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Steve Jobs once remarked that leadership was as much about “deciding what not to do, as deciding what to do.” He famously put these words into practice more than 25 years ago when he returned to Apple to save the company from bankruptcy.

To right the ship, Jobs charted a new course around the central idea of simplicity. Rather than make a dozen products that were merely adequate, Apple would focus on just four, and knock them out of the park. To that end, Jobs applied a Zen-like focus on ensuring that each product was beautiful and simple.

But simplicity, as he knew, was not just a matter of stripping away random components and buttons— it required a deep, almost philosophical understanding of the essence of a product, its purpose.

In the world of storytelling, this was akin to what Hemingway called the “Iceberg Theory.” In a word, the theory said that if a writer knew the shape of the ice underneath the water, he could evoke the iceberg without showing the whole thing. He could (with a few strokes of the pen) create a character or a moment with real meaning and gravitas – even though most of the ice, so to speak, was submerged.

In the same way, by understanding a product on a deep level, Jobs could distill it down to its essence and focus on what mattered; he could fashion something that was not only simple but sophisticated.

Apple summed all this up nicely in one of its first marketing brochures with the line: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

But the benefits did not stop there.

Once they understood something deeply, they could reinvent it by taking a new approach. They could reinvent the wheel, as it were. And the results, as we know, were exhilarating: a marriage of art and craftsmanship.

When people held an Apple device, they could sense the thought that had gone into every choice and the unifying principle at work— even if it was outwardly simple. (Much Like Hemingway’s straightforward prose suggested so much more because he understood the underlying details of his story, its purpose, and what made it tick.)

Jobs understood this too: which was why, after he returned to Apple, he managed to steer the company toward record profits. And the rest, as they say, is history.

 

The Prime Group Theory

On reflection, Prime Group was likewise founded on a strategy to focus on what to do – and that was to not be like anyone else in the market!

In the world of logistics, most anyone can get things from point A to B with a little luck and some muscle. But to do so in a consistently dependable, efficient, and professional manner – now that was to be our niche, our pathway to success. And it didn’t take brush with failure to get us here!

From day one, we decided to work only with the most professional and sophisticated air freight partners in the industry, like Atlas Air and Emirates Sky Cargo – and in doing so, grow our business by focusing on providing the highest possible level of customer service.

We’ve since branched into offering multiple modes of cargo transport and services all across the globe and it is a very challenging business that changes every day. But no matter what, I’d like to think that when people experience the quality of our “product,” not unlike Apple, they can truly sense the thought that has gone into every choice and the unifying principle at work – even if it is seemingly simple.

Trust us to do what we do best by providing you with the highest quality logistics services, so that you can do what you do best, run your business. It’s as simple as that.

 

Roger Paredes

Prime Group CEO

We don’t often use this space to share breaking news, but this is a big day for PrimeAir. Perhaps the lesser known of Prime Group’s four business units for many of our everyday customers, PrimeAir is an extremely well-known name in the Latin American market. In fact, since 2001 the company has been serving as a general sales and service agent (GSSA) throughout the region to some of the most prominent players in the global air cargo industry.

Today I announce that we are officially expanding our presence in the North American market – starting with a Lineas Aereas Sudamericanas (LAS Cargo). Founded in Bogota, Colombia, where they have been in operation for more than 50 years, LAS Cargo likewise is on a steady ascent to growth – and has selected PrimeAir to represent them in the U.S.  through our Miami office.

A First for PrimeAir

This is a first for PrimeAir. We have a long history of success in acting as an intermediary between airlines and cargo customers through our Ecuador and Colombia offices, assisting with the marketing, sales, and handling of airline operations within the region – for carriers such as Atlas Air and Emirates SkyCargo.

As our first U.S.-based PrimeAir operation to be managed on American soil, and we could not be prouder and more excited to welcome LAS into our portfolio. Let’s take a closer look at this new customer and the services they provide between North America and all points south into Latin America.

The LAS Cargo Story

LAS Cargo operates a fleet comprised of Boeing 737 and 727 cargo aircraft based at Bogota’s El Dorado International Airport (BOG). Offering full service and ad hoc cargo charters for over five decades, LAS Cargo has long prided itself by being highly attentive and flexible to client needs.

