Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Bootstrapper's Guide to Logistics

This week we hear from Brandon Joyce, CTO and co-Founder of Bitfreighter on his journey as a technologist, leader and entrepreneur. Listen in as he shares how quitting is sometimes the right answer in order to find your sweet spot.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

This week on the show we hear from Ben Tschirgi - Founder of Science of Sales and Co-Founder of Backhaulers. Tune in to hear the backstory of one of the greatest freight content creators the industry has ever seen and how having a creative outlet can be essential to remaining balanced in business. 

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

Listen into the show this week with Rich Krul, Co-founder and CEO of Hoplite Logistics as he shares how tough it was to start his business, how important it was to name it right and how making mistakes along the way is just part of the game. 

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

This week on the show we hear from Chris Brewer, Founder of River City Logistics on his journey from working in his dad's jewelry store, to Uber driving and now to the CEO of a rapidly growing 3PL with nearly 100 employees. Listen in as he opens up about the highs and lows of being an entrepreneur - including when someone says "It must be nice".

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

This week on the show we hear from Vin Carrano, CEO and 3rd generation Owner of Fenichey. Listen in to hear how deep the transportation roots in his family go and how sometimes you have to bet it all on something new in order to continue growing.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

This week on the show we hear the backstory of Matt Hertz with 3rd Person - a platform matching ecommerce brands to their ideal 3PL. Listen in as we cover everything from baseball cards to hedge funds stuff and everything in between.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

This week on the show we hear from Justin McKessy, Founder of First Choice Freight on his journey as a logistics entrepreneur. From taking apart electronics as a kid to selling underglow kits for cars on eBay, Justin's curiosity had led him on some unique adventures. His latest adventure is running his own freight brokerage so take a listen to hear how he approaches building something as a Founder.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

This week we hear from Mark Cleveland, Founder and leader of multiple companies spanning trucking, logistics and an elite brand of socks. Listen in as he shares how running multiple businesses simultaneously isn't a distraction but an advantage.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

This week on the show we hear from Rachel Hayden, Founder of Confidential Career Solutions on her journey from being a waitress to working for Fortune 500 companies to launching her own business. Listen in to learn why doubt is part of the journey, but so is owning your own success. 

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

What happens when everything you've built crumbles beneath you? For Tyson Lawrence, founder and CEO of Diablo Freight Ventures, bankruptcy wasn't the end—it was just the beginning. During his most difficult moments, Tyson recognized his greatest perceived weakness—empathy—was actually his superpower. He leveraged those learnings to launch his next two ventures and on this week's episode he unpacks all of it to help other entrepreneurs learn from his experience.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

This week on the show we hear from Liz Wayne, founder of Able Transport, as she shares her journey in the freight brokerage industry, discussing the evolution of her company, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the importance of leadership. She reflects on her experiences in the industry, the need to reinvent the freight broker reputation, and the personal growth she has undergone as a leader. The discussion also touches on the significance of adaptability, hard work, and the values that drive success in business.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

In this candid and insightful episode, host Nate Shutes welcomes Casey Winans, founder of Full Stride WMS, to share his entrepreneurial journey from building a high-growth consulting firm to starting over with a mission-driven focus on helping mid-sized 3PLs and distributors implement smarter warehouse management systems. Casey opens up about the emotional highs and lows of founding, exiting, and rebooting — with lessons on equity, partnership challenges, and staying mission-aligned. It’s a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and the unglamorous truth behind logistics entrepreneurship. 

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

Nate sits down with Josh Klebanoff, Co-Founder and COO of Yolk Transport, to dive into the high-pressure, behind-the-scenes world of Event Logistics. Josh shares his journey from temp worker to entrepreneur, the adrenaline-fueled realities of moving major concerts and events, and what it takes to keep the show on the road — from late-night trucking disasters to delivering stages for world-famous artists. Full of real talk about entrepreneurship, grit, and the magic that happens before the lights come up, this episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about what really keeps the entertainment world moving. 

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

Jim Bramlett's 42-year journey through the logistics landscape offers a masterclass in entrepreneurship, leadership, and finding purpose beyond business success. From building businesses to authoring books and now leading peer groups for entrepreneur, Jim has done and seen it all. He's found renewed purpose in helping others avoid the mistakes he made so listen in if you'd like to avoid a few yourself!

