Insurance might not be the sexiest topic in freight—but it should be. In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, host Jenni Ruiz sits down with Taylor Walker, Chief Insurance Officer at Loadsure, and Michael Kennedy, VP of Partnerships, to unpack one of the most misunderstood (and mission-critical) aspects of logistics: cargo insurance. Together, they decode the difference between hard and soft insurance markets, the rise of theft and fraud in 2025, and why too many brokers are unknowingly flying ...
Jul 09, 2025•58 min
In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, host Jenni Ruiz sits down with Corey Abbott, Chief Growth Officer at PortPro, to dive into one of the most overlooked yet essential links in the supply chain: drayage. From his early days in corporate IT at XPO to leading AI transformation at PortPro, Corey brings a rare blend of technical fluency and logistics expertise. He explains why drayage—long plagued by spreadsheets, missed appointments, and paper-heavy workflows—is finally getting the tech overha...
Jul 01, 2025•24 min
In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, host Jenni Ruiz sits down with Jesse Buckingham, co-founder of Vooma—the platform that’s redefining what it means to scale a freight business with AI. Jesse’s no stranger to the logistics industry, having previously led companies like Trucker Tools and Record360. Now, he’s building AI agents that slot directly into the workflows of logistics teams, taking on the tedious, repetitive tasks that slow brokers down. Jesse shares the vision behind Vooma’s orche...
Jun 25, 2025•40 min
In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, we sit down with Sean Smith, VP of Product and Client Services at Denim, for a candid look into what it really takes to build meaningful, transparent products in freight fintech. From his early days in management consulting to scaling a dump truck marketplace, Sean shares how he found his way into freight — and why he's here to stay. Sean unpacks how Denim is rewriting the playbook for factoring by eliminating hidden fees, prioritizing transparency, and e...
Jun 10, 2025•46 min
From Ad Exec to the King of Tricky Ship: Paul Jarrett on Reinventing Fulfillment for the Modern Brand In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, host Jenni Ruiz sits down with Paul Jarrett, co-founder and CEO of Bulu—a 3PL that’s anything but traditional. From growing up in a trailer park to co-founding one of the first subscription box companies, Paul shares the unexpected path that led him from Madison Avenue ad agencies to masterminding logistics for brands like Disney, Clorox, and Hulk Hogan. ...
Jun 04, 2025•48 min
In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, host Jenni Ruiz sits down with Ken Beyer, CEO of Transportation Insight and Nolan Transportation Group, to unpack what it takes to lead two powerhouse logistics organizations through economic shifts, technological transformation, and cultural growth. With more than $15 billion in freight under management and 20,000 loads moved daily, Ken shares how the Beon Digital Logistics Platform is reimagining shipper and carrier relationships—from port to porch. Ken...
May 27, 2025•38 min
In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, host Jenni Ruiz sits down with Kara Smith Brown, founder and CRO of LeadCoverage, and author of the Amazon bestseller The Revenue Engine to break down what most supply chain companies get wrong about marketing and go-to-market strategies. Kara shares how getting fired (and making babies) sparked her entrepreneurial journey, and how a kismet collaboration with co-founder Will Haraway led to the creation of LeadCoverage. From there, she’s helped drive hundr...
May 20, 2025•47 min
In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, we’re zooming out from inland trucking and straight into the ports with Tom Zeis, brand ambassador and founding team member at Port X Logistics. From launching a company with zero VC funding to navigating the chaos of the pandemic, Tom shares how Port X went from 10 trucks to a $200 million business in just five years. We dive into what it takes to build a resilient drayage operation in an unpredictable world—tariffs, strikes, vessel delays, and all—and w...
May 14, 2025•40 min
What if the secret to solving logistics’ biggest challenges isn’t in tech, but in trust? In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, Jenni Ruiz sits down with Brian Asher, SVP of Logistics at Hyway Transportation, a subsidiary of FST Logistics. From courtside beginnings in the NBA to the high-stakes world of freight, Brian takes us through his journey into logistics, leadership lessons that shaped his ethos, and why joining an employee-owned company changed everything. They dig deep into what sets ...
May 06, 2025•55 min
Is freight brokering really passive income? (Spoiler alert: Absolutely not.) In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, Jenni Ruiz sits down with Shimmi Munson, Business Development at Strategic Transport Inc. (STI), LinkedIn freight personality, and unapologetic logistics nerd. With 15 years in the game, Shimmi gets real about what it means to build lasting relationships with both carriers and customers, and why being a true advocate for both isn’t optional—it’s essential. From calling out the my...
