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Send us Fan MailThe South Carolina Real Estate Commission has issued important new guidance on private listings, office exclusives, off-MLS listings, and other forms of limited market exposure—and every South Carolina real estate agent and Broker-in-Charge needs to understand what it means.In this episode of Dishin' Dirt, Gary Pickren breaks down the Commission's new Seller-Directed Limited Residential Market Exposure Guidance and explains why this is about much more than simply whether a seller can choose to keep a property off the MLS.Private listings are still legal in South Carolina. But the Commission has made an important distinction: when a real estate licensee recommends limited market exposure, the licensee should be prepared to demonstrate why that recommendation was in the seller's best interests—not primarily the interests of the agent or brokerage.In Part 1, we discuss:What the SC Real Estate Commission actually said—and what it did not sayWhy broad public marketing remains the Commission's general starting pointThe difference between a seller requesting a private listing and an agent recommending oneWhy simply getting the seller to sign a disclosure may not be enoughThe fiduciary-duty issues agents need to understandThe potential conflict when limited exposure increases the opportunity to keep both sides of a transaction within the same brokerageWhy agents should be able to explain exactly how limited exposure benefits the individual sellerThe Commission's warning about using limited-market listings as part of a brokerage business strategyWhy the new Commission-approved form specifically asks whose idea the private listing wasThe key question coming out of this new guidance may be surprisingly simple:Who is the private listing really benefiting—the seller, the agent, or the brokerage?If an individual seller wants privacy and understands the tradeoffs, that is one thing. But if a brokerage or agent introduces a private-listing strategy, the analysis may be very different.This episode is especially important for South Carolina REALTORS®, real estate agents, Brokers-in-Charge, brokerage owners, team leaders, and anyone involved with private or off-MLS listings.
Monday 24 August 2026 Bitcoin, gold and oil surge as geopolitical turmoil and fears of rate rises hits equities. The financial crimes watchdog cracks down on brokers, lawyers and accountants The US and Canada go to war over trade Aldi cuts back on its middle aisle specials China hosts the first World Humanoid Robot Games, and the winner of the 100m dash is faster than Usain Bolt Hit follow on the podcast so you don’t miss the latest news, and join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - ten purchases that actually save you money. Get the episode from Apple, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In today's show, we are jumping straight into two major legal battles shaping our industry. First, we break down a FreightWaves report on 22 states suing to stop a massive federal request for 17 million CDL holder records, looking at the thin line between FMCSA driver safety enforcement and commercial driver privacy. Next, we'll move to an Overdrive article detailing how federal courts are cracking down on double brokering and enforcing vicarious liability following devastating accidents involving companies like A1 Logistics and Penske. If you are a freight broker, this is your wake-up call to stop turning a blind eye, tighten your carrier vetting processes, and fix your internal operations before getting dragged into a courtroom! Resources / References https://www.freightwaves.com/news/why-22-states-are-suing-to-block-a-federal-demand-for-17-million-truckers-records https://www.overdriveonline.com/business/article/15832732/courts-cracking-down-on-double-brokers-with-two-important-cases
On this Friday edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, host Malcolm Harris and Michael Vincent who is broadcasting live from WHAT THE TRUCK?!? West in Fort Worth, Texas) dive into crucial financial protection strategies for freight brokers and the complex, rapidly shifting landscape of trade tariffs. Ryan Frame and Ryan O'Leary from Ashford Advisors break down why disability insurance is one of the most critical—yet most ignored—pieces of financial protection in commission-driven industries. Learn how unexpected illnesses, taxable benefit traps, and base salary caps can impact your income and how to protect your line of work. Charlie Clevenger, Principal at UHY, breaks down Section 122, Section 301, and Section 232 tariffs. Discover how national defense rules, forced labor regulations, and trade policy shifts affect manufacturers, freight brokers, and consumer supply chains. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor - GNOSIS FREIGHT Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this Friday edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, host Malcolm Harris and Michael Vincent who is broadcasting live from WHAT THE TRUCK?!? West in Fort Worth, Texas) dive into crucial financial protection strategies for freight brokers and the complex, rapidly shifting landscape of trade tariffs. Ryan Frame and Ryan O'Leary from Ashford Advisors break down why disability insurance is one of the most critical—yet most ignored—pieces of financial protection in commission-driven industries. Learn how unexpected illnesses, taxable benefit traps, and base salary caps can impact your income and how to protect your line of work. Charlie Clevenger, Principal at UHY, breaks down Section 122, Section 301, and Section 232 tariffs. Discover how national defense rules, forced labor regulations, and trade policy shifts affect manufacturers, freight brokers, and consumer supply chains. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor - GNOSIS FREIGHT Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For mortgage brokers, uncovering new revenue opportunities doesn't always mean finding new clients – it can mean helping existing clients take the next step in their property journey. Julian Fadini, founder of PRPTY 360, joins In Focus to explore the current investor landscape and why experienced investors are looking beyond the market noise to identify opportunities. He also unpacks how PRPTY 360 works with mortgage brokers, why long-term relationships and local networks can provide an edge in a crowded market, and how brokers can help clients approach investment decisions with greater clarity and confidence. Tune in to hear: Why experienced investors may be looking to re-enter the market. Why data alone isn't enough when assessing property investment opportunities. How mortgage brokers can build valuable referral partnerships. And much more!
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Rafael Weiss is the co-founder of Sytes, a marketplace platform that connects commercial real estate landlords, developers, and brokers with tenants actively looking for space in real time. Rafael came to the problem as a developer who lost a deal because tenant demand was invisible until it was too late, and built Sytes to fix the information asymmetry at the core of retail leasing. The platform serves nearly 350 tenants and over 35,000 active site listings across all 50 states, with clients including Kimco, InvenTrust, Church's Chicken, and Dutch Bros. Rafael is based in Boca Raton, Florida.(01:04) Retail's Demand Visibility Problem (02:44) Why Sytes (04:04) A Filtration System for Tenant Demand (06:24) Getting First Customers to Pay Upfront (07:24) Why Tenant Demand Data Was Opaque (08:34) Anonymous Tenant Expansion (10:14) How a Deal Happens on Sytes (11:24) Church's Chicken Case Study (14:54) Kimco & MyEyeDoctor Portfolio Review (16:34) REITs & Strip Centers (18:04) The Subscription Model (19:24) Retail Is Back (22:44) AI Leasing Agents & the Broker's Future (24:04) Tenant Demand Index for Developers (27:24) Bootstrapping vs. Venture Capital Backing (28:24) Collaboration Superpower: Travis Kalanick
After a decade in banking, former BOQ franchisee Nicholas Barker made the leap into broking, starting a brokerage that quickly scaled to a team of five and settled $145 million in its first year. In this edition of New Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with the founder and mortgage broker at Brokers for Queensland to learn how he hit the ground running, why he offers a fully diversified loan offering, and the operational strategies behind his business growth. Tune in to find out: How he managed to write more than $100 million in his first year of broking. The key takeaways and operational lessons behind rapidly scaling a brokerage. Why thorough planning is critical when transitioning from banking into broking. And much more!
In Today's Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we look at the growing AI funding wave in India, with Mstack AI and Simplismart in talks for fresh capital. We also break down how a possible UPI MDR could add costs for e-commerce platforms, brokers and merchants. Plus, we explore the emerging clipping economy and the copyright questions around it, and Meta's new open-weight AI model Muse Glimmer and Mark Zuckerberg's push for open weights
We've got updates on the I-5 Rose Quarter renovation, the climate cash for cops ballot initiative, and Portland's toxic air quality as we bring back our news lightning round. Plus, we're looking at big incentives being paid to bring tenants downtown, and we're digging into our mailbag to hear from you, our listeners. Joining host Claudia Meza are Willamette Week reporter and author Brianna Wheeler, and our very own executive producer, John Notarianni. Become a member of City Cast Portland! Join today, and we'll send you some exclusive City Cast Portland swag, while supplies last. Get all the details and sign up here. Discussed in today's episode: As Oregon burns and gamblers bet, lawmakers push back against wildfire betting markets drawing millions [Oregonian] Portland had worst air quality in the world among major cities as wildfire smoke envelops area [Oregonian] Price tag of Portland's Rose Quarter road project jumps past $3B as funding gap balloons, records show [Oregonian] Effort to Send Climate Dollars to Cops Won't Qualify For November Ballot [Portland Mercury] To Attract Tenants, Desperate Downtown Building Owners Roll Out Rich Broker Incentives [Willamette Week] Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 6th episode: D'Amore Law
Heard any of these myths about selling ACA plans? We're debunking the rumors and delivering facts on ACA insurance sales. Listen as we set the record straight here on the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Read the text version Get Connected:
Solve crimes with the great detective in "Sherlock Holmes Short Stories." Featuring classic tales by Arthur Conan Doyle, this podcast brings you the brilliant deductions and thrilling adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the world of Holmes, these timeless mysteries will keep you captivated.