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

On this episode of The Bootstrapper's Guide to Logistics, Khaki shares his journey from corporate operations to founding ShiftSwap, a labor sharing and planning tool for warehouse operations.

Khaki shares how his approach is built on a commitment to simplicity. "To actually create something simple is extremely complex," he explains. 

With ambitious goals to impact one million hourly workers' lives, Hisham goes deep on what it means to be a bootstrapper – finding elegant (and sometimes scrappy) solutions to overlooked problems.

Whether you manage warehouse operations or dream of building a purpose-driven business, this conversation offers invaluable insights on creating dignity through workplace flexibility.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

What happens when you combine Philadelphia grit, Chicago hustle, and cutting-edge AI technology? You get Chris Agnew's journey to founding Freight IQ.

Growing up in a blue-collar Philadelphia neighborhood where "everything was a competition" and working in his mother's restaurant (where he nearly got fired) Chris developed resilience and people skills. After 8 years at Coyote Logistics he spent the next six at Molo. This long-term approach to understanding the business gave him unique insights into complete market cycles and the operational challenges facing brokerages during both bull and bear markets. 

The entrepreneurial spark ignited when Chris recognized how advanced AI and machine learning technology could transform these operational bottlenecks. Freight IQ was born from his vision to create software solutions that enable logistics companies to operate more efficiently while preserving what matters most - the human relationships at the heart of the industry.

What makes Chris's approach distinctive is his unwavering belief that despite technological advancement, logistics remains fundamentally a "people game." His philosophy combines domain expertise with innovative technology to address not just surface-level challenges but the complex exception management scenarios that often derail operations.

Ready to see how combining old-school values with cutting-edge technology is reshaping the logistics landscape? Listen now and discover why sometimes the most revolutionary ideas come from those willing to do the unglamorous work of fully understanding an industry before trying to transform it.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

In an industry often dominated by venture-backed startups and high-risk entrepreneurship, Blake Collins - Founder of Armada - offers an alternative perspective on building a business the thoughtful way. As the co-founder and managing director of Armada, a specialized recruiting firm focused on supply chain talent, Blake shares his journey from CH Robinson executive to entrepreneur without sacrificing financial stability or family priorities.

Rather than following the conventional "quit your job and risk everything" startup approach, Blake and his co-founder John created a strategic partnership with longtime friends who had already built a successful staffing business. This alliance allowed them to pursue entrepreneurial ambitions while maintaining financial security—especially important as both founders were building homes and starting families.

The conversation explores how personal experiences shaped Blake's business philosophy, from overcoming health challenges to learning leadership lessons on the golf course. "How do you handle adversity?" Blake asks, drawing parallels between golf and business management. "Are you throwing your club when you hit it out of bounds, or can you maintain your composure and focus on the next shot?"

Demonstrating remarkable self-awareness about leadership development and drawing a thoughtful distinction between leadership ("building the boats") and management ("driving the boats"), his approach to surrounding himself with challenging, positive influences is a clear contributor to his early success as an entrepreneur.

Ready to rethink how you approach entrepreneurship? Listen to Blake's story and discover how building strategic partnerships might be your path to business ownership without unnecessary risk. 

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

This week on the show we hear an update from Andy Shiels, Founder of SiLo two years after we shared his original episode. Listen in as he shares how running a 'boring' business can lead to ongoing success and how he would encourage others to focus on the fundamentals.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

This week we hear an update from Brad Forester who first shared his story with us in 2022. In this update he shares what he has learned as a leader and entrepreneur over the last 2 years including his most difficult challenge yet - leaving the country (and his business) for over a month. 

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

This week we hear an update from Charlie Saffro on the time warp that the last 2 years have been in the supply chain talent industry. Charlie opens up about one of the biggest challenges she has faced yet...burnout. Listen in as she shares what she's learned about business and herself.  

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

Two and half years have passed since Kara Smith Brown first shared her Founder journey. This week we get to hear what she has been up to since then and how she has grown as an entrepreneur (and as an author!), including her advice for first-time supply chain founders. 

