"Together Talks" feature #120: KIMEEZ presented by KLS, freight company
Some Background on KIMEEZ
Today's edition of "Together Talks" campaign, KLS had the privilege to interview KIMEEZ and Kim Pierce, Founder. The idea came to Kim after years of frustration with foot sweat. Whenever she wore summer flats to the office or heels for a night out, she was miserable. An active woman, Kim also had problems with athletic shoes.
So she took matters into her own feet and created KIMEEZ.
These revolutionary shoe liners keep your feet comfortable and dry with no slipping, sliding or bunching. People of all ages are embracing this easy-to-use product for work, play and life. So go ahead and sweat!
KIMEEZ has you covered.
30 year career to chasing happiness
The beginning of KIMMEEZ started in August of 2022, but the product didn't officially launch until December of 2023. Prior to foraying into entrepreneurship, Kim had a decorated career over 30 years in the corporate world, specifically in leadership roles. A couple of years ago Kim had lost her job and admitted she was going through a lot personally. She had been in the association space for almost 20 years, working her way up to senior leadership. She described it to us as her dream job and she loved doing it. After losing her role as the CEO, she felt she needed a break. She didn't know what she was going to do next or even what she wanted to do.
While working on herself she met a neighbor of hers who is super talented and knowledgeable and ultimately became a cheerleader of sorts for Kim. Kim had an idea for a product that would solve a problem she encountered. However, she knew she had no experience creating a product or building a company. Despite that massive challenge, she received advice and encouragement from her neighbor to chase this goal. With that motivation, Kim reflected and knew she always wanted to be her own boss, so she decided to go all in.
With no experience in manufacturing, Kim shared there was a huge learning curve for her. She told us, "I'm never too embarrassed to admit what I don't know." Her humility allowed her to be a sponge and learn many new facets in creating her company. Kim mentioned how most of her career she never had mentors or coaches. She was the first in her family to graduate from college. Now being an entrepreneur, she is figuring it out on her own. Kim elaborated that for her it has always been crucial to be happy with what she was doing, "If I was ever not happy in a position, I would leave for something else. That was at a time where jumping on your resume wasn't common, but I always made a move with a goal in mind to progress forward and level up." That level of determination is what Kim is bringing to her company to build it into the brand she envisions.
New Product
A challenge for Kim was introducing consumers to a brand new product. While she believes that everyone has competition in some capacity whether direct or indirect, there isn’t one product that addresses all of the solutions her product provides. She knew she had a product that would help so many as it helped her, but it was a product being brought to market that many. There are many differentiators for KIMEEZ disposable shoe liners. First, they are made up of three layers to address moisture, odor, and protection. These liners are convenient in that they are made to size for women, men, and children. Kim also created a separate product that is designed specifically for open toe shoes that is very discreet, allowing women to add a layer of comfort in any shoe they cannot wear a sock with. One of the biggest impacts of the product is the adhesives on the back of the liners that prevent any slippage regardless of the shoe style.
With the strengths of the company, Kim is focused on building the brand of KIMEEZ. Being a unicorn and the first of its kind, adds appeal to consumer demand. While it is challenging to market and promote a brand-new product, Kim is focusing on the passion she has for her product and company. The authenticity and level of commitment to growing the community and brand is continuing to push her forward.
In thinking about what to name her company, she shared with us she had no idea. She watched a few videos and interviews to get ideas. Kim credited one interview, with Sarah Blakley, Founder of Spanx, "She mentioned how many popular brands have a 'K' starting sound or ending with the 'X' sound. So it started there for me." While she was pondering the ideas with her sisters and best friend, one said your name starts with a “K”, why not use it? Kim admitted that she was hesitant at first because it felt egotistical. But when the word “Kimmy” was thrown around, it felt nostalgic to her as it was her childhood nickname and a sweet nod to her parents who are both deceased. After playing with some iterations of the word, KIMEEZ was born.
Partner with KLS
KLS offers LTL and FTL for both dry and reefer transportation.
Our nationwide coverage provides companies a reliable, consistent, and dependable logistics partner to handle your trucking needs.