- Join David's email list, RECEIVE 7 FREE GIFTS!!- https://www.DavidCBarnettList.com Find the Linkedin post here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/davidbarnettmoncton_the-truth-about-buy-a-business-with-no-money-ugcPost-7484600420158398465-3qww/?rcm=ACoAAAOVpf4BZ-xaB5MqWUGsddWFIh8HwKM8lXU Find the interview with Ted Leverette here: https://youtube.com/live/lpbtq6YVYJk Why do business brokers ask for proof of funds before they'll share confidential information about a business for sale? In this video, I explain why this practice has become much more common and how today's business acquisition market has changed. We discuss why brokers need to qualify serious buyers, how the rise of "no money down" business acquisition programs has affected sellers and intermediaries, and why many legitimate buyers are concerned about sharing sensitive financial information. I also share a practical strategy for demonstrating financial capability without revealing your entire financial picture. Whether you're buying your first business or working with brokers regularly, understanding how proof of funds works can help you build credibility, protect your privacy, and move through the acquisition process more effectively. Cheers **** Do Business with David using these incredible internet links... - David's Blog where you can find hundreds of free videos and articles, https://www.DavidCBarnett.com - Book a call with David and let him help you with your project, https://www.CallDavidCBarnett.com - Learn how to buy a successful and profitable business in a risk-controlled way https://www.BusinessBuyerAdvantage.com - Get help selling your business, https://www.HowToSellMyOwnBusiness.com ----- Youtube music licensing code: 5PJWQOE5ZZHTQSRY
1. Saudi Arabia – World's Largest AI HackathonKanz (AI hiring platform) ran an 8-day free event (July 15–22) targeting 100,000 complete beginners — teachers, job seekers, business owners, etc. — with the goal of a Guinness World Record. Participants built real apps/agents using no-code tools (Lovable, n8n, Replit, Magnific, Claude, etc.) and earned certificates plus portfolio projects. Registration surged past 50,000. It builds on prior programs with strong female participation and workforce outcomes. Upshot: AI building no longer requires a coding background; accessible programs are becoming genuine on-ramps.2. California – DROP Data Deletion PlatformThe Delete Act's DROP platform (live Jan 2026) lets California residents submit one request to delete data from ~600 registered data brokers. Identity verification uses California Identity Gateway/Login.gov; identifiers are normalized and hashed so the state never sees or shares raw personal data. Brokers must check every 45 days from Aug 1, 2026, fully delete matches, and report back. Applies to large processors worldwide; heavy fines and future audits. Upshot: A privacy win worth using if you're in California; likely to be copied elsewhere.3. Australia – Origin Energy BreachAustralia's largest energy provider confirmed a breach potentially affecting a large portion of its ~5 million customers (hacker claimed ~2 million). Sensitive PII was leaked online. Utility data heightens risks for identity theft and further infrastructure attacks. Upshot: Change passwords and watch for phishing if affected.4. Anthropic – Claude Opus 5New flagship model launched at $5/$25 per million tokens (half Fable 5's input price), with 1M token context and adjustable “effort” levels. It outperforms or matches its pricier sibling on key benchmarks. Upshot: Forces reevaluation of vendor pricing vs. performance for coding/knowledge work.5. Kimi K3 – Largest Open-Weight ModelMoonshot AI released a 2.8-trillion-parameter model (1.4 TB weights). Within days, it was used to discover dozens of zero-days and build working exploits far faster than before. Fully open weights mean no usage restrictions. Upshot: Major step-change for vulnerability research timelines; treat as a serious new threat-intelligence factor.6. South Korea – 10-Month Diplomatic BreachAttackers accessed the National Diplomatic Academy system undetected from April 2025 to February 2026, stealing data on ~6,000 Ministry of Foreign Affairs personnel (including 360 overseas diplomats). Upshot: Dwell time is the bigger issue — invest in better detection.7. Suno Music-AI Breach (Nov 2025)55 million users' names, phones, and addresses exposed; only now public ~8 months later. Upshot: Check Have I Been Pwned; AI company breaches can stay hidden for long periods.8. U.S. – AI Kill Switch ActBipartisan bill (Reps. Lieu & Moran, introduced July 23) requires frontier models (≥$100M training cost) to maintain shutdown/throttling capability. DHS (with Commerce & DNI) could order action for catastrophic risks. Fines up to $20M/day. Predates recent high-profile AI incidents but cites them. Upshot: Frontier developers should assess compliance readiness; some form of this is increasingly likely.
Anthony Saunders says every broker should understand their clients' exposure to environmental externalities. The partnership director for EnviroSure at Gow-Gates Insurance Australasia in Sydney says it's not just about protecting the client - any liability not covered for a client by the broker can become a direct exposure against the broker's own professional indemnity insurance.
California's Delete Act (SB 362) introduced DROP (Delete Request and Opt-out Platform), which launched on January 1, 2026. It lets residents submit one deletion request that automatically propagates to all registered data brokers in the state—currently around 500 companies. The Core Problem It SolvesData brokers collect and resell personal information from people they've never directly interacted with. Before DROP, individuals had to manually find each broker, submit separate requests, and hope for compliance with no centralized tracking.How DROP WorksResidency Verification: Users prove they're Californian via the California Identity Gateway or Login.gov (no permanent state account needed). This avoids redundant collection of sensitive data by brokers.Provide Identifiers: Users submit details like name (and former names), date of birth, ZIP code, email, phone, mobile advertising IDs (MAID), connected TV IDs, and VINs. More identifiers improve matching accuracy across brokers.Centralized Submission: One request is sent to all registered brokers.Privacy-Preserving Matching: California does not share raw personal data. Instead, it normalizes and hashes identifiers, creating deletion lists. Brokers hash their own records and compare hashes. Matches trigger deletion without exposing underlying data—similar in concept to lightweight privacy-preserving techniques.Recurring Compliance Cycle: Starting August 1, 2026, brokers must check DROP at least every 45 days (via API or download), process new requests, and honor prior deletions through ongoing suppression.Multi-Identifier Lists: Separate hashed lists exist for different data types; brokers use those relevant to their holdings.Full Deletion: A match requires deleting all associated records for that individual, not just the matching identifier, and preventing future sales.Reporting and Transparency: Brokers report completion status back through DROP, allowing users to track progress from pending to completed.Ongoing Obligation: Deletion is not one-time; brokers must maintain suppression lists indefinitely.Global Reach: Any data broker processing significant volumes of Californians' data (threshold ~100,000 records) must register and comply, regardless of headquarters location.Broker Burden: Requires new infrastructure for hashing pipelines, scheduled polling, cross-identifier matching, suppression, and reporting. The state provides documentation, webinars, and test environments.Enforcement: Third-party audits begin in 2028 and recur every three years. Fines reach $200 per consumer per day for noncompliance.Scope and RequirementsWhy It MattersDROP targets brokers handling highly sensitive data (geolocation, biometrics, SSNs). Beyond faster deletions, it compels the industry to adopt stronger technical privacy and security practices. The architecture is innovative: the state coordinates mass privacy actions across hundreds of companies without ever holding or seeing raw personal data. If successful under real-world load from August 2026 onward, it could become a model for other states and countries—enabling deletion at scale without relying on trust.Closing Insight: The real breakthrough isn't just the deletion feature but the underlying privacy infrastructure that makes coordinated, verifiable, and secure data removal possible.
Charles Symington, president and CEO, Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, discusses independent agency growth, Big I's 2026 Market Share Report findings and what lies ahead for agents and insurers.
