Month: August 2023

Originally published on TriplePundit

U.S. e-commerce sales continue to grow by leaps and bounds, topping the $1 trillion mark in 2022, according to an analysis of U.S. Department of Commerce figures. That means more and more delivery trucks on the road.

UPS delivered an average of 24.3 million packages per day in 2022, totaling 6.2 billion packages across the year, while Amazon saw its sales increase by 9 percent to $514 billion. At the same time, both are among the many companies committing to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions: Amazon pledged to go net-zero by 2040, and UPS is targeting 100 percent carbon neutrality by 2050.

Of course, there is no single pathway to reaching net-zero. Rather it will require a tapestry of solutions — from converting fleets to electric vehicles and increasing the use of rail, to adopting alternative fuels including biofuels and hydrogen.

One player that is focused on helping logistics companies get to zero is Booster, a leading tech-enabled mobile energy delivery company in the United States. The company’s mini-tankers deliver fuel that comes directly from distribution terminals to customers. By its estimates, this can help customers lower carbon emissions by up to 14 percent — or 587 pounds of carbon emissions per vehicle — by avoiding trips to the gas station. It also gives countless hours back to fleet drivers who typically need to refuel every day.

Booster also points to the benefits of reduced gas station-related pollution. Leaks from eroding underground storage tanks can leach into soil, contaminate waterways and affect air quality. “The 557,655 leaking storage tanks nationwide release dangerous chemicals into the surrounding air as they age and deteriorate,” said Shenna Bradshaw, general council and VP of people and regulatory for Booster.

So far, the demand for mobile fuel delivery has been strong. Since it began operations in 2015, Booster has seen an average compound annual growth rate of 50 percent in volume and has delivered over 20 million gallons of fuel across dozens of industries and fleets. In addition to logistics giants, corporate customers include a student transportation company and a misshapen produce purveyor. Booster has also supported CalFire with fueling emergency equipment used to fight fires throughout California and first responders during Hurricane Ida in Louisiana.

Another area of Booster innovation is in low-emissions mobile fuel delivery. A key challenge for all vehicle fueling are fugitive emissions: gases and vapors that are accidentally released into the atmosphere during fueling that contribute to climate change and air pollution.

Booster has partnered with the California Air Resources Board as well as local officials to build propriety technologies that help to ensure it fills vehicles using onboard refueling vapor recovery systems. This captures fuel vapors so they are not trapped inside gas tanks and then released into the atmosphere each time refueling occurs. Booster’s solution is unique in the mobile fueling industry and earned the company authority to operate in the strictest emission standard locations.

Delivering the future of decarbonization 

While mobile fuel delivery has a role in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the real game-changer will be mobile delivery of sustainable fuels like renewable diesel and mobile charging for electric vehicles (EVs).

In markets where Booster can obtain renewable diesel, such as in California, the company has converted nearly 100 percent of its fleet customers to a sustainable alternative fuel. While that’s notable progress, according to the International Energy Agency, transport biofuel demand is not where it needs to be to attain net-zero emissions by 2050. In a recent report, biofuels accounted for just 3 percent of transport fuel demand. To attain net zero by 2050, demand must grow by 14 percent per year through 2030.

While cost competitiveness of biofuel is one barrier slowing uptake, policy actions could help, Bradshaw of Booster told TriplePundit. She points to policies in California and Washington that incentivize and mandate the use of sustainable fuels. California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard program, for example, requires a reduction in the carbon intensity of transportation fuels that are sold, supplied or offered for sale in the state through 2030.

Education is also key. “Many fleet managers may not be fully aware of the benefits and availability of renewable diesel and biofuels,” Bradshaw said. “Educating and raising awareness about the environmental advantages, performance equivalence and long-term cost savings of these fuels is essential to promote their adoption. Demonstrating real-world success stories and providing data-driven evidence of the benefits can help overcome skepticism and encourage fleet managers to make the transition.”

Supporting the needs of mixed fleets 

Beyond fuels, Booster has also gotten into the on-demand EV charging business to help meet the needs of mixed fleets, starting in California.

Booster’s mobile charging service supplements the charging infrastructure at customer locations and provides a backup in the event of temporary blackouts and brownouts. It also helps keep EVs up and running in regions that don’t have easy access to charging stations.

“As fleets electrify, Booster can reduce the cost and risk of EV adoption with flexible, mobile charging capacity,” said Frank Mycroft, CEO and co-founder of Booster. “Removing the need to build infrastructure also saves capital costs and speeds transition time and approvals.”

“With more and more governments and enterprise businesses setting aggressive decarbonization targets, Booster’s technology is available to provide the full suite of energy solutions,” Mycroft said. “Booster is transforming the way energy is delivered and supporting aggressive [action on] climate change, one customer at a time.”

This article series is sponsored by Booster and produced by the TriplePundit editorial team.

Image credit: CHUTTERSNAP/Unsplash

Originally published by AfroTech

A Dream Come True

His desire would manifest in 2023. Today, Lewis is a proud owner of three KFC stores in Baltimore, MD.

This follows after serving eight years as an area manager for KFC, where he expanded the operational restaurants across New York from 12 to 20. In 2011 he then became director of operations for KEDIS Enterprises, a multi-brand franchise organization that has maintained an annual revenue of over $50 million.

