The Freight Pod

Another AI-written Episode Description for you this week:We are joined this week by Ryan Daube, founder of Advantage Freight Network (AFN) and 240 Logistics. Listen in as Ryan, an Indiana University alumnus and former American Backhaulers employee, takes us through the trials and triumphs of his entrepreneurial journey. From scaling AFN to a staggering $250 million to his latest venture in the cannabis market, Ryan's story is one for the books!Tune in as he shares the secrets of building a strong team and nurturing an intense sales culture at AFN. Learn about his unique "You Inc." concept that has played a critical role in shaping the company culture, promoting a spirit of entrepreneurship within the organization.Hear Ryan's take on effective leadership and risk management, his belief in the power of constructive criticism, and his insights on personal growth. Find out why he decided to sell his business and how he's exploring opportunities in the fascinating world of cannabis supply chains. But it's not all business! Ryan also shares his passion for Camp Kawaga, a boys' summer camp, and the significant impact it has on children. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an established professional, this episode offers valuable lessons, inspiring stories, and practical advice. Listen now for a masterclass in entrepreneurship, leadership, and beyond.Follow The Freight Pod and host Andrew Silver on LinkedIn.*** 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. ***

For fun, we let AI write the “Episode Description”. Enjoy:Ready to conquer the freight industry? Prepare to have your mind expanded as we journey into the realms of leadership, success, and the future of freight with Doug Waggoner, CEO of one of the largest freight brokerages in the country. A wrestling enthusiast who developed a mobile app to track wrestling matches, Doug's passion and resilience have shaped every aspect of his life, career, and meditation practice.From his early days in Kansas, through the transition to California, right up until the moment he became CEO of Echo Global Logistics, Doug's story is one of persistence and tenacity. His experiences reveal the undercurrents of his successful journey, including building a startup from the ground up, maintaining a high market cap, and transforming a public company into a private enterprise. We also delve into the pressures of answering to Wall Street and the struggles of generating enough flow for investors.But there's more! As we wind down our enlightening discourse with Doug, we explore the potential of AI in the freight market and how it could revolutionize the industry. We venture into the future, discussing the lack of barriers in the industry and the potential for consolidation among brokerages. So, buckle up, and get ready for an intense, insight-packed journey with Doug Waggoner, a man who knows every inch of the freight industry like the back of his hand.Follow The Freight Pod and host Andrew Silver on LinkedIn.*** 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. ***

Craig Fuller comes on the show for episode 3. We jump in with a conversation about LinkedIn versus Twitter, the role of media in our industry,  and the trust (or lack thereof) that the general public has for media in today's world. We do a deep dive into Craig's entrepreneurial journey, from his days working for his father at US Xpress, to eventually founding Freightwaves. We hit on the emotional toll of failure, and how Craig persevered through his own failures to turn Freightwaves into the company it is today. All this, and more in episode 3.Follow The Freight Pod and host Andrew Silver on LinkedIn.*** 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. ***

Ted Alling joins us for episode 2. We discuss Ted's entrepreneurial journey, from his initial sales role at C.H. Robinson to founding Access America Transport, a company he eventually sold with over $500 million annual revenue. Ted brings a wealth of knowledge about building a business as well as valuable insights for all professionals. He has found his purpose in building Chattanooga Preparatory School, something he and his wife are extremely proud of today. We discuss all this and more in episode 2.Follow The Freight Pod and host Andrew Silver on LinkedIn.*** 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. ***

In the podcast, Kevin Nolan, founder of Nolan Transportation Group, shares insights into his entrepreneurial journey in the logistics industry. Topics cover his high school and college experience, transition into the freight industry, challenges of starting a business, and reflections on leadership roles. They also discuss the impact of carrier sales, the need for validation in sales, and the importance of collaboration over cutthroat behavior.