In the Hot Seat | The Business of Transportation

In this episode of The Hot Seat, we interview our newest team member, Ryan Moreland. He is a new Strategic Advisor at Tenney Group and we’re ecstatic that he’s joined our team. We cover: - Ryan’s background and what brought him to us. - What role a Strategic Advisor plays in your business exit. - The significance of preparation before you decide to sell your business. ___ Are you looking to buy or sell a transportation business? We can help. Learn More 👉 https://www.thetenneygroup.com

In this episode of They Hot Seat, we speak with Joe Spisak, CEO of Fulfill.com. We cover: - How e-comm brands can find the right 3PL. - Factors of a good 3PL. - When it’s time to switch to a new 3PL. ___ Are you looking to buy or sell a transportation business? We can help. Learn More 👉 https://www.thetenneygroup.com

In this episode of The Hot Seat, we speak with Paul Menig, CEO of Business Accelerants. We cover: - Using technology to increase company value. - The role due diligence plays in the buying and selling process. - Our outlook on a positive future within the T&L industry. ___ Are you looking to buy or sell a transportation business? We can help. Learn More 👉 https://www.thetenneygroup.com

In this episode of The Hot Seat, we’re joined by Nate Shutes, VP of Global Fulfillment and Logistics at Blu Dot. We cover the: - Changing Expectations of Customers - Stories of Logistics Entrepreneurs Who Win - Importance of Best Practice Groups - Advantages of Bootstrapping - Story Behind the Guide to Logistics Podcast ___ Are you looking to buy or sell a transportation business? We can help. Learn More 👉 https://www.thetenneygroup.com

In this episode of The Hot Seat, we interview Carmit Glik the CEO of Ship4wd. They are a digital-first freight forwarder that puts SMBs in control. We cover: - How Ship4wd Came to Be - 2024 Trends in Global Freight - The Impact of Geopolitical Events on Global Trade - Technology Advancements in the Industry ___ Are you looking to buy or sell a transportation business? We can help. Learn More 👉 https://www.thetenneygroup.com

In this episode of The Hot Seat, we interview Chris Torrance, Chief Strategy Officer of Optym. We cover: - How technology has evolved in freight over the last 20 years. - Ways to improve efficiency and reduce human error. - The harmony of AI and Humans in the T&L space. - M&A in Freight Tech. ___ Are you looking to buy or sell a transportation business? We can help. Learn More 👉 https://www.thetenneygroup.com

In honor of International Women’s Day, we wanted to feature our favorite clips from the past year that showcase some of the amazing women moving the transportation industry forward. In this episode, we're featuring: - Ellen Voie, Founder of Women in Trucking - Rebecca Brewster, President & COO of ATRI - Grace Sharkey, Host of Drive Time on FreightWaves - Anne Reinke, President & CEO of TIA - Emily Phillips, Founder of E.MISSION Advisory ___ Are you looking to buy or sell a transportation business? We can help. Learn More 👉 https://www.thetenneygroup.com

In this episode of The Hot Seat, we interview Sharon Siar, President of Saving Our Sisters. We cover: The story behind Saving Our Sisters Why mentorship is crucial for women in male-dominated industries. How to break down barriers for women in trucking. Keys to paying knowledge forward. Final encouragement for women seeking a career in the transportation industry. ___ Are you looking to buy or sell a transportation business? We can help. Learn More 👉 https://www.thetenneygroup.com

What is going on in the world of climate technology solutions? In this episode of The Hot Seat, we interview Lori Dunn, COO of Optimist Technologies. We cover: · Why taking action now is so important. · How decarbonization solutions are a lot easier than some people think. · The role fleet managers play in optimizing fleets. · What technologies will be key in future decarbonization efforts? ___ Are you looking to buy or sell a transportation business? We can help. Learn More 👉 https://www.thetenneygroup.com

In this episode of The Hot Seat, we are joined by Will Jenkins. He is the founder & CEO of Journey, a transportation and freight brokerage recruiting, training, and consulting company. We cover: - Misconceptions around building a successful T&L business. - Keys to activating rapid growth in the T&L space.- How to attract top talent. - The characteristics of high-performing cultures. - His future plans for Journey ___ Are you looking to buy or sell a transportation business? We can help. Learn More 👉 https://www.thetenneygroup.com

