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 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.

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.

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.

In this live episode of The Bootstrapper’s Guide to Logistics coming to you from FreightWaves’ F3 2023, we get to hear the story of Roberto Icaza, Co-Founder, President & COO at Rapido Solutions Group. After finishing an internship at Coyote Logistics, right after it landed its most high-profile account with Heineken in 2010, he opened its very first office in Mexico. In 2019, Roberto realized he wanted to start a business of his own. After sharing a lunch with Danny Frisco, which turned into a 12-hour brainstorming session, he decided to open  Rapido, a logistics staffing and recruiting company.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

In this episode of The Bootstrapper’s Guide to Logistics, we get to hear the story of Mark Vickers, Former Founder, and CEO of Borderless Coverage (Acq. by Reliance Partners). It’s the story of how a gap in the cross-border space inspired Mark to find a solution in the early days of the rise of nearshoring to Mexico and how he was able to capitalize on this trend early on. Listen in to learn how to overcome the challenges of sticking to your vision, the future of cross-border space, and much more.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

In this episode of The Bootstrapper’s Guide to Logistics, we get to hear the story of Patrick Noonan, Founder of MAP Transit, a third-party logistics company, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. From selling windows to selling freight, Patrick walks us through the path of creating MAP Transit and the influences and philosophy driving the company’s growth.

Proudly sponsored by Bitfreighter. Scale your shipper integrations 10x with unlimited messaging. No Transactional Charges.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

How do you overcome tragedy without becoming bitter? How do you find purpose in your work after hardship?

This week we hear the backstory behind Waggon from Founders Rob Rajfer and Tyler Sala as they unpack their partnership and transition to running a business together. With a mix of candor and resilience they share how their perspectives have been shaped through hardship and why they prioritize family, friends and health as a result.

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 from Ori Anavim and Doug Ladden, Co-Founders of Deliveright & Grasshopper. From warehousing to home delivery to building software we get to learn from their experiences on how to orchestrate ecommerce supply chains.

Going deeper, they share the highs and lows of having a tight-knit and diverse Founding team and how to move forward after tragedy.

This episode is dedicated to the memory of Bill Hauck.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

From riding along in trucks with his father to going all in on building a freight brokerage, Robert Meehan has seen more than most. Listen in as he shares the ups and down of growing a business in a tough market and navigating automation while still prioritizing people and relationships.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

Kevin Miles Co-founder and CEO of EureekaBI shares his story of finding his first customer, navigating complex transportation pricing and managing relationships. 

Born to Jamaican immigrants, Kevin's journey is laced with the importance of education, love for science, and an innate entrepreneurial spirit. From his own eureka moment to building a working prototype in two weeks, Kevin's story highlights how tenacity, innovation and the power of data analysis can have an impact.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

From a successful career in automotive supply chains to climbing to the top of the independent media charts - Joe Lynch has seen and done it all. As one of the original supply chain influencers, Joe shares his learnings and the fears he overcame to make a dramatic change to his career and his life.

Joe opens up about the power of personal branding while focusing on building legacy and having a positive impact. 

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

Seth Patin successfully built and sold a supply chain company already and is now building his second startup Logistiview. 

Mixing deep experience with warehouse managements systems and AI while going to school of hard knocks, Seth has seen more than most. This week he shares his story and how failure often paves the way for success.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

Marina Brown, founder of Moneiva balances a LOT. Supply chains, freight financing, entrepreneurship and motherhood. All at the same time.

Growing up in Bulgaria, she would get up at five o'clock in the morning to go to the grocery store and wait in line in the snow for milk for her younger brother. Years later she would pursue an advanced education and move to the United States before settling into the Midwest and a career in supply chain. She recently left the relative safety of corporate life in pursuit of life as a supply chain entrepreneur. 

Listen in to her amazing personal and professional journey as she tackles solving stubborn freight payment and finance challenges.  

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

If you could do anything you wanted, what would you do?

For Brian Glick, Founder of Chain.io it's what he's already doing. Brian has started multiple logistics companies and has successful exits but his love of the work and the people keeps bringing him back. As a gifted entrepreneur and communicator, he shares how critical it is to have faith in yourself while balancing the advice of others. His unique take on problem-solving will help you see that in business the rules of the game are meant to be broken.

For the bootstrappers who wonder what it's like to take on investors, Brian opens up about his own experiences with raising capital, and the crucial role of honesty and transparency in investor relationships.

Finally, he shares his thoughts on the importance of kindness as a business value and his approach to coping with the pressures of success.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

Did you know the average life-span of an over-the-road driver is 16 years shorter than the general public? While many find that hard to believe, a select few find it hard to accept. So they are working to change it. 

People like Dr. Mark Manera, the Founder & CEO of Supply Chain fitness.

This week we go deep on relationships to uncover why Mark cares so much about this issue and how it has changed his life's story.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

Think you know big data?

This week we explore the world of AI-powered transportation with Ravi Ahuja, the founder and CEO of Optym, and Shaman Ahuja, the Deputy CEO. Ravi shares his journey from academia to entrepreneurship and explains how it can take millions of data points to solve certain supply chain problems.

Shaman shares how he has been shaped by his father's experiences and his own pursuit of success while exploring the what the future may look like as he takes over the family business one day.

Working as a father-son duo they navigate complex dynamics by sharing how their life principles intertwine with the way they conduct business. 

