In this episode, Brian sits down with Tapan Chaudhari, founder and CEO of Bubba AI, to unpack how voice-enabled artificial intelligence is reshaping freight dispatch for carriers. Tapan shares his journey from building cloud companies in Silicon Valley to launching TruckX and eventually applying AI directly to trucking workflows. He explains how Bubba AI functions as a voice-first dispatcher that negotiates rates, books loads, and manages backhauls while drivers stay focused on the road. The conversation highlights why automation is becoming essential for carriers competing in a fast-moving spot market.

The Logistics & Leadership Podcast, powered by Veritas Logistics, redefines logistics and personal growth. Hosted by industry veterans and supply chain leaders Brian Hastings and Justin Maines, it shares their journey from humble beginnings to a $50 million company. Discover invaluable lessons in logistics, mental toughness, and embracing the entrepreneurial spirit. The show delves into personal and professional development, routine, and the power of betting on oneself. From inspiring stories to practical insights, this podcast is a must for aspiring entrepreneurs, logistics professionals, and anyone seeking to push limits and achieve success.

Timestamps:

(00:00) — Intro

(01:12) — TruckX origin story

(04:06) — Load booking challenges

(07:18) — AI dispatcher explained

(10:09) — Carrier setup parameters

(13:02) — Spot market automation

(16:11 )— Broker scoring logic

(18:27) — Carrier adoption insights

(21:03) — AI logistics future

(24:12) — Where to connect

Connect with Tapan Chaudhari

Website: https://bubba.ai/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ctapan

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In this episode of the Logistics & Leadership Podcast, Brian Hastings sits down with Ricky Gonzalez, CEO and co-founder of Hubtek and Tabi Connect, to explore his 20-year journey in logistics, entrepreneurship, and technology. Ricky shares how his early career in Colombia led him to the U.S. freight industry, eventually launching multiple businesses—from freight brokerage to nearshore staffing to advanced AI-powered quoting automation. He reflects on the lessons learned from failures, pivots, and scaling across different markets, offering listeners a grounded perspective on what it takes to build and evolve successful logistics organizations.

The Logistics & Leadership Podcast, powered by Veritas Logistics, redefines logistics and personal growth. Hosted by industry veterans and supply chain leaders Brian Hastings and Justin Maines, it shares their journey from humble beginnings to a $50 million company. Discover invaluable lessons in logistics, mental toughness, and embracing the entrepreneurial spirit. The show delves into personal and professional development, routine, and the power of betting on oneself. From inspiring stories to practical insights, this podcast is a must for aspiring entrepreneurs, logistics professionals, and anyone seeking to push limits and achieve success.

Timestamps:

(00:00) — Intro

(05:12) — Launching first freight brokerage

(10:25) — Early automation and AI experiments

(15:48) — Learning from failed ventures

(21:03) — Importance of niche focus

(26:11) — How Tabi Connect automates quoting

(31:09) — Humans guiding AI decisions

(36:04) — AI unlocking new opportunities

(39:12) — Reinventing during market downturns

(40:52) — Books shaping Ricky’s leadership

(41:58) — How to connect with Ricky

Connect with Ricky Gonzalez:

Website: https://gohubtek.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardo-gonzalez-hubtek

Email: [email protected]

Connect with us! 

▶️ Website | LinkedIn | Brian’s LinkedIn | Justin’s LinkedIn

▶️ Get our newsletter for more logistics insights

▶️ Send us your questions!! [email protected]

Watch the pod on: YouTube

In this episode of Logistics & Leadership, Brian Hastings interviews Jonathan Brooks, CEO of Warehouse on Wheels, to discuss how his company has grown from two locations and 4,000 trailers to nearly 40 locations and 40,000 trailers across North America.

Jonathan shares his professional background—from Arthur Anderson, to multiple private-equity backed leadership roles, to now scaling a high-impact logistics solution. He explains how Warehouse on Wheels creates cost-efficient, flexible storage alternatives that save customers millions compared to traditional warehousing. Together, they explore shifting supply-chain demands, customer proximity, and agility in a rapidly evolving market.

The Logistics & Leadership Podcast, powered by Veritas Logistics, redefines logistics and personal growth. Hosted by industry veterans and supply chain leaders Brian Hastings and Justin Maines, it shares their journey from humble beginnings to a $50 million company. Discover invaluable lessons in logistics, mental toughness, and embracing the entrepreneurial spirit. The show delves into personal and professional development, routine, and the power of betting on oneself. From inspiring stories to practical insights, this podcast is a must for aspiring entrepreneurs, logistics professionals, and anyone seeking to push limits and achieve success.

