Talent spotlight: building the team behind Tandem
People as the foundation
Before routes, bikes, or systems, there are people. As Tandem Local Deliveries gets off the ground, one of the most important early decisions has been who we bring in to help build it.
Operations can be designed, and processes can be refined, but day-to-day performance comes down to the rider on the road. That’s why we’ve put a strong focus on finding people who are not just capable, but aligned with how we want to operate.
Meet Jordan: first hire, first rider
Jordan joined as our first team member at a critical stage, just as the first bike arrived and operations were about to begin.
From day one, he took ownership of key tasks: receiving and assembling the bike, testing equipment, and helping shape what our on-the-ground setup would look like. This wasn’t just about getting a bike ready, it was about establishing a working standard for everything that follows.
Setting the standard early
Early hires don’t just fill roles, they define them.
Jordan’s approach to the work set the tone: practical, detail-focused, and willing to figure things out as we go. Whether it was selecting gear, organising equipment, or preparing the bike for its first delivery, the focus was always on doing things properly rather than quickly.
That mindset is critical in a delivery environment where small oversights can quickly become bigger problems on the road.
Beyond riding: contributing to the system
In a small, early-stage operation, the role goes far beyond riding from A to B.
Input on equipment choices, feedback on handling and comfort, and observations from real-world use all feed directly into how we improve. Having someone engaged in that process from the beginning allows us to build a more robust and practical operation.
It also reinforces an important principle: the best ideas often come from the people doing the work every day.
What we look for in a Tandem rider
This first hire helped clarify what matters most for future team members:
Reliability — showing up prepared and consistent
Awareness — riding safely and thinking ahead
Ownership — treating the role as more than just a job
Adaptability — being comfortable in a changing environment
Attention to detail — in both riding and operations
These qualities matter just as much as cycling ability, if not more.
Building forward
As Tandem grows, maintaining this standard will be key. Each new rider will build on the foundation set in these early days, shaping how the service operates and how it’s perceived by customers.
The goal is to create a team that is not only efficient and reliable, but also professional and safety-focused, people who take pride in the role and the service they provide.
Because ultimately, Tandem isn’t just a delivery service.
It’s the people behind the handlebars that make it work.
