Meet Iris Vincent, President of Prime Air Corp, which offers air, ocean or ground transport services, storage and delivery of freight worldwide, and specializes in emergency shipments for the pharmaceutical and medical device industries.
Each year, WBENC presents 14 women business owners with the prestigious Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) Star Award, the nation’s premier recognition for excellence among certified women-owned businesses, honoring female owners for their leadership skills, business success, and ability to serve as an inspiration to others.
Meet Iris Vincent, President, Prime Air Corp.
In 2001, Iris Vincent along with her husband Tom Vincent, both with an extensive background in transportation and logistics, started Prime Air Corp. By pursuing an identified 24/7 niche in the market, Iris and Tom, along with a team of professionals, have positioned Prime Air Corp among the leading global logistics providers in Puerto Rico.
While focusing on providing the best service and transparent solutions to customers, the company has maintained a strong commitment to the professional growth of its team members, as well as to the economic development of Puerto Rico. Iris also devotes much of her time to mentoring other woman entrepreneurs. Iris says that one of the biggest challenges she and her company have had to face was how to gain traction with corporate accounts at various management levels.
She credits the company’s WBENC Certification with helping her open communication channels with companies that have a strong commitment to supplier diversity.
Among Iris’ proudest moments in business was Prime Air Corp’s development of highly advanced temperature-controlled warehouses, which directly addresses the challenges in logistics and distribution within the pharmaceutical and medical device industries that were made evident by the impact of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in Puerto Rico.
Iris is “The Champion” because she doesn’t see challenges as obstacles, but as opportunities, and she leads her team and serves her community with a spirit of passion and persistence.
Today, Iris shares guiding words for newly certified WBEs, her advice for new entrepreneurs, and how her company has grown and changed since its inception and since becoming WBENC-Certified.
What guiding words would you like to share with a newly certified WBE who is looking to get involved in the WBENC community?
Never give up on your dreams. Keep fighting and working for the things you believe in. Sometimes to get the result you expect, you have to sacrifice, and it can take a lot of work, but be passionate. The WBENC community is a great resource to develop your career and business opportunities.
What advice do you have for a new entrepreneur?
Don’t get tired of insisting and persisting if you are sure you can do it. You must persist until you achieve your goals.
How has your company grown and changed since its inception and since becoming certified?
After being certified in 2010, we have been able to obtain federal and commercial contracts that have meant an increase in clients representing an impact in sales of 20% annually.
Prime Air Corp. is the 24/7 Provider of Global Logistics Services in Puerto Rico, agents for USA based Stevens Global Logistics. They provide full- service logistics solutions, customized transportation, warehousing and distribution to Manufacturing, Medical Devices, Pharmaceutical, Bio-Tech, Commercial and Energy industries. Prime Air Corp. also serve USA Federal Agencies.