Judy Santos, Managing Director of OfficeSlice, recently spoke with Lorena Camargo, President of Pearl Transportation. This blog is to highlight some of the dynamic and successful businesswomen of the San Fernando Valley. Each story is personal, and each woman is open and sharing their tips on success with you!
Don’t be misled by the pretty Latina woman behind the desk! She’s on a mission to make her company, Pearl Transportation, the number one courier and delivery service in the area, and in all of Southern California!
How did Lorena Camargo find herself to be president of a company at a young age? Lorena had been working in the courier service for many years, when the owner decided he was going to close the company and retire. Lorena loved the work and more so, loved her clients. She enjoyed making sure that the client’s needs were taken care of and getting their packages delivered on-time. Lorena pushed herself and decided to take over the existing client base. She found herself, not for the last time, out of her comfort zone. She is now the owner and president of the courier and delivery company, Pearl Transportation.
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Lorena had not set out to be a business owner. She never believed she would be where she is now. But, someone believed in her. “It took a while for me to believe that I could do this,” she said, and now she exclaims, it was the best decision she ever made. “Not the easiest but the best!” Pearl Transportation has been burning up the tarmac for a year and a half. “I’m building my future. I’m surprised now that I never believed in myself.”
Lorena is a naturally shy person, but she’s been pushing herself out of her comfort zone for the past year a half. She also pushes the shyness aside, by approaching possible new clients, something that she finds very difficult. “I’m pushing myself to do more outreach in person, meeting shipping managers, and letting them know how Pearl Transportation can help them when UPS and FED EX can’t.”
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Pearl Transportation excels at same day transportation. They specialize in courier and trucking, and are working Los Angeles and Orange Counties. They are also starting to move into overnight shipments to the East coast when FED EX deadlines don’t work for the client. “We are starting to grow our overnight delivery program into other states! We never say no to our clients.” Pearl Transportation is delivering to Texas, Indiana, San Francisco, New York, Boston and more.
What’s it like being a woman in a male dominated industry like shipping and courier services? “Sometimes at industry events, men don’t see me, and they don’t see me as a threat. About a year ago I went to a convention and this gentleman, looked at me and said, ‘now kids are running these types of businesses?’ He’s a direct competitor. But then one of his clients started using me, and they love my services. The men see me as a girl and as a Latina, they don’t see me as a threat. But they should, because I’m going to be a big deal one day!”
What is Lorena’s advice to someone just starting out in business? “Always believe that you can, but you have to believe in yourself first. You have to put in the hard work. It’s okay if you don’t have a certain skill set because you can make it up with hard work. I’m shy and not very talkative, but I have clients that love me. Always be willing to step outside of your comfort zone, because that is where the magic happens! It’s a cliché, but it’s true. I’ve had the best year and a half of my life, and my life is just starting. I wouldn’t have met the people I’ve met or done any of this if I hadn’t stepped out of my comfort zone. I work with amazing people every day, and it’s wonderful. ”
Lorena burns off steam by trying out different sports, but her favorite is lifting weights and CrossFit. Weightlifting is her stress reliever but it also gives her a subject to talk about when she’s meeting new shipping managers, her opening line? “How much are you squatting?”
Contact Lorena Camargo at Pearl Transportation
(818) 643-7364
