The Freight Pod

We are joined on this week's episode by CEO of Trucker Tools, Kary Jablonski. We begin by discussing the power of personal branding through social media. Through our candid conversation, we reveal how authenticity isn't just a buzzword—it's the hidden currency of LinkedIn, fostering genuine connections and opening doors to untold business opportunities. Kary’s insights into social media's role in the freight world, from transparent communication to product testing, are indispensable for anyone looking to elevate their professional game.On her personal journey from consulting to helping scale Uber's operations, Kary shares the valuable lessons learned about leadership within the tech and freight landscapes. We discuss the abrupt twists that come with working in dynamic environments, and how these experiences forge resilience and strategic acumen. As Kary and I swap stories, we highlight the importance of customer success, humility, and the magic of showing up as your true self in professional spaces—a strategy that translates into growth and success.We dive into the business of Trucker Tools, understanding how so much of their success is centered on the product they've built out for drivers. By focusing on creating a great tool for drivers, they've given themselves a great entry point to support brokers in their increasing need for visibility load by load. As their business has grown, they've recognized the value of integrations and partnerships to expand their abilities to serve their customers. We talk about all this, plus what the future holds for Trucker Tools as Kary's team continues to grow.The episode wraps up with deep dives into the challenges newly-appointed CEOs face, from navigating post-acquisition transitions to making strategic hires during industry downturns. Learn from our experiences as we discuss the approaches to fostering a leadership style that empowers teams and prioritizes dynamics, while acknowledging the personal obstacles we face, such as impatience. Join us for this episode, packed with authentic discussion and strategic insights that promise to resonate with professionals across industries.

When life throws a curveball, some craft an entire new ballpark—meet Jordan Graft, CEO of Highway, who sits with us today to reflect on the indelible marks of entrepreneurship and personal growth. Hear how he harnessed his experiences as a three-time CEO before the age of 40 to carve out success amidst the bustling freight industry. Our exchange offers a glimpse into Jordan's transformative journey: from embracing unexpected fatherhood and pioneering a grocery delivery venture, to influencing the freight brokerage sector as a Batman of freight fraud.Navigating the freight industry's high seas, Jordan joins me to unravel the fabric of his entrepreneurial endeavors, marked with stories of resilience, patience, and the unwavering support of family. Our heartfelt conversation sails through the evolution of personal relationships in challenging times, the rise and fall of business ventures, and the milestones along the path to leadership. Jordan's narrative is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit—coding out of necessity, pivoting from ventures that no longer serve, and the pursuit of innovation that meets the freight industry's pressing needs.Tune in as we dissect the intricacies of the freight world, from combating sophisticated freight scams to crafting responsive customer service with a team that's as vigilant as they are dedicated. Jordan's insights on hiring with integrity, fostering workplace loyalty, and improving industry communication shine a light on the core values that drive success. Whether you're an industry veteran or a curious newcomer, this episode is brimming with tales of perseverance, the joy of translating ideas into action, and the relentless dedication to creating value in a complex yet rewarding field.

Resilience isn't just a buzzword; it's the lifeblood that fuels personal triumphs over professional stumbling blocks. Andrew is joined on this episode by Eddie Leshin, an industry veteran whose career dates back to the early days of American Backhaulers.This episode is a treasure trove of brokerage insight, but we start with some credit to the Michigan Wolverines, National Champions, and the inspiring story of running back Donovan Edwards, who demonstrated unwavering mental strength amidst adversity.We dissect the intricacies of non-compete periods in the professional world, revealing the emotional trials and the ultimate journey towards growth. You'll be captivated by our reflections on entrepreneurship within the logistics industry, the debate over non-compete clauses, and the significant role technology plays in transforming the brokerage landscape from its manual roots to the digital forefront.As we peel back the layers of leadership and mentorship, Eddie opens up about the evolution of his own leadership styles, transitioning from an immersive role to one of advisory. We share the personal stories that affirm the weight of mentorship, the essence of trust, and the satisfaction derived from guiding others to success. The episode further examines the seismic shifts within the logistics industry, contemplating the burgeoning field of managed transportation and strategic maneuvers in the competitive freight market. Listen as we lay bare the emotions of life and loss, underscoring the profound influence these experiences have on our approach to parenting and the legacy we aspire to leave.Navigating the aftermath of COVID-19's upheaval in the trucking and transportation sector, we discuss the imbalance it has wrought upon supply and demand. The conversation sets the stage for a candid look at the potential for a market correction, the cruciality of strategic partnerships, and the essence of transparency in these complex times. As Eddie and I draw this heartfelt conversation to a close, we leave you with musings on economic outlooks, life lessons, and the anticipation for what the future holds. Join us for an episode that transcends the realms of industry insights and personal narratives, weaving a tapestry rich with experience and wisdom.

Dawn Salvucci-Favier, CEO of Greenscreens.ai, shares her transformative adventure from an administrative assistant to leading a pioneer predictive pricing platform in the truckload spot freight industry (soon to be beyond spot). Her narrative is a riveting tale of seizing opportunities, the impact of mentorship, and the evolution of logistics from a world of manual route planning to the cutting-edge technological advancements that are reshaping how we think about transportation and supply chain management today.Tune in to uncover the behind-the-scenes of the logistics software industry and what it takes to build a successful startup in this competitive space. Dawn's candid recount of her transition from retail giants like TJX Companies and Staples to the startup world paints a vivid picture of the flexibility, talent acquisition, and sheer determination required to not only survive but thrive. Trace the steps Dawn took in helping to build 3GTMS and learn how she navigated her career through emotional and practical challenges, ultimately finding her resilience and support network instrumental in joining Greenscreens.ai.This episode isn't just a career chronicle; it's an education in the power of data, strategic partnerships, and the foresight to stay neutral for future growth. Delve into the intricacies of ecosystem collaboration in TMS, the strategic significance of neutrality for start-ups, and how Greenscreens.ai's platform uses big data and machine learning for real-time pricing predictions. Whether you're in the logistics field, fascinated by startup cultures, or looking for inspiration to pivot in your career, Dawn's journey offers a wealth of insight into the continuous innovation driving the freight industry forward.