Timestamps:

(00:00) — Intro

(05:12) — Cost-saving trailer strategy

(10:08) — Culture beyond perks explained

(15:02) — Accountability through engagement metrics

(19:11) — Self-correction through ownership

(21:14) — Symbolic “red chairs” culture

(24:02) — Empowering every employee’s voice

(25:28) — Faith-driven authentic leadership

(28:50) — Purpose over chasing dollars

Connect with Jonathan Brooks:

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jnbrooksiv⁠

Connect with us! 

▶️ Website | LinkedIn | Brian’s LinkedIn | Justin’s LinkedIn

▶️ Get our newsletter for more logistics insights

▶️ Send us your questions!! [email protected]

Watch the pod on: YouTube

From making a memorable first impression to the intricacies of building lasting relationships, this episode offers practical advice highlights the essential strategies needed to capture a prospect's attention amidst the noise.

Whether it's doing thorough homework, leveraging LinkedIn connections, or creating personalized outreach, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you succeed in one of the most competitive industries. Stay tuned as we uncover the secrets to making meaningful connections and ultimately closing deals.

The Logistics & Leadership Podcast, powered by Veritas Logistics, redefines logistics and personal growth. Hosted by industry veterans and supply chain leaders Brian Hastings and Justin Maines, it shares their journey from humble beginnings to a $50 million company. Discover invaluable lessons in logistics, mental toughness, and embracing the entrepreneurial spirit.

The show delves into personal and professional development, routine, and the power of betting on oneself. From inspiring stories to practical insights, this podcast is a must for aspiring entrepreneurs, logistics professionals, and anyone seeking to push limits and achieve success.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Intro

(00:50) -  You need to stand out

(02:55) - Effective Prospecting Techniques

(04:30) - Being selective with prospects

(07:01) - Name-dropping and sharing solutions

(09:49) - Smaller brokerages need strong customer relationships

(13:55) - Do what competition is not willing to do

(15:45) - Patience, persistence & follow-ups

(19:50)- Leveraging virtual calls for relationship building

(21:20) - Coming up…

Connect with us! 

▶️ Website | LinkedIn | Brian’s LinkedIn | Justin’s LinkedIn

▶️ Get our newsletter for more logistics insights

▶️ Send us your questions!! [email protected]

Watch the pod on: YouTube

In this episode of the Logistics & Leadership Podcast, Brian Hastings, co-founder and CEO of Veritas Logistics, shares his conversation with Joe Lynch of The Logistics of Logistics podcast on one of the most critical topics in supply chain today: food safety and cold chain logistics.

Brian unpacks the practical realities of moving perishable goods “from farm to fork”—why strict compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act matters, how cold chain integrity is maintained across thousands of miles, and what happens when partners cut corners. Drawing from Veritas’s own journey of launching in the middle of COVID and scaling to a $40M+ brokerage, he explains how processes, protocols, and culture drive consistency in an industry where one mistake can jeopardize public trust for decades.

From picking the right carrier partners to investing in inspections, seals, temperature monitoring, and constant training, Brian lays out the five pillars that keep Veritas competitive in one of the most demanding logistics sectors. For brokers, shippers, and anyone in food and beverage supply chains, this is a tactical guide to protecting your product, your customers, and your reputation.

The Logistics & Leadership Podcast, powered by Veritas Logistics, redefines logistics and personal growth. Hosted by industry veterans and supply chain leaders Brian Hastings and Justin Maines, it shares their journey from humble beginnings to a $50 million company. Discover invaluable lessons in logistics, mental toughness, and embracing the entrepreneurial spirit. The show delves into personal and professional development, routine, and the power of betting on oneself. From inspiring stories to practical insights, this podcast is a must for aspiring entrepreneurs, logistics professionals, and anyone seeking to push limits and achieve success.

Timestamps:

(00:12) – Veritas’s Focus on Food & Beverage Logistics

(03:26) – Why Cold Chain Integrity is Non-Negotiable

(06:25) – Brian’s Background and Founding Veritas During COVID

(12:22) – Processes & Protocols: Staying Compliant with FSMA

(22:02) – Picking the Right Partners & Carrier Network Standards

(24:41) – The Role of Seals in Protecting Product Integrity

(29:00) – Managing Temperature Control and Reefer Compliance

(34:40) – Culture, Training, and Continuous Improvement at Veritas

(42:07) – Five Pillars for Food Safety & Cold Chain Success

Connect with us! 