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

This week on The Bootstrapper's Guide to Logistics we hear from Michael Malakhov, Founder of Carpool Logistics on what he has learned about his business and himself since airing his original story in 2022. Listen in as he discusses the importance of having the right team and how constantly reaching for new milestones is essential to driving progress.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

This week on The Bootstrapper's Guide to Logistics we hear Tristan Bordallo's backstory on how he started iamFr8 and Freightopia; two companies making it happen in transportation. Listen in to his personal journey of why he does it and how he shows up with good vibes wherever he goes.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

This week on The Bootstrapper's Guide to Logistics we explore the background of Manifest: The Future of Supply chain with Courtney Muller who was there at the beginning. Listen in as we discuss community-building and supply chain entrepreneurship for the fastest-growing industry event. 

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

This week on the show we hear from Tate Mason, Founder & CEO of Pallet. Tate shares his approach to why building with Legos or software have a lot in common and how not following the instructions can lead to innovation. Listen in as he shares the origin story of his company while offering a masterclass on technology strategy.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

This week we hear the backstory of Ship Smarter LLC with Founder, Cody Branham. From discovering the joys of solving puzzles and building things as a child to overcoming ADHD and buckling down, Cody shares how his personal experiences have shaped him into an entrepreneur that doesn't follow anyone else's mold. 

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

This week we hear the backstory of HighlanderTek with Founder Dyrc McCleod. From his days as a ski bum to working in finance to making the leap into logistics entrepreneurship, Dyrc has seen a thing or two. Listen in as he shares his personal story and why getting the last few feet of the final mile is essential.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

This week on the show we hear from Benjamin Kowalski, the Founder of Freight 360 and President of Forza Logistics Group. We go deep on peak mental performance, understanding human psychology and the value of having to struggle for success. 

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

This week on the show we uncover the journey of Joe DiLeo, Founder & CEO of Chariot Logistics. Listen in as he shares how he moved back in with family and worked for 3 straight months before he landed his first customer shipment. Joe shares how bootstrapping has kept them focused on organic growth and retaining key talent by playing the long game.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

This week we hear from Nate Johnson, Founder of GLCS on his journey from trucking to technology and the shift to entrepreneurship. Listen in as he describes his mindset around failure and mistakes and how a simple change in perspective can set you up for long-term success. 

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

This week we hear the backstory of how Tim Judge built a supply chain consulting firm powerhouse with just $2,500 to start. Listen in as he describes how he balances leadership, values and relationships while staying true to his humble bootstrapped beginnings.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

This week on the show we hear from Curtis Garrett, Founder of Rate Hero and Understand LTL. Listen in as he shares how the best bet he ever made was on himself and that when it's time to take the leap into entrepreneurship, you'll just know. 

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

This week we hear from Jennie Malafarina, Founder of Virago Marketing. Listen in to her backstory of how very humble beginnings and personal adversity prepared her for the challenges of supply chain entrepreneurship. 

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

This week on The Bootstrapper's Guide to Logistics we hear from Dan Lindsey, Founder of Linkage Logistics and The Broker Carrier Summit. Listen in on how history has proven time and time again that in person relationships will always be necessary. Hear his approach to positive accountability and how capitalizing on failure can make all the difference.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

This week on The Bootstrapper's Guide to Logistics we hear from Spencer Tenney of The Tenney Group. Spencer opens up about being a second-generation business owner, what it takes to be successful in the logistics M&A space and how a chicken sandwich led to an unexpected hit in the music industry. 

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

This week on the Bootstrapper's Guide to Logistics we hear from Thilo Huellmann, co-Founder of Levity. Thilo shares how lifelong curiosity and a thirst for new knowledge and experiences have shaped his approach to life and business. Listen in for insights on how AI is changing logistics communication for the better.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

This week we hear from Jacky Zhao and Anthony Chen on the backstory behind FreightStack and how a near-death moment inspired them to take the leap. Listen in on what it's like working with your best friend, how to blend generalists and specialists and avoiding shiny object syndrome. 

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

Welcome back to another episode of The Bootstrapper’s Guide to Logistics. Today's guest is John Sanford, the founder and CEO of CNT Logistics. John discusses the early days of the company, his sales philosophy and gives advice to entrepreneurs. 

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

Welcome back to another episode of The Bootstrapper’s Guide to Logistics. Today's guest is Sarah Barnes-Humphrey, Founder and Host of Let's Talk Supply Chain. From her start working for her father's company to launching her own podcast, “Let’s Talk Supply Chain,” Sarah discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship and the importance of community support. 