For more information on how we can help call our office today 708-980-0920 or reach us via our email quote request here!
Validation
Starting out, Kim's first goal was to reach 100 orders on Amazon. She informed us it took 10 weeks to reach that. Unbelievably, now she is doing that every couple of days! Kim took us through the first time she had her product delivered to her. 14 pallets unloaded outside her garage. "Opening that first case and touching my product for the first time was so incredibly exciting. I don’t think I'll ever forget that feeling."
Kim was able to share with us that she recently auditioned and was accepted to appear on the 16th season of the BLOX. Filming begins in July and is viewable on Amazon Prime, FB watch, and their app. Kim said she is most excited about the relationships and possible partnerships she will make while being in the room with 59 other entrepreneurs. In addition to that, Kim is a part of a female founders group. They meet monthly to discuss their careers, relying on each other for support, motivation, and accountability.
November 2021 was the first time that the idea that would become KIMEEZ entered Kim’s mind. Nine months later she was incorporated and a full-fledged business. Kim shared that she has always been a go-getter and risk taker. She told us of the transition and sharing the news with her family, "I told my sisters my intentions and they shook their head at me in disbelief. I had just lost my well paying job, gotten divorced, and bought a fixer-up house, to them it seemed like a pipe dream." Fast forward to when Kim got the product and gave out samples. Her sisters’ outlook quickly changed, "We used the product Kim and we cannot believe you created this. This is a product we’d absolutely buy in a store and use regularly. " Kim opened up to us that prior to that admission she never knew her sisters doubted her, but to see how much they are supporting her now is a tremendous feeling. Kim mentioned how initially it was difficult to convert those to believe in her and the concept because very few understood it. Kim continued, "It was an idea and a product that didn't exist. I had to show them what it could be and convert them. We succeeded in that, now that is the goal for us with everyone who wears shoes."
The struggle before the appreciation
Over the next year, Kim has a huge push to build the brand awareness. Creating a brand that resonates with people beyond just a product is her goal. Kim believes that many new brands are doing more than just selling a product. With building the community and support around her company, she hopes to bring that momentum into reaching retail locations for KIMEEZ. Kim has a focus on sweat and to normalize sweating. In creating her current products and products down the road she wants to help remove any stigma that may include embarrassment from sweating.
One day Kim hopes to bring everything on US soil and manufacturer here. However, being self-funded does cause a strain on growth for the company. Being a founder in a new space has led to many mistakes and some very costly ones as well. An example was when Kim hired an outside marketing & branding firm too quickly. She brought on a creative firm, but the level of production was lacking, and it ended up being an expensive mistake. Without someone in the trenches with her, she said it does happen where maybe she misses things not being able to bounce ideas off a Co-Founder. But despite the setbacks, she relies on a piece of advice she got earlier in her career, "At a previous job I was the CFO and I made a huge error. I went into my boss' office and was astounded by how calm and cool she was. Then she shared with me enlightening advice, 'fail fast, recover faster', I still apply that today especially with my business."
Kim believes that she is still working to get to the level where she feels like she can breathe. Summer is peak season, so she is excited to see the growth through the remainder of this year. Her focus is acquiring repeat buyers to truly build some traction. While building KIMEEZ, Kim is most appreciative for the freedom she now encounters. A self-admitted homebody, Kim rarely likes to have many things planned. If her schedule becomes too busy it drains her energy and outlook. Creating a business that allows her to fill her cup in a healthy way is so crucial to her growth as a person and leader.
Kim reflected on one of her proudest moments and it ended up involving her family, a wedding, and California. She explained, "My friend who helped me with the name of the company passed out samples at work. He workmate was talking with someone at a wedding in California, who happened to be Kim’s cousin. They were talking about shoes and this other lady said, 'I have to tell you about this product!'. It was KIMEEZ. What are the chances? To see my product reach across the country and have customers rave about it like that, how cool is that?!" Kim said she is going to buy a travel map to place a marker for each state that has KIMEEZ walking around.
