Breakaway News Volume No.8 Issue No.9 September 2003

Remember

Breakaway extends its sympathies to all those mourning the tragedy of 9/11.  We will never forget.

The Blackout of ‘03

We would like to thank you for your understanding during the recent blackout. All our messengers were accounted for and only one courier was stuck in an elevator. Poor C513 was stranded for four hours. All packages were delivered on Monday morning. Several employees spent the night in our office. Gil, Andrew and Mohamad camped out on the 9th floor. The only things missing were the campfire and marshmallows. Thanks for holding down the fort guys.

Online Ordering

Breakaway customers can order jobs online at www.breakawaycourier.com. To place orders, customers need to create an online user name. It is really simple. Instructions appear on our web-site or you can call Account Manager Ralph Santoni at 646-674-8353.

Jason Blair Chronicles

After playing guitar at an evening gig in Sao Paulo, Brazil, courier F516 spent a sleepless night on the red eye flight back to JFK to report to work. He radioed Breakaway from the tarmac for his first assignment. He breezed through VIP status at customs and unlocked his bicycle at the Air Brazil terminal. His first challenge: a triple rush job into Manhattan for an 8:00 AM personal delivery to the UN Secretary General. Child’s play for Breakaway’s superstar courier. All in a day’s work…

[Editor’s note: this is part 1 of a 3 part investigative series]

 Labor Day Gratitude

In honor of Labor Day, we would like to thank the hardworking couriers and valued customers who make all our jobs possible.

Stump the Band…

Last month we asked you to tell us the name of the oldest historical society in the United States. We received a surprising number of calls naming secret societies. Since we have no information on these organizations (honestly) these answers were impossible to confirm. The answer we were looking for was the Massachusetts Historical Society. This august body was founded in 1791. Once again, our callers never revealed any information about any alleged secret society that might require our…silence.

T-shirt Question

On what day was the Manhattan Bridge formally opened? The first person to call Ralph Santoni (with the correct answer) will win a coveted Breakaway T-shirt.

Breakaway News Volume No.7 Issue No.12 December 2002

Holiday Wishes
Breakaway would like to wish all of our customers and employees a wonderful Holiday Season. Remember that a Breakaway courier is the perfect choice for delivering holiday gifts to friends and business associates. Be on the lookout for flying reindeer wearing Breakaway jerseys. Happy Holidays.

Snow Pool

The past few winters New York has received little or no snow. Can this streak continue? This question is a source of raging debate here at Breakaway headquarters. We would like to invite our customers into this controversy by entering our third annual Snow Pool. To enter, call Account Manager Ralph Santoni, by December 31st, with your unique guess, in inches, of the amount of snowfall Central Park will receive by April 1st, 2003.  If your guess is correct you will win a beautiful Breakaway T-shirt. Note: at press time a major snowstorm was forecast for the New York area.

Phone Operator of the Year

Customer service is our top priority. Our phone operators are trained extensively in how to best meet our customers’ needs. Our operators are so helpful that callers often request specific operators by name. We would like to recognize these shining stars. Please contact Account Manager Ralph Santoni with the name of your favorite phone operator.

NFO Underwear

We recently delivered two boxes of dirty clothes and other personal items to Paris for one of our customers, using our NFO (next-flight-out) service. Breakaway can deliver just about anything just about anywhere. 

Holiday Order Tracking

You can track your large holiday orders online at www.breakawaycourier.com. This puts Breakaway one step ahead of a certain bewhiskered and jocund competitor. Call Account Manager Ralph Santoni directly with any questions at 646-674-8353 or contact him by email at rsantoni@breakawaycourier.com.

Stump the band…

Last month we asked you to tell us what popular character’s balloon was the first to participate in a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This question generated many responses. The most popular wrong answer was that beloved Peanuts character: Snoopy. The correct answer was Felix the Cat.

T-shirt Question

In what city is the oldest public park in America located? The first person to call Ralph Santoni (with the correct answer) will win a coveted Breakaway T-shirt.

