In this episode, host Jeremy Reymer sits down with Nick Klingensmith, High-Impact Keynote Speaker, Author, Mental Endurance & Sales Performance Coach at Stride Motivation for a conversation about overcoming obstacles, improving health, and resilience in the trucking and logistics industry. They zoom in on Nick’s personal journey of battling cancer, diabetes, and addiction, and how those challenges led him to a life focused on mental and physical endurance. Nick shares practical tips for driv...
Aug 06, 2025•24 min•Ep. 208
In this episode, Sam Watts, founder of Wattsmen Diesel House, shares how firsthand experience with a DOT audit led him deep into safety and compliance. Starting with a conditional rating and no formal background in safety, Sam recounts how necessity forced him to learn fast and build from the ground up. Sam and Jeremy talk about why most small fleets struggle to stay compliant, how technology can either help or hurt depending on its use, and what Sam’s learned from years of hands-on work inside ...
Jul 24, 2025•26 min•Ep. 207
In this episode, Bob Book, Director of Marketing for Road Dog Care Company and VP of Marketing for Revolution Trucking, shares his path from general marketing into the world of trucking and wellness. He reflects on the surprising warmth of the trucking community and how genuine connections fuel long-term success. Bob and Jeremy discuss how Road Dog Care evolved from a coffee brand into a complete wellness company, offering hygiene and health products designed by and for truckers. They also explo...
Jul 03, 2025•21 min•Ep. 206
In this episode, Chelsea Faulkner, Director of Operations for HandledNow and host of Drive, shares her journey from staffing to the trucking industry. She discusses the challenges of connecting drivers and office teams and how HandledNow is helping companies find the right fit for long-term success. Chelsea and Jeremy explore the importance of bridging the gap between office staff and drivers to improve overall industry dynamics. They also touch on how creating a culture of mutual respect can dr...
Jun 19, 2025•22 min•Ep. 205
In this episode, PJ Barclay, President and CEO of Impirica, shares his journey from the world of accounting to tackling impairment in the trucking industry. After recognizing the need for better safety measures, PJ explains how cognitive science and technology came together to create solutions for improving driver wellness and safety. He and Jeremy discuss the broader issue of impairment, addressing factors like fatigue, mental health, and other conditions that impact a driver’s ability to perfo...
Jun 12, 2025•24 min•Ep. 204
In this episode, host Jeremy Reymer sits down with Becky Schmitz, Executive Director of Vikingland Community Support Program and creator of the Mental Health Toolbox, for a conversation centered on mental well-being in the trucking industry. They unpack the hidden toll isolation, irregular routines, and chronic stress can take on drivers and why small, consistent habits matter. Becky shares how a simple check-in method, such as HALT, can become a powerful tool for self-awareness and how her red ...
Jun 05, 2025•24 min•Ep. 203
In this episode, host Jeremy Reymer chats with Evan Shelley, CEO and co-founder of Truck Parking Club, to explore one of the industry’s most persistent and costly issues: truck parking. Evan shares how a real estate background and a deep understanding of driver pain points led him to create a tech-enabled platform that rapidly adds thousands of parking spaces nationwide. They discuss the actual impact of parking scarcity and why solving this issue is key to improving retention and compliance. Th...
May 29, 2025•23 min•Ep. 202
In this episode, Jason Douglass opens up about the journey that brought him full circle: from leaving a company he loved, to returning with unfinished business and a renewed vision. Now serving as VP of Operations, Jason shares what it’s taken to rebuild not just a team, but a culture. He and Jeremy talk about what it means to lead with heart in an industry that often demands grit over vulnerability. Jason gets real about the personal challenges he’s faced - his path to sobriety, the mental toll...
May 15, 2025•23 min•Ep. 201
In this episode, host Jeremy Reymer sits down with Dr. Gina Anderson, Co-Founder and CEO of Luma Learning, to talk about personal growth, mental health, and the role of meaningful learning in the trucking industry.Dr. Gina shares how Luma goes beyond delivering content to build human connection and measurable change through immersive training programs. She also opens up about her new book Thrive, the science behind mindset shifts, and the importance of being present.Join us for a thoughtful disc...
May 01, 2025•26 min•Ep. 200
In this episode, host Jeremy Reymer is joined by Hope Zvara, CEO of Mother Trucker Yoga, to talk about what it really takes for drivers to take control of their health without stepping away from the job. They discuss the reasons traditional wellness programs struggle to connect with drivers, how shame and overwhelm keep people from starting, and why simple, consistent actions are far more effective than big, flashy plans. Hope also shares how Mother Trucker Yoga uses accessible tools, movement r...
