Despite the challenges that 2020 presented, a lot happened here at Dispatch. As we head into 2021, we wanted to take the time to review the events and achievements our team experienced this year.
Despite the challenges that 2020 presented, a lot happened here at Dispatch. As we head into 2021, we wanted to take the time to review the events and achievements our team experienced this year.
Forbes America's Best Startup Employers
Early this year, Forbes recognized Dispatch as one of America's 10 Best Startup Employers of 2020. Through a process of rigorous evaluations that took into account our reputation, employee satisfaction, and growth, Dispatch came in fifth place out of a hundred companies.
How We Handled COVID-19
Although we had no way of knowing the impact of COVID-19 on our business and the communities we served, we were fortunate enough to be able to adapt. As part of our core value of People First and to protect our employees, independent contractor drivers, and customers, we pivoted to a work-from-home policy and contactless service model. Making these adjustments allowed us to continue to operate safely as an essential business.
Our Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity Pledge
In May, we witnessed the painful effects of systemic racism in our very own backyard. A tragic event that showed us how we — collectively as a company and community — needed to do better. In recognizing that we still had work to do and room to improve, Dispatch formed its very own Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity (EID) Council/Steering Group to effect change from within. Since then, we have partnered with Minnesota State University, Mankato, to train our leaders on what it means to be an EID-focused company and fully deliver on our core values.
Completing Our Series B Round of Funding
At the end of Q2, we completed our Series B round of Funding to secure over $11 million. This investment allowed us to power the growth of Dispatch by way of market expansion and talent development — extending our services to new cities and doubling our Product and Engineering teams. In turn, this paved the way for many of our bigger wins in the second half of 2020.
New Branding and Website Launch
To more accurately reflect the expansion and growth we've experienced since 2016, Dispatch launched a new website and branding at the end of July. While we introduced a new logo, tagline, and new colors, our dedication to quality service remained the same.
New Markets, New Features, and a New Service Expansion
When we first set our goals for 2020, we could never have anticipated a pandemic. But in spite of COVID-19, we still expanded into 50 markets, launched a new service expansion that allowed our customers to request multiple stops, and introduced an API and reporting feature to improve our service offerings.
As we reflect on our journey this past year, we found many things to be grateful for, learn from, and celebrate. Throughout the highs and lows of 2020, however, one thing remained a constant — we couldn't have done this without you.
Many thanks to our employees, customers, and drivers who are the reason we can continue to do what we love most — Deliver More*