No episódio de hoje do Kiwicast, recebemos Vitor Amaral e Izabelle Pollo, sócios da Brokers Brasil, empresa de educação para o mercado imobiliário que faturou R$3 milhões no primeiro ano, projeta R$10 milhões no segundo e já impactou mais de R$1 bilhão em volume geral de vendas de imóveis.Vitor passou anos no digital, construiu uma operação de lançamentos que chegou a R$2,5 milhões e uma equipede 17 pessoas. E quebrou. Gestão ineficiente, não demitiu na hora certa, VSL parou de escalar. Foi exatamente nesse momento que enxergou o mercado imobiliário como uma oportunidade que ninguém do digital estava olhando.Izabelle veio do interior do Rio de Janeiro, família humilde, entrou no digital em 2020 com afiliados e lançamentos. Em 2024 caiu de paraquedas no imobiliário como estrategista deposicionamento de um dos maiores corretores do Brasil. Juntos criaram a Brokers Brasil. No primeiro dia tinham zero seguidores. No segundo, 3.000. Em pouco tempo chegarama 30 mil seguidores de forma 100% orgânica. A empresa hoje tem equity, valor de mercado, pessoas, processos e produtos estruturados. Não depende de um rosto para funcionar.No Kiwicast, eles falaram sobre:● Por que largaram a lógica de lançamento e foram construir uma empresa de verdade● Como o mercado imobiliário é o maior ativo que ninguém do digital olha● Como fazer R$80 mil virar R$1 milhão em 10 anos com alavancagem imobiliária● Como construíram uma marca que não depende de rosto para funcionar● Por que o mercado digital ainda é amador e o que falta para sair desse cicloAprenda com quem vive o mercado digital na prática.Dá o play e deixe nos comentários qual foi o melhor insight que você tirou do episódio.Nosso Instagram é @Kiwify
Host Malcolm Harris and co-host Michael Vincent kick off a packed Wednesday edition of the "fastest forty-five minutes of freight". The hosts open with lighthearted banter comparing the intense summer heat and humidity in Chattanooga versus Texas before diving into current news, industry headlines, and deep-dive discussions with two featured guests. Industry Headlines CDL Safety Blitz Crackdowns: The hosts discuss recent multi-state commercial vehicle inspection blitzes (in states like Arizona and Nebraska) that placed dozens of trucks and drivers out of service. Michael argues that despite these enforcement drives, statistical data shows commercial drivers remain among the safest demographics on the road, questioning the underlying motivations behind the blitzes. In Memoriam – Alan Adler: The hosts pay tribute to award-winning journalist Alan Adler, who passed away. They reflect on his legacy as a pioneer in freight media, creator of the Truck Tech newsletter, and a dedicated humanitarian. Featured Guests Dave Rimkus | Head of Global Supply Chain Decarbonization, Schneider Electric (SE Advisory Services) Supply Chain Decarbonization & Scope 1–3: Dave discusses how large multinational companies are working to decarbonize. He notes that 80–95% of a company's emissions typically lie outside its "four walls" within upstream suppliers and logistics (Scope 3). Addressing Choke Points & Risk: Using AI tools like "Sarah" (Resource Advisor), Dave's team tracks environmental choke points, energy grid instability, and supply chain dependencies to build resilience and avoid costly disruptions. Practical Efficiency: Dave highlights how simple efficiency steps—such as route optimization, reducing deadhead miles, truck aerodynamics, and preventative maintenance—offer immediate cost savings and carbon reductions without requiring massive new expenditures. Phil Brink | Head of Fraud Media, FreightWaves Rising Cargo Theft & Fraud: Phil details the growing sophistication of organized crime in supply chains. Bad actors no longer rely solely on dockworker tips; they use AI, stolen identities, fictitious paperwork, and fraudulent carrier profiles to steal high-value loads. Human-Level Vetting & Collaboration: Phil argues for stronger human-level carrier verification (DMV-backed ID checks, biometric links, and GPS tracking) rather than relying on surface-level documentation. He emphasizes the urgent need for better collaboration and shared tech standards between brokers and shippers to catch fraud before trucks are loaded. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor - GNOSIS FREIGHT Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Host Malcolm Harris and co-host Michael Vincent kick off a packed Wednesday edition of the "fastest forty-five minutes of freight". The hosts open with lighthearted banter comparing the intense summer heat and humidity in Chattanooga versus Texas before diving into current news, industry headlines, and deep-dive discussions with two featured guests. Industry Headlines CDL Safety Blitz Crackdowns: The hosts discuss recent multi-state commercial vehicle inspection blitzes (in states like Arizona and Nebraska) that placed dozens of trucks and drivers out of service. Michael argues that despite these enforcement drives, statistical data shows commercial drivers remain among the safest demographics on the road, questioning the underlying motivations behind the blitzes. In Memoriam – Alan Adler: The hosts pay tribute to award-winning journalist Alan Adler, who passed away. They reflect on his legacy as a pioneer in freight media, creator of the Truck Tech newsletter, and a dedicated humanitarian. Featured Guests Dave Rimkus | Head of Global Supply Chain Decarbonization, Schneider Electric (SE Advisory Services) Supply Chain Decarbonization & Scope 1–3: Dave discusses how large multinational companies are working to decarbonize. He notes that 80–95% of a company's emissions typically lie outside its "four walls" within upstream suppliers and logistics (Scope 3). Addressing Choke Points & Risk: Using AI tools like "Sarah" (Resource Advisor), Dave's team tracks environmental choke points, energy grid instability, and supply chain dependencies to build resilience and avoid costly disruptions. Practical Efficiency: Dave highlights how simple efficiency steps—such as route optimization, reducing deadhead miles, truck aerodynamics, and preventative maintenance—offer immediate cost savings and carbon reductions without requiring massive new expenditures. Phil Brink | Head of Fraud Media, FreightWaves Rising Cargo Theft & Fraud: Phil details the growing sophistication of organized crime in supply chains. Bad actors no longer rely solely on dockworker tips; they use AI, stolen identities, fictitious paperwork, and fraudulent carrier profiles to steal high-value loads. Human-Level Vetting & Collaboration: Phil argues for stronger human-level carrier verification (DMV-backed ID checks, biometric links, and GPS tracking) rather than relying on surface-level documentation. He emphasizes the urgent need for better collaboration and shared tech standards between brokers and shippers to catch fraud before trucks are loaded. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor - GNOSIS FREIGHT Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
"I relate it to one of the Wizard of Oz characters... I've seen behind the curtain. I know how it's all put together."What happens when a man who spent nearly five decades inside every corner of the self-funded industry decides his final act is to give the playbook away?My guest this week is Charlie Gragg, a true first-generation veteran of self-funding. Charlie started in the late 1970s underwriting stop-loss cases on napkins from payphone booths, went on to run his own TPA, and has now semi-retired into a role he believes the industry desperately needs: the fiduciary co-pilot.He won't take your broker of record letter; he doesn't want it. Instead, he partners with brokers, consultants, and C-suite executives to build health plans from scratch, the way an owner would.If you're a broker who knows you have a ceiling on your self-funding expertise, this episode is your permission slip to get help. Tune in.Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!ParetoHealth: ParetoHealth empowers midsize employers with a long-term solution to reduce volatility and lower overall health benefits costs. Visit https://www.paretohealth.com/fully-insured-vs-self-funding-with-paretohealth-spencer-podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=SelfFundedwSpencer to learn more.Samaritan Fund: A program that connects those who need help to the support they need. We are proud to offer the Samaritan Fund Program. Visit SamaritanFundProgram.com to learn more.Vālenz Health: We're Vālenz Health, your partner in improving health literacy, reducing plan spend, and delivering high-value healthcare. Visit ValenzHealth.com to learn more.Imagine360: Imagine360 helps self-funded employers save on healthcare with smarter health plans. Cut expenses by 20-30% with custom solutions. Contact us today at Imagine360.com.Chapters:(00:00:00) Intro: Behind the Curtain of Self-Funding(00:00:55) The Fiduciary Co-Pilot: Why Charlie Won't Take Your BOR(00:02:58) Charlie's Background: First-Generation TPA in the Late '70s(00:04:46) Napkin Underwriting and $2,000 Aggregate Stop-Loss(00:06:18) The Two Sales: Selling the Employer AND the Underwriter(00:07:20) Why the TPA Business Is So Hard to Do Right(00:11:27) The Fiduciary TPA: Accountant of the Health Plan(00:13:32) The 401(k) Parallel: Fiduciary Standards Are Coming for Brokers(00:14:43) Building Custom Plans vs. Buying the Box(00:16:25) Stop Haggling Over Stop-Loss — Solve the Claims Instead(00:18:46) Owning Your Stop-Loss Through a Group Captive(00:21:25) The 3-6 Month Setup: Finding Fiduciary Partners First(00:23:34) The One Question to Ask Every TPA(00:26:07) Why PBMs Need the Fiduciary Standard Too(00:28:01) Eating the Elephant: Meeting Employers Where They Are(00:30:56) Winning Over the C-Suite Before the HR Director(00:34:42) Claims Negotiators, Re-Pricers, and the Lost Art of the Phone Call(00:39:11) Do You Still Need a Carrier Network?(00:41:51) The Quality Anomaly: Why the Best Care Costs Less(00:43:34) DRG Bundles and the $20,000 Burn Unit That Never Was(00:46:52) Wellness, Behavioral Health, and the Loyalty Dividend(00:55:31) Building the Utopian Health Plan: The Blueprint(01:01:03) What's Missing? Belief.(01:04:18) The Future: Adoption in the Mid-Market(01:06:33) Closing Thoughts: The System Won't Fix ItselfKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/
