The Birmingham Business Journal announced Mitchell Lewis as 2024 CEO of the Year. For the second consecutive year, Lewis had been named as a finalist for the award for the small business category. Lewis founded Fetch Freight during the global pandemic of 2020, demonstrating resilience and dedication by immersing himself in every aspect of the business. His relentless work ethic and commitment to customer service have been pivotal in Fetch Freight’s rapid ascent. Within its first year, his company achieved profitability and has since grown into a prominent national player in the 3PL industry, all while maintaining 100% organic growth. Fetch Freight’s impressive growth, including a 60% increase in shipment volume year over year and serving more than 200 customers in its first four years, reflects his strategic vision.
Industry Leadership: This past year, Lewis led his team to earn a spot in the top 1% of scorecard performance-ranked carriers, as well as a Top 50 Logistics Service Provider from Isometric Technologies (ISO), a testament to his commitment to excellence and innovative efficiency.
Employee Retention: Lewis has weathered the “great freight recession” economic downturn of the past 18 months without making a single layoff, while other brokerages faced closures and layoffs. Employees testify to the way he cares about the individuals and not just the bottom line, fostering high levels of satisfaction and retention.
Sustainability Commitment: Lewis led Fetch Freight to become an EPA SmartWay partner for the third consecutive year, underscoring a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Local Impact: Rather than rushing to expand into new markets, Lewis has focused on deepening Fetch Freight’s local impact, strengthening the company’s roots in Birmingham. He led the renovation of a historic 150-year-old warehouse, reflecting his dedication to strengthening the city and investing in its growth.
Lewis’s leadership style is approachable, integrity-driven, and inclusive, opting for a shared workspace over a corner office and fostering an environment of collaboration through regular huddles, leadership coaching, and social events. He celebrates his employees both professionally and personally, supporting their wins and guiding them in their losses, going above and beyond to foster genuine relationships within his team.