Piece of Advice
Our conversation with Kim ended with her sharing her piece of advice:
"Don’t doubt yourself, like Nike, Just Do It! Easier said than done but have confidence and believe in yourself. There is a lot of space in this world for small products or different things and you can create a life for yourself outside of the corporate world. Doing something on your own is scary, but don’t be afraid to make the jump. Life is too short not to. Find people that you can rely on and talk to who will support you. If you believe in your product, other people will as well. Be passionate and authentic.”
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Contact us as we would love to learn your story and share it amongst our audience.
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In Closing
KLS wants to thank Kim Pierce, Founder, of KIMEEZ for today's "Together Talks" feature. Follow along for their journey with their social handles below!
Business Resources!
Look at our new page HERE designed to provide excellent opportunities that may be of interest to you. These are a compilation from our chats within our "Together Talks". If you have any suggestions please let us know as we would love to provide more valuable insight to our community!
Klimson Logistics Solutions - Together Talks with KIMEEZ feature #120
*Klimson Logistics Solutions is an Industry Leading Customer Service 3PL. Our focus and commitment to our clients has us striving to be the BEST customer service 3PL for LTL, FTL, Reefer, and Drayage in the country. KLS, freight company, is a 3PL providing nationwide logistics solutions. KLS shipping services include: LTL freight, FTL freight, Reefer LTL freight, Reefer FTL freight, and Drayage. Klimson Logistics Solutions thanks you for viewing our marketing campaign, "Together Talks". If you have any interest in being featured or questions regarding your freight operations please contact us today!
Why KLS?
Our precise and reliable effort.
We handle every shipment with the exact same process. It does not matter if you move one shipment a year or ten per day, you will receive the same level of customer service from us. When we started this company, we had one goal in mind, treat every shipment like it was our own. With our vast knowledge of the industry, we understood what a customer would want from a communication standpoint. We applied that process to be the standard here at KLS. Our reliability and being able to depend on our consistency is why we have such long-standing relationships with our clients.
Our Process?
Every shipment in our industry starts with a quote. We are firm believers that time is money, thus we strive to have quotes back in a 5-10 minute reply time for LTL and FTL, any FCL quotes are at the mercy of the carriers getting back to us. For LTL we have the flexibility to quote both off of NMFC and also Density depending on the carrier. Utilizing our services, you’re allowing us to use our expertise to class your freight accordingly to ensure we are providing the best rate we possibly can.
Once a quote has been submitted and a client chooses to proceed with KLS handling the arrangement of the shipment our full process begins. We create the BOL that will be used for the shipment. If it is a new location for our system, we will obtain all the important/special details (reference numbers, contact details, shipping hours, closed for lunch, dock/doors, etc.). We meticulously build every detail into our software for all future shipments involving that location. After we have both locations built and necessary reference numbers have been applied we will tender the shipment to the carrier. We use this method because it provides us a real time pickup number from the carrier to obtain updates prior to pickup. Our staff will either email the BOL directly to you or to the shipper (at your request) the minute after the tender has been accepted by the carrier. LTL carriers require a 2 hour window prior to close time in order to schedule it for a same-day pickup attempt.
The following morning you’ll receive an email from us. It will either provide the reason the pickup was missed (driver’s trailer filled up, driver missed the close time, truck broke down, shipper said no freight, etc.) or if the pickup was successful you will receive the PRO (tracking) number from us, along with the eta for delivery. Our staff will track it throughout the duration of transit and advise if anything happens that will alter the estimated delivery date. The day the shipment delivers we will email you with confirmation and the POD (Proof of Delivery), should you require it.
Your shipment has been quoted, scheduled, picked up, and delivered. The next step is waiting for the carrier to invoice us and make sure the rate matches up. If it does, we close out the invoice from the carrier in our system and automatically your invoice is created and sent to the requested party at your company. In the event the carrier has an additional charge on their invoice “Variance”, we will never send you an invoice with an additional charge without first identifying you of the charge.
Let us repeat, NEVER WILL WE JUST BILL OUT AN EXTRA CHARGE WITHOUT YOU BEING NOTIFIED.