Shippers and freight forwarders seeking personalized service and competitive rates for cargo originating in the U.S.  will now be able to take advantage of LAS Cargo’s daily flights from Bogota and beyond. LAS is specialized in transporting everything from perishables and dangerous goods to livestock.

Welcome to Kenia Angulo

We are also proud to announce that the newest member of the Prime Group family, Kenia Angulo, will be specifically servicing this account as our Sales Account Agent for PrimeAir U.S.

Kenia has over 20 years of experience in the industry, having served in various capacities in companies, such as Tampa Cargo and GPS-Air. She has experience as an account manager, sales, and in managing export departments and will be responsible for selling and further developing this new line of business. So please join me in warmly welcoming Kenia in her new role with PrimeAir.

PrimeAir is the First Choice

PrimeAir’s GSSA services are crucial in expanding an airline’s reach and business opportunities in foreign or unfamiliar markets. By leveraging our local expertise, network, and resources, PrimeAir contributes to increasing cargo volumes, enhancing customer satisfaction, and optimizing operational efficiency for our airline customers.

PrimeAir knows the people, the policies, and the “tricks of the trade” in many local markets, particularly here in Miami – an easy point of contact for airlines coming from all over the world, and a convenient hub for information. Of course, PrimeAir also benefits from being part of the Prime Group, a network of coordinated cargo and freight specialists with offices and representatives worldwide.

We look forward to providing you with the same exceptional brand of world-class service that all our of our customers have come to rely upon over our many years as a GSSA representing multiple air cargo carriers throughout the Americas.

Learn More

To learn more about LAS Cargo, visit https://lascargo.com/en/about-us-las-cargo/

For more information about PrimeAir and to request a quote, visit https://www.primeair.aero/. Or for direct attention and service, please feel free to contact our PrimeAir Sales Account Agent Kenla Angulo via email at kcangulo@primeair.aero or by calling 786-835-5983.

Roger Paredes

CEO – Prime Group

During our 22-year history, Prime Group has been privileged to work with the most prominent and professional air-cargo carriers in the business. I truly believe that the company you keep reflects your business acumen, philosophy, and practices. If “birds of a feather flock together,” as the saying goes, a smart, innovative company surrounds itself with partners that reflect its business acumen, philosophy, and practices.

I’m pleased that we attract similarly smart business partners such as Atlas Air, Inc., a subsidiary of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc., that is a veritable king of the mountain in this businesses sector. They operate the world’s largest fleet of B747 freighter aircraft and provide customers the broadest array of Boeing 747, 777, 767, and 737 aircraft for domestic, regional, and international cargo and passenger operations. Prime Group has been privileged to serve as Atlas Air’s GHA/GSA since the earliest days of our operations that began in Quito, Ecuador.

So, let me take this opportunity to congratulate Atlas Air on taking delivery of the final Boeing 747 aircraft ever produced. As captured in this stunning arrival upon arrival at Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport, this aircraft represents the last of the last of four new 747-8 freighters that the air-cargo company ordered back in January 2021. Today, Atlas reigns as the world’s largest operator of those freighters.

It’s fascinating to look back at the Boeing 747’s history. For more than a half century this wide-body “Queen of the Skies” has proven itself a reliable, workhorse aircraft. Passengers have enjoyed the world’s first twin-aisle airplane with a distinctive hump and upper-deck seating. From the cargo perspective, the aircraft has tremendous payload capacity and a unique nose-loading capability.

Over the decades, 747s have transported everything from perishables (including fresh flowers, vegetables, fish, medicines, and vaccines) to race cars, racehorses, rocket parts, electronics, overnight express shipments and much more. Among Boeing’s “fun factoids” is that the 747-8 Freighter’s revenue payload can transport 10,699 solid-gold bars or approximately 19 million ping-pong balls or golf balls – just in case you need to know that!