In this episode of The Hot Seat, we interview Trey Griggs, founder and Chief Encouragement Officer of Beta Consulting Group. We cover: The need for a compelling message in your marketing.- How to craft a message that resonates. Understanding the customer’s needs The importance of storytelling as a tool for engaging customers. The key to overcoming personal and professional challenges. ___ Are you looking to buy or sell a transportation business? We can help.Learn More 👉 https://www.thetenneygroup.com

In this episode of The Hot Seat, we interview Grace Sharkey, the host of the Drive Time show on FreightWaves. We cover: - Freight Tech trends in 2024. - The importance of change management when implementing a new technology. - Using Freight Tech in your go-to-market strategies. - Biggest change coming in Freight Tech in the next decade. ___ Are you looking to buy or sell a transportation business? We can help. Learn More 👉 https://www.thetenneygroup.com

In this episode of The Hot Seat, we interview Sharae Moore, President of She Trucking Foundation, Inc. We cover: - The Story behind She Trucking Foundation. - Challenges women face in the T&L industry. - Trucking & logistics trends in 2024. - Advice for anyone pursuing a career in T&L. ___ Are you looking to buy or sell a transportation business? We can help.Learn More 👉 https://www.thetenneygroup.com

In this episode of The Hot Seat, we interview Sophia Bernard, Partner at Taylor Johnson PL. We cover: - Misconceptions surrounding nuclear verdicts. - Mitigating unreasonable demands after an incident. - System needed to protect your business. - What's ahead for the T&L industry. ___ Are you looking to buy or sell a transportation business? We can help. Learn More 👉 https://www.thetenneygroup.com

In this episode of The Hot Seat, we interview Jason Mazur, Strategic Account Executive at Transflo. We cover: · Where the tension is coming from in the freight market. · How to increase efficiency with technology. · Strategies for cold calling to improve cash flow.

In this episode of The Hot Seat, we interview Joe Lynch, Host of The Logistics of Logistics Podcast. We cover: · How The Logistics of Logistics Podcast got started. · Where the podcast is going in the future. · What makes a great guest. ___ Are you looking to buy or sell a transportation business? We can help. Learn More 👉 https://www.thetenneygroup.com

In this episode of The Hot Seat, we interview Brent Orsuga the founder of Pinnacle Growth Advisors. We cover: · Current Problems Facing T&L Talent Pool · Resume Fluff vs. Finding a Top Performer · Work From Home vs In-Person · T&L Talent Market Trends in 2024 ___ Are you looking to buy or sell a transportation business? We can help. Learn More 👉 https://www.thetenneygroup.com

In this special edition of The Hot Seat, Meg Meurer, Chief Commercial Officer at Tenney Group, leads a discussion with two of the group's most seasoned experts, Stephen Joest, Vice President, and Davis Looney, Director of Business Development. This trio dives deep into the intricacies of mergers and acquisitions within the transportation and logistics sector. They discuss the typical deal that is in high demand, what an owner wants when selling, what buyers need to get a deal done, how to close valuation gaps, and what to expect in the critical first 30 days after a seller becomes a new Tenney Group client. ___ Are you looking to buy or sell a transportation business? We can help. Learn More 👉 https://www.thetenneygroup.com

Has the freight industry become a hotbed for fraud? Michael Caney, the CCO at Highway, thinks so. In this episode of The Hot Seat, Spencer and Michael discuss the size of the freight fraud problem in the market, how Highway is solving it, and how carriers can supercharge their digital bookings in 2024 and beyond. ___ Are you looking to buy or sell a transportation business? We can help. Learn More 👉 https://www.thetenneygroup.com

What are private equity shops looking for when they look to acquire a trucking company? In this episode of The Hot Seat, Spencer Tenney is joined by Pierre Matthieu, Managing Partner at Bluejay Capital. Bluejay Capital specializes in improving financial and operational performance of transportation businesses all across North America. Their team of experts has more than 120 years of combined experience in transportation and logistics with a proven record of value creation. Spencer and Pierre discuss a recent deal that Tenney Group and Bluejay worked on together, what made the deal successful, why Bluejay is staying aggressive when others are pausing, and what causes them to walk away from a deal. ___ Are you looking to buy or sell a transportation business? We can help. Learn More 👉 https://www.thetenneygroup.com

