Choppin' It Up

SUMMARY:

In this special episode of Choppin' It Up, Will Jenkins and Erin Sweeney reflect on the first year of Journey, discussing their personal and professional journeys that led to the founding of the company. They explore the importance of mentorship, the evolution of their brand, the significance of training, and the key hires that have shaped their team. The conversation highlights their commitment to authenticity, diversity, and delivering high-quality services to their clients, while also expressing gratitude for the support they've received along the way.

TAKEAWAYS:

• The journey of entrepreneurship often begins with personal connections.
• Mentorship plays a crucial role in navigating career transitions.
• Training and development are essential for success in sales.
• Building a strong team is key to a company's growth.
• Authenticity and creativity are vital in branding and marketing.
• Diversity and inclusion should be prioritized in the workplace.
• Continuous improvement and adaptation are necessary for success.
• Gratitude for clients and team members fosters a positive work environment.
• Setting high standards is essential for delivering quality services.
• Reflecting on past experiences helps shape future goals.

CHAPTERS:

• 00:00 Celebrating One Year of Journey
• 03:14 The Foundational Stories Behind Journey
• 06:05 The Importance of Training and Mentorship
• 08:50 Building the Team: Key Hires and Their Impact
• 12:08 The Evolution of the Brand and Its Values
• 15:01 Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Growth
• 18:09 Gratitude and Reflections on the Journey

EPISODE CREDITS:

Host, Will Jenkins

Creative Director, Erin Sweeney

Edited and mixed by Keenan McCarthy

Music licensed through Envato

LINKS:

Be sure to follow and tag @JourneyDelivers on LinkedIn and Instagram! 

SUMMARY: 

In this special edition of Choppin' It Up, Will Jenkins interviews Krystian Gebis, CEO & Co-Founder of Shipper CRM and Co-Founder of FreightCaviar. They discuss Krystian's Journey from computer engineering to building self-driving trucks and eventually creating Shipper CRM. The conversation covers the evolution of Shipper CRM, its current state, and future aspirations, including the importance of customer feedback and the new investment from Will, and partnership with Journey's sales training offerings. They also delve into the significance of competitive drive in entrepreneurship and the value of training for sales teams. This is an episode you won't want to miss! 

TAKEAWAYS: 

- Krystian Gebis has a background in computer engineering and robotics. 

- He built self-driving trucks before founding Shipper CRM. 

- Shipper CRM started as a CRM for freight brokerage. 

- The product evolved into a sales enablement platform. 

- Customer feedback is crucial for product development. 

- The importance of having a comprehensive database for shippers. 

- Competitive drive is essential for entrepreneurs. 

- Partnerships can enhance customer training and success. 

- Investing in freight tech requires understanding the market. 

- Continuous improvement is key to startup success. 

CHAPTERS: 

- 00:00 Introduction to Choppin' It Up Podcast 

- 00:19 Krystian Gebis: Background and Journey 

- 02:52 The Genesis of Shipper CRM 

- 10:09 Current State of Shipper CRM 

- 15:02 Evolution of Shipper CRM: From CRM to Sales Platform 

- 19:58 Building a Comprehensive Database for Shippers 

- 24:49 Future Aspirations for Shipper CRM 

- 30:00 Learning from Customers and Building Relationships 

- 34:48 The Importance of Competitive Drive in Entrepreneurship 

- 40:01 Partnerships and Training Opportunities 

- 42:56 Conclusion and Future Events

EPISODE CREDITS:

Host, Will Jenkins

Creative Director, Erin Sweeney

Edited and mixed by Keenan McCarthy

Music licensed through Envato

LINKS:

Be sure to follow and tag @JourneyDelivers on LinkedIn and Instagram! 

SUMMARY: 

In this episode of Choppin' It Up, Will Jenkins interviews Chadd Olesen, CEO of AVRL, discussing his journey from a small-town upbringing to launching a successful voice technology company. Chadd shares insights on work ethic, the evolution of AVRL, and the importance of customer relationships and implementation in the tech industry. He emphasizes the need for innovation and collaboration in transportation technology, highlighting the challenges and successes faced along the way. 