Production-wise, a total of 1,574 aircraft have been manufactured since the original Boeing 747 design was unveiled and factory production began in 1967. Enhancements have included introduction of the 747-400 model in 1988 and the final 747-8 model launched in 2005. Sustainability-wise, that latest model offers a 16 percent improvement in fuel use and CO2 emissions per ton, as well a 30 percent smaller noise footprint, compared to previous platform models. Across all models, the platform certainly has delivered unmatched operating economics and efficiency for both the passenger travel and air cargo markets.

Atlas emphasizes that its history and success are directly linked to the B747 platform and that it plans to operate the aircraft for decades to come. On the occasion of the last of the line, John Dietrich, president and CEO, Atlas Air Worldwide, spoke to how Atlas Air was founded over 30 years ago with a single B747-200 converted freighter, and since then, the company has spanned the globe operating the B747 into well over 800 airports in over 170 countries with nearly every series of the aircraft, including Boeing’s 747 Large Cargo Freighter for the transport of 787 Dreamliner parts.

At Prime Group, we want to “be the best,” and in that regard, I firmly believe that we truly are the company we keep. First and foremost, I appreciate the dedication, focus, and professionalism of our employees each and every day. In addition, all of us at Prime Group are blessed to work with high-quality air-cargo partners including Atlas Air and many others. Together we are forging a bright future, one that will include seeing the “Queen of the Skies” in the air for many years to come.

ABOUT PRIME GROUP

Prime Group is a private company founded over 22 years ago on the idea that providing world-class customer relations is the fastest route to success Today, our Miami-based Group is comprised of four separate enterprises dedicated to offering the best in international logistics, food products, services, and customer support.

Whether it’s Prime Logistics, Prime Fresh Handling, our GSSA PrimeAir, or our popular snack brand Prime Planet, we work hard every minute of every day to ensure that your products and services – and your good name – continue to be a standout in the eyes of your customers. That’s just who we are.

~ Roger Paredes, CEO

March 8 may be the official day that we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD), officially designated in 1910 by countries worldwide to pay tribute to the substantial achievements of women. But it is also Women’s History Month. So, whether you celebrate one day, the whole month, or all year long (as we probably should!), it is important to underscore that as an employer, Prime Group is extremely proud of the women in our workforce.

Day after day, we see the valuable contributions the women of the Prime Group make to help ensure our company’s success. But beyond the workplace, it’s also wonderful to see strong, accomplished women making significant contributions to their communities, countries, families, and society as a whole.

Embrace Equality

This year’s IWD designated theme is #EmbraceEquity. Equity isn’t simply nice to have. Rather, it’s essential. Equity recognizes that each person has different circumstances and allocates the exact resources and opportunities that an individual needs to reach an equal outcome. It’s important for women to be embraced by a global culture that actively promotes and supports them in all aspects of their lives, from education to the workplace to health.

Fortunately, we also get to celebrate women’s achievements during the entire month of March. Since 1987, the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and some other countries also have formally recognized March 8 as National Women’s History Month to honor the economic, political, and social contributions of women. Other countries too celebrate the role of women in different ways, and some do so at different times of the year.

Did you know that in many countries, IWD also ranks right up there with Mother’s Day, as children give small presents to their mothers and grandmothers? Well, it seems fitting that on March 8 or anytime in March, many of us will show appreciation for the women we value in our lives by giving the gift of flowers. Certainly, Prime Group plays a vital role as shipping and handling fresh flowers is one of our top business specialties.

We’re Working Overtime

Currently, massive shipments of fresh-cut flowers of all varieties are now headed to markets all across the globe with Bogota and Quito being at ground zero for those outbound shipments. Our PrimeAir team is working overtime to keep up with demand, while at the same time providing the highest quality customer service. Likewise, Prime Fresh Handling is providing expert logistical support on the ground and while this precious product is in transit – handling everything from cold storage warehousing and documents processing for time-sensitive perishables.

So, to all the women in our workforce, let me take this opportunity to thank you for all you do. You’re valued in so many ways. As team members, you make our company a better place. Separately, throughout March, I’m planning to recognize the women who’ve helped me along my own life’s journey, with flowers of course, but perhaps also with a special dinner or a night out on the town – and I urge others to do the same.

– Roger Paredes

Fall is here in the Northern Hemisphere, employees across the logistics divisions of the Prime Group are working 24-7 shipping and handling for harvested agricultural products now heading to their retail and wholesale destinations.

