Cedric Ross has seen a lot of change in his 20 years with Amazon. As a senior manager of fulfillment center relations and tours, he’s well positioned now to talk about his experiences with the startup-turned-online-giant.
Ross is also an accomplished musician in Seattle, using his communication skills from the stage as a singer, songwriter and bass player.
He’s also GeekWire’s newest Geek of the Week.
“I fondly recall all of us scrappy Amazonians as peculiar as all get out,” Ross said of the company’s early days, when he was working out of a fulfillment center on Dawson Street in the Georgetown neighborhood of Seattle. Even back then he was giving tours to such outlets as “60 Minutes,” USA Today, a major airline’s in-flight magazine — and a presidential candidate.
“We had corporate offices downtown in several buildings that we leased,” Ross said of the days long before Amazon’s current reshaping of Seattle. “They weren’t particularly fancy but we more than made up for it in quirky fun. Over the years, I noticed our continuous improvements in every facet of the business. I noticed the innovation. We were literally making history. It looks different than it did back then, but the important stuff like customer obsession, having fun, being a little peculiar hasn’t really changed much at all.”
Ross gets an up-close look at some of the biggest changes by being on the front lines at fulfillment centers where Amazon technology is changing the way the company processes orders.
“I’m fascinated by our innovative technology,” Ross said. “I get to see Amazon Robotics nearly every day and each time I’m amazed by its ability to assist our associates in stowing items or picking items for our customers. Another cool thing that cannot be overlooked are our SLAM (Scan, Label Apply & Manifest) lines which are so important in labeling each package properly. This is the step just before our packages make their way down the shipping lanes. I could easily name 15 other innovative parts of our process.”
That desire to keep talking — whether it’s on tours with large groups or in his training of Amazon associates — also propels Ross in his music.
“I find myself compelled to connect with my audience in some authentic and personal way,” Ross said. “This is the same approach to being a front person on stage. I am not so much interested in entertaining you as I am in connecting with you. It’s a fine line. Most of the time it works. I come from a family of hams! I mean, my [almost 6-year-old] son is a lot like me in his ham-ness. I’m so proud of him!”
Learn more about this week’s Geek of the Week, Cedric Ross:
What do you do, and why do you do it? “I communicate with people, and I love doing it. I’m also a mentor, and an entrepreneur. At their core, all of these activities are similar to me. And I do them because it makes me happy to help others — whether that’s getting people excited about one of our amazing and innovative fulfillment centers, or being on stage watching the audience get into the music we’re playing. It’s all about connecting with people, for me.”
What’s the single most important thing people should know about your field? “Amazon is known for our innovative technology — our great delivery services, as well as for devices, our video service, and some of the other cool products that we sell. But what many people don’t realize is that without the people involved — who work hard to deliver these different things on behalf of customers — Amazon wouldn’t be Amazon. That’s part of my job — to make sure people understand that by encouraging them to visit our fulfillment centers and take a tour.”
Where do you find your inspiration? “I get the majority of my inspiration from my wife and my son.”
What’s the one piece of technology you couldn’t live without, and why? “I could not live without my phone. It’s how I stay in touch, it’s how I write music. It keeps me connected.”
What’s your workspace like, and why does it work for you? “Some days I work out of one of Amazon’s newest buildings in Seattle — I sit among amazing people, who allow me to speak freely and laugh and think hard. I love my work space. I also love going to our fulfillment centers, spending time with my team that gives tours, and meeting associates. My first job at Amazon was in one of our original warehouses, where I started out in the shipping department. Later, I became a Learning Manager. It’s amazing to see how much our centers have changed since then!”
Your best tip or trick for managing everyday work and life. (Help us out, we need it.) “Have perspective. On the real tough times, slow your roll. Stop and think about it.”
Mac, Windows or Linux? “Mac — it’s great for music!”
Kirk, Picard, or Janeway? “Definitely Kirk! I dress up as Captain Kirk every year for Halloween.”
Transporter, Time Machine or Cloak of Invisibility? “Time Machine. I’m a fan of history, and I would love to have been in a front seat at some of the planet’s greatest moments.”
If someone gave me $1 million to launch a startup, I would … “Launch a platform that would legally offer consumers an opportunity to find, share and listen to all of your favorite movies and TV shows by scene. This would be a unique listening experience. Consumers could even mash-up scenes from different movies to instantly compare them. Great way to spend some down time on a plane.”
I once waited in line for … “Michael Jackson tickets. I waited all night — overnight — got the tickets, and as the show got closer, Michael Jackson canceled. I never got to see him!”
Your role models: “My brothers above all else! My three brothers are all older than me and have been my great mentors. They each have taught me about inspiration, fortitude and generosity.”
Greatest game in history “NFL, Philadelphia Eagles, Super Bowl XXXIX (Feb. 6, 2005). My team lost to the New England Patriots 24-21. Sad outcome, but I loved my Eagles!”
Best gadget ever: “Can an electric bass guitar count?”
First computer: “That’s not fair! I don’t even remember what it was called.”
Current phone: “iPhone 6+.”
Favorite app: “Music writing app — Garage Band.”
Favorite Cause: Advocating for artists
Most important technology of 2016: “Amazon Echo Dot.”
Most important technology of 2018: “Warp drive.”
Final words of advice for your fellow geeks: “Han shot first! Take ownership of your geekdom with great pride … and call your mother.”
Website: Fred Roth Revue
Twitter: @fredroth
LinkedIn: Cedric Ross