TAKEAWAYS:

• Chadd has traveled to 72 countries, showcasing his adventurous spirit.
• His upbringing on a family farm instilled a strong work ethic.
• Education was not a primary focus for Chadd until later in life.
• AVRL was launched in January 2017 after years of development.
• The first customer for AVRL was BMW, marking a significant milestone.
• AVRL automates around 25 million transactions a month for 3PLs.
• Customer implementation is crucial for technology adoption and success.
• Chadd believes in building trust within the transportation industry.
• The future of AVRL includes becoming a market intelligence company.
• Chadd values the friendships formed with customers through collaboration. 

CHAPTERS: 

• 00:00 Introduction to Chadd Olesen and AVRL
• 02:47 Chadd's Early Life and Work Ethic
• 06:03 Education and Early Career
• 08:53 The Birth of AVRL
• 12:04 Initial Success and Pivoting Strategies
• 15:14 Expanding into Transportation
• 18:02 Building Trust in the Industry
• 20:51 Innovating for Customer Success
• 23:50 Navigating Challenges and Growth
• 27:09 The Importance of Customer Implementation
• 29:48 Future of AVRL and Industry Insights
• 33:02 Personal Reflections and Closing Thoughts

EPISODE CREDITS:

Host, Will Jenkins

Creative Director, Erin Sweeney

Edited and mixed by Keenan McCarthy

Music licensed through Envato

LINKS:

Be sure to follow and tag @JourneyDelivers on LinkedIn and Instagram! 

SUMMARY:

In this episode of Choppin' It Up, host Will Jenkins interviews Michael Horvath, Co-Founder and COO of Revenova. Mike shares his journey from a musician to a successful entrepreneur in the tech industry, detailing his experiences in various roles, the founding of Forseva, and the subsequent creation of Revenova. The conversation explores themes of innovation, collaboration, and the importance of maintaining a profitable business model while navigating the challenges of the tech landscape. In this conversation, Will Jenkins shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, detailing the success of his companies, the impact of cloud technology, and the importance of customer engagement. He discusses the innovations in real-time rating and AI integration, the challenges faced during the early days of building a product, and the key lessons learned for startups. Jenkins emphasizes the need for hard work, ethical practices, and staying focused on customer needs as essential components for success in the tech industry.

TAKEAWAYS:

• Music and software share a blend of structure and creativity.
• Early career experiences shaped Mike's approach to tech.
• Transitioning roles in tech provided valuable insights.
• Founding Forceiva was a collaborative effort with strong mentorship.
• The importance of a unique brand name in business.
• Revenova aims to innovate rather than integrate.
• Customer feedback is crucial in product development.
• Maintaining profitability is key to sustainable growth.
• Strong partnerships can drive business success.
• Navigating the tech industry requires focus and discipline. Building a successful business requires a strong resale channel.
• Cloud technology became crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Real-time data access is a game changer in logistics.
• Early customer collaboration is vital for product development.
• Marketing should only begin once the product is ready.
• Understanding customer needs is essential for product success.
• Ethical practices are fundamental in business relationships.
• Startups must be prepared for long hours and hard work.
• Customer engagement drives product evolution and innovation.
• Focus on your mission and listen to your customers.

CHAPTERS:

• 00:00 - Introduction to Mike Horvath and His Journey
• 02:09 - Early Life and Career Beginnings
• 04:31 - Transitioning Through Tech Roles
• 07:49 - Founding Forceiva and Its Success
• 10:41 - The Birth of Revenova
• 22:35 - Growth and Investment in Revenova
• 27:24 - The Journey of Building a Successful Business
• 30:10 - The Impact of Cloud Technology and COVID-19
• 33:01 - Innovations in Real-Time Rating and AI Integration
• 33:59 - Early Days: Building the Product and Gaining Customers
• 40:00 - Growth and Customer Engagement Strategies
• 47:01 - Key Lessons for Startups and Future Outlook

EPISODE CREDITS:

Host, Will Jenkins

Creative Director, Erin Sweeney

Edited and mixed by Keenan McCarthy

Music licensed through Envato

LINKS:

Be sure to follow and tag @JourneyDelivers on LinkedIn and Instagram! 

SUMMARY:

In this episode of Chopping It Up, host Will Jenkins interviews Amado Cruz, CEO and Founder of Limitless Carriers. Amado shares his journey from being a truck driver to becoming a successful trucking company owner. He discusses the importance of understanding the trucking industry, the challenges faced by drivers, and the strategies he employed to grow his business. Amado emphasizes the significance of customer service, building relationships, and creating a positive company culture to retain drivers. He also shares his aspirations for the future and the lessons learned along the way.