Just-picked grapes are transiting to wine production, fruits are in transport to markets and restaurants customers. Plantains and olives are moving to food manufacturing plants, where, presto, they’ll soon be transformed into snack foods and olive oil.  Glass containers, cardboard, and other materials critical in manufacturing are also on the move, under the watchful eye of Prime Group’s dedicated teams of logistics experts around the world.

Whatever the journey, I’m proud of all our employees who are staying on top of the process in every way. You are to be commended for keeping the global pipeline of fresh products flowing to market or production on time and on budget.

Traditional Celebrations Worldwide
Also, as fall is in full swing, I’d like to recognize a few of the many annual events, both secular or religious – and the diverse traditions taking place across the globe in celebration of the bountiful harvest season.

Just weeks ago, for instance, some employees and customers in the United Kingdom and other northern countries participate in Lammas (“loaf mass”) Day to recognize the start of the grain harvesting season. They bake Lammas bread, make corn dollies and put on large feasts with loved ones. Following that, the annual Harvest Festival typically marks the end of the annual growing season in September.

In Canada, the annual Thanksgiving Day was observed on the second Monday of October. Residents – as their ancestors have done over the centuries – give thanks for the harvest and their god’s blessings for the bounty. In the modern era, the Canadian Parliament officially deemed the day a national holiday in 1957.

Just concluded in Israel, the annual Sukkot is a high holy week and celebration of bountiful harvests. In one tradition, residents hold and shake four species of plants – palm, myrtle, willow, and citron. In another, some eat and/or sleep for a week in small temporary huts with a roof open to the sky; that pays homage to Israelites of the past who wandered within the desert for decades and lived in temporary shelters.

In Magione, Italy, over a two-day period in November, the fall Olivagando festival focuses on “la dolce goccia” or the “sweet drop” of high-quality olive oil. Unfolding in the nation’s Umbria region, it’s celebrated in concert with the feast of St. Clement.

Across the globe, Korean families come together to celebrate the three-day Chuseok harvest festival on the 15th day of the lunar calendar’s eighth month. It’s a time for families to share meals and talk about their ancestors.

Within the United States, I know that many of our employees and customers are looking forward to Thanksgiving Day later this month – officially November 24. While President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, the first Thanksgiving celebration took place far earlier. In fall 1621, Pilgrim colonists in Plymouth, Mass., celebrated a successful wheat crop and shared a meal of partridge, wild turkey, and fish with Indigenous Americans.

Southern Hemisphere Celebrations
Of course, in the Southern Hemisphere, harvest comes at a different time of the year. In Mendoza, Argentina, events in the first quarter of the year celebrate the grape harvest, honor centuries of traditions and feature a modern-day wine festival that began in 1936.

In Bali, Indonesia, every May and June, a harvest festival honors the Hindu rice god, Dewi Sri. During this time, farmers place temples to the god in their rice paddies and make offerings of rice-stalk dolls.

Many other countries including India, Swaziland, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines also celebrate harvest season. We appreciate all the traditions and, as we navigate out of the pandemic, it’s an opportune time right now, regardless of where you live, to give thanks for a robust harvest and our many blessings.

I’d also like to again thank the employees representing all the Prime Group companies for their dedication throughout the year in serving our clients. In addition, to our valued clients, I extend heart-felt gratitude for entrusting us with your business. The harvest season signals a hefty ramp-up for our Prime Group divisions as we work to ship your agricultural products and a cornucopia of other goods around the world – on time and on budget. We’re striving to do our best for you as we all navigate through recent global challenges including supply chain issues.

Most of all, wherever you are across the globe, we give thanks for you and wish you a bountiful, happy, and healthy year ahead.

~ Roger Paredes

In evaluating shipping challenges in 2022 including the ebb and flow of the supply chain, PrimeAir is constantly evaluating how to assist its customers in doing business more efficiently. That’s why I am excited to share with you that we have launched a new onboard courier service – a ‘hand-carry’ resource – to assist local freight forwarders in Colombia and Ecuador.

