
"I've known Gil through the MCAA for probably 15 years. As a fellow board member Gil was great at seeing all the sides to an issue and keeping a discussion on track for a well thought out conclusion. I've been told by several people who worked with him back in the 70's and 80's that Gil was the best salesman they ever saw! If Gil couldn't get the account the guy must have been getting a kickback from his current provider"
Rob Slack
NationalDelivery.com