Ep. #41: Chadd Olesen, CEO of AVRL

27 snips

Nov 19, 2024

Chadd Olesen, CEO of AVRL, leads an automation tech company specializing in spot freight pricing. He shares the journey of pivoting AVRL to better serve freight brokers by valuing human expertise over purely tech-driven solutions. The discussion delves into the evolving API pricing landscape and the challenges of implementing new technology within the freight sector. Olesen emphasizes the importance of collaboration and mentorship, alongside navigating the complexities of fundraising and maintaining authenticity in professional networks.

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ANECDOTE

Mysterious Marketing

AVRL's website is intentionally minimal, driving inbound inquiries through mystery.
This approach creates intrigue and taps into freight's close-knit network.

INSIGHT

Networking in Freight

Freight professionals often consult each other for advice and solutions.
Knowing the right people can lead to significant business growth through referrals.

ANECDOTE

Pivoting to Freight

AVRL pivoted from voice technology to freight automation after a meeting with J.B. Hunt.
J.B. Hunt identified a need for automating transactional spot freight pricing.

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Chadd Olesen, CEO of automation technology company AVRL, joined us this week to discuss his company's journey. AVRL started in 2017 focused on natural language processing, but pivoted in 2020 to automate spot freight pricing for brokers.
Chadd shared how AVRL had to rethink their approach and technology to better fit the needs of freight brokers, rather than trying to force brokers to adapt to their original product. He emphasized the importance of being consultative and collaborative with brokers, allowing their domain expertise to shape the automation rather than fully replacing the human element.
The conversation also touched on the evolving API pricing landscape, the challenges of change management when implementing new technology, and Chadd's personal growth as a leader in navigating the complexities of the freight industry. Overall, the episode provides insights into building a successful freight tech company by deeply understanding the industry and empowering rather than replacing human expertise.

***Episode brought to you by Rapido Solutions Group. I had the pleasure of working with Danny Frisco and Roberto Icaza at Coyote, as well as being a client of theirs more recently at MoLo. Their team does a great job supplying nearshore talent to brokers, carriers, and technology providers to handle any role necessary, be it customer or carrier support, back office, or tech services.***

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*** This episode is brought to you by Rapido Solutions Group. I had the pleasure of working with Danny Frisco and Roberto Icaza at Coyote, as well as being a client of theirs more recently at MoLo. Their team does a great job supplying nearshore talent to brokers, carriers, and technology providers to handle any role necessary, be it customer or carrier support, back office, or tech services. Visit gorapido.com to learn more.

A special thanks to our additional sponsors:

Cargado – Cargado is the first platform that connects logistics companies and trucking companies that move freight into and out of Mexico. Visit cargado.com to learn more.
Greenscreens.ai – Greenscreens.ai is the AI-powered pricing and market intelligence tool transforming how freight brokers price freight. Visit greenscreens.ai/freightpod today!
Metafora – Metafora is a technology consulting firm that has delivered value for over a decade to brokers, shippers, carriers, private equity firms, and freight tech companies. Check them out at metafora.net. ***