POPULARITY
This week, Andrew is joined by Sean Henry, CEO and founder of Stord, a major player in omnichannel fulfillment and supply chain technology. In this episode, Sean shares his incredible entrepreneurial journey, which started by selling Christmas presents on eBay at age seven to launching Stord in 2015 as a student at Georgia Tech. In this episode, he reflects on the company's early days, turning points, and what's next following Stord's recent $200 million fundraise and major acquisition of Ware2Go from UPS.In this episode, you'll hear from Sean on:How a few Christmas sales on eBay, plus a few other ventures, sparked his entrepreneurial drive and how mentors like Ted Alling shaped his approach to leadership.The founding premise of Stord: helping brands compete with Amazon-level logistics by offering flexible, tech-powered fulfillment solutions.How Stord evolved from an asset-light model to owning facilities and building a robust software platform to deliver a Prime-like experience to companies of all sizes.What it takes to make big business decisions, including how he thinks through market shifts, customer obsession, and staying committed to a long-term vision.His advice for entrepreneurs: don't be afraid to ask, learn from people one step ahead, and “just start.” Iteration and momentum are everything.Follow The Freight Pod and host Andrew Silver on LinkedIn.*** This episode is brought to you by Rapido Solutions Group. I had the pleasure of working with Danny Frisco and Roberto Icaza at Coyote, as well as being a client of theirs more recently at MoLo. Their team does a great job supplying nearshore talent to brokers, carriers, and technology providers to handle any role necessary, be it customer or carrier support, back office, or tech services. Visit gorapido.com to learn more. A special thanks to our additional sponsors: Cargado – Cargado is the first platform that connects logistics companies and trucking companies that move freight into and out of Mexico. Visit cargado.com to learn more. Greenscreens.ai – Greenscreens.ai is the AI-powered pricing and market intelligence tool transforming how freight brokers price freight. Visit greenscreens.ai/freightpod today! Metafora – Metafora is a technology consulting firm that has delivered value for over a decade to brokers, shippers, carriers, private equity firms, and freight tech companies. Check them out at metafora.net. ***
Michael Kim is the Founder of Cendana Capital, a fund of funds that makes anchor investments in very early stage VC funds.We talk characteristics of the best investors, how Cendana does diligence on fund managers, portfolio construction best practices, Michael's “60x rule”, and why high ownership to fund size is the main driver of returns.We also get in to how VCs are using AI, the competition between Seed and multi-stage investors, why US endowments are under siege, and how secondaries are driving most early stage venture returns today.Michael also opens up about the early days of starting Cendana, the 18 month grind raising Cendana Fund 1, the day he almost died, and ranking in the top 2% globally in Call of Duty.Special thanks to Roger Ehrenberg, Kevin Hartz, Semil Shah, Jeff Claviar, Beezer Clarkson, Jack Altman, Jeff Morris Jr, Sheel Mohnot, Nichole Wischoff, Ted Alling, and Rick Zullo for their help putting this episode together.Thanks to Bolt for supporting this episode. Check out their world record largest (up to $1m in prizes) at: https://bit.ly/ThePeelBoltHackathonTimestamps:(4:24) The day Michael almost died(5:10) Call of Duty & video games(9:34) Hiring @ Cendana(10:31) How Cendana uses structured and unstructured data(16:51) How VCs are using AI(19:55) Why secondaries are driving most early stage venture returns(22:01) Deciding when to sell secondaries(24:28) Best performing venture funds ever(27:26) The best VCs have amazing access to the best founders(33:42) Why Cendana backs Solo GPs(35:57) How to invest over time and hype cycles(41:35) Why multi-stage firms are investing earlier(44:45) Cendana's current thesis: High ownership % to fund size(45:51) Why Cendana started backing non-lead VCs(48:41) How Cendana does diligence on fund managers(52:22) VC NPS Scores and Ron Conway's Silver Bullet(53:49) Good vs bad new VC firm strategies(56:36) Determining defensibility of a strategy(57:57) “Messy middle” software buyout fund(1:03:25) Portfolio construction best practice(1:08:11) Michael's 60x Rule(1:14:28) How Seed funds compete with multi-stage funds(1:20:05) Should you collect logos writing small checks?