This premium business service will help freight forwarders get their time-critical shipments where they need to go quickly and with a personal touch – quite literally. While this onboard courier (OBC) service is a commonly used option in Europe and the U.S., it’s a fairly new concept for some small and mid-sized freight forwarders in other parts of the globe including many regions of South America.

What’s making this possible is an agreement we entered earlier this year with Time Critical Solutions Worldwide (TSC Worldwide), a privately owned, independent Dutch company, based at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. So, we are now offering freight forwarders the onboard courier or “hand carry” services to/from Colombia and Ecuador.

Typically, automotive, transportation, pharmaceutical, oil, and manufacturing businesses may – from time to time – face a broken machine that will cause major production delays at a very high cost. Getting the right spare part to where it needs to go is critical.

PrimeAir, which can now tap into “ready to go” couriers in the U.S., the Netherlands, China, and elsewhere, expects the hand-carry option to be useful for transporting all kinds of spare parts, medical samples and other items into and out of both Colombia and Ecuador.

It doesn’t matter if the final client is an importer or exporter, the onboard courier service will solve the problem in the fastest way possible. It’s important to look at the “big picture” when considering the typically higher cost of the hand-carry service, versus normal shipping options.

Bottom line? We believe this new onboard courier service may be the most cost-effective option for freight forwarders to suggest to their clients in certain circumstances. For example, when the spare part being shipped is desperately needed to fix manufacturing machinery, the time saved in the end – by getting production back up more quickly – will more than make up for the onboard courier service price.

Or, when an airplane is parked on the ground day after day because it needs repairs, that’s a financial drain too. It’s not always about shipping an entire engine – sometimes, it’s about just one specific small component that can fit inside a suitcase, to travel speedily with a logistics courier service, thus getting the plane back in the air quicker.

At times, the decision to use a hand-carry service is also about more than cost. It’s about the value of human life. In a medical setting, if a highly sophisticated MRI unit goes down because it needs a key component replacement, that could impede a prompt life-saving medical diagnosis. Quicker transport via an onboard courier service could get the MRI back in service to help save lives.

In general, with the new service, PrimeAir – using TSC Worldwide’s courier – accepts carry-on, checked in and excess baggage including DGR (dangerous goods) and temperature-controlled items in accordance with airline guidelines.

Our PrimeAir team on the ground is always available to talk with any freight forwarders about this new logistics courier service and how it could help your business. In essence, PrimeAir is TCS Worldwide’s agent on the ground in Ecuador and Colombia, with a liaison office in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Again, the goal, is to provide more options for freight forwarders – helping them to serve their clients during the ebb and flow of 2022 and beyond. For more information or to set up a shipment, contact us via email at ecuador@tcs-worldwide.com or colombia@tcs-worldwide.com.

Roger Paredes

CEO Prime Group

With an estimated $2.6 billion spent in 2021 alone, Mother’s Day in the U.S. absolutely “rules” as the top occasion each year for floral spending here. In fact, the volume of gifts of fresh flowers and plants purchased for Mother’s Day even exceeds what’s spent on floral and fresh plant purchases for Valentine’s Day.

This year, Mother’s Day in the U.S. will be celebrated on Sunday, May 8. It’s certainly a fabulous way for spouses to honor their wives who are moms, and for grateful sons and daughters to say thanks to their moms, grandmothers, and great grandmas.

Personally, I also believe it’s a wonderful opportunity to recognize “other moms” – special women who may have influenced our lives in positive, supportive ways. So, this Mother’s Day, why not honor a favorite mentor who’s also a mom or perhaps a special family friend, mother-in-law, teacher, parent’s spouse, or other special person.

 

Saying it with Flowers

 Everyone knows that flowers are a perfect way to show love and appreciation – certainly all our busy customers do! Research gleaned from the Society of American Florists’ website shows that 65 percent of Americans “feel special” when receiving flowers. In addition, 60 percent believe a gift of flowers has a special meaning unlike any other gift, and 77 percent perceive those who give flowers to be “thoughtful.”

Most notably, 92 percent of women say the best reason to receive flowers is “just because.” In addition, it’s just as good to give as to receive, as 80 percent of Americans say receiving flowers makes them feel happy, while 88 percent say the act of giving flowers makes them happy.