Apr 24, 2025•27 min•Ep. 199
In this episode, host Jeremy Reymer is joined by Shelley Dellinger, Vice President of Recruiting and Marketing at Cargo Transporters, to discuss the challenges of driver recruitment and retention in the trucking industry. They explore how staying engaged in the industry and supporting drivers’ well-being leads to better retention. Shelley also shares how flexibility and community involvement help make Cargo Transporters a standout company in a competitive field. Join us for a conversation on the...
Apr 10, 2025•22 min•Ep. 198
In this episode, host Jeremy Reymer sits down with Jessica (Paugh) Warnke, CEO of Carter Express and Chair of the Indiana Motor Truck Association, to discuss leadership, innovation, and the realities of balancing work and family in trucking. Jessica shares how growing up in a trucking family shaped her career and the mindset that drives Carter Express forward. They explore the importance of company culture, problem-solving in logistics, and why industry advocacy matters now more than ever.Join u...
Mar 27, 2025•26 min•Ep. 197
In this episode, host Jeremy Reymer welcomes Dr. Mark Manera, Founder and CEO of Offshift, to discuss the health challenges truck drivers face and the small, sustainable changes that can make a big difference.They talk about why traditional wellness programs fail drivers, the impact of long hours and limited healthy options, and how small shifts in movement, nutrition, and sleep can improve well-being. Dr. Mark shares practical strategies designed for life on the road, showing how even five-minu...
Mar 20, 2025•28 min•Ep. 196
In this episode, host Jeremy Reymer sits down with Mats Holmbäck , Co-founder and CEO of Lanefinder , to explore how AI is transforming driver recruiting in the trucking industry. They break down the inefficiencies in traditional hiring—repetitive recruiter conversations, outdated job-matching methods—and how AI-driven solutions like Lanefinder Connect are streamlining the process. Mats shares his vision for using automation to help carriers hire smarter while giving drivers more control over th...
Mar 13, 2025•23 min•Ep. 195
In this episode, host Jeremy Reymer welcomes Gurdon Blackwell, Chief Revenue Officer at Asurint, to explore the evolving landscape of background screening in the trucking industry. They discuss the growing challenges of risk mitigation, the impact of nuclear verdicts, and why a thorough, well-executed background check is more than just a compliance measure, it’s a safeguard for carriers. Gurdon shares his expertise on why automation and integrations are key to faster, higher-quality hiring decis...
Feb 27, 2025•26 min•Ep. 194
In this episode, host Jeremy Reymer sits down with Trey Griggs, Founder and CEO of BETA Consulting Group and Director of Operations for the Broker Carrier Summit. They discuss the critical role of messaging in sales and marketing, the power of customer advocacy, and how startups can build a strong foundation for growth. Trey also shares insights on the Broker Carrier Summit—an event designed to foster trust and collaboration between brokers and carriers—and why it's making such an impact in the ...
Feb 13, 2025•29 min•Ep. 193
In this episode, host Jeremy Reymer shares a major update about the show’s new home and its next phase of growth. While the mission remains the same (tackling industry challenges, sharing insights, and celebrating the people who make trucking thrive), the format is evolving. Expect biweekly episodes, more discussions on leadership and personal growth, and new initiatives designed to bring even more value to listeners. Listen to hear what’s coming next and how you can be part of the journey....
Feb 06, 2025•2 min•Ep. 192
On this episode of Taking the Higher Road, we're revisiting a standout conversation with Tracy Rushing, Executive Director of Safety and Recruiting at RE Garrison, and a 2024 Influential Woman in Trucking. Originally aired as an insightful look into driver recruiting, retention, and wellness, this episode highlights Tracy’s mission to create a destination employer—where every employee plays a role in supporting drivers. She shares how RE Garrison’s approach to driver relationships, technology, a...
Jan 30, 2025•29 min•Ep. 191
On this episode of Taking the Hire Road, we’re revisiting a standout conversation featuring Jeremy Reymer, founder of DriverReach and the passion project Project 61. Originally aired as an inspiring call to action for the trucking industry, this episode sheds light on the alarming statistic of a 61-year life expectancy for CDL drivers and Jeremy's mission to change that narrative. Jeremy shares his journey into trucking, the origins of Project 61, and how the movement aims to educate, raise awar...
Jan 23, 2025•16 min•Ep. 190
On this episode of Taking the Hire Road, we’re revisiting a favorite episode featuring Karen Smerchek, President of Veriha Trucking and the next Chair of the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA). Originally aired during a critical moment in the industry, this conversation highlights Karen’s story of leading a family business, the legacy of trucking, and her passion for improving the lives of drivers and industry personnel. Karen and Jeremy Reymer also explore how carriers can navigate today’s ch...
Jan 16, 2025•32 min•Ep. 189
Shaun Lezer, Professional CDL driver of over a decade, joins Jeremy Reymer, founder of DriverReach and PROJECT 61, to discuss the challenges drivers face while delivering the nation’s good - especially physical and mental health. Shaun shares what motivated him to make some critical decisions to improve his health, and discusses the importance of taking small steps in the right direction. Special thanks to the show’s sponsors! DriverReach (https://www.driverreach.com) Project 61 (https://project...