(1:21:07) Becoming an LP for the city of SF(1:24:42) Taking 18+ months to raise Cendana Fund 1 in the GFC(1:26:48) Warehousing the first Cendana Fund 1 investments(1:29:56) How to do a first close(1:34:29) Why it's hard to kill a VC firm(1:37:00) What happens to ZIRP tourist fund managers(1:40:22) How to raise a Fund 2 or 3 today(1:42:07) “US endowments are under siege”(1:44:55) What the best GP LP relationships look like(1:46:41) What Fund of Funds get wrong(1:50:43) The three most interesting trends in venture todayReferencedCheck out Cendana https://www.cendanacapital.com/Deep Checks https://www.deepchecks.vc/Prior episode with Eric at Bolt https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Q6n1vqUrF4Follow MichaelTwitter: https://x.com/MKRocksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-kim-cendana-capital/Follow TurnerTwitter: https://twitter.com/TurnerNovakLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/turnernovakSubscribe to my newsletter to get every episode + the transcript in your inbox every week: https://www.thespl.it/
This special edition of the podcast was recorded with a live audience during Chattanooga Entrepreneur Week - so of course this week's guest is Barry Large, the quintessential Chattanooga entrepreneur! In this episode, Barry shares how he grew up with a front-row seat to entrepreneurship, seeing his parents own and operate a brick business. This sparked something in him, leading him to pitch a business idea to his best friend - Ted Alling. A year later, their other best friend Allan Davis joined them and the three successfully grew Access America to $500 Million in just ten years. But it didn't happen without a few bumps and bruises along the way… My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. Subscribe to our new weekly newsletter here! If you liked this episode, we think you'll also like: Brian Elrod's Morning Cup (E29) Cam Doody's Morning Cup (E63) Ted and Kelly Alling's Morning Cups (E69)
Real Men Connect with Dr. Joe Martin - Christian Men Podcast
Ted Alling is a serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, husband, and father of three children. And he lives right here in our beautiful city of Chattanooga, TN. To say that Ted is a successful entrepreneur is an understatement. Because as the former co-founder and CEO of Access America Transport, Ted's leadership guided the company through over a decade of growth generating more $490 million in revenue. He is currently a managing partner of the Lamp Post Group, where he actively recruits and mentors entrepreneurs. Ted also founded AAT Carriers, Reliance Partners, and Dynamo, which is a logistics accelerator program. And he and his amazing wife Kelly recently started the Chattanooga Preparatory School for disadvantaged boys. To contact Ted, visit his website at http://www.ChattanoogaPrep.com ------------------------------------------ If you want to help us transform the lives of even MORE MEN for God's glory, please take a minute to leave us a helpful REVIEW on iTunes: http://www.rmcpodcast.com and SHARE this podcast with any young man (or men) you're mentoring or discipling. And make sure you don't miss an interview episode by signing up for our Man-to-Man eNewsletter at http://www.RealMenConnect.com, and grab your FREE copy of the Real Men Victory Tracker. Are you stuck? Want to go to the next level in your marriage, career, business, or ministry? Then maybe it's time you got a coach. ALL CHAMPIONS have one. Let me coach you to help you strengthen your faith, improve your marriage, spiritually lead your family, achieve more, balance your time, grow your ministry, or even stop an addiction. Click here for details: http://www.RMCfree.com Talk with Dr. Joe 1-on-1: Want to talk to the host? Time slots are limited, but Dr. Joe takes on a few Breakthrough Calls a week to personally help you with your personal life, work, and family challenges. The call is FREE, but slots are limited to ONE call only. NO RESCHEDULES. Just click on the link below and select the BREAKTHROUGH CALL option to set up an appointment: https://TalkwithDrJoe.com Also join us on: Join the Real Men 300: http://www.RealMen300.com Facebook Group: http://www.realmenuniversity.com/ YouTube: http://www.RealMenTraining.com Facebook: @realdrjoemartin Instagram: @realdrjoemartin Twitter: @professormartin
Ted Alling joins us for episode 2. We discuss Ted's entrepreneurial journey, from his initial sales role at C.H. Robinson to founding Access America Transport, a company he eventually sold with over $500 million annual revenue. Ted brings a wealth of knowledge about building a business as well as valuable insights for all professionals. He has found his purpose in building Chattanooga Preparatory School, something he and his wife are extremely proud of today. We discuss all this and more in episode 2.