Technology advancements, fraud, business boom, and bust cycles are all trends that 3PL operators need to be thinking through in 2024. In this episode of The Hot Seat, Spencer Tenney is joined by Anne Reinke. She is the President & CEO of TIA. This is the episode to listen to if you're looking at what trends to focus on in 2024 in the 3PL space. TIA provides leadership and direction for the 3PL industry. They serve more than 1,700 third-party logistics members and help them better manage their companies for growth and profitability. ___ Are you looking to buy or sell a transportation business? We can help.Learn More 👉 https://www.thetenneygroup.com

You can’t go two days without seeing a nuclear verdict headline in the news. How should your company communicate with the press if it finds itself entangled in one of these incidents? In this episode of The Hot Seat, Spencer Tenney, CEO of Tenney Group, sits down with Dan Ronan. Dan is a Sr. Reporter at Transport Topics and has been communicating, publicly, about the transportation industry for a long time. Dan walks us through what he recommends trucking companies do when they find themselves in a PR crisis. ___ Are you looking to buy or sell a transportation business? We can help. Learn More 👉 https://www.thetenneygroup.com

Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) has bee the hottest topic in the business world for all of 2023. What is it and how can your transportation business use it to scale and grow? In this episode of The Hot Seat with Tenney Group CEO Spencer Tenney, we’re joined by Rocco Marrari, VP of Sales Imaging & Workflow Solutions at EBE Technologies. We dive into how you can use A.I. to scale, what the resistance is to A.I. in the workplace, and what roles make the most sense to explore an A.I. solution. ___ Are you looking to buy or sell a transportation business? We can help. Learn More 👉 https://www.thetenneygroup.com

Truck parking is one of top 10 issues facing the transportation industry. CEO, Evan Shelley of the Truck Parking Club is trying to solve it. Truck Parking Club is a comprehensive platform connecting truckers with available parking spaces across the US. Our network comprises various businesses and property owners, including trucking companies, CDL training schools, tow truck services, home builders, fertilizer companies, and many others. Join us in bridging the gap between truckers and property owners, simplifying the parking experience for everyone involved. ___ Are you looking to buy or sell a transportation business? We can help. Learn More 👉 https://www.thetenneygroup.com

DOT Compliance affects every area of your transportation business but at the last minute, it could affect your M&A plans. In this episode of The Hot Seat, Spencer Tenney is joined by Brandon Wiseman, the President of Truck Safe Consulting. The discussion centers not only on how DOT Compliance affects your M&A efforts but also the common discoveries around these audits, how an organization can go from having a systematic problem with safety to one with a five-star reputation, and how to build a defensible reputation while operating within nuclear verdicts. ___ Are you looking to buy or sell a transportation business? We can help. Learn More 👉 https://www.thetenneygroup.com

Section 363 bankruptcy sales, while often misunderstood, can be a valuable tool for businesses in distress. Navigating the legal and financial complexities of such sales can be daunting. In this episode of The Hot Seat, Spencer Tenney, CEO of Tenney Group, sits down with Tenney Group VP, Ashesh Pansuria for an in-depth discussion on Section 363 Bankruptcy Sales and if its applicable to your transportation business.

The transportation business is infamous for its slim profit margins. Does it have to be this way? Is there any hope for improvement? Today we’re joined by Chris Henry (COO) and David Roush (President) of KSM Transport Advisors. In this episode, Spencer Tenney asks the guys to unpack the 12 traits of highly profitable trucking companies. After listening to this interview, you will have 12 solid strategies for increasing your profit margins in 2023. ___ Are you looking to buy or sell a transportation business? We can help. Learn More 👉 https://www.thetenneygroup.com

Are freight tech-forward companies like Uber actually going to disrupt the transportation industry or has the hype finally cooled? In this episode of The Hot Seat, Spencer Tenney is joined by Stefan Simonetti, Partner at Kearney. They discuss where we are with digital trends in the transportation space, what venture capital is doing with freight tech in this economy, and how ultimately the transportation businesses with the cleanest data will be the ones that win. ___ Are you looking to buy or sell a transportation business? We can help. Learn More 👉 https://www.thetenneygroup.com

The health and wellness of the United States' population moves at the speed of freight. What happens if that supply chain is interrupted by a foreign adversary or worse, poor government regulation from within? We are joined today by the co-founder of Tiger Cool Express, Ted Prince. He and Spencer discuss the major issues with freight in America right now, the possible national security threat the supply chain poses, and the problem with government regulation on the supply chain. ___ Are you looking to buy or sell a transportation business? We can help. Learn More 👉 https://www.thetenneygroup.com

What does life look like after you sell your business? Bob Kellner and his partner worked with Tenney Group to sell their business, American PetroLog, a few years ago. In this interview, Spencer Tenney and Bob discuss what that sales process was like and how Bob found his identity again after selling. ___ Are you looking to buy or sell a transportation business? We can help. Learn More 👉 https://www.thetenneygroup.com

What if there was a completely unique way to create leads for your transportation business? Paul-Bernard Jaroslawski started making memes on the internet a few years ago and now he’s got the next big thing in freight media. In this interview, Spencer Tenney and Paul discuss how FreightCaviar started, what is different between millennials and older generations, and how he’s using his media company to create leads for his new business, ShipperCRM.