"I relate it to one of the Wizard of Oz characters... I've seen behind the curtain. I know how it's all put together."What happens when a man who spent nearly five decades inside every corner of the self-funded industry decides his final act is to give the playbook away?My guest this week is Charlie Gragg, a true first-generation veteran of self-funding. Charlie started in the late 1970s underwriting stop-loss cases on napkins from payphone booths, went on to run his own TPA, and has now semi-retired into a role he believes the industry desperately needs: the fiduciary co-pilot.He won't take your broker of record letter; he doesn't want it. Instead, he partners with brokers, consultants, and C-suite executives to build health plans from scratch, the way an owner would.If you're a broker who knows you have a ceiling on your self-funding expertise, this episode is your permission slip to get help. Tune in.Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!ParetoHealth: ParetoHealth empowers midsize employers with a long-term solution to reduce volatility and lower overall health benefits costs. Visit https://www.paretohealth.com/fully-insured-vs-self-funding-with-paretohealth-spencer-podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=SelfFundedwSpencer to learn more.Samaritan Fund: A program that connects those who need help to the support they need. We are proud to offer the Samaritan Fund Program. Visit SamaritanFundProgram.com to learn more.Vālenz Health: We're Vālenz Health, your partner in improving health literacy, reducing plan spend, and delivering high-value healthcare. Visit ValenzHealth.com to learn more.Imagine360: Imagine360 helps self-funded employers save on healthcare with smarter health plans. Cut expenses by 20-30% with custom solutions. Contact us today at Imagine360.com.Chapters:(00:00:00) Intro: Behind the Curtain of Self-Funding(00:00:55) The Fiduciary Co-Pilot: Why Charlie Won't Take Your BOR(00:02:58) Charlie's Background: First-Generation TPA in the Late '70s(00:04:46) Napkin Underwriting and $2,000 Aggregate Stop-Loss(00:06:18) The Two Sales: Selling the Employer AND the Underwriter(00:07:20) Why the TPA Business Is So Hard to Do Right(00:11:27) The Fiduciary TPA: Accountant of the Health Plan(00:13:32) The 401(k) Parallel: Fiduciary Standards Are Coming for Brokers(00:14:43) Building Custom Plans vs. Buying the Box(00:16:25) Stop Haggling Over Stop-Loss — Solve the Claims Instead(00:18:46) Owning Your Stop-Loss Through a Group Captive(00:21:25) The 3-6 Month Setup: Finding Fiduciary Partners First(00:23:34) The One Question to Ask Every TPA(00:26:07) Why PBMs Need the Fiduciary Standard Too(00:28:01) Eating the Elephant: Meeting Employers Where They Are(00:30:56) Winning Over the C-Suite Before the HR Director(00:34:42) Claims Negotiators, Re-Pricers, and the Lost Art of the Phone Call(00:39:11) Do You Still Need a Carrier Network?(00:41:51) The Quality Anomaly: Why the Best Care Costs Less(00:43:34) DRG Bundles and the $20,000 Burn Unit That Never Was(00:46:52) Wellness, Behavioral Health, and the Loyalty Dividend(00:55:31) Building the Utopian Health Plan: The Blueprint(01:01:03) What's Missing? Belief.(01:04:18) The Future: Adoption in the Mid-Market(01:06:33) Closing Thoughts: The System Won't Fix ItselfKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/
Evan Dash is the CEO of StoreBound and Author of the best-selling book, A Dash of Good: How to Turn a Business Based on Values into a Valuable Business. Evan's journey took him from firefighter to business executive before becoming a household name in the kitchenware industry. Alongside his wife Rachel, they launched DASH, their namesake kitchenware brand. Under Dash's leadership, the company skyrocketed to success, achieving sales of over $1 billion in sales and becoming the world's largest producer of waffle makers, popcorn poppers, and egg cookers, with over 100 million units sold. Before its 10th anniversary, Dash negotiated a majority sale of his company to Groupe SEB, the $8 billion global leader in the housewares industry.Highlight Bullets> Here's a glimpse of what you would learn…. Entrepreneurial journey from firefighter to CEO of a billion-dollar kitchenware brand.Transition from corporate retail experience to founding a business.Importance of a retail-first strategy versus direct-to-consumer approaches.Challenges faced in retail, including inventory management and product-market fit.The significance of a caring company culture and hiring practices.Strategies for DTC brands entering the retail space.The role of AI in enhancing business operations and creativity.Partnership dynamics in business, particularly with a spouse.Lessons learned from early failures and successes in product launches.Emphasis on building trust and relationships with customers and retailers.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Evan Dash, CEO of StoreBound and founder of Dash kitchenware. Evan shares his unconventional journey from firefighter to entrepreneur, building a brand that surpassed $1 billion in sales. He discusses leveraging brick-and-mortar retail expertise, the importance of a content-first strategy, and hiring people who genuinely care. Evan also highlights his partnership with his wife Rachel, strategies for DTC brands entering retail, and AI's growing role in business operations.Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Start where you have an unfair advantage Leverage your existing expertise, network, or channel (retail, DTC, etc.) instead of blindly following trends. Validate demand before scaling Use tools like crowdfunding, small test runs, or pilot launches to confirm product-market fit and reduce inventory risk. Treat retail like a different business If entering brick-and-mortar, master pricing, margins, cash flow, and logistics—don't assume your DTC playbook will work.Timestamps:00:00:00 Introduction and Setting the StageEvan discusses generational shifts in kitchenware preferences and the initial marketing approach for Dash.00:00:22 Podcast IntroductionHost introduces the E-com Breakthrough Podcast and sets up the episode's focus.00:00:35 Guest Introduction: Evan Dash's BackgroundEvan's journey from firefighter to CEO, and the founding of Dash kitchenware.00:01:51 Personal Connection and Product RecognitionHost shares personal experience with Dash products and introduces the main interview.00:02:19 Evan's Entrepreneurial JourneyEvan recounts his unconventional path from firefighting to retail and business.00:04:01 Lessons from Retail and E-commerce EvolutionEvan discusses his retail background, the fall of legacy brands, and the rise of e-commerce.00:05:57 Transition from Corporate to EntrepreneurshipEvan explains how being fired led him to start his own business with his wife.00:07:45 Working with a Spouse: Partnership InsightsEvan and the host discuss the dynamics and benefits of building a business with their wives.00:10:02 Travel and Business Partnership BenefitsEvan shares the advantages of traveling and working closely with his spouse.00:11:21 Launching Dash: Retail-First StrategyEvan explains why Dash started with a retail-first approach and the challenges faced.00:12:11 Early Product Experiments and Brand NamingEvan describes initial product ideas, licensing, and the decision to use his last name for the brand.00:14:30 Content-Driven Brand BuildingDash's early focus on content creation, social media, and appealing to younger consumers.00:16:37 Retail Placement and Cash Flow ChallengesHow Dash leveraged retail relationships for credibility and managed cash flow pressures.00:17:47 Retail Flywheel and Industry FOMOThe impact of early retail success and how it led to more opportunities.00:18:35 Product Flops and Risk MitigationEvan discusses product failures, the importance of sell-through, and strategies to minimize risk.00:22:07 Crowdfunding and Retailer RelationshipsUsing Kickstarter/Indiegogo to test products and proactively managing retailer relationships.00:24:30 Advice for DTC Brands Entering RetailEvan's recommendations for DTC brands looking to expand into retail.00:25:08 Learning New Channels and Building ExpertiseThe importance of becoming an expert in new sales channels and hiring for knowledge gaps.00:27:02 Brokers vs. Direct Outreach in RetailPros and cons of using brokers versus direct outreach for retail expansion.00:28:14 Focus, Time Management, and Agency PitfallsThe risks of losing focus, the value of time, and challenges with agencies.00:29:37 Hiring Smart People and Building TeamsHow hiring smarter people and building strong teams drives business growth.00:30:36 Culture of Caring and Core ValuesEvan's approach to company culture, hiring for care, and building a values-driven organization.00:34:15 Defining “Care” in Company CultureWhat “care” means at Dash and how it's embedded in the company's DNA.00:35:16 Empowerment, Trust, and Winning HeartsPairing care with empowerment, trust, and a focus on winning hearts internally and externally.00:38:20 Culture as a Competitive AdvantageHow culture and core values translate to consumer experience and business success.00:39:16 AI in Business: Human vs. AutomationEvan's perspective on AI, its role in efficiency, and why humans remain central.00:40:17 AI as a Multiplier, Not a ReplacementHow Dash is adopting AI to boost productivity while maintaining a human-centric approach.00:41:28 Final Thoughts and Book RecommendationEvan recommends his book and offers to connect with listeners.00:41:49 Three Actionable TakeawaysHost summarizes key lessons: domain expertise, caring culture, and hiring smart people.00:45:08 Rapid-Fire Questions: Book, AI Tool, InspirationEvan shares his favorite book, AI tools, and sources of inspiration in CPG and fashion.00:48:34 Closing and Contact InformationHow to connect with Evan and Dash; episode wrap-up.Resources mentioned in this episode:Josh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: Josh@eCommBreakthrough.comTools and Websites"Kickstarter": "00:23:27""Indiegogo": "00:23:27""ChatGPT": "00:46:15"Books"
Investor Fuel Real Estate Investing Mastermind - Audio Version
In this episode, Louis Baker of Lamp Portfolio shares insights into innovative real estate technology, market opportunities, and strategic growth in the high-stakes real estate industry. Discover how AI-driven platforms are transforming asset management and investment strategies. Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind: Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply Investor Machine Marketing Partnership: Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true 'white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com Coaching with Mike Hambright: Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a "mini-mastermind" with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming "Retreat", either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas "Big H Ranch"? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform! Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/ New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club —--------------------
Have lax laws left the for-profit adoption industry ripe for misconduct?
