FedEx Ground Names Entrepreneurs of the Year

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--FedEx Ground, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX), has recognized three independent contractors whose businesses provide package delivery services for the company with one of its highest honors. Nick Ciardiello of Metuchen, N.J., Jason Keefe of Summerville, S.C., and Trent Webb of Memphis, Tenn., were named FedEx Ground Entrepreneurs of the Year at a banquet recognizing them for their business development, customer service results, safety record and community support.

“These entrepreneurial men and women commit themselves to creating small businesses that deliver on a promise of reliable, cost-effective and professional service. Through their outstanding efforts they have built thriving businesses and, in the process, have made substantial contributions to their local communities.”

The FedEx Ground Entrepreneur of the Year honor was established in 2007 to recognize those independent contractors who have built businesses that most consistently go the extra mile to safely deliver superior customer service, help fellow independent contractors succeed, and support their local communities. Of the nearly 12,000 independent contractors supporting the FedEx Ground network, Ciardiello, Keefe and Webb were recognized for best exemplifying these traits in 2008-2009.

“For nearly a quarter century, FedEx Ground has worked in collaboration with thousands of dedicated small business owners to deliver exceptional service to the marketplace,” said Dave Rebholz, president and chief executive officer of FedEx Ground. “These entrepreneurial men and women commit themselves to creating small businesses that deliver on a promise of reliable, cost-effective and professional service. Through their outstanding efforts they have built thriving businesses and, in the process, have made substantial contributions to their local communities.”

Since the founding of the Entrepreneur of the Year program, FedEx Ground has named nearly 300 regional honorees. Ciardiello, Keefe and Webb were selected from a group of 20 finalists from this year’s regional winners. The following are brief biographical profiles of the three honorees:

Nick Ciardiello, [NC Enterprises]

In the 20 years since Nick Ciardiello purchased his first FedEx Ground route, he’s formed corporations and partnerships with other FedEx Ground independent contractors and now owns and operates 16 routes, maintains a fleet of 30 vehicles and employs 34 people, including a helper who knows each route and provides driver training. A consummate professional who is always looking for opportunities to grow his business, Nick has posted 17 years of accident-free driving and many of his drivers have received individual safety awards.

Jason Keefe. [Conex, LLC]

Jason Keefe’s attention to safety has earned him the respect of the Charleston, S.C., FedEx Home Delivery management team and his fellow contractors. Jason explains that he and his seven drivers combine safe practices with a strong work ethic to meet customer needs every day. When he’s not busy running his FedEx Home Delivery business, Jason participates in various community events. In the past, he’s sponsored the Berlin G. Meyers Tournament, which benefits employees with disabilities, and The Ronald McDonald House. He’s also served as a volunteer coach for the local YMCA soccer team and the local baseball league. An avid cook, Jason has also appeared on the Food Network program Grill It! with Bobby Flay.

Trent Webb, [Trent Webb Inc 2 and L&J Svcs]

Linehaul contractor Trent Webb has grown his two businesses from start-up companies to a million-dollar enterprise that helps keep the packages flowing in and out of FedEx Ground’s Memphis hub. Embracing the independent contractor model, Webb has expanded his operations through volume growth and acquisition. Starting with two-tractors in 1987, today Webb has six assigned runs serviced by 12 drivers who operate seven vehicles. Equally impressive is Trent’s 24 years of safe driving and his industry involvement. He served as an America’s Road Team Captain in 1996-1997 and is a long-time member of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association of America.

About FedEx Ground

FedEx Ground has a network of more than 500 distribution hubs and local pickup-and-delivery terminals throughout the United States and Canada. The company reported annual revenue of $7.05 billion in fiscal year 2009.

About FedEx Corp.

FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $34 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 275,000 team members to remain "absolutely, positively" focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. For more information, visit news.fedex.com.

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