Professionals in international air export have a lot more technology tools at their disposal today than they did 25 years ago – when Dave Kachevas first joined the company in that capacity.
But for Dave, the most powerful tools in his arsenal aren’t technological. They’re mental – his experience, his instincts and his personal commitment to getting the best outcomes for his clients.
“You’ve got to really watch the small details,” Dave says. “You have to be very exact with what you do, because you can get yourself in a spot really fast with minor issues.”
International air export comes with a lot of details, including International Commercial Terms, HS codes, shipping classifications and, of course, a lot of paperwork. Being even a little off on one of these details can put a client in a real predicament, which is why Dave appreciates the culture of Bestway to do whatever it takes to make sure the details are right.
“I work very hard not to let myself fall into traps,” Dave says. “Because we have to watch out for our customers. Since we’re not real big, we’re more likely to help our customers stave off having issues in advance.”
And while he does make use of today’s technology, he sees a flip side to all the benefits it has brought. Because the technology has made it easier to deal with technical requirements, the number of requirements has increased to fill the expanded capacity of international air export professionals.
While the number of documents required to clear goods overseas was relatively simple when Dave started in the industry, it is much more extensive today.
That’s why experience is the greatest tool at his disposal.
“I’ve seen so many different situations that I’ve learned what to watch out for,” he says.
Prior to joining Bestway in 2002, Dave served in a similar capacity with a larger company. As much as he valued the experience, he saw enough of it to know that Bestway’s culture is much more appealing to him – even though Bestway then was much smaller than it is today.
“In this business, a lot of big companies in general treat their employees not very well, so it’s different in a smaller business like this,” Dave says. “That’s the main reason I’ve always stuck to smaller companies.”
Dave has lived in the Kansas City area since 1986, but grew up in St. Charles, near St. Louis, and remembers attending St. Louis Cardinals games – with fond memories of Ozzie Smith’s backflips and the “Mad Hungarian” Al Hrabosky closing out games for the Cardinals of that era.
Happy 25th anniversary Dave!