Apr 30, 2025•42 min
In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, host Jenni Ruiz sits down with Dan Lindsey—founder and president of the Broker Carrier Summit—for a raw, no-BS conversation about what’s really broken in freight, and how his grassroots movement is setting out to fix it. From the Marines to the freight trenches, Dan shares the parallels between military structure and logistics chaos, and how a deep hatred of complacency (and complainers) fueled the creation of what’s quickly become one of the most importa...
Apr 22, 2025•39 min
In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, host Jenni Ruiz sits down with Eileen Dabrowski, Founder and CEO of Apex Tide Consulting, for her very first interview under her new title. Eileen opens up about her unconventional journey from academia to logistics, how she built a learning and development empire at ReedTMS and Werner Enterprises, and why she believes training, culture, and DEI aren’t just HR buzzwords—they’re business imperatives. Together, they unpack: - Why real branding starts with r...
Apr 15, 2025•44 min
In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, Jenni Ruiz sits down with Spencer Piland, CFO and COO of SONAR, for a timely conversation about the freight economy—and what every broker needs to watch as the landscape shifts. Recorded weeks ago but more relevant than ever, Spencer’s warning about tariffs rings loud and clear: They’re already affecting prices, whether we see it yet or not. Together, they dig into how brokers can sharpen their decision-making by focusing on their own networks, leveraging...
Apr 08, 2025•46 min
You know the voice - you know the face! We sat down with Lori Boyer of EasyPost and host of the "Unboxing Logistics" podcast who shared her bold predictions for 2025, and they’re already playing out in real time. From shifts in carrier strategies to the growing role of automation and AI in logistics, Lori’s insights weren’t just educated guesses; they were a blueprint for what’s happening now. In this episode, we revisit her take on the evolving parcel landscape, how businesses can stay ahead of...
Apr 02, 2025•31 min
The freight industry is evolving fast—so how do we keep it secure, innovative, and people-focused? In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, we sit down with two powerhouse leaders from DAT Freight & Analytics: Kary Jablonski, VP & GM of Trucker Tools and Broker Growth, and Dr. Erika Voss, VP of Information Security. We dive into everything from tackling fraud and cybersecurity threats to driving innovation in freight technology. Kary and Erika share insights on building a people-first wo...
Mar 26, 2025•50 min
In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, host Jenni Ruiz sits down with Kameel Gaines, founder and CEO of Rig on Wheels. Celebrating 15 years in business, Kameel shares her journey from corporate sales to building a driver recruitment powerhouse. She opens up about the challenges of navigating the trucking industry, the importance of learning from failure, and her powerful insights on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) in the face of shifting priorities. From her creative initiatives like th...
Mar 17, 2025•52 min
In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, we sit down with Kendra Phillips, VP and GM of Global Transportation Management at Ryder, to explore her remarkable career journey. From her early days as a chemical engineer to her impactful leadership at Ryder, Kendra shares insights on navigating a male-dominated industry, empowering women in logistics, and the mindset shifts she brought back from her time in the startup world. We also dive into Ryder's forward-thinking approach to technology, their in...
Mar 11, 2025•34 min
To kick off our month-long celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re bringing you a powerhouse panel of women leading the charge in supply chain at Henkel! From inventory management to transportation, logistics, and customer excellence, these leaders take us inside the end-to-end supply chain—breaking down challenges, sharing career lessons, and decoding common industry myths. Join Emily Aktar (Supply Chain Manager), Cheryl Lamb (eCommerce & Continuous Improvement Logistics Manager), Karse...
Feb 25, 2025•55 min
In the world of power logistics, the stakes are high, and the challenges are unique. In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, Jenni Ruiz sits down with Agustin Harriague, VP of Logistics, Inventory, and Warehousing at Mitsubishi Power Americas, to unpack the biggest misconceptions around cost, carrier relationships, and RFP strategies in the industry. Agustin shares his insights on why logistics isn't just a cost center but a competitive advantage, how shippers should move beyond price-driven de...
Feb 25, 2025•37 min
In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, Jenni Ruiz sits down with Shane Duncan, VP of Managed Transportation Sales at FreightPlus, to break down why managed transportation is about more than just securing the lowest rate. They explore the biggest challenges shippers face today—lack of visibility, rising customer expectations, and the need for smarter, tech-enabled solutions. Shane shares how AI, automation, and strategic partnerships are reshaping logistics, emphasizing the importance of long-t...
