What does it take to build a $220 million logistics company from scratch? Peter Coratola, CEO and founder of EASE Logistics, reveals the hard-earned wisdom behind his remarkable journey from unemployed college graduate to logistics leader.

After being let go from his first industry job at 23, Peter launched his own brokerage with nothing but determination and a newborn son to support. His philosophy was simple yet powerful: "The more you do, the more you make." This approach became the foundation for a company that now handles hundreds of millions in freight and employs teams across brokerage, asset-based transportation, and warehousing operations.

The turning point in EASE Logistics' growth came from an unexpected direction – taking on high-stakes automotive line production freight. "That's like taking your driver's ed on the Indy 500," Peter explains, describing how the unforgiving standards of automotive logistics (where line shutdowns can cost manufacturers $5,000 per minute) forged operational excellence that transferred to other industries.

Peter's perspective on technology and AI reflects his commitment to customer service above all else. While embracing innovation internally to make his team more effective, he remains cautious about technology replacing the human connections that differentiate his business. "It's easier for logistics companies to be good today, but harder to be great," he observes, pointing to EASE's true 24/7 operations with 25% of staff working night shifts to ensure problems get solved, not just acknowledged.

As market conditions continue to challenge freight brokers, Peter's leadership lessons offer valuable insights for anyone building a business. The hardest moments weren't market crashes but people decisions – learning to balance emotional investment with necessary business choices. His advice for navigating tough times? "Stick to the plan, not your mood," and focus on putting points on the board every day through small wins.

What will the freight market do next? Peter sees challenges continuing through 2025 but anticipates improvement by mid-Q1 2026, particularly with automotive manufacturers launching 27 new models. For those weathering the current market, his story demonstrates that preparation, adaptability, and maintaining team swagger through continued investment can position companies to thrive when conditions improve.