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Meet John Carmichael

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Today we’d like to introduce you to John Carmichael.

John, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started out in the packaging business in 1975. My company began providing packaging machinery and materials to fresh and frozen food processors, bakeries, and institutional food service operations, (school districts and Meals on Wheels) clientele.

Later, I added the Thermal Transport System to keep those foods hot and cold. These two almost separate businesses combined have helped many institutions expand their ability to provide many meals a day and keep the food at its desired temperatures. We are proud of the way we have been able to create durable, long-lasting products made here in Los Angeles and even more so, right here in my own town.

Has it been a smooth road?
It’s rarely a smooth road. There are ups and downs as all entrepreneurs know. I found that the best times economically fell under the Reagan, Clinton and now the Trump administrations, where common sense rules, not ideology that is not based on reality

One of the challenges along the way proved to be a lucrative part of what we do. A school food service client had agreed to supply meals for every summer park and recreation program from Berkeley California to Gilroy, California, with no way to keep her food hot or cold. I contacted people I knew and partnered with a small company with a background in the fabrication of camping equipment. We came up with a solution in less than 30 days from start to finish, delivering the first order of 100 units on the morning of the first serving day… We needed every minute of time to work out the design and accomplish the technology needed and ended up driving through the night to deliver just in time to pack up the meals.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Over the years, we have been asked when we were going to design a personal size bag that one could carry to events, such as the beach, the park, or potlucks, the grocery, etc. Using the same great technology, we created the J. Carmichael Tote. This is a new product with more on the way.

We specialize in packaging equipment and materials as well as our thermal transports. I would say we are most known for our thermal transports for the fact it is used by large institutions, such as Meals on Wheels, school districts, prisons, catering companies and so forth.

The technology we use for all of our thermal carriers and the materials used to provide what is necessary to keep food hot or cold is what we are known for. We have been specializing in hot/cold carriers for 39 years and no one has been able to replicate the performance and endurance. We are now stylish as well.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What’s not to like? Redondo Beach is a great beach city with a small beach town feel. You have the beautiful Strand along the ocean speckled with family homes and there is still room for industry here. We produce most of our wares here in this wonderful city. It is a fantastic vacation spot and we are blessed to live and work here.

Redondo Beach has been growing which adds traffic and congestion. But that is a small price to pay to enjoy the assets we are gifted with.

Pricing:

  • Our retail line at the moment includes a large tote that retails for $139.00, a small tote that retails for $119.00 and a wine wrap that is offered at $22.00 each.

Contact Info:


Image Credit:
WebVoice

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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