Breakaway News Volume No.7 Issue No.10 October 2002

Happy Halloween

As the days get shorter and fall sets in, our thoughts turn to ghouls and goblins. The ancient festival of Samhain (Celtic feast of the harvest) approaches. Trick-or-treaters will soon descend upon us. This is an excellent time of year to have a pumpkin or other treat delivered to someone special! We can pick up that must-have outfit from your favorite costume shop or that fresh pumpkin pie from your favorite bakery. This year most of our bike messengers intend to dress as…bike messengers on October 31^st. Happy Halloween.

 Leaf Peepers

The staff of Breakaway Boston would like to let everyone know that this year looks like it is going to be a banner one for viewing the fall foliage in New England.  We would also like to remind everybody about our delivery service between Boston and New York. Not only will your package be delivered in record time, but our driver will also have a chance to admire the changing leaves.

Truck Spotting

It seems that Breakaway Courier New York’s customized lift-gate trucks stand out in a crowd. We have received many reports that our trucks look great. Keep a lookout for our trucks. If you are the first to call Ralph Santoni with the special phone number on the side of our newest truck, you will win a special prize.

Online Tracking

Breakaway customers can now track the progress of their jobs online at www.breakawaycourier.com. To use this feature, customers need to create an online user name. It is really simple. Instructions appear on our web site or you can call Account Manager Ralph Santoni at 646-674-8353.

Updating Records

We try hard to maintain high levels of customer service. To that end, we like to maintain close communication with our customers. If you would like periodic check-ups from our customer service department, please enclose your business card with your next invoice payment. Thank you.

Breakaway R&D

In our never-ending quest to make our service even better, the Breakaway R&D department had been working with a coven of witches to get packages delivered by broomstick. Despite an unfortunate incident where one of our staff was turned into a toad, things were progressing well. However, it turned out that our messengers were even faster than magic at delivering packages. So, back to the real world we go, along with all the dot-com refugees.

Stump the Band

Last month we asked you to tell us how many New Yorkers died at the battle of the Alamo. The answer we were looking for was eight, but diligent research by one of our valued customers convinced us to accept eleven as a correct answer.

T-shirt Question

Who was the first person executed for witchcraft in America? The first person to call Ralph Santoni (with the correct answer) will win a coveted Breakaway T-shirt. 

Breakaway News Volume No.7 Issue No.9 September 2002

We Remember
Breakaway extends its sympathies to all those mourning the tragedy of September 11^th. We will never forget.

Online Tracking

Breakaway customers can now track the progress of their jobs online at www.breakawaycourier.com. To use this feature, customers need to create an online user name. It is really simple. Instructions appear on our web site or you can call Account Manager Ralph Santoni at 646-674-8353.

Express Payment

Check writing is a time consuming chore, not to mention the thirty-seven cents for postage. Why not enroll in our Automatic Payment Plan? It is quick and easy, as we accept all major credit cards. You will still receive an itemized statement of your charges. You will not even have to open the envelope, as your bill will already be paid. Please contact Receivables Manager John Handrik at 646-674-8351.

Summer Memories

Summer is almost over. This year many of us vacationed close to home. However, some braved checkpoints and long lines in order to journey farther afield. If you had an exotic, exciting summer trip, give us a call. Your inspiring travel tale might make it into a future newsletter.

Deep Thought

It has been said that a person's favorite breed of dog can provide insights into their personality. An informal poll of the Breakaway Headquarter staff revealed that Chihuahuas and Pit Bulls top the list of favorites. Hmmm....

Labor Day Gratitude

In honor of Labor Day, we would like to thank the hardworking couriers and valued customers who make all our jobs possible. 

Lift-Gate Truck II

Breakaway New York has recently acquired a second, 14ft-lift-gate truck. Like the first one, this extra-large vehicle is decked out in our dazzling purple Bikeman logo. Among the items that have inaugurated our new truck are a 180-pound bus tire and a dentist’s chair that was delivered out to Paterson, New Jersey. If you would like to hire one or both of our lift-gate trucks for a big job, just give us a call.

Stump the band…

Last month we asked you to tell us the name of the official New York State muffin. The response to this simple query was huge. Our favorite wrong answer was the empire muffin. The correct answer was the humble apple muffin.

T-shirt Question

How many New Yorkers died at the famous battle at the Alamo? The first person to call Ralph Santoni (with the correct answer) will win a coveted Breakaway T-shirt. 