With an updated broker strategy underway, Australia's largest mortgage lender is now targeting partnerships with 'high-quality, highly productive' brokers to provide a tailored service to better support their clients. But what does that actually entail? In this today's episode of In Focus, sponsored by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, host Annie Kane welcomes national broker sales lead Michael Piper to dive into how the major bank is leveraging technology, tiering support, and evolving its lending policies to help brokers navigate increasingly complex borrower scenarios and scale their businesses. Tune in to find out: Why CBA thinks brokers will thrive as client needs become more complex. What the bank's three-tiered support system for brokers entails. How digitisation is helping brokers proactively manage client portfolios. And much more! Disclaimer: Applications for credit are subject to credit approval, satisfactory security, and minimum deposit requirements. Conditions apply to all loan options. Full terms and conditions will be set out in our loan offer if an offer is made. Interest rates are subject to change.
Dan Mosher is the CEO of DealGround, an AI-native platform helping commercial real estate brokers and investors find deals faster by organizing property data, identifying opportunities, and connecting directly with property owners. A veteran Silicon Valley entrepreneur, operator, and investor, Dan previously built and led the Merchant team at Postmates through its acquisition by Uber, served as President of Presto, and helped scale BrightRoll tenfold before its acquisition by Yahoo. Live from ICSC+Proptech in Las Vegas.(01:09) AI Survey with FirstAmerican (03:07) How DealGround Helps Brokers Find More Deals (06:08) Why AI Adoption Outpaces Trust (10:14) MCPs, Integrations & Fitting Into Broker Workflows
"The set-up packet didn't even contain a contract. ... [and] would come back and would get thrown into a manila folder, thrown into a file and forgotten, and you were using the truck." --Roar Logistics Senior Manager Scott Filipetti on many brokers' carrier set-up processes in the days of yore What brokers call "carrier onboarding” has certainly evolved mightily from the process Roar Logistics' Scott Filipetti describes off the top of this week's podcast. We're talking the process by which brokers get a carrier set up within their systems to haul shipper customers' freight, likewise ongoing monitoring of the basics of compliance with insurance and other requirements. Gone are the days of the manila folder, for certain. Today, Roar's Filipetti notes, the company utilizes the Highway company's service to manage onboarding, vetting and ongoing monitoring of owner-operators and other carriers that work with the company, in addition to a set of standard operating procedures you'll hear him describe in this Overdrive Radio edition. Increasingly automated, detailed vetting by brokers all around trucking is aimed in part at backstopping liability, with new urgency given the Supreme Court ruling earlier this year that killed off brokers' old standard defense against negligence suits in state courts after an accident. Filipetti knows the risk there -- unlike the prior broker featured after the SCOTUS ruling, Jennifer Mead of S2 International, Roar's actually experienced a post-crash suit in Filipettt's time there. Roughly six-seven years ago, he said, the company wasn't successful getting it thrown out in total. Yet they did keep it out of a jury trial with a settlement, at least, which Filipetti attributes in part to the broker's consistent approach to carriers, sticking to those SOPs, and documenting everything. But also, fundamentally, the company takes an approach to carriers that places real value on relationships, still likely the biggest driver of the business it does with carriers today. At the same time, as information available about carrier operations and safety performance has gone from the trickle of old to an absolute flood of potential sources over the last decades, Filipetti stands firm in the conviction that clearcut guidance for brokers and shippers is needed -- what they absolutely have to do in checking any carrier's official credentials, and just what they don't. "It would be nice if the FMCSA had some type of standard that we and other brokers, and shippers, could follow," he said. He's in favor of the general approach of the Transportation Intermediaries Association is pushing for a "hiring standard," he added. Clarity in such a standard might benefit carriers, too, whether through expanded opportunities or generally less invasive intrusions into their businesses by vetting services in the wake of the court's ruling. Much more on that front in the podcast. Roar Logistics has been a Broker of the Year in the Naitonal Association of Small Trucking Companies' Best Brokers program more than once in the last decade. That honor goes to a single broker every year during NASTC's annual conference, where Overdrive also honors four fleets as finalists in the Small Fleet Champ awards program each year. Time is running out to enter to compete in the program for those among you who are between 3 and 30 trucks. Get into the running at https://overdriveonline.com/2026sfc by July 31. Hope to see you there. As mentioned in the podcast: **Watch for our survey of owner-operators about broker vetting and more to publish this week: https://overdriveonline.com/business **Roar Logistics' website: https://roarlogistics.com
Featured on WGN Radio's Home Sweet Home Chicago on 07/11/26: Mark Milstein of Peak Utility Brokers introduces himself and his company to WGN listeners. Listen as Mark discusses their new Battery Program featuring a whole house backup battery for single family homes. Mark also highlights how Peak installs and provides batteries at NO COST to homeowners […]
This week on Home Sweet Home Chicago, David Hochberg is joined by Jim Brown of Legacy Properties to talk about the biggest pricing mistakes sellers make in today’s market. Next, Bob Schmitt of Junkluggers talks Facebook Marketplace scams and compassionate tips for summer moves. Then, Mark Milstein introduces Peak Utility Brokers and talks about a […]
Could a direct conversation with a prospect or tenant save your next lease from falling apart?In Episode 94 of I Own A Shopping Center Now What, Beth Azor explains why shopping center owners must remain personally involved in the most important parts of their business, even when they have leasing brokers and property managers handling day-to-day operations.Beth shares how direct conversations with hesitant prospects can reveal concerns that brokers may not uncover and create opportunities for flexible lease structures, including percentage rent and sales-based termination rights. She also explains how personal relationships with tenants can improve rent collection, prevent balances from becoming unmanageable, and reduce avoidable vacancies.The lesson is simple: delegate the work, but never delegate all responsibility for your tenants, prospects, and multimillion-dollar asset.
In this episode of The Heartland Multifamily Show, I sit down with Isaiah Garman and Trot Carey to talk about what it really takes to build momentum in multifamily real estate. We get into how young brokers can earn trust with experienced property owners, why long-term relationships matter, and how consistent marketing can create real opportunities years later. Isaiah and Trot also share how they work together as a team, from bringing in new clients to helping move larger multifamily deals across the finish line. We also talk about owner relationships, buyer demand, due diligence, personal habits, time management, and why staying consistent matters even when leads take months, or sometimes years, to develop. If you are interested in multifamily investing, real estate brokerage, building trust with property owners, or understanding how long-term marketing creates future deal flow, this episode gives you a real look inside the process. 00:00 Why Would a Real Estate Owner Trust a Young Broker? 00:31 What Was the Most Memorable Part of the Wedding? 01:11 What Stood Out From Their Wedding Day? 02:10 Why Was the Bride Late to Her Own Wedding? 04:00 How Did They Get Ahead of the Schedule in Multifamily? 05:00 Why Do Real Estate Leads Take Time to Develop? 06:33 How Can the Right Partnership Create More Opportunities? 07:10 Why Does Planning Deals Before They Happen Matter? 08:00 How Do Partners Divide Roles in Real Estate? 08:40 How Do You Start Landing Bigger Multifamily Deals? 10:28 How Do Young Brokers Earn Trust on Large Deals? 11:49 How Can Marketing Attract Serious Buyers and Sellers? 12:28 What Happens When Big Buyers Reach Out First? 13:38 Are Big Real Estate Owners Harder to Work With? 15:00 Why Should Brokers Not Judge Owners by Appearance? 17:30 What Surprises Young Brokers About Big Real Estate Owners? 19:04 Does Age Matter When Brokers Know What They're Doing? 20:10 Why Do Bigger Multifamily Deals Take Longer? 21:35 How Do Contracts Change on Larger Real Estate Deals? 22:54 Should Multifamily Buyers Inspect Every Unit? 24:10 Is There One Right Way to Do Due Diligence? 24:45 How Do Personal Habits Affect Sales Success? 26:00 Why Does Scheduling Personal Time Matter? 28:00 How Does Your Personal Life Impact Business Success? 29:10 What Habits Help Young Brokers Stay Focused? 30:05 How Do You Choose Who Deserves Your Time? 31:22 What Are Their Goals for the Rest of the Year? 32:00 How Long Does It Take to Build New Client Relationships? 33:00 Why Does Long-Term Marketing Create Future Sellers? 34:00 How Did a 15-Year Newsletter Turn Into a Seller Lead? 35:14 What Goals Are They Trying to Beat This Year? 36:08 Why Does Having Fun Matter While Building a Business? 37:20 How Can Viewers Connect With the Show? 38:05 Why Did the Episode Start So Casually? 38:45 Where Can Investors Find More Multifamily Resources?
