For David Lopez, being at DutchX has been “a life-changing experience.”
The New York City-based delivery tech startup was founded in 2012 by co-founders Ariella Azogui and Marcus Hoed. DutchX specializes in building logistics for delivery solutions, as well as being its own delivery platform. Notable clients include Eataly, Amazon Fresh, and Whole Foods. Of particular note is DutchX delivery workers are full-fledged employees, unlike the independent contractors used by competitors.
In an interview with me conducted over email this week, Lopez explained his affinity for DutchX is multi-pronged. Before he joined, he found himself transiently moving from job to job to job. DutchX provided him with much-needed security, especially considering he and his wife are raising their grandson Anthony, who’s deaf and autistic. Lopez has climbed the proverbial ladder since joining DutchX a decade ago; his journey started as a delivery driver, then becoming a dispatcher and fleet manager. Lopez has reached the highest levels of the company, presently overseeing DutchX’s delivery fleet. “DutchX didn’t judge me for my color or race and the owners are real people that don’t treat their employees like just another replaceable number,” Lopez said of his rise.
“We’re the go-to experts in carbon-neutral deliveries, providing sustainable on-demand, same day, and next day delivery solutions for our clients to their customers,” Azogui said to me of DutchX’s institutional mission in an email interview concurrent with Lopez’s.
She continued: “Our people, sustainability, and technology are at the core of our mission. We prioritize job security by employing a delivery workforce composed of employees of the company, not gig workers, ensuring stability for our team and translating to superior service for our clients. We own and maintain the largest fleet of delivery e-bikes in the country, enabling us to significantly reduce our carbon footprint. We’re revolutionizing the game with Zadar, our proprietary operations and workforce management software, consisting of a web-based platform for managers and a mobile app for our delivery associates, serving as an easy and intuitive mobile toolbox.”
As Azogui explained, DutchX is nothing if not for its people. The company has an unwavering devotion to fostering a culture of inclusiveness, which Azogui noted is “fundamental to who we are.” The experiences of people like Lopez are illustrative of DutchX’s ethos in this regard. Lopez echoed this sentiment, saying DutchX makes him “feel like family” and is cognizant of his hard work. “Ariella and Marcus showed me that escaping the projects and homeownership was possible for me. This is something I never envisioned as a reality,” he said.
Azogui expounded on DutchX’s philosophy on inclusivity.
“We know that by creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and included, we can achieve incredible things by creating a diverse workforce,” she said. “We collaborate with community organizations and local partners to provide resources and support tailored to the specific needs of underrepresented communities. Additionally, we offer skills training and educational opportunities to empower individuals and help them thrive in their personal and professional lives. When individuals from underrepresented communities succeed and make their mark, they become powerful examples and inspirations for others. Their achievements show that barriers can be overcome and dreams can be realized. Together, we can shape a future where everyone’s potential is recognized and celebrated.”
Lopez’s dreams certainly have been realized. In November 2021, his family moved into what he described as “our dream house” in Connecticut. This was made possible by paying off debt, saving money for a down payment, and intervention from Azogui. Lopez told me that, despite saving, the real estate company informed him his total income fell short of being approved. That changed when Azogui gave him a 17% raise, which put him over the threshold. “They [the real estate company] told me that the house was ours and the closing process began,” Lopez said. “This journey proves that hard work really does pay off.”
He added: “Anthony can finally run around in his own backyard and not have to worry about dodging any gunshots like we did in the past. I can now create a better, safer future for my grandson. I can now provide him with better education, medical care, and a supportive community. I can now give him the opportunity to thrive in an environment free of the daily dangers we had experienced in the past. My journey led me to finding DutchX, and DutchX gave me the opportunity to make my dreams come true.”
Of course, DutchX would also be nothing if not for technology. Azogui, whose purview includes the company’s technology department in what she called a “juggling act” of responsibilities, called technology a “crucial element in both our operations and customer experience.” Operationally speaking, she said DutchX’s proprietary Zadar software helps ensure efficient and accurate delivery windows while taking into account costs and margins. Moreover, for delivery employees, the company has developed an app, described by Azogui as user-friendly and intuitive, that helps workers streamline tasks and other information. “Recognizing the potential gap between industry expectations and technical skills, we bridge this divide by offering a single platform where all necessary actions and information are conveniently consolidated,” Azogui said. “We even gamify our training to make it engaging and efficient, ensuring 100% knowledge retention in no time. This transparency and smooth communication foster a happy and productive workforce.”
For his part, Lopez is deeply appreciative of modern technology. He told me Anthony thrives due largely to technology’s help, saying tech has “has made it so easy for him to be able to communicate with me and my wife.” Anthony is non-verbal, so he uses his phone or laptop to type out communication with others. He also uses FaceTime and uses a translator app to talk with relatives who live in the Dominican Republic.
When asked about disabled delivery workers, Lopez echoed several of the same sentiments as DoorDash policy executive Cheryl Young, whom I interviewed in March. Most people, he said, only see the end result of the delivery process: the part when the person shows up at your door and hands off the goods. The reality is, delivery is multi-layered behind the scenes; there’s a lot of prelude to the climatic action at the aforementioned doorstep. These machinations, Lopez said, all involve tasks that “disabled individuals can certainly contribute to a delivery solutions company in roles like these and make a meaningful impact.”
Azogui said feedback has been “incredibly positive” and motivating.
“We have received enthusiastic responses from our clients, who appreciate our commitment to sustainability, efficiency, and excellent service. They have expressed satisfaction with our carbon-neutral retail deliveries. Moreover, the feedback from our employees has been equally encouraging, as they value the transparent communication, support, and growth opportunities we provide,” she said of what DutchX hears from clients and customers. “We are constantly learning from feedback and strive to continually improve and exceed expectations. Overall, the feedback received affirms that we are on the right track and motivates us to keep pushing boundaries and deliver exceptional results.”
As for the future, Azogui said DutchX has a “dual vision.” They remain steadfastly committed to servicing those from marginalized and underrepresented communities while also striving for financial success, two goals she believes go hand-in-hand with each other. “By providing resources, opportunities, and a platform for underrepresented communities to thrive, we contribute to their empowerment and overall societal progress,” she said. “At the same time, our dedication to inclusivity fuels innovation, attracts diverse talent, and enhances our competitive edge, leading to sustainable financial growth. It’s a balanced vision where we uplift underrepresented communities and thrive as a successful company.”
As for Lopez, he’s eternally grateful for how DutchX has empowered him not only make a better life for himself, but for Anthony in literally providing a great home and the best care. “I had never imagined I would be the first in my family, for generations, to escape the projects and offer my family a better future. DutchX gave me the chance to break the cycle of limited opportunity and really changed my life forever,” he said.
Rest assured Lopez has no intentions of jumping jobs ever again.
“My future hope is to continue working for DutchX for as long as I possibly can. I will never work for any other company for as long as I live,” he said. “My dream is to pay off my mortgage, so that I can ensure that my wife and Anthony will be okay in the future. My daughter also has two kids on the autism spectrum, so my dream is also for them to be okay now and in the future. I am already blessed with a beautiful family, house, and new car. I want to continue working for the best company I know so I can continue to build the best future possible for my family.”
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