What does it take to transform a scrappy logistics startup into a leading supply chain platform trusted by Fortune 500 brands? In this episode, Sean Henry shares the story of founding Stord, dropping out of college to build it, and scaling a distributed logistics network from zero to national reach. 

He opens up about fundraising setbacks, building conviction in tough moments, keeping customer experience front and center, and navigating the pressure of rapid growth while staying anchored in purpose.

Takeaways:

• Dropping Out to Go All-In: Sean left college to pursue Stord full time, driven by a conviction that there was a better way to manage logistics in a fragmented industry. That early decision required grit and belief before traction or investor backing.
• Turning Cold Outreach Into Capital: Sean shares how his early fundraising relied on writing 150 cold emails a day. Persistence and storytelling helped him break through, eventually leading to key early checks that helped kickstart Stord’s growth.
• The Importance of Mission and Mindset: Through tough moments and early challenges, Sean and his Co-Founder stayed grounded in their mission. He talks about the psychological weight of leadership and the discipline required to keep moving forward.
• From Scrappy Marketplace to Full Stack Platform: Stord started as a logistics marketplace but pivoted into a fully integrated supply chain solution. Sean explains how that shift allowed them to deliver better customer experience, tighter control, and long-term defensibility.
• Customer Experience Is the Product: Even as a logistics company, Sean believes customer experience is the most important differentiator. He shares how Stord built systems and culture that put CX at the center of every part of the business.
• Navigating the Growth Curve Without Losing Focus: Sean discusses what it’s like to scale quickly while holding on to high standards. He shares lessons around team building, leadership habits, and making time for clarity amid the noise.
• Believe, But Be Realistic: Sean reflects on the importance of conviction, but also warns Founders to avoid believing their own hype. He recommends surrounding yourself with people who keep you honest and grounded as you grow.

Quote of the Show:

• "If we don't have a customer, we don't have employees. If we have a vision but have no customers, that vision means nothing." - Sean Henry

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shenry96/
• Website: https://www.stord.com/

Ways to Tune In:

• Substack: https://notanotherceo.substack.com/
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NQ9oAB2XKlgWeL8iEQXg0 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-another-ceo-podcast/id1751581707 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotAnotherCEOPodcast 
• Transistor: https://podcast.notanotherceo.com/ 

#NotAnotherCEO #BusinessSuccess #Stord

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

01:49 The Importance of Customer Obsession

05:44 Hiring for Customer Obsession

10:19 Scaling and Company Culture

21:30 Early Challenges and Pivots

39:26 The Rise and Fall of the Trucking Network

40:23 Navigating Hard Decisions and Growth

42:50 Investor Relations and Fundraising Journey

44:11 Mentorship and Early Influences

45:33 Strategic Partnerships and Business Alignment

51:23 Overcoming Challenges and Turning Points

56:10 Future Vision and Expansion Plans

01:03:51 Personal Background and Entrepreneurial Spirit

01:13:14 Advice to His Younger Self

1:14:40 Outro