In "Private Fleets Rescue Freight Brokers in 2026", Joe Lynch and Russell Jones, CEO & Co-founder of Private Fleet Net Zero, discuss how unlocking empty private backhauls provides brokers with discounted, high-quality capacity to combat fraud and skyrocketing liability. About Russ Jones Russell Jones co-founded Private Fleet Net Zero to help the 45% of trucks that are in Private Fleets with usually empty backhauls find loads from $50B+ of 3PL freight spend, leveraging his leadership of Cargo Chief, which enables 1,200+ 3PL buyers with $8B+ of spend to buy transportation capacity more profitably. Previously, Mr. Jones co-founded and led two cloud-based physical security firms. He was also the founding CEO of Clearvox Communications, which pioneered the market for cellular phone headsets, which he sold to Plantronics. Beforehand at Adaptec, Mr. Jones doubled a $50M channel products business to $100M. Mr. Jones has been awarded 10 patents, and holds a BSBA with highest honors from Boston University and an MBA from the Harvard Business School. About Private Fleet Net Zero Private Fleet Net Zero, PFNZ, is uniquely aggregating 10,000s of trucks with 1,000s of lanes of underutilized, underpriced, theft-free and superior private and dedicated fleet trucking capacity and matching via multi patent-pending technologies and artificial intelligence to $10Bs of freight spend registered on our cloud-based platform, while generating a compelling client ROI. Our network is quickly and efficiently growing both fleets and 3PLs on PFNZ, which is on a path to save 30M+ tree equivalents. Key Takeaways: Private Fleets Rescue Freight Brokers in 2026 In "Private Fleets Rescue Freight Brokers in 2026", Joe Lynch and Russell Jones, CEO & Co-founder of Private Fleet Net Zero, discuss how unlocking empty private backhauls provides brokers with discounted, high-quality capacity to combat fraud and skyrocketing liability. Massive Fleet Scale: Private Fleet Net Zero (PFNZ) has rapidly aggregated 80,000 trucks and 40,000 lanes of coverage, using patent-pending AI to match this massive pool of underutilized capacity with tens of billions of dollars in registered freight spend. The $150B Backhaul Waste: Private fleets (where the cargo owner owns the asset, like Walmart or Sherwin-Williams) make up 45% of all trucks on the highway, yet they run empty 80% of the time on their backhauls, leaving a $150 billion pool of premium capacity sitting idle. Pure Profit for Fleets: Because the primary "front haul" already covers the driver's salary, equipment, insurance, and core fuel costs, any backhaul revenue captured through PFNZ represents a 95% pure profit margin for the fleet owner. Quadrupled Broker Margins: Brokers can secure this premium capacity at a 25% discount to the market rate. In a tight market where a typical gross profit might only be $150 on an $1,150 load, cutting carrier costs from $1,000 to $750 can effectively triple or quadruple a broker's net margins. Eliminating Fraud and Liability: Shifting to private fleets bypasses the modern plague of cargo theft, cyber fraud, and "chameleon carriers" who hide bad histories under new DOT numbers. Furthermore, because private fleets have newer equipment and a third less accidents, they shield brokers from catastrophic multi-million dollar "nuclear verdicts" tied to carrier safety under the recent Montgomery ruling. Combating the 2026 Capacity Crunch: Massive federal enforcement of English language proficiency rules is projected to strip 25% of for-hire drivers (400,000 to 600,000 drivers) off the road. PFNZ rescues brokers by giving them an automated "outsourced recruiting team" to tap into stable private capacity that was previously heavily monopolized by the top 10 mega-brokerages. Seamless Integration & Sustainability: PFNZ connects to a broker's TMS within weeks via APIs, reports, or an AI bot to automatically map buying patterns. By eliminating empty miles, the platform is on track to save over 45 million tree equivalents in CO2, giving public companies and shippers a verifiable decarbonization story for SEC and board reporting. Learn More About Private Fleets Rescue Freight Brokers in 2026 Russ Jones | Linkedin Private Fleet Net Zero | Linkedin Private Fleet Net Zero Private Fleet Net Zero: The Deadhead is Dead with Russ Jones The Broken Safety System Threatening Shippers and Brokers with Chris Burroughs What is Blue Ocean Strategy | About Blue Ocean Strategy The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
The following guest sits down with host Justin White:• Michelle Chretien – Branch Manager, Milestone Mortgage SolutionsMeeting Clients in Person Creates Stronger Relationships and More Business OpportunitiesWhether it's through text, video message or even social media, there have never been more ways for loan originators to communicate with borrowers. That said, face-to-face interactions are still incredibly effective. Why should LOs consider getting in front of more clients? Listen to Episode #127 of Good. Better. Broker. as we sit down with a 30+ year industry veteran who literally shows up for her clients all the time.In this episode of the Good. Better. Broker. podcast, you'll learn why in-person meetings bring in more business and referrals. In this episode, we discuss ...• 1:50 – Michelle's 30+ years in the mortgage industry• 2:22 – including clients in the loan process• 3:45 – why Michelle meets with clients in person• 4:50 – how Michelle makes the mortgage process fun• 6:10 – Michelle's presence in her community• 7:45 – Michelle's love for people• 8:31 – why Michelle does pre-closing meetings with clients• 10:56 – unique touchpoints with borrowers• 13:04 – what happened when Michelle stepped back from originating• 14:25 – the impact of going from retail lending to the broker channel• 15:34 – what happened when Michelle had surgeryShow Contributor:Michelle ChretienConnect on LinkedIn Connect on Facebook Connect on InstagramAbout the Host:Justin White is UWM's in-house brand journalist and the host of UWM Daily. He creates engaging content across multiple platforms to promote the benefits of the wholesale channel and partnering with UWM. A seven-time Emmy-award winner, Justin is a graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. Connect with Justin on LinkedIn, Instagram or Twitter Connect with UWM on Social Media:• Facebook• LinkedIn• Instagram• Twitter• YouTubeHead to uwm.com to see the latest news and updates.
In this episode of Everything is Logistics, Blythe talks with Tom Curee, President at Qued, about why freight appointment scheduling is still one of the most stubborn problems in logistics.Qued focuses on appointment scheduling for brokers, carriers, and shippers. The platform connects into existing TMS workflows so users can automate scheduling, manage exceptions, and build trust through visibility instead of forcing teams into another portal.They cover:Why appointment scheduling creates so much back-and-forth for logistics teamsHow many times a single appointment usually gets touchedWhy user trust matters when automating freight workflowsHow Qued uses audit logs to show every step of the scheduling processWhy the best appointment is not always the appointment a team thinks it wantsHow natural language rules help Qued scale complex scheduling logicWhy logistics companies should prioritize tech that improves the customer experienceThis conversation is part of the CargoRex AI Use Cases in Logistics guide, featuring real examples of how logistics companies are using AI across freight, warehousing, procurement, visibility, and operations.Read the full guide here:https://cargorex.io/research/ai-use-cases-in-logistics/LINKS:Qued:https://qued.comCargoRex AI Use Cases in Logistics Guide:https://cargorex.io/research/ai-use-cases-in-logistics/ -----------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!SPI Logistics has been a Day 1 supporter of this podcast which is why we're proud to promote them in every episode. During that time, we've gotten to know the team and their agents to confidently say they are the best home for freight agents in North America for 40 years and counting. Listen to past episodes to hear why.CargoRex is the search engine for the logistics industry—connecting LSPs with the right tools, services, events, and creators to explore, discover, and evolve.Digital Dispatch maximizes and manages your #1 sales tool with a website that establishes trust and builds rock-solid relationships with your leads and customers.
Lynn Gravley, Founder of NTG and TIA's incoming Chairman, on why brokers who cut shipments instead of chasing them win the freight game, and more.This week's episode is sponsored by Epay Manager, Highway, Goodship, BitfreighterInterested in sponsoring our podcast? Send us an email at pbj@freightcaviar.com.
In this episode of Five Questions, Five Answers, Birgit Matthiesen, David Hamill, James Kim, and Antonio J. Rivera break down the June 3, executive order, Strengthening Customs Enforcement — not a tariff, but potentially one of the year's most consequential trade actions for US importers. They cover the order's expanded disclosure demands, its 90-day overhaul of the US Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) penalty-mitigation framework, and CBP's hard-edged enforcement posture — and explain why a proactive review of import processes can turn the disruption into a competitive edge in 2026. Takeaways - It is not a tariff — but Strengthening Customs Enforcement may be the year's most consequential trade action for US importers. - Executive orders carry the full force of law, and CBP “stands ready to enforce,” now treating importing as “a privilege, not a right.” - Expect to disclose far more — foreign tax and business identifiers, affiliated partners, and supply-chain and product detail (composition, grade, size). - CBP's mitigation framework gets a 90-day overhaul: a penalty floor of at least 50% for national-security violations, and no mitigation for repeat offenders. - Brokers face more audits and maximum penalties for weak due diligence or non-cooperation. - Reassess voluntary disclosures now — and review procurement, classification, and valuation to build resilience.
