"Together Talks" feature # 51: The Spice King Gourmet Seasonings presented by KLS, freight company
Some Background on The Spice King Gourmet Seasonings
Today's edition of "Together Talks" campaign, KLS had the opportunity to interview The Spice King Gourmet Seasonings and Keith Lorren, Founder. Chef Keith Lorren is known affectionately around the world as "The Spiciest Man in the World", "The Duke of Delicious", "The Kaiser of Curry", "The King of Spice", and the man who "Invented Cooking!" Most importantly, he is the World's Premier Spice Designer. He is The Spice King!
He has traveled and worked around the globe in countries such as China, Japan, the UAE and Greece, exploring cultures and traditional cuisines while developing culinary products for major corporations and cooking for famous guests.
Keith Lorren obtained his culinary education by traveling internationally, working and managing various restaurants in Miami, Florida, Shanghai, China, Dubai, UAE, and studying Culinary Arts at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. He also obtained a Business Administration degree from Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida.
Keith Lorren has worked behind the scenes at the Food Network Studios in Manhattan, NY, developing recipes for top shows, and has been a guest on several television and radio programs including NBC’s Today Show, Food Network’s Guy’s Grocery Games, and Travel Channel’s Park Secrets.
The Spice King Gourmet Seasonings are the flavorful creation of Chef Keith Lorren.
Keith Lorren's Gourmet Products are the best tasting, most innovative, most healthy spice blends in the history of the world!
The Spice King Collection is a luxury line of gourmet spice blends that are 10x’s more flavorful than anything currently on the market., you would have to use a whole cabinet full of spices to get the flavor of just one bottle of The Spice King blend. He promises, “Just one gets the job done”!
While living in the middle east and working with the Arab perfume makers, he developed a special technique that infuses the spices with concentrated aromatic oils making them 10x’s more flavorful and 10x’s more healthy than any other spices currently sold in stores. They are now getting tens of thousands of orders from all over the world.
He invites you to open up and experience The Spice King Collection before you! Smell the alluring aromas, the complexity of perfection, look at the unmatched quality and vibrancy of the herbs. These are the best spices in the history of the world, specially designed for each dish. Don't waste any more time or money with those "other companies"! Cook with the best! Cook with the The Spice King Gourmet Seasonings today!
Decade Plus
The company was founded in January 2011. We asked Keith where the inspiration and motivation came from, he shared, "It started when I was in Japan, cooking and the people I was serving were telling me how great the food tasted. At the time I was bringing spices with me and creating my own blends. They told me when I got back I had to send them videos of how I was preparing the blends so they could use them". This planted the seed for Keith. After his stay in Japan next he visited the UAE for a stint. The same type of admiration was felt when he was preparing and serving food. Keith was getting the feeling he was on to something big.
Shortly after he mentioned he had listened to Rich Dad, Poor Dad and right then and there made a promise to himself that he would never work for anyone again.
Keith credits two unique experiences that played a role in the creation of his spices. First, was traveling the world gave him a broader view of cultures, flavor profiles, creativity, and appreciation. Those moments helped guide the sensations and feelings he wanted his customers to exhibit when ultimately tasting one of his creations. The second element was when he was in the UAE he worked for a perfume manufacturer. Here he learned the benefit of essential oils which he has since incorporated in each of his spices.
Partner with KLS
KLS offers LTL and FTL for both dry and reefer transportation.
Our nationwide coverage provides companies a reliable, consistent, and dependable logistics partner to handle your trucking needs.
For more information on how we can help call our office today 708-980-0920 or reach us via our email quote request here!
Passed Down
Keith told us that food has always been in his family. It started with his Grandfather who had a famous restaurant in St. Augustine, (he rattled off a who's who of A-List Celebs from back in the day who frequently attended!). The spices were passed down from generations until Keith had the global experience to perfect his craft. Keith told us that he knows what ingredients and elements are required for a dish to make it magical. He is able to pair that expertise with implementing the cultural aspects. Keith advised us, "I know what cultures are looking for certain flavor profiles. I take the scientific and culinary aspect and combine it with the culturally desire and create this magical blend".