The tips shared in this interview will help you grow your transportation business in 2023. Ed Burns is the CEO of Burns Logistics, a company focused on connecting shippers and carriers so that everyone succeeds. In this interview, Spencer Tenney and Ed discuss the skills modern-day transportation sales professionals need to thrive, how to handle selling in a down market, and the most important factor in any transaction. ___ Are you looking to buy or sell a transportation business? We can help. Learn More 👉 Here

In this episode of The Hot Seat, Tenney Group CEO, Spencer Tenney, is joined by Chris Smith. He is the VP of the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association. He talks about the best and worst parts of moving unique freight, the regulatory challenges they are facing, and where the association is focusing next for its members. ___ Are you looking to buy or sell a transportation business? Reach out to us online and begin the conversation. Reach out 👉 https://bit.ly/3GxxCk5

Greg Reed the Executive Director of the National Star Route Mail Contractors Association (NSRMCA) joins Spencer Tenney on The Hot Seat to discuss how contracting with the U.S. Postal Service differs from other verticals in the transportation industry and what the future of this space looks like.

In this episode of The Hot Seat, Spencer Tenney is joined by What the Truck podcast host and all-around freight entertainment mogul, Tim Dooner. The guys discuss Tim's powerful story, why he's so passionate about entertainment within the transportation and logistics space, and what's next for him and his team at Freightwaves.

In this episode of The Hot Seat, Spencer Tenney is joined by Jason Burns, the President of the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA). Jason discusses the top three issues the CLDA is focused on in 2023.

Is truck driver retention a problem in your organization? Then this episode of The Hot Seat is for you. In this episode, Spencer Tenney is joined by David Hollis, an editor at Truckers News. They dive into a recent survey of truck drivers in America and discuss the top issues on truckers’ minds.

In this episode of The Hot Seat, Spencer Tenney is joined by John Blair. He is the President of the Motor Transport Association of Connecticut. John is joining us today to speak about the Highway Use Tax that was recently implemented in his home state of Connecticut. He fills us in on the origin of the Highway Use Tax, the potential problems with it, and what possible long-term effects will be. ___ Are you looking to buy or sell a transportation business? Reach out to us online and begin the conversation. https://bit.ly/413L4nz

Rahmel Wattley is a transportation and logistics industry veteran with a passion for sharing the stories inside the industry. A few years back Rahmel launched @trucknhustle and now they are growing fast. In this episode of The Hot Seat, Spencer Tenney interviews Rahmel to hear his story and where Truck n' Hustle is headed in the future.

In this episode of The Hot Seat, Spencer Tenney is joined by Donna England, President and CEO of the Tennessee Trucking Association. They discuss the top issues facing the trucking and logistics industry in TN and what the association is focusing on in 2023.

You’ve read his articles on Transport Topics and now you can see the man live. In this episode of The Hot Seat, Spencer Tenney speaks with Connor Wolf, staff reporter at Transport Topics. They discuss changes in the trucking industry, what Connor sees as he researches the industry, and his favorite reports from the year.

Ascend has been active in the M&A space over the last 24 months. In this episode of The Hot Seat, Spencer Tenney is joined by their CEO, Michael McLary. They discuss Ascend’s acquisitions in 2022, where they’re headed in 2023, and what they do differently as an acquirer that others may not.

In this episode of The Hot Seat, Spencer Tenney interviews the President & CEO of the Alabama Trucking Association, Mark Colson. We dive deep into the top issues facing the transportation and logistics industry in Alabama in 2023 and what Mark and his team are doing about it. ___ Looking to acquire another transportation business? Join Tenney Group's private Buyer Network where we take the time to learn about your specific business goals and only bring you possible deals that fit those goals. 👉 https://bit.ly/3WeJRqK Interested in selling your transportation business? Click the link below to see our process and find out if we can help you achieve your business goals. 👉 https://bit.ly/3IR00zq Connect with us on LinkedIn 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-tenney-group

In this episode of The Hot Seat, Spencer Tenney interviews Jared Weisfeld, the Chief Strategy Officer at RXO. They discuss what led XPO to spin off RXO, how they are building resiliency in an uncertain market, and where they see the final mile space going in 2023.

