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The History of Zippy Delivery
Zippy Delivery Bicycle Messengers officially opened on February 26, 2001. Owner Mike Rizzo had spent nearly 15 years in the computer field, with no background in delivery, logistics, or legal work. In fact, he had just bought his first bike in about 20 years the year before. Rizzo had spent some months going over the business plan, doing research, and finally contracting with some people to work for him. Four independent bike messengers started that first day. There was no business. In fact, the first full month the company only made $100. While business slowly grew, the part-timers left to pursue other interests. The summer of 2001 was a little better, as business grew slowly. From the company's opening in late February until August, 2001, Zippy was able to attract several customers, many of which are still with them. The company garnered numerous press mentions, including Channel 4 and 7 News, Business First, the Buffalo News, and the now defunct Blue Dog Press. All the stars aligned and in late August Mike was able to quit his job and take over the business. By the end of 2001, Zippy was slowly making a name for itself. Fifty percent of Zippy Delivery's current customers first started using us in 2001, pretty good if we do say so ourselves. As luck would have it, two weeks after Mike took over, 9-11 happened. In some cities, business slowed down dramatically. Zippy didn't experience the same disastrous effects and was able to keep on growing. Zippy Delivery grew 430% from 2001 to 2002, and another 176% from 2002 to 2003, while slowly expanding the service offerings. The area the company expanded the most was in the legal field. Expanded document filing in all courts, Erie County Clerk and other legal services, including for out-of-state law firms.
In 2003 several news articles proved to be great publicity for the company. The
first was from the Buffalo News on March 26. This was a Wednesday, and it turned
out half of downtown read the paper, as Mike was constantly called and waved to.
This article finally gave many people an understanding of who this wacko on a
bike in all-weather was. In August the Sunday New York Times ran an inside
front-page article on Zippy Delivery, its founder and the exploits of a crazy
bike messenger in Buffalo, NY. This generated more publicity.
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