Continue reading here.

By Mesha McMiller, Website Operations Specialist II at GoDaddy

At GoDaddy, we’re not just about providing tools and services for businesses – we’re committed to fostering a sense of community, support and empowerment for entrepreneurs. One way we accomplish this is through our global social impact program, Empower by GoDaddy, where as a volunteer I’ve had the incredible opportunity to connect with and assist small business owners on their journeys to success.

My time at GoDaddy has been a dynamic one. Five years ago, I joined the team during the company’s acquisition of Main Street Hub, and my role has evolved as we’ve grown and expanded our services. As a website operations specialist, I’ve been privileged to work closely with entrepreneurs, helping them create websites that not only represent their businesses but also serve as a powerful marketing tool.

One of the highlights of my career stems from my involvement as a volunteer with the Empower by GoDaddy program. Empower by GoDaddy is more than just a well-intentioned corporate initiative; it’s a heartfelt commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of entrepreneurs. Empower by GoDaddy relies heavily on GoDaddy employee volunteers – through in-person interactions, mentorship and sharing of expertise, the program aims to equip small business owners with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed.

During my time with Empower by GoDaddy, I worked with entrepreneurs of all backgrounds and industries, including one who owns a photography and digital media business. Together, we used GoDaddy’s easy-to-use tools to build a website that truly represents her artistic vision. The satisfaction of witnessing her business flourish and her confidence grow was immeasurable. What makes the Empower by GoDaddy experience particularly rewarding is the emphasis on in-person engagement. Sitting down with these entrepreneurs, going through their websites page by page, and providing personalized advice creates a unique bond and a deep sense of accomplishment.

Inclusive entrepreneurship, to me, means more than just inviting everyone to the table – it means ensuring that everyone has access to the tools, guidance and support they need to thrive. Empower by GoDaddy embodies this philosophy by both offering resources and investing time and expertise into the communities we serve. It’s about making sure that small business owners can build on a solid foundation and a rely on a support network.

For those considering starting their own business, I offer a few key pieces of advice:

Patience and Persistence: Building a business takes time. Be patient with yourself and your progress, but also make use of rapidly evolving AI technology to accelerate your growth. Embrace the journey and learn from every step, whether it’s a success or a setback.Take Action: Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Start with what you have and build from there. Progress is more important than perfection, so don’t be afraid to publish your website, or try a new marketing tool to support your social media efforts.Community Matters: Connect with other entrepreneurs, local organizations and programs like Empower by GoDaddy. Surrounding yourself with a supportive community can provide valuable insights and resources.

As I reflect on my experiences with Empower by GoDaddy, I’m reminded of the profound impact that a community-driven approach can have on small businesses. The connections made, the knowledge shared, and the growth witnessed are testaments to the power of collaboration and support. Empower by GoDaddy was just the tip of the iceberg for me – I’m eager to continue my support for not only our customers, but also entrepreneurs of all backgrounds and circumstances as they grow and thrive along their journeys to success.

Empower by GoDaddy Spotlight Series: By partnering with diverse local nonprofits and community organizations around the world, Empower by GoDaddy aims to reach those who haven’t otherwise had access by offering skills training, resources, and mentoring to help accelerate their business journeys. This article is part of the Empower by GoDaddy spotlight series that shines a light on the individuals who make this unique initiative possible. 

To inspire and encourage the next generation of girls in sports, AEG and Nike hosted a girls empowerment and career exposure day on August 4, 2023, for over 30 high school athletes from Watts and Boyle Heights – two of the lowest-income neighborhoods in Los Angeles County.

Participating high school athletes came from four local non-profit organizations — Watts Skills Academy, PeacePlayers – Los Angeles, Hollenbeck PAL and Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA, all of which are all currently working towards expanding their current sports programming for girls of color in Los Angeles.

The day-long empowerment event, which was held in advance of the Nike Basketball 3ON3 Tournament at L.A. LIVE, featured tours, movement sessions and a panel made up of accomplished women in sport who recounted their career journeys and shared how they overcame challenges inspiring girls to pursue their dreams.

“Teaming up with Nike for this event made complete sense, as we both have the shared goal of ensuring equal access to sports, play, and workforce diversity,” said Anette Padilla, Director of Community Foundation at AEG.“These girls deserve the chance to explore the world of sports fully. Today truly embodies visibility and representation – a fundamental starting point for young girls, offering them the key to unlock the vast array of opportunities that lie ahead in their futures.”

Participants began the day by touring the Nike Basketball 3ON3 Tournament setup and the Peacock Theater at L.A. LIVE where they were given a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to produce live sports and entertainment events. Following the tour, the students practiced basketball drills and learned mindfulness exercises to help them focus their minds led by Nike Coach Natalie Gutierrez, a current PeacePlayers coach who previously coached for LA Clippers Youth Basketball and the Mamba League. In the afternoon, students attended a panel and mentoring session with women executives from Nike and AEG who have broken barriers in sports.

“AEG has had a long-time partnership with Nike and we were excited to join forces on our joint commitment to increase access to sports, exposure to careers in the industry and inspire the next generation of athletes,” said Kami Stoianov, Senior Director, Partner Activations, AEG Global Partnerships

To learn more about AEG’s social impact activities, click here.