Mr. Hansen is sole owner of the InXpress Atlanta franchise, the company’s first U.S. franchise and one of its largest franchises for the past eight years.
With the success of his franchise, he travels the world visiting current InXpress franchisees, ensuring proper franchise operations and franchise economics.
Dustin Hansen has been with InXpress since May 2006. Dustin Hansen was appointed InXpress USA Executive Vice President in 2009 and was promoted to CEO of InXpress USA in 2012. Under Dustin’s leadership, InXpress USA has enjoyed more than 90 percent growth over the last two years.
With this incredible success Dustin accepted the assignment of CEO of InXpress Americas in 2014, he will strategically be involved with the development and growth of the entire region going forward.
Dustin Hansen also serves on the InXpress Global Board of Directors.
BeTheBoss: Tell us about the InXpress concept.
Dustin Hansen: InXpress started in the UK in early 2000’s with a simple, yet powerful, franchise model. InXpress franchisees focuses on small and medium sized business (SME’s) that have a need for shipping services. Customers of InXpress range from law firms needing to ship documents, to manufacturing companies exporting and importing goods and supplies. SME’s, because of their shipping volumes, do not qualify for large volume shipping discounts. InXpress, by combining the volume from all of our SME customers, qualify for discounts reserved for only the largest companies. InXpress then passes this cost savings on to our customers. Franchisees don’t touch any box, they simply sell the service, and service their existing customers. InXpress carrier partners, like DHL, take care of the pick and delivery of each shipment.
BTB: How and when did you become involved with InXpress franchise?
DH: I became involved with InXpress as the first franchisee in North America in 2006. InXpress was growing in the UK and was looking to expand. Through some mutual contacts who knew I was looking for a franchise I was introduced to InXpress, jumped in, and have never looked back.
BTB: What was your background prior to joining InXpress franchise?
DH: My background prior to joining InXpress was pretty simple. I was preparing to graduate from my university as an airline pilot at the age of 23. However, after being newly married, the lifestyle of a pilot began to lose its appeal. I had always been intrigued by owning my own business, and felt franchising was a way for me to begin that journey.
BTB: What are some of the advantages in being a InXpress franchisee?
DH: There are four distinct advantages being an InXpress franchisee:
1. The market is growing rapidly, and is recession proof
2. InXpress offers a discounted shipping service through carriers like DHL, there is no investment needed from customers
3. Extremely low (no) overhead. There is no equipment, building, inventory, assets, needed
4. Massive passive residual income. Customers go online, process their shipments, the carrier picks and delivers the shipments, and the customer receives an InXpress invoice.
BTB: Who is your ideal franchisee?
DH: Energetic person willing to cold call and sell a B2B service, that is willing to learn and follow a proven model.
BTB:Tell us a little about the InXpress Market?
DH: InXpress focuses on small and medium sized business (SME’s) that have a need for shipping services. This ranges from law firms needing to ship documents, to manufacturing companies exporting and importing goods and supplies. SME’s, do their shipping volumes, do not qualify for large volume discounts. InXpress, by combining the volume from all of our SME customers, qualify for discounts reserved for only the largest companies. InXpress then passes this cost savings on to our customers.
BTB:What are some of the greatest lessons you’ve learned in growing this franchise?
Persistence pays, dedication to the model creates similar success, and there is a ton of money to be made!BTB: Do you have a mentor and is there someone you use for inspiration?
DH: Every continuous successful person has a mentor or coach. As in sports they are able to direct you to constant improvement. I have several mentors, but one that I have found the greatest inspiration from is Mike Parra, CEO of DHL USA. Born in America to Cuban parents, Mike started working in the transportation industry working out of a station, and by his mid 40’s had become the CEO of a company doing over $1.5 billion in revenue.
BTB:What advice do you have for someone looking to acquire a Franchise?
DH:Find a franchise culture that fits your life goals/dreams. Speak with the leadership, both at the corporate office and franchisees. Be prepared that once you jump in follow the model as its taught to you, keeping your focus forward to drive the best results.
BTB: In your opinion, why do you think that InXpress would be a great opportunity for someone?
DH: InXpress creates a lifestyle for franchisees that most of the world only dream about. This is done in an every expanding industry, selling a service that requires no investment from customers. InXpress will train and develop franchise owners to become successful both in business and in life.