You are our customer, we represent you. Should the carrier provide an extra charge on an invoice, “Lift gate, additional weight, reclass, detention, etc.) We notify you of the charge via email first. Second, within that email we identify what is required should you choose to dispute the charge. Again our goal is to honor your request, if you want to dispute, we will dispute. During a dispute we will provide you updates every step along the way. Once a dispute is closed out, whether it is approved or rejected, then we will invoice you as the invoice has been resolved.
For reference, our company only had 6.2% of all shipments go to dispute in 2022 and we successfully won 91% of those disputes on behalf of our customers.
This is our process for every single shipment you move with us. We don’t cut corners, we don’t hide from difficult situations. We believe in being available, honest, and transparent. We don’t ever want to tell you that a shipment is lost, damaged, misrouted, but it is our duty to notify you the second we find out something has gone wrong. We hate to present bad news, but it is part of the job. What you can guarantee is that we will work a shipment all the way through and turn over every stone until we get a resolution for our clients.
Services offered?
Our core business is LTL and FTL. Within these options we have options for both dry and refrigerated/frozen. We also offer FCL/Drayage options. Our company as a 3PL has nationwide options and services clients across the US.
Let’s breakdown our services more in-depth
LTL:
Standard and Guaranteed
CFS (Imports & Exports)
Tradeshows
Hazmat
Anything that is on a pallet can be moved LTL. Typically LTL is up to 10 pallets, but the sweet spot for a carrier is 6-8 pallets at most for an individual shipment. LTL quotes are good between 5-30 days depending on the carrier. LTL can be quoted either via NMFC or density to determine the class (we do this for you).
Volume:
Anything over 10-12’ of space in the truck is the technical rule for a volume shipment. When we run a quote for you we will determine if it qualifies for volume and provide you a rate if available. Volume moves allow you to get a reduced rate for larger shipments. The caveat to volume shipments it the quotes are only valid for 3-7 days and they move on capacity between terminals. If a terminal is backed up they will move their LTL freight first before the volume freight, which can lead to longer transit times for volume moves.
FTL/Dedicated/Expedited: 53’ Dry and Reefer 26’ Box trucks with lift gate Sprinter Van The main difference for FTL vs LTL is space and transit time. For standard pallets you can fit either 26 or 30 pallets in a 53’ dry van. The other main difference is transit time, for FTL each day counts in the transit time, whereas LTL does not count the day of pickup, weekends, or holidays in their transit time.
Reefer/Frozen:
LTL and FTL
We specialize working in the CPG space with food manufacturers. We regularly deliver to
the following locations:
Kehe
UNFI
Core Mark
DPI
Wegmans
Cugini
H.T. Hackney
Netrition
HEB
ALDI
Chambers and Owens
EBY Brown
Nassau Candy
Harris Teeter
Wakefern
NU INC
Long Distribution
What makes KLS different?
There are thousands of freight brokers and 3PL in our industry. Barrier to entry is rather easy and agents or owners will often hire sales people without any intention of properly training them. It results in high turnover for many freight companies and a forgettable experience for the client. We choose to operate differently through our consistency. We truly care about doing right by our clients and prospects too. While we would love to help provide our services to every company we speak with, that just isn’t realistic. We won’t always be the right fit for every company that moves freight and that is ok. Our authenticity as a shipping company sets us apart from the competition and that is backed up by our testimonials. We also run a marketing campaign bi-weekly called “Together Talks”. We interview, highlight, and promote two businesses every week. Our goal is to grow our network, make new connections, and learn something new with each collaboration. Check it out on our website and if you’re interested in being featured reach out.
Our company also runs a year long charity promotion. Book your first shipment through KLS and we donate to the charity of your choice in your name. Our way of thanking you for giving us an opportunity to show you the KLS way and what makes us one of a kind. This entire package is what we offer to every prospect and every client. Our goal is to help provide answers that customers may have when it comes to shipping. We want to always be available as a resource and will always offer a lending hand whenever we can.