In the period of uncertainty that was 2020, Lemar James saw the rising demand for online delivery and teamed up with his long-time business partner, Daren Miller, to form BluShipJA, a retail and commercial freight forwarding company.

What started out as little more than an idea during the pandemic, the growing company already has more than 500 regular clients, both commercial and individual.

The company focuses on quality customer service and efficiently delivering packages to customers at competitive rates.

James, speaking with Our Today, shared his life story, plans for the future and hopes of inspiring a generation of upcoming young Jamaicans.

“A lot about my views comes from what I learned from my mother and the people around me growing up in St. Thomas; treating people well, dreaming big and making do with what you have until you can build what you want,” said James, the CEO of BluShipJA, which operates as BluShip Cargo and Freight.

“I believe it’s important to dream big.”

James, a native of St. Thomas, attended Golden Grove Primary and Infant School and then Happy Grove High School until age 14 when he moved to Kingston with family and attended St George’s College.

He said it was during this period that he discovered his indomitable spirit after being told he ‘was not ready’ for high school. He began dedicating his energy towards academics, public service, and his dream of serving office.

PURSUED POLITICAL SCIENCE DEGREE AT UWI

“High school wasn’t without its issues of course, I never had a gold spoon in my mouth, I had issues adjusting to Kingston, fitting in and that sort of stuff, but helping who I can has always been a big thing for me.”

James eventually attended UWI to pursue a political science degree but became interested in the field of logistics after attending a lecture with Rashalee Mitchell where he learned about the field’s potential in job creation.

He mentioned that, while attending UWI, he met many of his future business partners when he became a member of Rotaract and began taking part in political campaigning where he learned about and grew to admire the work behind transporting public officials.

“What really intrigued me was the planning behind movement; everything that goes into scheduling, securing, and moving people from location to location, basically the logistics of moving people around.”

James has also been an avid supporter, investor and mentor to young Jamaicans in the local tech industry.

“My biggest wish is for people to learn that there are other high earning jobs out there, not just doctor and lawyer.” said the 30-year-old.

James gave four tips for young people to become successful entrepreneurs.

“Once you have a phone, start there. Read as much as you can, even if you don’t like it. I hate reading but I know I don’t know everything. When I hear things, I go home, read and form my own opinion,” he said.

“Once you have a habit of learning regularly, start building your network, do everything you can to meet people who might be able to help you one day, volunteer and take part, be good to them and they will remember you.”

“Once you’re sure there are some good people looking out for you, come up with a plan and don’t be afraid to ask for help. There is enough of the pie there for everyone.”

“You need to know how to work as a team. Learn how to accept views that differ from yours and make the people around you feel valued.”

“Your network is your net worth.”

REPUTATION FOR BEING SOMEONE OF SERVICE

James credits his team, the social network he has built, his work ethic, coupled with his reputation of being someone of service, and his creative thinking as what made starting BluShipJA possible.

“I continue to get a lot of support from the people around me. I’d say the networking that I’d done across my previous years is the most important thing that got me to where I am and I’m still willing to help whoever I can.”

He ended by highlighting that he owes everything to his team and the support from them plays a big part in making BluShipsJA possible.

What is logistics?

This is the obtaining, producing and distribution of material to the proper place and in the proper quantities.