Grit and Adaptability What it takes to be a successful Amazon Delivery Service Partner.

After more than a decade in healthcare management, Leah Gomez Ranalli knew it was time for a change. But not just any change—she was ready to start a business of her own. She wondered what sort of opportunity would suit her best.

It wasn't long before Ranalli learned about Amazon's Delivery Service Partner program.

The company is searching for hundreds of entrepreneurs across the U.S. to launch and operate their own package delivery business. Previous logistics experience isn't required— Amazon is looking for partners that are customer- obsessed, interested in problem solving, and can coach a team successfully.

That sounded perfect to Ranalli who quit her job in August 2018 and founded Tucson, Ariz.-based HieQ Logistics last November. Since partnering with Amazon, HieQ now employs 85 people—80 of whom are drivers—and has delivered more than a million packages.

"I have a deep admiration for Amazon's ability to satisfy customer demands in unique and efficient ways," Ranalli says. "They're always pushing the boundaries of what's possible. I enjoy being a part of that."

Here, Ranalli discusses what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur and Amazon Delivery Service Partner:

What is the most important quality of a successful Amazon Delivery Service Partner?

Ranalli: Grit and adaptability. You will never have the same day twice in this role. Your ability to pivot and change direction are critical to your success. You can only learn from your mistakes the day before, make changes and move forward.

What are the necessary qualities in the employees you hire?

Ranalli: I believe in hiring the right person who has the right temperament and I can teach everything else. I start by asking them for an example of teamwork in their past, regardless of the industry. The cornerstone of our success is teamwork.

What kind of perks come with working at HieQ Logistics?

Ranalli: It's kind of a joke in the station, but some of our drivers actually come in on their days off and we all eat together. A sort of family dinner. During Prime Week, we had a family dinner every single night. When Amazon rewards our performance, we give half of our incentive back to our drivers.

We also try to go above baseline expectations and offer extra perks outside of typical work incentives. We have a financial educator come in to discuss budgeting, financial myths, and financial management. We had a summer raffle series and gave out a two-night resort vacation package, gaming systems and PTO. We have the opportunity to change the lives of 80+ people.

What motivates and drives you?

To tell you the truth- what motivates me is my team. The energy that they bring on a daily basis encourages me to be there for them as a leader. I give them 100% and they give me 1000%. They are the reason we are so successful. They are the ones that go out and work hard every day, and take of our customers. It's a rewarding partnership and I could not be more proud of them.

What's the best part about being an Amazon Delivery Service Partner?

Ranalli: The autonomy to create our own company, and continuously improve with Amazon's systems-based approach. We have the ability to use all our previous work experience and leverage that to build the company we've always wanted to work for. That's priceless.

To learn more about how you can become an Amazon Delivery Service Partner, visit logistics.amazon.com.