Greg Feary, President and Managing Partner of Scopelitis, joins Spencer Tenney on The Hot Seat again to discuss the latest on AB5 in California, the U.S. Dept. of Labor recent announcement, the potential impact on contract drivers, and advice for owners looking to navigate the next 12 months. ___ Looking to acquire another transportation business? Join Tenney Group's private Buyer Network where we take the time to learn about your specific business goals and only bring you possible deals that fit those goals. https://www.thetenneygroup.com/buying-a-business/ Interested in selling your transportation business? Click the link below to see our process and find out if we can help you achieve your business goals. https://www.thetenneygroup.com/our-process/ Connect with us on LinkedIn 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-tenney-group

Demarco Thomas is a self described gambler who bets on global talent. In this episode of The Hot Seat, Spencer Tenney and Demarco discuss how he discovered outsourcing, who should and shouldn’t outsource, the top three business processes you may want to outsource, and what the hesitations are to tapping into the global talent pool. ___ Looking to acquire another transportation business? Join Tenney Group's private Buyer Network where we take the time to learn about your specific business goals and only bring you possible deals that fit those goals. https://www.thetenneygroup.com/buying-a-business/ Interested in selling your transportation business? Click the link below to see our process and find out if we can help you achieve your business goals. https://www.thetenneygroup.com/our-process/ Connect with us on LinkedIn 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-tenney-group

We are coming up on the end of another wild year in logistics. The holidays are a wonderful time with friends and family. So, while you’re reflecting on this past year and looking forward to the year ahead, we wanted to bring you a little bit of a different episode. This week Spencer Tenney is interviewing Brad Formsma, the founder of I Like Giving. Brad started I Like Giving to inspire the world to live generously. So far they’ve helped over 100 million people and if you ask them they are just getting started. Check out this episode as the guys discuss the seven ways to live generously, what it means to live generously while you run a business, and what possibilities exist after you sell your business.

There are plenty of issues facing the transportation and logistics industry. The question is which issues matter most to the men and women who work in the space. On this week’s episode of The Hot Seat, Spencer Tenney dives into the top ten issues facing the trucking industry with Rebecca Brewster. She is the President & COO of American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), Rebecca Brewster. ___ Looking to acquire another transportation business? Join Tenney Group's private Buyer Network where we take the time to learn about your specific business goals and only bring you possible deals that fit those goals. https://www.thetenneygroup.com/buying-a-business/ Interested in selling your transportation business? Click the link below to see our process and find out if we can help you achieve your business goals. https://www.thetenneygroup.com/our-process/ Connect with us on LinkedIn 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-tenney-group

In this week’s Hot Seat Podcast, Spencer Tenney is joined by the founder and host of Let’s Talk Supply Chain, Sarah Barnes-Humphrey. They speak about what people on the outside misunderstand about the supply chain, the key issues facing the supply chain today, and the importance of diversifying the people who work in the transportation and logistics space. ___ Looking to acquire another transportation business? Join Tenney Group's private Buyer Network where we take the time to learn about your specific business goals and only bring you possible deals that fit those goals. https://www.thetenneygroup.com/buying-a-business/ Interested in selling your transportation business? Click the link below to see our process and find out if we can help you achieve your business goals. https://www.thetenneygroup.com/our-process/ Connect with us on LinkedIn 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-tenney-group

The days of pricing freight with a “gut” feeling are gone. Dawn Salvucci-Favier and her team at greenscreens.ai have introduced a product that will change the future of predictive freight pricing. With a projected 500% YoY growth rate it’s obvious that the market is catching on. Join Dawn and Spencer Tenney on this week's episode of The Hot Seat. __ Looking to acquire another transportation business? Join Tenney Group's private Buyer Network where we take the time to learn about your specific business goals and only bring you possible deals that fit those goals. https://www.thetenneygroup.com/buying-a-business/ Interested in selling your transportation business? Click the link below to see our process and find out if we can help you achieve your business goals. https://www.thetenneygroup.com/our-process/ Connect with us on LinkedIn 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-tenney-group