Breakaway News Volume No.6 Issue No.12 December 2001

Holiday Wishes
 

Breakaway would like to wish all of our valued customers and employees a safe and joyous Holiday Season. Remember that a Breakaway courier is the perfect choice for delivering holiday gifts to friends and business associates. Be on the lookout for flying reindeer wearing Breakaway jerseys. Happy Holidays.

Phone Speed Record

Breakaway would like to salute Jerry at Colorscripts Plus for his top-notch order-placing skills. He recently placed an order in less than two seconds! Phone Operator Maria Ortiz verified this amazing feat. Many thanks to Jerry for his courteous manner and for always having complete job information when he calls.

Santa and Security

Rumor has it that even jolly old St. Nick will have to present laminated picture identification when making his rounds this year. Please remember to fully label any gift deliveries you are sending out. Otherwise, they might not be accepted at the delivery point.

Snow Pool

The past few winters New York has received little or no snow. Can this streak continue? This question is a source of raging debate here at Breakaway headquarters. We would like to invite our customers into this controversy by entering our "snow pool."  To enter, call Account Manager Ralph Santoni, by December 31st, with your unique guess, in inches, of the amount of snowfall Central Park will receive by April 1st, 2002.  If your guess is correct you will win a beautiful Breakaway T-shirt.

Meet the Breakaway Office Staff:

Name: Rosario Torres.

Position: Phone Operator.

Nickname: “Rose.”

Time at Breakaway: Three months.

Favorite Customer: Frame Representatives.

Favorite Artist: My Husband.

Likes: 20 calls at one time.

Dislikes: Customers who forget why they called.

Favorite Saying: “No problem.”

Stump the band…

Last month we asked you to tell us the name of the Native American tribe with whom the Pilgrims celebrated the first Thanksgiving. Many people responded to this question. The correct answer was the Wampanoag. They were also known as the Pokanoket, from the name of their main village.

T-shirt Question

What day was the cornerstone laid for the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Manhattan? The first person to call Ralph Santoni (with the correct answer) will win a coveted Breakaway T-shirt.

Breakaway News Volume No.6 Issue No.10 October 2001

Condolences

Breakaway extends our deepest sympathies to all those who lost family members, friends and colleagues in the tragic events of September 11^th.

Our Heroes

Breakaway would like to thank all the brave people who lost, risked and continue to risk their lives to help others. New York City and the World have been impressed by your heroism. You have served as an inspiring and unforgettable example of courage for all Americans.

Office Space

Many companies have been displaced from downtown Manhattan. If your company needs to be relocated, Breakaway might be able to help. We have 1700 square feet of space available for rent. This space is fully equipped with phone service and broadband Internet access. If you know someone looking for office space, please contact Account Manager Ralph Santoni.

Customer Information

Some companies have lost some or all of their customer information. Breakaway can help recover some of this lost information. We can fax you any old invoices that you request. This can help recover information regarding at least a substantial number of your customers. If you need any old invoices faxed to you, please contact Account Receivables Manager John Handrik.

Plan Ahead

Shifting police checkpoints, heightened building security and other measures may result in extended delivery times. Please plan accordingly. 

Assistance Information

Below are a few telephone numbers that many might find helpful:

NYC Emergency Information: 212-560-2730.

FBI Information: 866-483-5137 or 800-331-0075.

Red Cross Blood Donations: 800-GIVE-LIFE.

NY Blood Center: 800-933-2566.

Real Estate Board of NY: 212-621-9502, 621-9517 or 621-9527.

Stump the band…

Last month we asked you to tell us the year in which the first Monday in September was chosen as the date of Labor Day. This was a bit tricky, as we were not asking for a date connected to the federal holiday. Rather, we were asking for the year in which labor organizations chose the first Monday in September as the date for their observance. This occurred several years before Labor Day was made a federal holiday. The year was 1884.

T-shirt Question

How much time passed between the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor and the raid on Tokyo by Jimmy Doolittle? The first person to call Ralph Santoni (with the correct answer) will win a coveted Breakaway T-shirt.

Breakaway News Volume No.6 Issue No.9 September 2001

Labor Day Thanks
 

In honor of Labor Day, we would like to thank the hardworking couriers and valued customers who make all our jobs possible. Have a great holiday!