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

Welcome back to another episode of The Bootstrapper’s Guide to Logistics. Today's guest is Wasim Munayyer, Founder and President of Munayyer Group, a specialty recruiting firm in the supply chain space, that connects talent in the industry with clients. We discuss Wasim's transition from employment to entrepreneurship, the power of building relationships, and networking.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

Welcome back to another episode of The Bootstrapper’s Guide to Logistics. Today's guest is Josh Lyles, Founder of Salesdash CRM. From landing a position as Sales Manager at Tesla’s Tennessee location at only 24, to founding Salesdash CRM—a software that helps freight brokerages and 3PLs grow new shipper relationships—we discuss Josh’s mentors, the importance of positive interactions, and the mantra that helped him succeed. 

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

Welcome back to another episode of the Bootstrapper’s Guide to Logistics. Today’s guest is Mike Fullam, Co-Founder of QuikSkope and Chief Executive Officer at Togo. From his time at C.H. Robinson, Robinson Fresh, and Reed TMS Logistics, Mike has seen it all. Today he is the Co-Founder of a fraud protection tool securing the chain of custody for brokers, carriers, and shippers called QuikSkope.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

Welcome back to another episode of the Bootstrapper’s Guide to Logistics. Today’s guest is Stephan Mathis, Co-Founder of MoLo Solutions (acquired in 2021). From his start working at a country club, later as a National Account Manager at Coyote Logistics, to co-founding MoLo Solutions, Stephan discusses the details behind MoLo’s start, the importance of vulnerability, and taking risks in life.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

Welcome back to another episode of the Bootstrapper’s Guide to Logistics. Today’s guest is Chris Heffernan, Founder and CEO of dlivrd, a last-mile omnichannel logistics company, used primarily in the restaurant industry. From his start in telecommunications to competing with the biggest food delivery platforms, Chris takes us behind the scenes of running a delivery business.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

Welcome back to another episode of the Bootstrapper’s Guide to Logistics. Today’s guest is Jason Cook, Managing Director at Ardent Global Logistics. From his start at the Port of Charleston, later gaining experience at Maersk, Kuehne + Nagel, and CMA CGM, Jason shares his insights into the world of logistics and the value of personal connections in business.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

Welcome back to another episode of the Bootstrapper’s Guide to Logistics. Today’s guest is Alison Cusack. We’re following her electrifying switch from engineering to maritime law to founding her own firm with a fresh perspective on the legal landscape of the shipping industry. Alison shares with us the empowerment of leading with authenticity and shares her insights on the unpredictability of shipping, the critical need for honesty in business, and the importance of merit and gender dynamics in shaping a more inclusive future for the industry.  

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

Welcome back to The Bootstrapper’s Guide to Logistics. In this episode, we’re talking to Katie Keich, the dynamo behind Full Advantage LLC, a consulting firm. Katie’s story is a testament to the power of determination, showing us how lessons learned in the heat of high school basketball competition can translate to the boardroom. From her early days making waves at Worldwide Express to her entrepreneurial leap with Full Advantage in 2019, and not stopping there but going on to establish Keich Basketball Legacy, Katie’s journey is a playbook on using your past to drive your future.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

In this episode of The Bootstrapper’s Guide to Logistics, we sit down with Paul-Bernard Jaroslawski, President and Founder of FreightCaviar. Transitioning from working at a freight brokerage to traveling the world, sharing news and entertainment, Paul takes us through his path of building a massive following through social media.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

In this episode of The Bootstrapper’s Guide to Logistics, we get to hear the story of Steve Schlecht, Founder of OB Logistics, recently acquired by Busk. Having a background in logistics and fulfillment, he brings us through his journey working at PepsiCo, and various start-ups. After learning the basics of buying and selling, and working for big companies, he started his own business at 30.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

In this episode of The Bootstrapper’s Guide to Logistics, we sit down with Bart De Muynck, an Industry Thought Leader with over 30 years of supply chain and logistics experience. From working for 8 years as a VP of Research at Gartner to most recently serving as the Chief Industry Officer at project44, Bart takes us through the unexpected path of becoming a solopreneur as an Independent Advisor to supply chain organizations.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.