BY REBECCA REIMERS
In the heart of Jackson, a company with a memorable name and serious mission is making waves in the world of e-commerce shipping. Pirate Ship, a tech-driven shipping platform, is dedicated to helping small businesses across the country access the lowest possible shipping rates with ease and exceptional customer service. But beyond its innovative logistics solutions, Pirate Ship is fostering a remarkable workplace culture, creating high-quality jobs and giving back to our community in myriad meaningful ways.
Employee culture at Pirate Ship is built on a foundation of teamwork, empathy and a commitment to its core values. With a company motto of “People Over Plunder,” the leadership team ensures that employees are not only high performers but also team players. The company prioritizes hiring individuals who embody these values, making for a positive and supportive work environment. While Pirate Ship has a large remote team of around 200 employees, the Jackson office is home to a growing team of local talent.
“Putting people first, whether that’s our employees or our customers, has always been central to our values,” said Lexy Borstelmann, COO and cofounder.
Work-life balance is a priority at Pirate Ship — so much so that it has a powder clause in its employee handbook. If more than 6 inches of snow falls, employees are encouraged to hit the slopes before starting their workday. This attitude extends beyond just skiing; whether an employee needs to take care of a sick child or simply recharge, the company supports a flexible and balanced work environment. The founders lead by example, ensuring that employees feel trusted, valued and able to do their best work.
Making shipping fun is at the core of Pirate Ship’s branding. And it isn’t just for show — the company fully embraces its pirate theme. Employees greet each other with “Ahoy!” There’s a tiki bar in the ship-themed office for after-hours camaraderie, and the team celebrates pirate-related holidays such as “talk like a pirate day.” These playful traditions reinforce a sense of fun and belonging, making Pirate Ship a unique and engaging place to work.
Pirate Ship was founded with a clear mission: to support small businesses by making shipping easy, affordable and fun. The company’s origins trace back to founder Bjorn Borstelmann, who previously worked in e-commerce logistics and saw firsthand how difficult and expensive shipping could be for small businesses. Determined to level the playing field, he set out to develop Pirate Ship’s software to offer deeply discounted shipping rates — saving small businesses up to 89% compared to standard rates.
Although Pirate Ship operates on a national scale, its Teton roots run deep. Bjorn was born and raised in Alta, Wyoming, and is committed to growing local job opportunities. Many key team members also have strong ties to the area. Pirate Ship actively is expanding its presence by hiring locally whenever possible from the region’s strong talent pool, offering competitive wages and benefits that allow employees to live and thrive in Jackson without juggling multiple jobs. Pirate Ship doesn’t just talk about community — it invests in it. The company supports nonprofi t organizations by serving as a co-challenger for Old Bill’s Fun Run and Tin Cup Challenge. Employees are encouraged to give back, and the company organizes volunteer initiatives such as a recent volunteer session with Hole Food Rescue, where team members helped sort and distribute food to those in need. Whether it’s sponsoring organizations such as Silicon Couloir, empowering young girls through Girls Actively Participating or participating in the Margarita Cup, Pirate Ship is active and engaged and doing more each year.
As Pirate Ship continues to grow, its commitment to small businesses — most of which have fewer than 10 employees — remains unwavering. With a focus on high-touch (and pirate-themed) customer service, the company differentiates itself by ensuring that customers always have access to real human support — something increasingly rare in the era of AI-driven automation. The company also is expanding its Jackson-based team, with new job opportunities available in marketing, human resources and more.
For those looking to join a dynamic company that blends worklife balance, purpose-driven innovation and community engagement, Pirate Ship is charting a compelling course. As the company continues to expand its reach, it remains anchored in the values that make it a standout employer and an integral part of the Teton regional business landscape.
Whether you’re a small business owner looking for the best shipping rates or a professional seeking a meaningful career in Jackson, Pirate Ship is proving that Jackson businesses can thrive by putting people first — and having a little fun along the way.