Big Project, No Sweat

If you have a project involving a large number of deliveries, Breakaway can work with you to make it affordable. We have volume discounts for large volume deliveries of any size. If you need help bringing an unwieldy project in on time and under budget, please contact Account Manager Ralph Santoni.

Stumped by the Stub

Many customers have inquired as to the best way to get the Breakaway remittance stub into our return envelope. In the spirit of customer service we present...

Top Five Ways to get our remittance stub into the return envelope:

1. Fold it neatly in half.

2. Make a photocopy of the stub at 50% size.

3. Fold the stub into an origami swan and write a catchy Zen phrase on the outside.

4. Tear it into to little pieces (not recommended).

5. Just stuff it!

Summer Memories

Summer should be a time of marvelous exploits. If you were abducted by space aliens or swallowed by a whale while on vacation, please call Account Manager Ralph Santoni. Your adventure might make into a future newsletter!

Meet the Breakaway Office Staff

 Name: Steven James.

Position: Dispatcher.

Nickname: “Dood.”

Years at Breakaway: Two.

Favorite Customer: Bettina at Frame Representatives.

Favorite Artists: J.R.R. Tolkien and Kurt Cobain.

Likes: Quick Picks and overtime Double Rushes.

Dislikes: Elevators that do not respond to the “Door Close” command.

Favorite Saying: “OK, great!”

Stump the band…

Last month we asked you to tell us the origin of the term “dog days of summer.” Many people responded with many different answers. The answer we were looking for was that during a period extending from early July to early September, Sirius, the “Dog Star,” rises and sets with the sun. Ancient people believed that this amplified the heat given off by the sun resulting in an especially warm period.

T-shirt Question

In what year was the first Monday in September chosen as the date for Labor Day? The first person to call Ralph Santoni (with the correct answer) will win a coveted Breakaway T-shirt.

Breakaway News Volume No.5 Issue No.10 October 2000

The Jacket
 

One evening, a Breakaway messenger was riding his bike home through Central Park. He saw a teenage girl walking alone near the Harlem Meer. She waved him over. She had stayed too late at a friend’s house and was now on her way home. She asked if he would walk her to her building on 102^nd Street. He agreed and they set off through the park. She was shivering so he lent her his jacket. When they got to 5^th Avenue, the messenger turned around and the girl was gone, along with his jacket. He searched around the park without success. Then he remembered the address she had given him and he rode to her building. When he rang the buzzer an old woman’s voice answered. After he explained the situation, there was a long pause. The woman, speaking in a trembling voice, said “my daughter is not here because she drowned five years ago. If you want your jacket, go look on the north shore of Harlem Meer. That is where she died.” The messenger hopped onto his bike and rode back into the park.  In the moonlight he could see his jacket lying in the grass by the water. He grabbed the jacket and sped home without looking back. Happy Halloween!

French Foliage

As the seasons change, spirits are high at Breakaway Paris. A major competitor has decided to subcontract their bike messenger work to us! For information about using Breakaway Paris, please contact Account Manager Ralph Santoni.

Farewell to a Friend

Breakaway would like to wish a fond farewell to Chris Kim. Chris has been with the company four years. He was invaluable in managing our office move from Walker Street to 35^th Street. Good luck, Chris.

Meet the Breakaway Office Staff

Name: Ricardo Reyes.

Position: Dispatcher.

Nickname: “Latinoheat.”

Years at Breakaway: Four.

Favorite Customers: Jessica at IMG Models.

Favorite Artist: Robert DeNiro.

Likes: Little kegs of Heineken.

Dislikes: Incomplete information.

Favorite Saying: “I’ll speak to the customer.”

Stump the band…

Last month we asked you to give us the name of the first newspaper published in New York City. For a bonus question, we asked for the year in which the paper was first published. Many of you incorrectly guessed the New York Post. The Gazette was actually the first newspaper published in New York City. It was first published way back in 1725.

T-shirt Question

Who started the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade and in what year was the parade first held? The first person to call Ralph Santoni (with the correct answer) will win a coveted Breakaway T-shirt. 

