A D.C. tech startup is getting a hand from a former federal official who knows their space well.
Fresh off a $25 million venture capital round led by Virgo Investment Group, D.C.-based self-storage and moving website Zippy Shell has added James S. Simpson to its board of directors. Simpson served under former President George W. Bush in the role of national spokesperson for public transportation policy and safety, and as the administrator of the Federal Transit Administration.
Simpson was also once the sole stockholder of New Jersey-based moving and storage corporation Victory Worldwide Transportation, and led the company from the late 1970s until his retirement in 2005.
“[Simpson’s] industry knowledge and guidance comes at a critical juncture for Zippy Shell as we begin an exciting period of strategic growth,” said Rick Del Sontro, CEO of Zippy Shell, in a statement.
In June 2014, Simpson returned to Victory and now currently serves as the chairman for the company. Victory has been awarded the U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Award for Service Excellence and was also the first recipient of the American Moving & Storage Association Employer of the Year Award, among other awards.
Simpson, a "close friend" to Rudy Giuliani, is seen as having strong ties in Washington. After serving under President Bush, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie appointed Simpson as a member of his cabinet and to be the State Commissioner of Transportation in January 2010. NJ.com once called Simpson, “Christie’s most entertaining cabinet member” and the “most powerful person in NJ transportation.”
Gareth Taylor, Founder/President of Zippy Shell, said in a statement: “His involvement brings an incredible opportunity to apply his knowledge and career background to the development of Zippy Shell’s national and regional services.”
Zippy Shell claims that it is the “fastest growing franchise business in the storage and moving industries.” The Georgetown located startup is a national provider of portable storage and moving services that is enabled by an easy-to-use web-based interface. Customers can easily schedule individualized pickup and moving plans via Zippy Shell’s mobile and desktop ordering forms. The company also has a network of franchise locations and licensed partners throughout the U.S.