In another in-person episode, Axel sits down with Will Peck — multifamily broker at Horvath & Tremblay and one of the most active apartment building brokers in New Hampshire — for a wide-ranging conversation on the current state of the New Hampshire multifamily market, what it actually takes to build a successful brokerage career from scratch, and what separates the buyers and sellers that brokers love working with from the ones that make deals fall apart.Will has been focused exclusively on New Hampshire multifamily since graduating college in 2018, building his book of business from cold calls and grand list research to becoming one of the go-to brokers in the state. This episode is essential listening for any investor buying or selling in New Hampshire — or any investor who wants to understand how to build a productive, long-term relationship with a commercial real estate broker.Join us as we dive into:The distinction between being a transactional broker and being a true advisor — and why Will regularly tells clients not to sellWhy New Hampshire continues to attract capital migrating from Massachusetts — and why Will sees demand growing even further over the next 12 monthsWhat makes a great seller: transparency from day one, accurate financials, and open communication throughout the transaction — because in today's market with only 2–3 strong buyers at the table, you can't afford to waste a bulletCreative deal solutions: the escrow agreement Will structured for a student housing deal with unleased units — how leaving money in escrow gave the buyer and lender comfort to close without delayWhat makes a great buyer: do what you say you're going to do, give specific and timely feedback, and share your underwriting assumptions so the broker can actually serve youWhy telling a broker "I'm looking for 8 caps" means almost nothing — and what you should be saying insteadThe two-way intel relationship: how sharing renovation costs and achieved rents with your broker builds the kind of market knowledge that eventually comes back to help you price, lease, and sell your own dealsConnect with Will Peck:Reach out to him on LinkedinCell: 207-712-6402Office: 603-218-1857Email: wpeck@htapartments.comAre you looking to invest in real estate, but don't want to deal with the hassle of finding great deals, signing on debt, and managing tenants? Aligned Real Estate Partners provides investment opportunities to passive investors looking for the returns, stability, and tax benefits multifamily real estate offers, but without the work - join our investor club to be notified of future investment opportunities.Connect with Axel:Follow him on InstagramConnect with him on LinkedinSubscribe to our YouTube channelLearn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners
In "The Broken Safety System Threatening Shippers and Brokers," Joe Lynch and Chris Burroughs, President and CEO of the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), discuss the fallout from a landmark Supreme Court ruling and rising freight fraud are reshaping the logistics liability landscape. About Chris Burroughs Chris Burroughs is the President and CEO of the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), a position he assumed in November 2024. With over 14 years at TIA, he previously served as Vice President of Government Affairs, overseeing legislative and regulatory efforts before Congress and federal agencies. Before joining TIA, Burroughs gained valuable experience on Capitol Hill, working for the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and the House Natural Resources Committee. He also served as Director of Government Affairs at the Twenty-First Century Group, advocating for clients in transportation, telecommunications, health care, and defense. Burroughs holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. About TIA The Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) is the professional organization of the $343 billion third-party logistics industry. TIA is the only organization exclusively representing transportation intermediaries of all disciplines doing business in domestic and international commerce. TIA is the voice of transportation intermediaries to shippers, carriers, government officials, and international organizations. Learn more about TIA at www.tianet.org Key Takeaways: The Broken Safety System Threatening Shippers and Brokers In "The Broken Safety System Threatening Shippers and Brokers," Joe Lynch and Chris Burroughs, President and CEO of the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), discuss ow the fallout from a landmark Supreme Court ruling and rising freight fraud are reshaping the logistics liability landscape. The Montgomery Decision Resets the Liability Landscape: The Supreme Court's recent 9-0 ruling in the Montgomery case (involving C.H. Robinson) eliminated the long-standing F4A federal preemption defense for brokers regarding carrier safety selection. While 31 states had already rejected this defense prior to the ruling, the decision officially shifts safety and negligent selection liability standards back to a patchwork of differing state regulations. TIA Petitions the FMCSA for a National Carrier Selection Standard: In response to the confusion caused by the Montgomery decision, the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) filed a petition for rulemaking with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). TIA is pushing for a clear, national federal standard to dictate exactly what checks a shipper or broker must perform when vetting and selecting a trucking company, eliminating state-by-state confusion. The Core Elements of TIA's Proposed Vetting Standard: TIA outlines three baseline data points that the federal government should mandate for a secure carrier selection process: operating authority (ensuring full compliance with the FMCSA), valid insurance (confirming active, legitimate coverage to combat marketplace fraud), and safety status (verifying the carrier has not been placed out of service for safety violations or paperwork compliance issues). A Broken Data System Leaves 94% of Carriers Unrated: A major hurdle in carrier vetting is that 94% of trucking companies remain "unrated" by the federal government. Because the FMCSA relies on strenuous, physical audits and suffers from limited inspector resources (drastically worsened during the pandemic), they only audit carriers that trigger red flags. TIA strongly advocates shifting from this outdated physical audit system to an absolute, data-driven safety rating algorithm. TIA Demands the Release of the "High-Risk Carrier List": The FMCSA maintains an internal database of approximately 3,000 to 4,000 trucking companies categorized as "high-risk," based on their Safety Measurement System data. As a key part of their petition, TIA is demanding that the government publicize this list so brokers and shippers have the transparency needed to actively avoid dangerous carriers. The Sophistication and Rise of Strategic Freight Fraud: Freight fraud and cargo theft have evolved past opportunistic crimes into highly organized, international cyber syndicates. Strategic theft has skyrocketed by 1,500% since 2020. Bad actors are shifting tactics—moving away from registering new fraudulent entities to buying up clean, legitimate, 2-year-old authorities on online marketplaces, executing massive "heists," and then vanishing. Industry Consolidation and the Value of Trusted Associations: The compounding costs of increased insurance premiums, tighter vetting processes, and necessary technology stacks are expected to drive significant market consolidation, forcing smaller players out. Because of this complex environment, shippers are increasingly looking to work with brokers tied to professional organizations like TIA, which enforces a strict code of ethics, offers ongoing education, and acts as the exclusive advocacy voice for the $343 billion 3PL industry on Capitol Hill. Learn More About The Broken Safety System Threatening Shippers and Brokers Chris Burroughs | Linkedin TIA | Linkedin TIA TIA Technovations TIA Technovations with Tom Curee Trucking Through Trouble with TIA & Anne Reinke TIA Unpacks Freight: Tariffs, Trust, and the Fight Against Fraud with Chris Burroughs FMCSA Petitions for Rulemaking (Open Petitions) The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
When he was running Ardelia Farm in Vermont, Bailey Hale found that many trending flower varieties were not available in quantities market farmers could use, or available at all, which led him to start brokering orders with other growers. In this interview, we hear about how that business grew until Farmer Bailey plant brokerage became the full-time business and moved to Portugal. Bailey tells us how his background as a floral designer and farmer helps him spot new varieties that will become important for flower growers. Bailey and host Rebecca Kutzer-Rice of Moonshot Farm discuss why growers are trying more fall planting of bulbs, what to start from seed and what to use plugs for, and thoughts on plug sizing. They also talk about coming developments in ranunculus, nigella, campanula, evergreen campanula, and dahlia breeding, including winter dahlias. They also talk about Bailey's sweet peas and methods for growing them, and what they would do if they were starting over. Rebecca's article from the May Growing for Market Magazine came up during the interview, so we linked it here if you want to read about “Strategies for reducing plant input costs on flower farms.” Connect With Guest: Website: farmerbailey.com Instagram: @farmerbaileyplugs Read the article “Strategies for reducing plant input costs on flower farms” by host Rebecca Kutzer-Rice from the May 2026 Growing for Market Magazine Podcast Sponsors: Huge thanks to our podcast sponsors as they make this podcast FREE to everyone with their generous support: Nifty Hoops builds complete gothic high tunnels that are easy to install and built to last. Their bolt-together construction makes setup straightforward and efficient, whether it's a small backyard hoophouse, or a dozen large production-scale high tunnels- especially through their community build option, where professional builders work alongside your crew, family, or neighbors to build each structure -- usually in a single day.Visit niftyhoops.com to learn more. If you grow for market, you know performance is everything. That's why so many farmers are turning to Burpee's Farmers Market. Dedicated to professional growers, Burpee is now offering non-GMO seeds in larger quantities – bred and selected for standout flavor, strong yields, and the kind of visual appeal your customers crave. Burpee's been doing this for 150 years, and they're still creating new varieties with growers like you in mind. You can check out the full lineup at Burpee.com/FarmersMarket. There are a lot of farm sales platforms out there, but there's only one that's cooperatively owned by farmers. That's GrownBy — your all-in-one solution to simplify farm sales. GrownBy makes online farm sales easy and affordable; setting up your shop is free, and you only pay when you sell. Join over 900 farms who have already signed up for GrownBy, at grownby.com. For more on veg and flower market farming, subscribe to Growing for Market Magazine!
