Today we’d like to introduce you to Cody Lee.
Cody, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Since graduating high school, I have worked in the banking industry. I am currently a manager in a branch for one of the biggest banks in the country in addition to OrangeCrate. Working with businesses owners in that capacity, I was able to listen to inspiring stories of how they started their business. Over the years, I became curious on how I could find my own business niche. But then COVID-19 decided to take over our communities, which ignited the need for delivery services for many industries. It’s hard to find a restaurant that does not deliver food with at least one delivery service. OrangeCrate’s major competitors take a percentage from the local restaurant’s sales. That’s less money for the restaurants to operate even during these difficult times and rising costs. I knew there had to be another option. In my research I came across OrangeCrate, which focuses on local businesses by the local owner even though we have national parters. When I talked to the owners of OrangeCrate, it was obvious they understood the value of supporting the community with OrangeCrate so I continued our conversation until I was awarded the territory of the Fort Bend/Houston market. After two months of preparation, we began service on June 1, 2020.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The biggest obstacle is that most customers don’t know the OrangeCrate name yet. With names like UberEats and DoorDash dominating the industry, getting OrangeCrate’s name out in the community is extremely important. Also, because restaurant owners don’t know the name either, it’s difficult to get the owner’s “buy-in” to allow us to partner with them. This is the first location for OrangeCrate in Texas but the value that OrangeCrate brings is superior to the competitors. What makes OrangeCrate stand out are the local owners. As the face of the location, we can keep deep relationships, so consistency is extremely important to my success.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the OrangeCrate Fort Bend story. Tell us more about the business.
Founded in 2015, OrangeCrate has been coordinating the delivery of your favorite meals in cities throughout Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and now Texas! We facilitate delivery to your home or office, seven days a week, with a fast and experienced delivery team from 2,000+ restaurants nationwide, including Hooters, Applebees, Outback and Chick-fil-A restaurants. We also provide corporate catering meal services for groups of 2 to 500 (or more), with a quick and easy way to order. OrangeCrate Fort Bend is the first location in Texas.
What sets us apart from bigger restaurant delivery companies, is that OrangeCrate is locally owned and operated from a member of the community. Very easily can a customer or restaurant contact the owner or a dispatch center with questions or concerns. OrangeCrate focuses on small restaurants, supporting them as an opportunity to expand their business. When customers order through OrangeCrate, they are actually supporting two small businesses at once. OrangeCrate Fort Bend is apart of the community, supporting efforts in recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic by providing meals, sending restaurants additional business, and providing the driving partners the opportunity to earn extra cash on their schedule. Orders are available to be taken on the OrangeCrate app or myorangecrate.com.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I like to think about how far we have come by the amount of hard work that I have put into this and it was not just luck. At this point, though, if luck decided to give some help in the process, I would certainly be grateful for it!
Contact Info:
- Website: myorangecrate.com
- Phone: 844-672-6432
- Email: fortbend.tx@myorangecrate.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/orangecratefortbend
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/orangecratefortbend
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