Jan 09, 2025•24 min•Ep. 188
Nick Darman, Founder & CEO of Alvys, joins Jeremy Reymer, founder of DriverReach and PROJECT 61, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey into trucking, from starting a trucking company to creating Alvys, a world-class transportation management system (TMS) to help fleets maximize efficiency and utilization. Special thanks to the show’s sponsors! DriverReach ( https://www.driverreach.com ) Project 61 ( https://project-61.org/ ) Lanefinder ( https://www.lanefinder.com/ ) The National Transporta...
Dec 19, 2024•29 min•Ep. 187
This week guest host Leah Shaver, President & CEO of The National Transportation Institute, chats with Josh Hankins, senior vice president of safety, security, and driver personnel at J.B. Hunt. Josh is one of the leaders behind the innovation and implementation of technologies and programs at one of the most forward-looking companies in America. As he puts it: One of the core elements of accomplishing the large change management projects he helps oversee and steer is listening — listening t...
Dec 12, 2024•25 min•Ep. 186
Tracy Rushing, Executive Director of Safety and Recruiting with R.E. Garrison, and recipient of the Influential Woman in Trucking Award, joins Jeremy Reymer, founder of DriverReach and PROJECT 61, to discuss the importance of having the right mindset when it comes to recruiting, how best to leverage technology, and how being a human first is what sets the best carriers apart. Special thanks to the show’s sponsors! DriverReach ( https://www.driverreach.com ) Project 61 ( https://project-61.org/ )...
Dec 05, 2024•29 min•Ep. 185
The trucking industry faces a rapid push in technology and innovation, moving the industry from decades-old processes and systems into the current era. It is more important than ever for carriers and logistics companies to determine how they will modernize, or risk being forgotten. DDC FPO’s Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Global, Madison Conway, will share the power companies have to impact their futures and the trucking industry, through different initiatives, services, and s...
Nov 14, 2024•38 min•Ep. 184
Keith Whann, Chief Technology Officer of TruckSuite, joins Jeremy Reymer, founder of DriverReach and PROJECT 61, to discuss how TruckSuite continues to evolve in bringing technology solutions to address drivers’ greatest needs. Special thanks to the show’s sponsors! DriverReach ( https://www.driverreach.com ) Project 61 ( https://project-61.org/ ) Lanefinder ( https://www.lanefinder.com/ ) The National Transportation Institute ( https://driverwages.com/ ) Career Now Brands ( https://careernowbra...
Nov 07, 2024•26 min•Ep. 183
Special thanks to the show’s sponsors! DriverReach ( https://www.driverreach.com ) Project 61 ( https://project-61.org/ ) Lanefinder ( https://www.lanefinder.com/ ) The National Transportation Institute ( https://driverwages.com/ ) Career Now Brands ( https://careernowbrands.com/ ) Rockerbox ( https://www.rockerbox.com/ ) Appcast ( https://www.appcast.io/ ) Asurint ( https://asurint.com/ ) Arya By Leoforce ( https://leoforce.com/ ) Seiza ( https://www.seiza.co/ ) Drive My Way ( https://www.drive...
Oct 31, 2024•34 min•Ep. 182
Stormie Janzen, Vice President, Safety and Recruiting at Total Transportation of Mississippi, joins Jeremy Reymer, founder of DriverReach and PROJECT 61, to discuss the importance of being involved and engaged in the industry, how the industry comes together and responds to natural disasters, and her company’s dedication to being a top place for women to work for. Special thanks to the show’s sponsors! DriverReach ( https://www.driverreach.com ) Lanefinder ( https://www.lanefinder.com/ ) The Nat...
Oct 24, 2024•25 min•Ep. 181
Joe Anderson, Director of Recruiting, and Caleb Gee, Senior Driver Hiring Manager - both for Nussbaum Transportation and co-founders of Truck Driver’s Best, join Jeremy Reymer, founder of DriverReach and PROJECT 61, to discuss their effort to provide a service for drivers that’s sorely needed. Drivers can leverage Truck Driver’s Best to aid with career advice, enabling drivers to make better decisions as they lean on the valuable experience and expertise of the co-founders. Check out ore at http...
Oct 17, 2024•34 min•Ep. 180
Tune in for the latest episode as Jeremy Reymer is joined by Lisa M. Battaglia, Founder and President of Battaglia Communications as she shares her insights on the importance of the development and execution of an internal marketing and communications strategy to drives employee engagement, retention, and safety. Special thanks to the show’s sponsors! DriverReach ( https://www.driverreach.com ) Lanefinder ( https://www.lanefinder.com/ ) The National Transportation Institute ( https://driverwages...
Oct 10, 2024•26 min•Ep. 179
