Today we’d like to introduce you to James Heneghan and Derrell Barron.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am the CEO/Founder of ChiShip.com. I attended Lake Park High School in Roselle, IL. After I graduated high school, I enrolled at the College of Dupage in Glen Ellyn, IL. After a year there, I transferred to Western Illinois University with the aspirations of eventually becoming a police officer. Two years of cold winters in Macomb, IL lead me to transfer to Hawaii Pacific University. After realizing how expensive the cost of living was in Honolulu, I decided that going back to Western Illinois University was the right choice after only a semester in Hawaii. After college I began working in Asset Protection and testing for police departments. After a few years of testing and not hearing back from police departments, I decided it was time to do something with my life. I wanted to become my own boss and not have to answer to anyone but myself. To make a long story short, I googled ways to make money. I found an article on building websites and how lucrative a career in this field could be. I watched a few videos how to build websites and ChiShip.com was born. After seeing the success of my parent’s small courier business, I decided to start one of my own. I thought, why not take courier services to a new technological level. I partnered up with a good friend of mine, Derrell Barron, and the idea of ChiShip was born. I would like to take the time to say that I couldn’t have done any of this without the love and support of my fiancé Renee. Also, Derrell would say the same thing about his Mother Joy. Building a successful is business is one part hard work and another part support from your loved ones.
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?
Starting a business is never a cake walk. Not only are there financial risks, but you also risk the relationships you have with your closest friends and family by dedicating most of your free time and life to growing the business.
When our business began to grow, Derrell and I were forced to quit our full time jobs, which is a very scary decision to make. We didn’t have much in savings to start, so paying for the website costs and all of the business licenses was a great challenge. It helped immensely having a partner, as we were able to split the costs. Since I was building the site mostly on my own, I was able to save some dough in a very critical area.
Running a business with your best friend isn’t always easy. I am not going to lie, we have had some disagreements and don’t always see eye to eye on things. But when it comes down to it, we are friends first.
There have been times in which I have wanted to quit and take the easy way out, but quitting is not an option. We will always find a way to succeed, even if there is not an easy path.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with ChiShip – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
ChiShip is an on demand courier service that operates in the City of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. There are many courier businesses in Chicago, but ChiShip is one of the first of its kind. ChiShip utilizes a web based network of independent contractors. Our clients are be able to log on to our website chiship.com and quickly schedule a pickup of virtually anything they need delivered. Within minutes, one of our independent contractors in their area will make the pickup.
We are very proud of the diverse group of contractors that drive for ChiShip. They are hardworking, honest people and we literally couldn’t do it without them. All kudos go to them.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
The future is very bright for ChiShip. We realize that on demand delivery is becoming a way of life for online shoppers and the companies that send their goods same or next day. Our goal is to make same day delivery a turnkey solution for consumers, companies and large corporations.
We look are looking forward to growing the business in Chicago, but we have also expanded to fabulous Las Vegas! So big things are happening and we hope to keep up the momentum.
Contact Info:
- Address: 9724 S Karlov Ave. #302
Oak Lawn, IL 60453 - Website: www.chiship.com
- Phone: 331-209-0212
- Email: support@chiship.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chiship/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chiisthelimit/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/originalchiship
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/chiship-oak-brook-3
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/chiship0591/pins/
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