▶️ Website | LinkedIn | Brian’s LinkedIn | Justin’s LinkedIn

▶️ Get our newsletter for more logistics insights

▶️ Send us your questions!! [email protected]

Watch the pod on: YouTube

In this episode of the Logistics & Leadership Podcast, Justin Maines sits down with Nick Califano—beverage industry veteran and first employee at Loverboy—to unpack the inside story of building one of the fastest-growing alcohol brands.

From co-founding Yonkers Brewing to launching Loverboy with Kyle Cooke of Bravo’s Summer House, Nick shares how grit, innovation, and disruption fueled their rise. He opens up about reverse-engineering supply chains, scaling nationwide, and navigating chaos from COVID to supply shortages.

Nick also reveals Loverboy’s secret sauce: constant innovation, deep consumer engagement, and always having “backups to your backups.” This conversation is a playbook for anyone scaling a CPG brand, building resilient systems, or breaking through in a crowded market.

The Logistics & Leadership Podcast, powered by Veritas Logistics, redefines logistics and personal growth. Hosted by industry veterans and supply chain leaders Brian Hastings and Justin Maines, it shares their journey from humble beginnings to a $50 million company. Discover invaluable lessons in logistics, mental toughness, and embracing the entrepreneurial spirit. The show delves into personal and professional development, routine, and the power of betting on oneself. From inspiring stories to practical insights, this podcast is a must for aspiring entrepreneurs, logistics professionals, and anyone seeking to push limits and achieve success.

Timestamps:

(00:05) – Innovation and Agility in Operations

(09:12) – Disrupting the Beverage Industry

(10:10) – Navigating Early Challenges in Beverage Launch

(23:52) – The Impact of COVID-19 on Beverage Brands

(34:24) – Navigating Growth Challenges in Beverage Distribution

Connect with Nick Califano:

Website: http://www.drinkloverboy.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-califano

Connect with us! 

▶️ Website | LinkedIn | Brian’s LinkedIn | Justin’s LinkedIn

▶️ Get our newsletter for more logistics insights

▶️ Send us your questions!! [email protected]

Watch the pod on: YouTube

In this episode, Brian Hastings, co-founder of Veritas Logistics, joins Roarke Baldwin of the Adapt AI Group podcast to explore how AI and digital transformation are reshaping the logistics industry—and why leadership will always be a human job.

Brian shares Veritas’s journey from launching in the middle of COVID to celebrating five years in business, reflecting on the values of truth, integrity, and client care that fueled their rise. He offers practical insights into where AI delivers the most impact—from document retrieval to sales follow-up—and why company culture and operator buy-in are critical for successful tech adoption.

Whether you’re a startup founder navigating limited resources or an established broker looking to modernize, this conversation delivers tactical advice on blending old-school relationship-building with cutting-edge automation.

The Logistics & Leadership Podcast, powered by Veritas Logistics, redefines logistics and personal growth. Hosted by industry veterans and supply chain leaders Brian Hastings and Justin Maines, it shares their journey from humble beginnings to a $50 million company. Discover invaluable lessons in logistics, mental toughness, and embracing the entrepreneurial spirit. The show delves into personal and professional development, routine, and the power of betting on oneself. From inspiring stories to practical insights, this podcast is a must for aspiring entrepreneurs, logistics professionals, and anyone seeking to push limits and achieve success.

Timestamps:

(00:10) – The Impact of AI on Logistics Leadership

(02:00) – The Journey to Establish Veritas Logistics

(05:24) – Navigating Technological Challenges in Logistics

(07:00) – Digital Transformation in Logistics

(11:18) – Embracing Technological Adoption in Sales

(14:14) – Future of Digital Innovations in Supply Chain Management

Connect with us! 

▶️ Website | LinkedIn | Brian’s LinkedIn | Justin’s LinkedIn

▶️ Get our newsletter for more logistics insights

▶️ Send us your questions!! [email protected]

Watch the pod on: YouTube

In this high-velocity episode of the Logistics & Leadership Podcast, Justin Maines sits down with David Hager—Director of Transportation and 3PL Administration at Congo Brands—to unpack what it really takes to scale a rocketship like Prime Hydration from the inside.

David’s journey spans from grinding it out at Total Quality Logistics to becoming employee #18 at Congo Brands, where he helped build their freight and fulfillment engine from scratch. From sleepless startup nights to managing a 20-person team, he shares the hard lessons learned scaling one of the fastest-growing beverage brands on the planet—while staying rooted in hustle, ownership, and operational excellence.