In this episode: Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (2027) — Up to $1,700 non-refundable credit for K–12 scholarship donations; no income limits; requires state opt-in Cryptocurrency staking rewards — Tokens taxable as income upon receipt; deferral legislation proposed but not yet law 1099-DA reporting (2027) — Brokers must report digital asset sales; provide all 1099s to your preparer Charitable contribution rules — Cash must be documented; GoFundMe not deductible; large non-cash donations require appraisals $4.2M charitable deduction denied — Tax court disallowed due to inadequate documentation Hobby loss rules — Losses only deductible if activity is run with genuine profit motive Family limited partnership discounts — Court upheld IRS challenge; deemed tax-motivated with no business purpose Estate tax Form 706 & closing letters — Portability elections, new request fee, and 2–3 year processing delays 2027 Social Security wage base — Increases to $190,200; effectively a tax hike for higher earners Amended returns (Form 1040-X) — 3-year filing window; e-file for faster refunds IRS workforce decline — Staffing down 28%; enforcement agents down 33%; fewer audits and slower service
During the 2026 Employee Benefits Leadership Forum in May, the outgoing chair of The Council of Employee Benefits Executives (CEBE), Lisa Hawker, sat down with Kerry Finnegan, former senior partner at Mercer and also a past CEBE board chair, now a senior advisor at Oliver Wyman. CEBE is the executive committee that guides The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers government affairs team in benefits-related advocacy and policy decisions. The two discussed a range of topics, including the changing role of the benefits broker and the plan sponsor in an environment of increased fiduciary duty, talent and training in the AI era, and advice for new CEBE Chair Ken Olson, vice president of EB growth at BroadStreet Partners.
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Gavin and Wade are back this week talking all things CPG! Brokers, Retail, Category Reviews, Challenges, ETC!
Yaakov Zar is the founder and CEO of Lev, a software platform built to modernize the workflow of commercial real estate professionals. Yaakov started Lev after experiencing firsthand how broken the CRE financing process was, watching a $4 million loan take six months to close. What began as a tech-enabled brokerage has evolved into a purpose-built agentic workflow platform helping lenders, brokers, and investors manage deals, ingest unstructured data, and move faster. Yaakov is based in New York City.(02:26) Bottom Up vs Top Down(04:31) Slack Origin Tangent(05:59) MetaProp Skills Library(09:43) What Is Defensible AI(11:12) MCP & Rapid Change(12:41) Pilots Everywhere & Demo Fatigue(17:34) Same Workflow, Turbocharged(19:34) Real Estate's Move 37 Moment(22:04) Why Winning Is Hard to Define(26:07) Lev Agentic Workflows(29:14) Leapfrogging Past Salesforce(31:43) Data Quality Pushback(33:49) Ingesting Email Into CRM(35:54) Selling Software to CRE(39:06) Overhyped AI and Security Risks(42:50) Collaboration Superpower: Steve Jobs
The following guest sits down with host Justin White:• Anthony Lee – CEO and Founder, Veterans Alliance Home LoansShowing up For the Military Veteran Community Requires a Keen Understanding of the VA LoanFrom the military to marathons to mortgages, Anthony Lee knows what it takes to get across the finish line. He's now using that same approach to lift the veteran community. How can mortgage loan originators help more veteran borrowers while shifting the narrative on VA loans? Listen to Episode #126 of the Good. Better. Broker. podcast to find out how Anthony is creating more opportunities for LOs, military veterans, and their families.In this episode of the Good. Better. Broker. podcast, you'll learn how to help veterans navigate the VA loan process.In this episode, we discuss ...• 1:55 – how being an endurance athlete helps with doing mortgages• 3:49 – Anthony running 6 marathons in one year• 5:40 – Anthony's history in the mortgage industry• 6:46 – how Anthony got a $4.1m listing on his first deal in real estate• 9:16 – how military experience translates to mortgages• 10:46 – why veteran LOs are uniquely positioned to serve veteran borrowers• 12:09 – what non-veteran LOs don't understand about serving military veterans• 13:59 – The launch of Veterans Alliance Home Loans • 15:41 – what Anthony asks listing agents about VA loans• 17:38 – why Anthony can overcome any objection• 19:47 – similarities between coaching athletes and LOsShow Contributor:Anthony LeeConnect on LinkedIn Connect on Facebook Connect on InstagramAbout the Host:Justin White is UWM's in-house brand journalist and the host of UWM Daily. He creates engaging content across multiple platforms to promote the benefits of the wholesale channel and partnering with UWM. A seven-time Emmy-award winner, Justin is a graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. Connect with Justin on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Twitter Connect with UWM on Social Media:• Facebook• LinkedIn• Instagram• Twitter• YouTubeHead to uwm.com to see the latest news and updates.
Data paralysis is a massive hurdle in commercial real estate. When critical market analysis, demographic shifts, and property comps live entirely on flat spreadsheets, it is incredibly difficult to visualize location-intensive trends and tell a compelling story to clients. In this episode, host Michael Bull sits down with CCIM's Ben Wilson to discuss the major rebrand and massive evolution of "Site to Do Business" into the all-new IntelliSite. They dive into how modern GIS mapping, global data integration, and built-in AI models are completely reshaping how brokers, appraisers, and developers make real estate decisions. What you'll learn in this episode: The Death of the Spreadsheet: How advanced GIS mapping and visual infographics are replacing traditional spreadsheets to tell better market stories. Mapping the "Silver Tsunami" & Suburban Sprawl: How to analyze demographic variables (across 150+ countries) to spot peripheral growth and suburban rings around primary markets. AI Integration & Void Analysis: A look at the new natural-language AI assistant and how to run a void analysis to find exactly which tenants or medical services are missing from a market. Advanced Tools for Brokers & Appraisers: How to leverage Database USA for tenant targeting, use built-in financial calculators, and easily map subject properties against custom comp databases. Get the cutting-edge tech intel you need to streamline your workflows and find hidden opportunities in any market. Connect with Ben Wilson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-wilson-704b3112/ IntelliSite CCIM.com Resources: Database US Esri Business Analyst Connect with Michael Bull & The Show: Michael Bull, CCIM Bull Realty, Inc https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbull/ For more commercial real estate market data, sector forecasts, and video episodes, visit CREshow.com. America's Commercial Real Estate Show is brought to you by our proud sponsors. TCN Worldwide: Commercial real estate property management, leasing, and sales solutions across the US and globally. Learn more: https://www.tcnworldwide.com Build Out: The ultimate product suite for commercial real estate brokerage firms looking to streamline their business. Learn more: https://www.buildout.com Bull Realty: Regional commercial real estate brokerage services headquartered in Atlanta, delivering market intel and strategies. Learn more: https://www.bullrealty.com Commercial Agent Success Strategies: Twenty-one cloud accessed commercial broker training videos with slide deck action notes. Learn more at https://www.commercialagentsuccess.com/
From time to time, we'll re-air a previous episode of the show that our newer audience may have missed. In this episode, Cargado founder Matt Silver joins Madelyn O'Farrell to unpack the future of cross-border freight between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. He shares his journey from Coyote Logistics and Forager to launching Corgado, a marketplace and pricing tool built specifically for freight brokers. They dive into why WhatsApp and spreadsheets break down collaboration across the 8–12 parties in a typical cross-border shipment, how better-structured data and workflow tools can replace today's manual copy-paste work, and where AI fits in as more than just a band-aid on legacy TMS systems. Matt also explains why Mexico has become strategically critical for U.S. supply chains, the impact of NAFTA/USMCA, trade tensions with China, and pandemic-driven nearshoring, as well as remaining challenges in Mexican infrastructure and politics. Key takeaways: brokers should focus on relationships and problem-solving, not data entry; modern tools will blur the line between system of action and system of record; and long-term, supply chain collaboration will happen on shared, AI-augmented platforms that connect brokers, carriers, and shippers across North America. Highlights from their conversation include: Matt's Background in Freight and the Origin of Corgado (0:46) Building a Cross-Border Marketplace and Pricing Tool for Brokers (3:52) Why WhatsApp and Spreadsheets Break Cross-Border Collaboration (6:46) Brokers Should Manage Relationships, Not Copy and Paste Data (11:15) Balancing Automation and Human Relationships in Brokerage (17:29) Why Mexico Has Become Strategically Critical to U.S. Supply Chains (20:12) Political and Infrastructure Challenges for Mexico as a Logistics Hub (24:58) The Future of Supply Chain Collaboration Across North America (28:55) Closing Thoughts and Episode Wrap-Up (30:33) Dynamo Ventures is a venture firm backing founders upgrading the physical economy. As intelligence moves into critical infrastructure and technology collides with physics, industry is entering a new era of transformation - the industrial renaissance. Born from the dirt and grit of supply chains and shaped by operations, not spreadsheets, Dynamo focuses on the complex realities of building in the real world. We invest in companies transforming infrastructure, manufacturing, logistics, transportation, and the systems that power global commerce. Dynamo works closely with founders who combine ambition with a bias to action, bringing a builder mindset to venture capital through deep operational insight, systematic pressure-testing and hands-on partnership. Our purpose is simple: to back the relentless shaping the industrial renaissance. Learn more at www.dynamo.vc. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.