 

Expressing My Appreciation

 What all this means to those of us supporting the fresh-cut flower industry, including the employees of the Prime Group of companies, is that it is one of our busiest times of year. I’m deeply appreciative of all our skilled, professional logistics and perishables experts for their care in handling the entire perishables shipping and transport process for our customers – forwarders, retailers, wholesalers, and the like.

Their important role in this highly specialized cold supply chain starts with arranging for the bulk fresh-cut flower shipments to be picked up by refrigerated trucks from producers in Ecuador and Colombia and swiftly transporting the blooms and plants all the way from the airport of export to U.S. markets, coast to coast. There are myriad steps in between, as you might imagine, but suffice to say our Prime Group people know precisely what they’re doing – as we’ve been in the fresh-flower and perishables business for more than 20 years. We also transfer many flowers into and out of at Amsterdam, our major European gateway for floral shipments and other commodities. So we’ve pretty much got the world covered.

Business aside, though, I’d like to wish all our valued customers and employees a wonderful Mother’s Day. And if you’re a mom, thank you for all you do, day in and day out. You inspire, you motivate, you bring out the best in us – and help mold the next great generation.

Wishing my own mom and yours too, a very “Happy Mother’s Day.”

 

~ Roger Paredes, CEO

Flowers blooming in spring symbolize a rebirth and, for so many of us in the Northern Hemisphere, the end of dreary wintertime. Across the globe, cultures celebrate in different ways. In the Netherlands, tens of thousands line up to watch the Bloemencorso Bollenstreek, a famous – and lengthy – floral spectacle and parade. Traveling between Noordwijk and Haarlem during April 20-24, 2022, the parade will feature elaborate floats constructed with tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths.

In Japan, the country’s cherry blossoms annually are the focus of an internationally known spring festival, Hanami, unfolding between late March and early May. Japanese residents host parties under the cherry trees, a centuries-old tradition. In Washington, D.C., too, these blooms as well as the friendship between the U.S. and Japan are celebrated during the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival, thus year slated for March 20 to April 17. 

Busy Floral Season

Late winter and spring is certainly Prime Group’s busiest business period as fresh flowers and plants make the perfect gift. On a daily basis, we’re handling and transporting over 200,000 kilos of fresh flowers between destinations within Latin America, Europe, Asia, and North America.

But whether it be now or throughout the entire year, I’m proud of the employees of Prime Air, Prime Fresh Handling, Prime Logistics, and for that matter, our snack food division Prime Planet. I commend them for working diligently day after day to assure our clients’ shipments make it from Point A to Point B on time and arrive fresh and ready for sale.

Religious Observances

Separately, I’d also like to acknowledge that spring is the time of year when the members of our multinational team with differing religious backgrounds observe sacred occasions, holy events, and rituals – many of which are rooted in ancient times. I’d like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the diversity of our workforce and our strong belief in inclusivity as they join with our clients around the world in observing these or other holy occasions this spring.

• Passover: The Jewish Passover 2022, also called Pesach in Hebrew, will begin the evening of April 15, during the Hebrew month of Nisan, and end on April 23 at nightfall. This major Jewish holiday celebrates God’s liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
• Ramadan: As the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan is observed by Muslims across the globe via a month of fasting, reflection, and prayer. In 2022, it will begin on April 2 and end May 1. Commemorating Muhammad’s first revelation, this annual celebration is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
• Easter: On April 17, 2022 – Christians around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, as described in the Bible’s New Testament. That occurred on the third day of his burial after his crucifixion by the Romans at Calvary (in modern day Israel) in 30 A.D.

Spring Symbolizes Rebirth

While spring often brings a plethora of floral gift giving – often fresh tulips, roses, hyacinths, and lilies, as well as other flowers – whatever the occasion or celebration, whatever the religious observation, one fact emerges: Spring is an important time of rebirth.

Simply put, the advent of spring reminds us that we can begin anew, try a new path, and reenergize ourselves for a greater good. We wish that for all people across the globe in 2022.

~ Roger Paredes, Prime Group CEO