TAKEWAYS:

• Trucking is a vital industry, moving 73% of America's freight.
• Amado got his CDL at 18, influenced by a neighbor's success.
• Driving a truck comes with significant stress and responsibility.
• Education and self-improvement are crucial for career growth.
• Sales and customer service are key to business success.
• Building a strong team is essential for scaling a business.
• Understanding drivers' needs leads to better retention.
• Creating a family-like culture improves employee satisfaction.
• Flexibility and adaptability are important in business planning.
• Future aspirations include growing the fleet to 100 trucks.

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction to Amado Cruz and Trucking Industry Insights
• 02:14 - Amado's Journey into Trucking: Early Years and Influences
• 06:14 - Experiences as a Driver: Lessons Learned on the Road
• 11:56 - Transitioning to Over-the-Road Driving and Gaining Knowledge
• 18:11 - Building a Trucking Business: From Driver to Owner
• 23:50 - Scaling Limitless Carriers: Growth and Challenges
• 29:51 - Sales Strategies and Customer Relationships in Trucking
• 35:58 - Driver Retention and Company Culture at Limitless Carriers
• 38:50 - Future Aspirations and Closing Thoughts

EPISODE CREDITS:

Host, Will Jenkins

Creative Director, Erin Sweeney

Edited and mixed by Keenan McCarthy

Music licensed through Envato

LINKS:

Be sure to follow and tag @JourneyDelivers on LinkedIn and Instagram! 

SUMMARY:

Steve Zambo, CEO and founder of AGL, shares his background and journey in the freight industry. He grew up in a logistics household and interned at a freight forwarding company before exploring other industries like marketing and telecom. Eventually, he decided to start his own company and moved to Los Angeles to open a branch for an IT recruiting organization. During this time, he learned the importance of effective communication and building relationships. He successfully grew the branch from zero to a million dollars in gross profit by selling to major companies like Disney and Paramount. Steve shares his experience of starting and growing AGL, a logistics company, and navigating challenges such as bankruptcies and the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasizes the importance of founder-led sales and the need to continuously generate revenue to sustain and scale a business. Steve discusses the expansion of AGL's services, including domestic brokerage and customs brokerage, to provide a comprehensive supply chain solution for clients. He also highlights the value of building a strong team and fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. Steve's future ambitions include scaling AGL and making a positive impact through charitable donations.

TAKEAWAYS:

• Growing up in a logistics household shaped Steve's perspective and priorities in life.
• Internships in different industries helped Steve gain valuable experience and insights.
• Moving to a new city and starting a branch for an organization taught Steve the importance of effective communication and building relationships.
• Steve's ability to adapt and learn quickly contributed to his success in growing the branch and selling to major companies. Founder-led sales are crucial for sustaining and growing a business
• Continuous revenue generation is essential for business sustainability and scalability
• Diversifying services can provide more value to clients and increase business opportunities
• Building a strong team and fostering a collaborative work environment are key to success
• Navigating challenges and learning from them is crucial for personal and professional growth
• Future ambitions include scaling the business and making a positive impact through charitable donations

CHAPTERS

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 02:11 Early Life and Internship Experiences
• 08:05 Starting a Company and Opening a Branch
• 14:32 The Power of Effective Communication and Building Relationships
• 27:38 Starting and Growing AGL
• 33:04 The Value of Founder-Led Sales
• 38:16 Building a Strong Team
• 44:05 Navigating Challenges
• 49:07 Diversifying Services and Future Ambitions

EPISODE CREDITS:

Host, Will Jenkins

Creative Director, Erin Sweeney

Edited and mixed by Keenan McCarthy

Music licensed through Envato

LINKS:

Be sure to follow and tag @JourneyDelivers on LinkedIn and Instagram! 

SUMMARY:

In this episode of Choppin' It Up, Will Jenkins interviews Kristy Knichel, President and CEO of Knichel Logistics. Kristy shares her career journey and the growth of her company from a two million dollar business to a hundred million dollar company. She discusses the importance of having a niche and being really good at a few modes and commodities. Kristy also emphasizes the significance of being engaged at the owner and executive level in the sales process. She talks about the challenges she faced in taking on a leadership role early on and the importance of learning every aspect of the business. In this conversation, the guest shares her journey of taking over her family's transportation business at a young age and the challenges she faced. She talks about the process of learning and gaining confidence in her role as a leader. The guest also emphasizes the importance of focusing on a niche market and building a strong team. She highlights her leadership style, which is open, transparent, and focused on taking care of her employees. Additionally, she discusses the importance of supporting and mentoring women entrepreneurs in the industry.

