Maryland entrepreneur among youngest business owners with Amazon Delivery Service Partner Program – CBS Baltimore

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (WJZ) – Jaren Kirkland has owned his own transportation business since the age of 21. Now, he’s one of the youngest business owners with the Amazon Delivery Service Partner Program, aka DSP.

Inspired by his father, who was also an entrepreneur, Kirkland founded Duality Ventures, which delivers packages throughout Washington County and surrounding areas. The business employs a team of 80 people, up from just 12 two years ago.

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“It will take a lot of hard work and determination to get where you want to be, but it is certainly achievable,” Kirkland said of his success story.

Brandon Truiett, Head of Amazon’s delivery site in Washington County, said Kirkland possesses the qualities that make him an ideal partner.

“He’s one of those guys that you want to have as that partner, take those challenges,” Truiett said.

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Kirkland also pushes from within. After Connected to Duality Ventures through an online job posting, Raynard Simms started out as a delivery driver and was promoted to dispatcher.

“Having a delivery job, you can run into a bunch of problems,” says Simms. “Some people can collapse under pressure. Jaren is great, calm and caring about him and he will give feedback. ”

Amazon’s Delivery Service Partner Program has more than 3,000 small business operators nationwide. The company is investing $1.5 million to support black, Latinx and Native American entrepreneurs.

The most meaningful thing, says Kirkland, is being able to lead by example.

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“I think people can always learn from me and I can learn from everyone, but I want to do it with some responsibility and make sure I make everyone back home proud, especially my family,” he said.