12. An Inside Look at RAM Hand-to-Hand Couriers as told by its Managing Director, Graeme Lazarus

In this insightful business conversation on CANDID, I chat with Graeme Lazarus , MD of RAM Hand to Hand Couriers , about the fascinating journey of RAM that demonstrates the grit and gumption required to navigate the highly competitive and impactful field of logistics.

RAM’s Remarkable Journey?

From humble beginnings with their distinctive red vehicles plying South African roads, RAM has transformed into a formidable logistics behemoth. Today, they operate over 1600 vehicles, employ more than 3000 full-time staff members, and run their operations from 42 offices across 29 locations in South Africa. These sizable numbers are a testament to their successful scaling over the past 35 years.

Building a High-Performing Team

A key aspect of RAM's success is its commitment to employee investment. Instead of utilizing third-party resources or a crowdsourcing model, RAM employs a fully employed team with the full benefits that come with it. This unique strategy, driven by an insourcing model, ensures job security for their employees, fostering a passionate and dedicated workforce.

The Family Aspect in Business

The Lazarus family maintains core family values, which have translated throughout the RAM business model. Critical to this family business's success is the equal footing and mutual respect between Graeme Lazarus and his brother, David Lazarus. This strong sense of unity, coupled with an understanding of the need for robust discussions, has been critical to RAM’s journey.

On Learning and Mentorship

According to Graeme Lazarus, learning in a professional setting is a continual process. One needs to absorb inputs from varying sources and over time, to amalgamate these nuggets of wisdom into their professional repertoire. By maintaining a receptive attitude to advice, one can significantly enhance their skill set and expertise.

Challenges & Opportunities in the Logistics Industry

Operating within a fluctuating environment, where external factors such as fuel hikes or power shortages can impact operations, demands an adaptable and resilient business model. RAM’s primary focus on its journey is internal effectiveness and efficiency. They aim to streamline their current infrastructure to create a solid foundation upon which future expansion can be built.

RAM’s Future

RAM continues to adapt and evolve in the competitive world of logistics. Its journey of transformation has been about the priority of people, service, and accountability. Today, RAM is synonymous with reliable parcel distribution, known for its service efficiency and commitment to quality. They are powered by a passionate team, which Graeme describes as the very heart of their operations.

Conclusion

Graeme Lazarus and RAM's journey thus far stands as a testament to the impact of focused leadership, strong company culture, and an unwavering focus on quality and service. It is likely that these factors, coupled with their resilience in challenging times, will continue to drive their growth in the logistics industry.

Watch the full interview on YouTube today

Our conversation had plenty more fascinating insights, too many to mention here. To hear the entire discussion, conveniently listen to the podcast via Spotify or Apple , or watch it on YouTube .

Thanks for taking the time to read CANDID.

My best,

Grant

p.s.s. Subscribe for future releases here .