TAKEAWAYS:

• Having a niche and being really good at a few modes and commodities can help a company stand out in a competitive market.
• Being engaged at the owner and executive level in the sales process is crucial for business growth.
• Taking on a leadership role early on can be challenging, but it is important to learn every aspect of the business.
• Decisions made by leaders can have a significant impact on employees' lives, so it is important to make thoughtful and responsible decisions.
• Taking over a family business at a young age comes with challenges and the need to prove oneself.
• Learning and gaining confidence as a leader takes time and requires reaching out to others for guidance.
• Focusing on a niche market and building a strong team are key to business growth and success.
• Being an open, transparent, and supportive leader fosters a positive work environment and employee loyalty.
• Supporting and mentoring women entrepreneurs is important for creating a more inclusive and diverse industry.

CHAPTERS:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 03:37 Early Life and Career Beginnings
• 04:02 Getting Involved in the Family Business
• 09:32 Scaling the Business
• 12:54 Expanding Services and Customer Base
• 16:12 The Importance of Sales Engagement
• 20:00 Challenges of Leadership
• 23:45 Making Difficult Decisions
• 24:42 Taking Over a Family Business
• 25:41 Learning and Gaining Confidence
• 29:23 Focusing on a Niche Market
• 36:22 Building a Strong Team and Leadership Style
• 42:25 Supporting Women Entrepreneurs

EPISODE CREDITS:

Host, Will Jenkins

Creative Director, Erin Sweeney

Edited and mixed by Keenan McCarthy

Music licensed through Envato

LINKS:

Be sure to follow and tag @JourneyDelivers on LinkedIn and Instagram! 

SUMMARY: 

Kary Jablonski, CEO of Trucker Tools, shares her background and career journey in this conversation. She discusses her experience as a certified archery instructor, growing up in Boston with two brothers, and the impact of attending an all-girls summer camp. Kary talks about her college years at Georgetown, where she studied economics and government, and her time working at Deloitte as a consultant. She then shares her transition to Uber, where she worked in various roles, including launching and growing markets in the US and internationally. Kary emphasizes the importance of embracing uncertainty and having a global perspective. Kary Jablonski shares her career journey, from working as a consultant to becoming the CEO of Trucker Tools. She discusses the importance of learning from different experiences and challenges, and how they contribute to personal growth and resilience. Kary emphasizes the value of building strong relationships, being a supportive leader, and making decisions with confidence. She also shares her future ambitions, including helping others with career development and continuing to grow Trucker Tools. 

TAKEAWAYS 

• Kary Jablonski was a certified archery instructor in another life and values the skills she learned, such as control, focus, and calmness.
• Growing up in Boston with two brothers and attending an all-girls summer camp shaped her personality and ability to manage different personalities in group settings.
• Kary studied economics and government at Georgetown and worked as a consultant at Deloitte, where she learned problem-solving and project management skills.
• Kary joined Uber and had various roles, including launching and growing markets in the US and internationally, which taught her the importance of embracing uncertainty and having a global perspective.
• Living abroad in Indonesia and Mexico City provided her with valuable experiences, including learning about different cultures, working with diverse teams, and gaining a deeper understanding of the world. Learning from different experiences and challenges contributes to personal growth and resilience.
• Building strong relationships and being a supportive leader are key to success.
• Confidence in decision-making is crucial for leadership.
• Future ambitions include helping others with career development and continuing to grow the company.

CHAPTERS:

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 03:11 Growing Up in Boston and the Impact of an All-Girls Summer Camp
• 08:23 Studying Economics and Government at Georgetown
• 13:47 Lessons Learned as a Consultant at Deloitte
• 21:31 Embracing Uncertainty and Having a Global Perspective
• 25:55 Confidence in decision-making as a leader
• 35:35 Future ambitions: Helping others and growing the company
• 45:05 Trucker Tools' upcoming projects
• 49:19 How to reach Kary

EPISODE CREDITS:

Host, Will Jenkins

Creative Director, Erin Sweeney

Edited and mixed by Keenan McCarthy

Music licensed through Envato

LINKS:

Be sure to follow and tag @JourneyDelivers on LinkedIn and Instagram! 