Breakaway News Volume No.5 Issue No.9 September 2000

Labor Day Thanks
 

Labor Day is once again upon us. We would like to thank our hardworking messengers and valued customers who make all our jobs possible. Have a great holiday!

My Summer Vacation

Another blissful summer is coming to an end. Many of our clients went on exciting and exotic trips this summer and we would like to hear about them. If you went somewhere or did something exciting, please call Account Manager Ralph Santoni. Your adventure may make it into a future newsletter!

Penny Wise

Recently, a customer of Breakaway Boston sent us payment for a bill. He was short by three cents. After several gentle reminders by our Receivables Department, the customer sent us three pennies taped to an invoice stub. Persistence pays.

Team Breakaway

Former Breakaway Account Manager Charlie Issendorf took first place in the recent Century Road Club Association Time Trial Championships. The championships were held in Central Park. Charlie completed the grueling twenty-kilometer course in an amazing twenty-six minutes and 30 seconds. Way to go Charlie!

Breakaway R&D

The Breakaway R&D Department recently unveiled a robot messenger named Courbot. This friendly robot is designed to deliver packages in poor weather conditions. Preliminary tests have gone well with the single hitch that Courbot keeps trying to ask our network computer out on a date.

Meet the Breakaway Office Staff

Name: Marc Nash.

Position: Third Base.

Nickname: “Nash.”

Years at Breakaway: Six.

Favorite Customers: Baron and Baron.

Favorite Artist: Robert Mapplethorpe.

Likes: Ice Cream.

Dislikes: Liver and onions.

Favorite Saying: “OK, great.”

Stump the band…

Last month we asked you to tell us what amazing feat Skip Storch accomplished, in the Hudson River, in 1988. Mr. Storch performed the amazing feat of swimming down the Hudson River from Albany to the Statue of Liberty. There is a rumor that the strange chemicals in the river gave Mr. Storch super powers which he is currently using to fight crime somewhere in South America.

T-shirt Question 

What was the name of the first newspaper published in New York City? The first person to call Ralph Santoni (with the correct answer) will win a coveted Breakaway T-shirt. (Bonus: what year was this paper first published?)

Breakaway News Volume No.4 Issue No.9 September 1999

Breakaway Boston

Breakaway is proud to announce the opening of our new office in Boston, Massachusetts. Can you believe it? We now have three offices on two continents: New York, Paris and Boston. If you need service in Boston, please call Account Manager Ralph Santoni for details.

 What Did You Do This Summer?

As summer comes to a close, it becomes time to reflect on the season just passed. Many of our customers went on exciting and exotic trips this summer and we would like to hear about them. If you went somewhere or did something exciting, please call Account Manager Ralph Santoni. Your adventure may make into a future newsletter!

Messenger What?!

Not long ago, a Breakaway messenger was asked to rush a delivery at the speed of light. It turned out that this vital package contained a key to the executive washroom that had been inadvertently taken off the premises. This is just one example of the kinds of things that we pickup and deliver every day. What is the strangest thing that you have ever had delivered by messenger? Give us a call and let us know. (PS: the much-relieved president of the company thanked the messenger profusely.)

 Labor Day Thanks

Labor Day is once again upon us. We would like to thank our hardworking messengers, office staff and valued customers who make all our jobs possible. Breakaway will be closed Monday, September 6^th 1999. Have a great holiday!

Meet the Breakaway Office Staff

Name: Christopher Kim

Position: Dispatcher

Nickname: Yoda

Years at Breakaway: Two as a messenger, one as a dispatcher.

Favorite Customer: HKM

Favorite Musical Artist: Prince Paul

Likes: Room temperature food, the Brooklyn Bridge and a good boat.

Dislikes: Air conditioning, cellular telephones and taxation without representation.

T-shirt Answers

Do you eagerly wait for our newsletter every month, in order to have a shot at the T-shirt question? Do you writhe in frustration when the answer eludes you, never to be revealed? If you would like us to print the answer to the previous T-shirt question each month, call Account Manager Ralph Santoni and register your vote. By the way, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony was the first piece of music performed by the New York Philharmonic.

T-shirt Question  

What family ran the last farm in Manhattan? The first person to call Account Manager Ralph Santoni (with the correct answer) will win a coveted Breakaway T-shirt