Whether you’re a freight broker hungry for a bigger seat at the table or a founder navigating explosive growth, David’s story is a masterclass in grit, systems-building, and showing up like an owner—even when your name’s not on the cap table.

The Logistics & Leadership Podcast, powered by Veritas Logistics, redefines logistics and personal growth. Hosted by industry veterans and supply chain leaders Brian Hastings and Justin Maines, it shares their journey from humble beginnings to a $50 million company. Discover invaluable lessons in logistics, mental toughness, and embracing the entrepreneurial spirit. The show delves into personal and professional development, routine, and the power of betting on oneself. From inspiring stories to practical insights, this podcast is a must for aspiring entrepreneurs, logistics professionals, and anyone seeking to push limits and achieve success.

Timestamps:

(00:07) – The Growth of Operations

(05:35) – Transitioning to Congo Brands: A Journey Through COVID

(12:20) – The Growth of Congo: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities

(16:19) – Transitioning to the Brokerage Industry

(21:01) – The Importance of Communication in Partnerships

(27:13) – David Hager's Legacy and the Importance of Work Ethic

Connect with David Hager:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-hager-a0851482

Connect with us! 

▶️ Website | LinkedIn | Brian’s LinkedIn | Justin’s LinkedIn

▶️ Get our newsletter for more logistics insights

▶️ Send us your questions!! [email protected]

Watch the pod on: YouTube

This teaser episode of the Logistics & Leadership Podcast gives you a front-row seat to the rocketship story behind Prime Hydration—with more to come soon.

Justin Maines sits down with David Hager, Director of Transportation and 3PL Administration at Congo Brands, to unpack the early days, freight challenges, and scrappy systems that powered one of the fastest-growing beverage brands on the planet.

From grinding it out at TQL to becoming employee #18 at Congo Brands, David shares lessons on hustle, ownership, and building from zero—laying the groundwork for a full conversation coming soon.

Whether you're in freight, CPG, or scaling mode yourself, this sneak peek is a masterclass in operational grit.

🎧 Full episode dropping soon—stay tuned.

In this emotional and inspiring episode of the Logistics & Leadership Podcast, Justin Maines sits down with Megan Reamer—co-founder of Jackson’s—to unpack how one family’s fight for their son’s health sparked one of the fastest-growing CPG brands in the country.

Megan shares the deeply personal origin of Jackson’s—born from her son’s undiagnosed autoimmune illness and the anti-inflammatory diet that became a lifeline. What started as homemade sweet potato chips in a tiny Colorado kitchen turned into a national brand with 50,000+ retail points, a successful Shark Tank deal, and a mission-driven legacy that continues to impact families across the country.

You’ll hear how Megan and her husband built Jackson’s from scratch: learning logistics on the fly, navigating sleepless nights, and choosing purpose over profit. Whether you're a parent, founder, or CPG hopeful, this conversation is a masterclass in grit, grace, and building with heart.

The Logistics & Leadership Podcast, powered by Veritas Logistics, redefines logistics and personal growth. Hosted by industry veterans and supply chain leaders Brian Hastings and Justin Maines, it shares their journey from humble beginnings to a $50 million company. Discover invaluable lessons in logistics, mental toughness, and embracing the entrepreneurial spirit. The show delves into personal and professional development, routine, and the power of betting on oneself. From inspiring stories to practical insights, this podcast is a must for aspiring entrepreneurs, logistics professionals, and anyone seeking to push limits and achieve success.

Timestamps:

(00:02) – The Clean Snack Justin’s Kids Love

(02:42) – Jackson’s Story: A Family’s Health Crisis

(06:15) – Reverse Engineering an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

(10:46) – From Kitchen Experiments to Commercial Chips

(14:01) – Small-Town Start, National Scale

(16:45) – The Turning Point: Orders from All 50 States

(20:16) – Megan Becomes the Logistics Manager

(23:00) – Learning Supply Chain From Scratch

(25:44) – Getting the Call From Shark Tank

(29:02) – The Shark Tank Effect: Prep, Pitch & Impact

(31:36) – Legacy, Loss & Love: Honoring Jackson Through the Brand

(36:10) – Advice for Founders Facing Roadblocks

(38:47) – What’s Next for Jackson’s

(40:20) – Legacy, Resilience & Living With Purpose

Connect with Megan Reamer:

Website: https://snackjacksons.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-reamer-229159bb

Connect with us! 

▶️ Website | LinkedIn | Brian’s LinkedIn | Justin’s LinkedIn

▶️ Get our newsletter for more logistics insights

▶️ Send us your questions!! [email protected]

Watch the pod on: YouTube