Below is where The Spice King Gourmet Seasonings are found, including over 5,000 stores!
Social Engagement
Bringing innovation to the products isn't enough for Keith and his company, but he is pushing the envelope by also innovating the delivery and promotion of The Spice King Gourmet Seasonings. It started with teaching and educating. Keith explained he has been making cooking videos for over 10 years. Keith told us, "It is imperative to deliver the same message, but finding different ways to share it". Once again Keith found the opportunity to blend.
This time it was Cooking Videos + Music.
Gonna Get You Rite - courtesy of their YouTube channel.
Music became an outlet and another way for Keith to reach the masses while expanding the reach of his company. The music is a way to teach people to cook, but in a fun and interactive way. This was another component of telling the story of what makes The Spice King Gourmet Seasonings unique.
A bottle from The Spice King Gourmet Seasonings are curated with over 14 herbs/spices in each bottle while maintaining low in sodium, all natural, packed with omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, and over 72 trace essential minerals. With the product and the delivery of the company's message is combining all the elements. Good food, music, fun, education, community...Keith lives and breathes these goals for himself and his company. Keith shared that his company was first to market with combining music and cooking videos which have resulted in others trying to emulate this style of innovation. He mentioned dhow it is flattering to see others try to copy their style. But Keith always goes back to the product as he told us, "We provide an amazing fragrant aromatic experience that is curated specific flavor for that dish, one of a kind, a unicorn".
Inspiration
We asked Keith where the inspiration comes from for creating his products. He told us they recently released a Lemon Pepper Parmesan blend, "I got tired of going to Wingstop and it tasted so artificial and metallic. There was no depth, no savor, no artistry. I chose to craft a brand new flavor. It gives you all the flavor you crave, that taste exceptional while being more balanced". The inspiration comes from every day Keith said, while always reminiscing on his travels around the world as well. He also keeps a pulse on what people are consuming and how he can solve a need for them with his ability to create the perfect, curated spice blend.
Another set of innovation Keith has curated is a Cannabis line of spices and seasonings that partner food flavors with cannabis. Constructed to be 100% legal across all states in the US. Keith believes this will be a huge player in the future.
The challenges Keith advised us of were financing and funding paired with growth. He said he has been fortunate to work with good manufacturing partners. Also local CDC in South Florida has seeks out to help with small businesses that has contributed to supporting Keith and The Spice King Gourmet Seasonings.
We asked Keith to take us through the doubts and fears he had back in in 2011, he elaborated, "It was very scary because leaving a lucrative job for all the risks associated with this new idea. How is it going to work? How do I move it from the idea stage. I have this big grandiose idea which ultimately took a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. I remember the first sale I was mixing in my kitchen and putting in bags while at culinary school".
He told us he had to learn about co-packing, working with manufacturers. Constantly looking to improve all aspects of the business, not just his products. Learning how to work with the factories to scale and then the entire selling process. Keith explained when he started out it was strictly D2C, but then had to pivot and create a new strategy to sell to distribution and retail companies.
Culture and Goals
The culture, if it wasn't already obvious, is simply having a great time when eating food, but sprinkling in a memorable flavor experience. The inclusive culture which dates back to his work history around the globe includes all cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds. When combining fun, laughing, enjoyment, smiling, and finally a memory that you can continue to remember for a long time is the ultimate goal. This has enabled Keith to make fantastic products that people can not only enjoy but also depend on. He even shared that when he is pitching his product the first thing he does is offer the buyer to hold the product, then smell it, before tasting it. Throughout that sequence he explains the aromas, the subtilties and nuances, and all the notes that will hit creating almost a symphony. This magic is how he sells his blends. Everyone remembers great flavor, which is the ultimate goal for Spice King to reach that level.
We asked Keith, the favor aspect of his job and he told us creating. Initially it was new flavors and improving on old flavors with his unique twist, but now also the entertainment element that The Spice King Gourmet Seasonings. Keith told us that anything is possible and we all have the opportunity to follow our passion, doing what we love, making a great living, and making a difference in peoples' lives. Getting to wake up daily and be inspired to chase that dream is such a blessing for him. He told us, "When your main competition is yourself, that is the greatest thing".
