From the Ground Up: Episode 767 With The Real Brad Lea (TRBL)
Dec 4, 2024
auto_awesome
Jesse Bounds, a blue-collar entrepreneur, started his journey at 17 and turned a humble agricultural venture into a $15 million empire. He discusses savvy scaling after hard lessons, the game-changing role of AI in trucking, and using social media for recruiting talent. Jesse shares insights on building a vibrant coaching community through 104 Coaching and emphasizes the importance of personal development and fitness in business success. Tune in for valuable lessons on navigating the evolving landscape of agriculture and trucking!
Jesse Bounds emphasizes the importance of understanding market conditions and adapting strategies to sustain growth in a volatile industry.
Innovative recruitment through social media and automation has become vital for overcoming driver shortages in the trucking sector.
The integration of AI and technology is essential for maintaining competitiveness and optimizing operations in agriculture and trucking businesses.
Deep dives
Early Entrepreneurial Spirit
Jesse Bounds started his entrepreneurial journey at the young age of 17 by launching Bounds Hay Company and Bounds Hay Trucking, stemming from his experience working on a farm. Initially, he began by providing hay-bailing services to local farmers, leveraging his father's unused land. As demand grew, he expanded his operations and transitioned to exporting hay and straw products primarily to Southeast Asia. His determination and proactive approach in connecting with farmers and building a customer base have been key contributors to his success.
Revenue Growth and Market Challenges
Bounds's business has seen significant growth, reaching annual revenues of approximately $15 million, peaking at $30 million in 2022. However, the market has encountered challenges due to shifts in demand post-COVID, particularly affecting exports to countries like China, where changes in livestock management have lowered orders. The importance of understanding market conditions, exchange rates, and product demand has become increasingly apparent for maintaining sustainable operations. Despite current setbacks, he remains optimistic about his business's longevity and potential for future growth.
The Value of Coaching and Community
Jesse Bounds also leads a coaching group aimed at supporting fellow entrepreneurs in the trucking and agricultural sectors by sharing valuable insights on business management. This group not only provides practical advice but also fosters a sense of community among its members. Weekly Zoom calls and in-person workshops focus on critical topics such as finance, marketing, and operational efficiency, helping members leverage each other’s experiences. The positive feedback from participants underscores the value of collaboration and shared learning in driving individual business success.
Navigating the Labor Market
Finding qualified drivers has been a persistent issue in the trucking industry, prompting Jesse to innovate in his recruitment efforts. He has implemented an automated system to streamline the hiring process, making it easier for potential drivers to apply and for employers to find suitable candidates. The use of social media and interactive applications has significantly expanded the reach and efficiency of candidate sourcing. As the demand for drivers continues to grow, adapting recruitment strategies has become essential for maintaining operational capacity.
Future Prospects and Industry Adaptation
Looking ahead, Jesse Bounds is wary of the ongoing changes within the agriculture and trucking industries, particularly with advancements in technology like AI and autonomous vehicles. He believes embracing innovation will be crucial for survival in a competitive landscape marked by rising costs and fluctuating demand. By integrating modern business practices and seeking opportunities for vertical integration, his companies are poised to adapt to the market's evolving needs. As the industry faces consolidation and transitional phases, Jesse remains focused on optimizing his operations for sustained success.
What’s up, Bomb Squad! I’m you host Brad Lea and This is Dropping Bombs.
In this episode, I brought in guest Jesse Bounds, a true blue-collar entrepreneur and awesome guy who’s built a $15 million agricultural and trucking empire from the ground up. Jesse started at just 17 years old, working hay fields in Oregon, and now he’s exporting hay and straw across the globe. We talked about scaling smart (after he learned the hard way), using social media to recruit top talent, and the game-changing potential of AI in trucking and farming.
Jesse’s also has this amazing coaching group, 104 Coaching, where he’s guiding farmers, truckers, and construction pros on real business tactics, fitness, and leveling up their mindset. This episode is packed with lessons on building a solid foundation, adapting to tech, and why fitness is a game-changer in business.
Tune in, Bomb Squad—you don’t want to miss this one!
What You'll Learn: How to scale a blue-collar business from scratch, avoid common financial pitfalls, leverage social media for recruitment, and adapt to evolving technologies like AI and automation to stay competitive.
Highlights:
Entrepreneurial Journey
Building a Business from Scratch
The Export Market and Challenges
Rapid Scaling and Hard Lessons Learned
Community and Coaching Group
Leveraging Social Media and Recruitment Automation
Future of Agriculture and Trucking Industries
Personal Development and Healthy Lifestyle Choices
