Launching LVK: A New Era in High-Tech, High-Touch Logistics

Welcome to the official launch of LVK! Our journey has been fueled by a passion for solving the toughest logistics challenges and a commitment to delivering exceptional service. Today marks the beginning of a new chapter where innovation and personal attention come together to redefine the 3PL industry.

A Clear Vision for the Future

At LVK, our mission is to solve complex fulfillment challenges for exceptional brands. We distinguish ourselves by combining high-tech innovations with high-touch fulfillment, delivering a white-glove service tailored to modern business needs. We believe that the future of logistics lies in the seamless integration of advanced technology and personalized service. Our expertise spans both industry-specific knowledge and deep technical understanding, particularly with our own ShipHero Warehouse Management System (WMS). This dual expertise allows us to provide tech-enabled solutions that are both efficient and highly effective.

Leading with Experience 

My journey in logistics has been driven by my fascination with solving complex problems and delivering meaningful results. It all began when I started my career as a practicing attorney in California and New York. However, my entrepreneurial spirit led me to found City CoPilot, a concierge service for short-term rentals in New York City. This venture was a game-changer for me and our clients.

We quickly grew to serve over 3,000 Airbnb properties, offering services like key exchanges, luggage storage, cleaning and package acceptance. These early experiences taught me the importance of operational efficiency and customer service. Running City CoPilot was like managing a mini-logistics hub in one of the busiest cities in the world. It was challenging, exhilarating, and incredibly rewarding to see our solutions make such a tangible difference for our clients.

A pivotal moment in my career came when I joined ShipHero. Initially tasked with building out a fourth-party logistics (4PL) network, I soon realized that the model wasn’t scalable or profitable in the long run. Realizing the need for a different approach, I suggested ShipHero transition from a 4PL to a traditional third-party logistics (3PL) model, knowing this might mean the end of my time at ShipHero, but I couldn’t stand behind something I didn’t fully believe in. I was committed to ensuring that our work was of the highest quality and truly beneficial for our clients. ShipHero’s team backed me, and we made the transition, growing ShipHero’s 3PL revenues from $0 to $70 million.

One defining experience during my time at ShipHero was setting up our new warehouse in Las Vegas amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, I planned a short trip with just a backpack, expecting to get the warehouse operational and return home in a week. Little did I know, that week would stretch into three intense months, living out of a hotel on the Vegas Strip. The surreal experience of waking up each day in the heart of a deserted entertainment capital, only to dive into the hands-on work of establishing our warehouse, was unforgettable.

Every morning, I walked through the empty casino floors, past the silent slot machines, to meet with my team and tackle the challenges head-on. The pandemic had thrown countless logistical hurdles our way, from disrupted supply chains to labor shortages, but being there in person allowed me to address these issues swiftly and effectively.

This hands-on approach was crucial in addressing operational issues and ensuring the warehouse ran smoothly. It highlighted the importance of being on the ground to understand and solve problems effectively. The intense, on-the-ground effort paid off as we managed to not only set up the warehouse but also optimize its operations despite the global upheaval. It was an intense period of my life, but it reinforced the value of dedication and adaptability in logistics and solidified my belief in the power of being deeply involved in the operational aspects of the business.

Building a Profitable and Sustainable Business

The lessons learned and experiences gained during my time at ShipHero paved the way for the creation of LVK as a strategic expansion. At LVK, our goal is to achieve sustainable growth while maintaining a strong focus on profitability. Unlike many startups that rely heavily on external funding, LVK has pursued a path of sustainable growth from its inception. We achieved $70 million in revenue this year and aim for $80 million by the end of 2025.

We believe in the power of technology to enhance our services, but we never lose sight of the importance of personal attention. Our advanced Warehouse Management System (WMS) and data analytics provide our clients with complete visibility into their order fulfillment process, ensuring exceptional reliability and service.

High-Touch Elements Include:

  1. Dedicated Account Managers: Every client is assigned a dedicated account manager who serves as their primary point of contact, ensuring seamless communication and quick resolution of any issues.
  2. Proactive Communication: We regularly check in and update our clients, keeping them informed about their shipments and any potential issues.
  3. Customized Fulfillment Plans: We develop customized fulfillment plans based on each client’s specific requirements, ensuring that each order is processed accurately and efficiently.
  4. Cross-Border Expertise: With warehouses in Canada and the United States, LVK provides seamless cross-border logistics solutions, handling taxes, importing, and exporting regulations.

Diversity and Inclusion at LVK

At LVK, we’re not just talking about diversity and inclusion—we’re setting the standard. Our workforce is proudly 53% women, spanning all our warehouses and remote operations. In an industry where women make up only 41% of supply-chain employees and just 26% hold top executive roles, LVK stands out. Women are often overlooked for leadership positions, but at LVK, our leadership team boasts over 50% women representation, including critical roles such as head of operations, head of transportation, and general warehouse managers. Our leaders are among the best in the industry, demonstrating excellence and expertise every day.

Looking Ahead

The future is incredibly bright for LVK, and we are thrilled to embark on this journey with our clients and partners. At LVK, we’re not just another logistics company; we’re your dedicated partner in navigating the complexities of fulfillment. Our unique blend of high-tech solutions and customizable service means we’re always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible while never losing sight of the importance of personal attention and customer satisfaction. This relentless pursuit of excellence is what fuels our growth and success.

We’re constantly exploring new technologies and methodologies to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and provide the best possible solutions. By building a strong, profitable business, we can continue to invest in our people, technology, and services, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of the 3PL industry. We invite you to learn more about LVK and how we can help streamline your logistics operations. Join us on this exciting journey, and let’s achieve success together.

Maggie Barnett, CEO of LVK