Keith ended our conversation telling us his goals and visions for his brand and company which include a huge national partnership with a resort. He also wants to enter into the snack space as there is such a demand for snacking here in the US. Keith also wants to incorporate various Caribbean flavors into the future products that will be released. He ended with the biggest goal that he wakes up and chases every day is to create a billion dollar brand for The Spice King Gourmet Seasonings.
Buy one of these incredible curated spices here and enjoy the coupon code below!
TOGETHER - 10% off
Interested in being featured with "Together Talks"?
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Contact us as we would love to learn your story and share it amongst our audience.
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In Closing
KLS wants to thank The Spice King Gourmet Seasonings and Keith Lorren for today's "Together Talks" feature. Follow along for The Spice King Gourmet Seasonings' journey with their social handles below!
Also check out where The Spice King Gourmet Seasonings has been featured in the following publications below!
Klimson Logistics Solutions - Together Talks with The Spice King Gourmet Seasonings feature # 51
*Klimson Logistics Solutions is an Industry Leading Customer Service 3PL. Our focus and commitment to our clients has us striving to be the BEST customer service 3PL for LTL, FTL, Reefer, and Drayage in the country. KLS, freight company, is a 3PL providing nationwide logistics solutions. KLS shipping services include: LTL freight, FTL freight, Reefer LTL freight, Reefer FTL freight, and Drayage. Klimson Logistics Solutions thanks you for viewing our marketing campaign, "Together Talks". If you have any interest in being featured or questions regarding your freight operations please contact us today!
Why KLS?
Our precise and reliable effort.
We handle every shipment with the exact same process. It does not matter if you move one shipment a year or ten per day, you will receive the same level of customer service from us. When we started this company, we had one goal in mind, treat every shipment like it was our own. With our vast knowledge of the industry, we understood what a customer would want from a communication standpoint. We applied that process to be the standard here at KLS. Our reliability and being able to depend on our consistency is why we have such long-standing relationships with our clients.
Our Process?
Every shipment in our industry starts with a quote. We are firm believers that time is money, thus we strive to have quotes back in a 5-10 minute reply time for LTL and FTL, any FCL quotes are at the mercy of the carriers getting back to us. For LTL we have the flexibility to quote both off of NMFC and also Density depending on the carrier. Utilizing our services, you’re allowing us to use our expertise to class your freight accordingly to ensure we are providing the best rate we possibly can.
Once a quote has been submitted and a client chooses to proceed with KLS handling the arrangement of the shipment our full process begins. We create the BOL that will be used for the shipment. If it is a new location for our system, we will obtain all the important/special details (reference numbers, contact details, shipping hours, closed for lunch, dock/doors, etc.). We meticulously build every detail into our software for all future shipments involving that location. After we have both locations built and necessary reference numbers have been applied we will tender the shipment to the carrier. We use this method because it provides us a real time pickup number from the carrier to obtain updates prior to pickup. Our staff will either email the BOL directly to you or to the shipper (at your request) the minute after the tender has been accepted by the carrier. LTL carriers require a 2 hour window prior to close time in order to schedule it for a same-day pickup attempt.
The following morning you’ll receive an email from us. It will either provide the reason the pickup was missed (driver’s trailer filled up, driver missed the close time, truck broke down, shipper said no freight, etc.) or if the pickup was successful you will receive the PRO (tracking) number from us, along with the eta for delivery. Our staff will track it throughout the duration of transit and advise if anything happens that will alter the estimated delivery date. The day the shipment delivers we will email you with confirmation and the POD (Proof of Delivery), should you require it.
Your shipment has been quoted, scheduled, picked up, and delivered. The next step is waiting for the carrier to invoice us and make sure the rate matches up. If it does, we close out the invoice from the carrier in our system and automatically your invoice is created and sent to the requested party at your company. In the event the carrier has an additional charge on their invoice “Variance”, we will never send you an invoice with an additional charge without first identifying you of the charge.