Matt Vogrich joins the show to share his story. Once known as the "Mop-Topped Assassin", Matt enjoyed an illustrious basketball career, being recognized as the Gatorade Player of the Year in Illinois his senior year of high school before joining John Beilein and the Michigan Wolverines for college. From there, he helped his team over a four-year stretch go from a losing record to playing in the national championship his senior year. He shares his stories and lessons learned from playing for one of the best coaches in the country. We then jump into the MoLo story. With zero experience in freight, Matt founded MoLo Solutions and led it from 0 to $600 million in annual revenue in just four years, while the company also received accolades every year for being the top brokerage workplace in Chicago. We swap stories dating back to the initial planning days before moving our first load, to the challenges of leading through Covid, to eventually selling the company.

AI-written episode description:What happens when you combine an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit, a fascination with the trucking industry, and a passion for tech innovation? You get a riveting discussion with our guest, Brian Cristol, Founder and CEO of Isometric Technologies. His journey traverses his time in investment banking, his pivot to the tech world, his experiences with college football, and his path to entrepreneurship with Iso. Listen as we share stories from his past and gain valuable insights into his mindset that has led to his success in the logistics tech industry.Our conversation keeps you on your toes as we transition from sports to banking, and eventually land in the world of startups. Brian shares the challenges he faced while making the leap from a secure job in finance to a tech startup, and his journey at Uber Freight. We chat about sales tactics, creative subject lines, and the importance of empathy in the trucking industry. We also explore the birth of Uber Freight, the skepticism it faced, and its ultimate success.As we wind down, Brian shares his plans for his business, Iso, with a focus on the challenges traditional scorecard systems pose and the potential of a digital infrastructure to enhance partnerships. We discuss the idea of a FICO-type guide for freight brokers and a service index. This episode is a treasure chest of stories about overcoming adversity, insightful discussions, and valuable lessons. So tune in, it's time to hit the road!

Drew Wilkerson, former sales guy turned CEO of a publicly traded brokerage, shares his incredible success story. He discusses his rise to the top, the importance of transparency and alignment in leadership, managing through COVID, making difficult decisions, and dealing with investors.

Another (mostly) AI-written episode description:We're thrilled to bring you this discussion with Bill Driegert, EVP, Head of North America at Flexport. Bill was previously the 4th employee at Coyote Logistics and then co-founder of Uber Freight. He takes us on an enthralling journey through his illustrious career and the landscape of the freight industry. This episode packs a punch, offering you an exclusive peek into the challenges, triumphs, and future of the freight market. Whether you're a logistics pro or a curious bystander, get ready to be enlightened on tech's role in advancing this traditional industry.Imagine the excitement of being part of Coyote Logistics' initial days or the thrill of breathing life into Uber Freight! This episode takes you there! Bill candidly shares his insights about Coyote's pioneering journey, from attracting the right talent to the challenges of launching a brokerage from scratch. Discussion further navigates through the inception of Uber Freight, shedding light on their vision of disrupting the freight industry. We also touch upon the trials of automating the carrier experience, the potential of AI in transportation, and the delicate balance between technology and personal touch in customer care.Our conversation doesn't stop there! We dive into the nitty-gritty of pricing models, the pros and cons of tech fragmentation, and the changing dynamics of owner operators in the market. As we further dissect the operational intricacies, Bill shares his hopes after acquiring the Convoy technology and the role it can play within Flexport. The discussion wraps with a glimpse into the future of transportation, the potential of autonomous vehicles, and the impact of digital models. Brace yourself for this rollercoaster of insights, stories, and perspectives from another great guest.

Matt Pyatt, CEO of Arrive Logistics, shares valuable lessons learned in early businesses, the story behind founding Arrive Logistics, strategic approaches to scaling business growth, potential disruptions in the freight industry, and his vision for the future of Arrive. Join for this stimulating conversation on building a successful business and planning for the future.

With Andrew attending the Freightwaves conference in Chattanooga, we start the episode sharing stories of our experiences at industry conferences. We talk about what it's like to be a broker and shipper at these events, and how to make the most of your time when attending. Our guest for the episode is Meredith Neizer, Chief Logistics Officer at Armada. Meredith has had a fascinating career in the industry, but taking it back to her youth, we talk about how she broke barriers as the first female to ever attend the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. This set the tone for the rest of her career, as she came into a male-dominated industry and found ways time and again to break glass ceilings for herself. We talk about the value of mentorship, networking, and taking chances on yourself. Meredith highlights how a solid network can be a game-changer in one's career trajectory. We also delve into the need for increased diversity in the logistics industry and the steps necessary to achieve it. From exploring the latest innovations in supply chain solutions to discussing effective sales strategies in freight, this episode provides a wealth of knowledge. So, buckle up for an episode brimming with inspiring stories, valuable advice, and game-changing experiences.