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

Ever wonder what VC's are really thinking about your pitch?

In this episode, Ben Gordon offers invaluable insights on raising capital, sharing his experiences of pitching to venture capitalists and how he leveraged his network to get started. 

With multiple ventures and exits behind him, it's easy to forget that success wasn't always guaranteed. He shares powerful life lessons from his family including fighting against prejudice while crediting his grandfather's entrepreneurial spirit for inspiring his own ventures.

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 we hear from Brad Perling, the Founder & CEO of Bitfreighter on the relationship between building high-performing teams and creating the ideal customer experience. 

Listen in to his journey from being inspired by his parents to wrestling with imposter syndrome as the head of a fast-growing organization.  Brad goes onto explore the deeper 'why' that keeps him moving forward as he navigates the next chapter of his entrepreneurial journey.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

This week Trey Griggs, founder of Beta Consulting Group shares how self-awareness became his compass to help navigate the challenges of starting his own business. Listen in as he offers a deep dive into brand building, navigating social media and understanding the customer journey from the perspective of a well-known industry insider and content creator.

Hear how Trey discovered his own sweet spot in business by identifying the convergence of passion, prowess, market demand, and customer willingness to pay.
Trey also takes time to discuss the importance of community and surrounding yourself with trusted advisors rather than going it alone. 

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

Sheldon Mydat, Founder & CEO of Suppeco shares his story of growing up in the UK and trying to find his place in the world. 

With several decades of experience, he's a seasoned veteran with over two decades spent navigating the challenges and intricacies of supply chain management and procurement.  He recounts his experiences with prominent organizations such as the London Metropolitan Police, Royal Mail, and Lloyd's Banking Group, sharing how he honed in on the relationship angle of procurement to unlock hidden potential. 

Sheldon's innovative approach to transforming subjective behavior into data paved the way for Suppeco's software. Yet, the tales of Sheldon's professional triumphs are intertwined with personal insights and candid reflections. Hear the heartening influence of his father, whose relationship-building charisma continues to guide Sheldon's approach to business and personal relationships. 

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

Welcome back to Season 2 of The Bootstrapper's Guide to Logistics! In this episode, Gabe Pankonin, Founder of Rocket Shipping shares how a combination of chance and deep conviction led to a pivotal decision that changed his future forever. Listen in as he explores the paradoxical relationship of seeing what others don't (yet) see with a humble approach.

From leaving pre-med to jump into supply chain Gabe shares his insights on the art of balancing risk and rewards, and above all, a willingness to bet on yourself.

As Gabe transitions from being a Founder to the leader of a mature business, he reflects on the nuances of managing a growing team and maintaining a strong vision for his people. His candid revelations about the challenges of balancing control and delegation, will help those seeking to grow themselves as leaders.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

Craig Fuller, Founder of FreightWaves shares the origin story behind the industry's largest media company. Listen in as he shares why he cares about bootstrapped entrepreneurship as well as how his own failures became the building blocks of later success. 

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

Brent Orsuga - Founder of Pinnacle Growth Advisors shares his story of going all in on himself and grinding his way to success one day at a time. Listen as he opens up on how he is wired for entrepreneurship and how intentionality is essential.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

Brad Forester, Founder & CEO of JBF Consulting opens up on the finer points of running a supply chain consulting agency. Listen in as he explains how to evaluate risk, build scalable solutions and work ON the business rather than IN the business.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

Janan Knust, CEO & Founder of KLog shares his story of how living in 14 countries shaped his perspective on starting a global, digital supply chain company. Listen in to the clarity he has found on frugality, purpose and family and how those answers can be kept in your pockets if you are intentional.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

Joe Spisak, Founder & CEO of Overflow shares how the new school of entrepreneurship started early for him. Listen in to hear how college wrestling and creating two successful board games are all about family.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

Bill Hale, CEO & Founder of FetchGoat shares his story of how growing up poor and serving his country set the stage for a successful career later in life. Listen in as he shares the FetchGoat story and how protecting your time is essential as a Founder.

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.

Lorena Camargo, Founder and CEO of Pearl Trans shares her story of going from cleaning houses with her mother to building a successful courier business in Los Angeles. Listen into her story of perseverance and how having a specific goal is one of the secrets to her success.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

Austin Kreinz, Founder & CEO of Atomix Logistics opens up about his endless fascination with fulfillment and how every day is a new puzzle waiting to be solved. Listen in as he shares his goal of joining the BBC (Billionaire's Bootstrapper's Club) and how supporting his team is the best part of the journey. 

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

Denise McCann, Founder & CEO of Renegade Logistics Group shares her journey of starting a new chapter after a successful run in the corporate world. Listen in to how bootstrapping throws lots of curveballs and how she has had to pivot on a dime to keep the journey alive.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

Ryan Schreiber - Logistics entrepreneur and current VP at Metafora shares his light-hearted and humble approach to achieving success. Listen in to how he balances the seriousness of business with a dose of levity and laughter. 

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

Brian Glick, Founder & CEO of Chain.io shares how technology is changing the face of the supply chain industry. Listen to his story of how reducing friction in the supply chain helps us all. 

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.

Nick Bartlett, Founder of CBIP Logistics in Hong Kong shares his story of leaving New Zealand with the hope for adventure. Listen in to hear his transition from corporate ladder climber to unlocking his complete self as an entrepreneur.

Brought to you by Rapido and Bitfreighter.