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AmeriPol helps logistics companies overcome talent shortages by outsourcing freight and IT operations to Poland and Bosnia. Here's how they got their start.
The ability to adapt, innovate, and operate efficiently is crucial in freight and logistics. For AmeriPol, this adaptability has been a cornerstone of success. Responding to talent shortages in the United States, AmeriPol has grown into a dynamic force in the outsourcing industry, establishing a strong presence in Poland. This is AmeriPol's journey from its humble beginnings to its current status as a rising market player focused on improving the efficiency of the freight market.
In the heart of St. Lous in 2019, the corridors of Artur Express, a thriving logistics company, were buzzing with potential. Still, a silent crisis loomed: a severe shortage of skilled talent that threatened to cap the company’s soaring growth. They were growing like crazy – at least 25% every year over the past 20 years. The demand was there, the growth was palpable, but the local talent pool was drying up. The company knew they needed a solution, fast.
Peter Jasinski, a business partner of Artur Wagrodzki of Artur Express, proposed an idea one morning. “Maybe we should try Poland,” he suggested.
They were both intrigued yet admittedly clueless about how to proceed. But the seed of an idea had been planted.
Poland was not a random choice for AmeriPol’s expansion. As they pondered the possibilities, Peter connected with a man from Przemyśl, a small town near Rzeszów, Poland. This man was working for a large Canadian logistics company and seemed like the perfect bridge to their international expansion.
"I just called him and asked if he'd be willing to start working for us and help us open our company over there," Peter recounts. "The first thing he told me was, 'I need to move to Rzeszów. I can't do this out of Przemyśl—there aren't enough people for a company of your size.'"
Trusting his expertise, they agreed. The man moved to Rzeszów, and the wheels were set in motion. However, neither Peter nor Artur had ever been to Rzeszów. Due to the onset of the pandemic, traveling to Poland was impossible.
They started learning about their new city remotely. "We watched a video about the city called 'Rzeszów: The Capitol of Innovation' on YouTube—a short film showcasing what Rzeszów had to offer," Peter says. "This video showed us enough to make the decision, and that's how it all started."
Several key factors drove the decision to set up operations in Poland:
Setting up an office in a foreign country during a global pandemic was no small feat. From navigating legal frameworks to building a team remotely, obstacles were plenty.
They started small, with their first office in Rzeszów located in a modest building. "Our first office was in that pink, tall building over there," Peter smiles. "We began as a shared service center with just 30 employees."
The dedication of their Polish team propelled AmeriPol forward. Their initiative and drive not only met expectations but often exceeded them, contributing significantly to the company's growth.
July 2023: The Expansion in Rzeszów AmeriPol leveled up to its own four-story office building in Rzeszów. (Interesting fact: Rzeszów is now a key logistics hub for Ukrainian war support, complete with an airport guarded by Patriot missiles and over 5 thousand US troops on the ground).
April 2024: Opening in Gdańsk Building on its success in Rzeszów, AmeriPol expanded further by opening an IT and marketing support office in Gdańsk, Poland.
July 2024: A New Frontier in Bosnia: They branch out to Bosnia, tapping into the large Bosnian community in St. Louis (over 80,000 strong) who know the trucking business inside out. As other companies in Bosnia either closed or relocated, many workers, particularly in Velika Kladuša, chose to remain in their hometowns. This presented AmeriPol with the opportunity to hire highly qualified workers, provide training in Rzeszów, and then deploy them back to Bosnia. As a result, the new Bosnian office is staffed with experienced personnel, many of whom have previously worked with American companies.
AmeriPol's expansion from a small office in Rzeszów to a multinational operation with offices in Poland and Bosnia exemplifies strategic foresight, adaptability, and a relentless commitment to excellence. By harnessing the unique strengths of the Polish workforce and strategically expanding its locations, AmeriPol has established itself as a rising leader in the outsourcing industry.
Their story is a testament to what’s possible when you dare to look beyond the horizon. And they’ve learned lessons along the way:
Remember, outsourcing isn’t just about substituting people 1 for 1. It’s about looking at the work that needs to be done. The real value lies in monitoring it, improving processes, and continually making improvements. This way, you save money and don’t sacrifice quality.
AmeriPol's been there, done that, and they're ready to share their playbook. Why not reach out and see how they can help you tackle your staffing challenges by exploring outsourcing opportunities in Central Europe? With the right approach, you might just find that perfect blend of skill, work ethic, and cost-effectiveness to take your business to the next level.
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