SUMMARY: 

In this episode of Choppin' It Up, Will Jenkins interviews Morgan MacDermaid, Sr. Recruiting Advisor at Journey. Morgan shares her career journey, which includes working at Disney World, backpacking around the world, and working odd jobs in different countries. She eventually found her way into the transportation industry and became a successful recruiter. Morgan discusses the importance of taking risks, learning from mistakes, and finding a balance between work and personal life. She also shares her dreams for the future, including travel plans and building a successful company with Journey. 

TAKEAWAYS:

• Taking risks and embracing new experiences can lead to unexpected career opportunities.
• Learning from mistakes and being open to feedback are essential for personal and professional growth.
• Finding a balance between work and personal life is crucial for overall well-being and happiness.
• Having a supportive network and mentors can greatly impact one's career trajectory.
• Dreaming big and setting goals can drive motivation and success.

CHAPTERS: 

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 03:08 Morgan's Unconventional Career Journey
• 11:05 From Traveling the World to Working in Transportation
• 25:12 Challenges and Growth in the Recruiting Role
• 30:50 The Impact of Journey and Future Aspirations

EPISODE CREDITS:

Host, Will Jenkins

Creative Director, Erin Sweeney

Edited and mixed by Keenan McCarthy

Music licensed through Envato

LINKS:

Be sure to follow and tag @JourneyDelivers on LinkedIn and Instagram! 

SUMMARY: 

Sebastian Pedraza, Co-Founder and Chief Revenue officer of Oko, takes us on a journey through his career journey. From his formative years in Colombia, where his fascination with math & science took root, to his collegiate days balancing football & school, Sebastian shares how these experiences instilled in him crucial skills like discipline and time management. 

Sebastian recounts his early career days through internships and sales roles, culminating in a pivotal position in chemical trading. He shares his achievements in spearheading a thriving division for chemical trading across Central and South America, later extending into water treatment solutions. 

Sebastian introduces Oko, the brainchild he co-founded, dedicated to crafting sustainable and eco-friendly chemical solutions. Oko's flagship offering, stands as an ingenious automation tool tailored for drayage companies, brokerage firms, and 3PLs in the logistics sector. By streamlining data entry processes into transport management systems (TMS), it aims to revolutionize operational efficiency, liberating resources and driving organizational growth. 

Originally conceived as a chemical exchange platform, Oko's founders pivoted towards addressing automation needs in logistics. Through strategic partnerships with TMS systems and a steadfast focus on customer acquisition, they have witnessed remarkable success in ushering in a new era of efficiency and innovation.

TAKEAWAYS:

• Sebastian's passion for chemistry and math shaped his career path in the chemical trading industry.
• Playing football in college taught Sebastian discipline and time management skills.
• Sebastian's experience in sales and cold calling prepared him for success in the chemical trading industry.
• He successfully built a division for trading chemicals in Central and South America and later expanded into the water treatment industry.
• Sebastian co-founded Oko, a company that focuses on sustainable and environmentally friendly chemical solutions. 
• An automation tool that eliminates the need for manual data entry in the logistics industry
• The founders pivoted from their original idea of a chemical exchange to focus on automation in the logistics sector
• OCO sits in the user's email inbox, extracts information from PDF documents, and creates shipments in the TMS system
• Partnerships with TMS systems and customer acquisition have been key to success

CHAPTERS:

• 00:00 Introduction and Fun Fact
• 02:13 Early Years and Introduction to Football
• 06:01 College Years and Focus on Math and Science
• 13:49 Career Path: Internships and Sales Roles
• 25:00 Expanding into Water Treatment
• 26:55 Introduction to Oko: Sustainable Chemical Solutions
• 27:25 The Problem of Manual Data Entry in Logistics
• 30:45 The Original Idea: A Chemical Exchange
• 35:02 Key Turning Points
• 39:08 The Personal and Professional Dynamic of the Founders
• 41:58 The Impact on Clients' Efficiency
• 44:39 The Unique Approach: Fully Backend Integration
• 47:27 Future Ambitions and Giving Back to the Community
• 50:17 Growth and Partnerships
• 53:27 Getting in Touch

EPISODE CREDITS:

Host, Will Jenkins

Creative Director, Erin Sweeney

Edited and mixed by Keenan McCarthy

Music licensed through Envato

LINKS:

Be sure to follow and tag @JourneyDelivers on LinkedIn and Instagram!