Feb 18, 2025•42 min
The freight market has been unpredictable for years—but is a rebound finally here? In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, Jenni Ruiz talks with Frank Discenza, COO of Direct Traffic Solutions, about how DTS has powered through downturns, grown 30%, and why they don’t waste time “waiting” for market shifts. Frank shares his take on market trends, the role of AI in brokerage, and why strong carrier relationships make all the difference. Plus, his leadership philosophy in one line: No BS at DTS. ...
Feb 11, 2025•32 min
In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, Jenni Ruiz sits down with Ken Adamo, Chief of Analytics at DAT, to challenge some of the freight industry’s biggest misconceptions. They unpack why transparency doesn’t always benefit carriers, how the spot market evolved post-COVID, and why freight isn’t as commoditized as people think. Plus, Ken gets candid about Ohio State, the logistics of oversized chickens, and the one thing he wishes everyone understood about pricing. -- Disclaimer: All views and o...
Feb 04, 2025•38 min
From truck driver to CIO, Daragh Mahon's journey is unlike any other. Join host, Jenni Ruiz, on Supply Chain Decoded as they explore Daragh's unique path and how it shaped his leadership at Werner Enterprises. Discover the power of empathy in IT, the importance of understanding your workforce, and how agile methodologies are driving change in the logistics industry. Plus, get an insider's look at how Werner is leveraging AI and automation to navigate the future of supply chain. -- Disclaimer: Al...
Jan 28, 2025•52 min
Ever wonder how to build a podcast empire while crushing it in the freight world? Chris Jolly, host of The Freight Coach Podcast, reveals his playbook. From conquering the freight recession to the power of genuine connections, Chris drops truth bombs on building a successful business (hint: it's harder than just selling!). Get ready for a dose of inspiration and a no-BS look at what it takes to win in freight. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speak...
Jan 21, 2025•36 min
Can AI truly revolutionize supply chain management? How can businesses balance sustainability with profitability? Join host Jenni Ruiz and supply chain veteran Eric Sjolseth, Adjunct Professor of Supply Chain Consulting and Sustainability at Auburn University, as they explore these questions and more. Uncover the secrets to successful change management, the importance of data-driven decision-making, and the unexpected places where inspiration can be found. From the challenges of freight process ...
Jan 12, 2025•42 min
What if logistics could be fun? FreightVana proves it's possible! Hear how their unique company culture fuels innovation and drives success in this competitive industry from Shannon Breen (Co-CEO and Founder) and Regan Daniels (SVP of Technology). We dive deep into their tech solutions, driver relationships, and commitment to transparency – it's not your typical freight company! Plus, learn what Shannon and Regan think everyone gets wrong in supply chain. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions ex...
Jan 07, 2025•39 min
In the debut episode of Supply Chain Decoded, host Jenni Ruiz sits down with Transfix co-founders Jonathan Salama and Drew McElroy for a candid conversation about the journey that shaped their industry-disrupting company. From the founding story to lessons learned over a decade of innovation, Drew and Jonathan detail how Transfix evolved from a traditional brokerage to a cutting-edge technology provider. They share game-changing customer stories, reveal the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneu...
Dec 03, 2024•43 min
On this episode of The Transfix Take On, host Jenni Ruiz sits down with Nathan Brandon, VP of Sales and Operations at GSO Healthcare, to explore the urgent need for transparency in the healthcare supply chain. Nathan shares how his journey into the industry began during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time that exposed significant inefficiencies and a 'black box' system where product sourcing and costs were often hidden from stakeholders. They discuss how AI and technology can revolutionize supply chai...
Sep 20, 2024•39 min
On this episode of The Transfix Take On, Aaron Alpeter, principal and founder of Izba, dives into the critical role of supply chain optimization in the fast-paced world of e-commerce. Aaron shares his passion for supply chain management and the impressive journey behind building the Izba empire. He shares the importance of profitability and understanding your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) as essential steps for businesses looking to be acquisition-ready. We also cover how election years can disru...
Sep 09, 2024•38 min
On this episode of The Transfix Take On, Chris Smith, Vice President of Transportation at the Specialized Carriers and Rigging Association (SC&RA), dives into specialized carriers' unique challenges due to varying state-to-state legislation. With oversized and specialized loads that don’t fit standard federal regulations, these carriers encounter operational hurdles and inconsistencies across states. Chris discusses SCNRA's major advocacy goals: achieving uniformity and harmonization in stat...
Aug 30, 2024•32 min