Let us repeat, NEVER WILL WE JUST BILL OUT AN EXTRA CHARGE WITHOUT YOU BEING NOTIFIED.
You are our customer, we represent you. Should the carrier provide an extra charge on an invoice, “Lift gate, additional weight, reclass, detention, etc.) We notify you of the charge via email first. Second, within that email we identify what is required should you choose to dispute the charge. Again our goal is to honor your request, if you want to dispute, we will dispute. During a dispute we will provide you updates every step along the way. Once a dispute is closed out, whether it is approved or rejected, then we will invoice you as the invoice has been resolved.
For reference, our company only had 6.2% of all shipments go to dispute in 2022 and we successfully won 91% of those disputes on behalf of our customers.
This is our process for every single shipment you move with us. We don’t cut corners, we don’t hide from difficult situations. We believe in being available, honest, and transparent. We don’t ever want to tell you that a shipment is lost, damaged, misrouted, but it is our duty to notify you the second we find out something has gone wrong. We hate to present bad news, but it is part of the job. What you can guarantee is that we will work a shipment all the way through and turn over every stone until we get a resolution for our clients.
Services offered?
Our core business is LTL and FTL. Within these options we have options for both dry and refrigerated/frozen. We also offer FCL/Drayage options. Our company as a 3PL has nationwide options and services clients across the US.
Let’s breakdown our services more in-depth
LTL:
Standard and Guaranteed
CFS (Imports & Exports)
Tradeshows
Hazmat
Anything that is on a pallet can be moved LTL. Typically LTL is up to 10 pallets, but the sweet spot for a carrier is 6-8 pallets at most for an individual shipment. LTL quotes are good between 5-30 days depending on the carrier. LTL can be quoted either via NMFC or density to determine the class (we do this for you).
Volume:
Anything over 10-12’ of space in the truck is the technical rule for a volume shipment. When we run a quote for you we will determine if it qualifies for volume and provide you a rate if available. Volume moves allow you to get a reduced rate for larger shipments. The caveat to volume shipments it the quotes are only valid for 3-7 days and they move on capacity between terminals. If a terminal is backed up they will move their LTL freight first before the volume freight, which can lead to longer transit times for volume moves.
FTL/Dedicated/Expedited: 53’ Dry and Reefer 26’ Box trucks with lift gate Sprinter Van The main difference for FTL vs LTL is space and transit time. For standard pallets you can fit either 26 or 30 pallets in a 53’ dry van. The other main difference is transit time, for FTL each day counts in the transit time, whereas LTL does not count the day of pickup, weekends, or holidays in their transit time.
Reefer/Frozen:
LTL and FTL
We specialize working in the CPG space with food manufacturers. We regularly deliver to
the following locations:
Kehe
UNFI
Core Mark
DPI
Wegmans
Cugini
H.T. Hackney
Netrition
HEB
ALDI
Chambers and Owens
EBY Brown
Nassau Candy
Harris Teeter
Wakefern
NU INC
Long Distribution
What makes KLS different?
There are thousands for freight brokers and 3PL in our industry. Barrier to entry is rather easy and agents or owners will often hire sales people without any intention of properly training them. It results in high turnover for many freight companies and a forgettable experience for the client. We choose to operate differently through our consistency. We truly care about doing right by our clients and prospects too. While we would love to help provide our services to every company we speak with, that just isn’t realistic. We won’t always be the right fit for every company that moves freight and that is ok. Our authenticity as a shipping company sets us apart from the competition and that is backed up by our testimonials. We also run a marketing campaign bi-weekly called “Together Talks”. We interview, highlight, and promote two businesses every week. Our goal is to grow our network, make new connections, and learn something new with each collaboration. Check it out on our website and if you’re interested in being featured reach out.
Our company also runs a year long charity promotion. Book your first shipment through KLS and we donate to the charity of your choice in your name. Our way of thanking you for giving us an opportunity to show you the KLS way and what makes us one of a kind. This entire package is what we offer to every prospect and every client. Our goal is to help provide answers that customers may have when it comes to shipping. We want to always be available as a resource and will always offer a lending hand whenever we can.
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