As VP, Dan is responsible for developing and implementing Bird Buddy’s complex shipping and tracking systems to deliver the world’s first smart bird feeder (that uses gamification and AI bird species recognition) to its global customer base as the firm starts the first manufacturing run. The multi-partner approach will see the tech for good startup working with internationally recognised transit and delivery companies as well as localized fulfilment carriers. Customers will also be able to track their orders using the latest technology that provides them with real-time updates. Dan is also implementing KPIs that will set Bird Buddy’s standards for performance to move the product through the supply chain as quickly as possible once manufacturing is in full process.
Commenting on his move, Dan said:
“When I saw the Bird Buddy product, I was hooked. I then met with Kyle, Franci and Ziga (co-founders) and I found a company that has an incredible vision, with a passionate team and fantastic innovation which confirmed my decision to join.
Having worked with startups before, I am fully aware of the challenges facing us as we begin our foothold in the logistics sector and at the same time delight our customers. It is no small feat but also one that we are tackling with relish and energy.”
Bird Buddy, who raised over $4 million on Kickstarter in January 2021 with revenues now in excess of $10 million, have also faced the additional challenges of worldwide microchip production shortages as well as global shipping delays and backlogs due, in part, to the Covid 19 pandemic.
Considering these issues, Dan explained:
“I have done shipping and logistics for a long time and this is probably the worst I’ve ever seen it from the standpoint of the ability to move goods from place to place. Honestly, I don’t see it getting better until mid or late 2022. It will take that length of time to see relief as infrastructure builds up and additional capacity comes online. Transit times have easily doubled.
For us, at Bird Buddy, we are developing partnerships with a number of logistics firms that can move our products on a global basis as well as local suppliers who can get our AI gamification bird feeders to our customers' doors.”
Welcoming Dan to the Bird Buddy team, co-founder Kyle Buzzard said:
“We are extremely humbled and excited to have Dan as a part of the team. Dan’s passion, knowledge and expertise in supply chain and logistics will help us solve some of the biggest challenges we face in delivering a delightful experience with our first product and expanding our portfolio and sales channels in the future as we grow.”
Shipping of the first batch is currently due to start in Fall 2021 with rollouts thereafter. Bird Buddy continues to enjoy high levels of sales with direct purchasing through the website www.mybirdbuddy.com.