Freight Founders, a weekly newsletter exploring one of the industry's most important founders. This week's issue: Ted Alling. We dive into how Ted's childhood formed who he'd become as an entrepreneur, the founding story of Access America, what happened when he sold his $500 million business, and how he continues to build great organizations today. Enjoy!
Santosh Sankar and Joe Lynch discuss the Dynamo story. Santosh is a Co-founder & Managing Partner of Dynamo Ventures, a supply chain and mobility investor, focused on pre-seed and seed-stage opportunities, and invests only in enterprise (B2B and on occasion, B2B2C) business models. About Santosh Sankar Santosh Sankar is a Co-founder & Managing Partner of Dynamo Ventures. Prior to Dynamo, Santosh spent time on Wall Street both in investment banking and equity research. Santosh started his first company, Razor Studios when he 13 years old that provided IT support to small business in his hometown in Maryland. His most recent business was a bootstrapped financial media publication that he co-founded and sold while in college. He got his first taste of fund management when he oversaw approximately $1M of technology investments through the Great Recession for the Nittany Lion Fund, outperforming his benchmark by 6.37%. Santosh is a lover of the outdoors and serves as Trustee at Reflection Riding Nature Center. He's also an active Board Member at The Company Lab that promotes entrepreneurship in the greater Chattanooga region. Santosh calls the hills of Chattanooga home along with his wife, two children, and rambunctious golden retrievers, Barley and Rye. About Dynamo Dynamo Ventures is an industry-focused fund based on our experience, expertise, and network. The team is made up of Ted Alling and Barry Large who previously built Access America Transport, a logistics business that subsequently merged with Coyote Logistics and sold to UPS for $1.8B. Alongside, Jon Bradford and Santosh Sankar who have made 120+ early stage investments over the last decade. Dynamo Ventures is an industry-focused fund specializing in startups in one of two broad areas: supply chain (the movement of goods) or mobility (the movement of people). If a business does not check one of these boxes they are not the right investors for you. Given the background of the fund's founders, the company will always be slightly more biased towards the supply chain. Key Takeaways: The Dynamo Story with Santosh Sankar Santosh Sankar is a Co-founder & Managing Partner of Dynamo Ventures, a supply chain and mobility investor, focused on pre-seed and seed-stage opportunities, and invests only in enterprise (B2B and on occasion, B2B2C) business models. In the podcast interview, Santosh and Joe discuss the Dynamo story, venture capital, and some of Dynamo's successful investments. Dynamo has invested in companies around the world that have the potential to transform supply chain and mobility. Click to view the Dynamo Ventures portfolio In the podcast interview, Santosh discussed 3 portfolio companies that have become very successful: Stord: fulfillment, warehousing, and freight, with the integrated software needed to orchestrate and optimize your entire supply chain. LogRock: compliance for trucking companies Sennder: Europe's leading digital road freight forwarder offering shippers access to our connected fleet of thousands of trucks. Learn More about the Dynamo Story Dynamo Ventures Santosh Sankar Dynamo's LinkedIn The STORD Story with Sean Henry Why Chattanooga is the Silicon Valley of Trucking with Craig Fuller
Today we speak with entrepreneur and investor, Ted Alling. Ted is a leader in Chattanooga who uses his entrepreneurial achievements to create opportunities for others. He is the co-founder and former CEO of a $500-million startup, Access America, which merged with UPS subsidiary Coyote Logistics. That initial success allowed Ted and his fellow Access America founders to create Lamp Post Group, a venture capital firm and tech-focused incubator located right here in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Lamp Post is responsible for developing and incubating literally dozens of startups. From there, he co-founded Dynamo in 2016, a venture-capital fund with a focus in logistics technology. And then in 2018, he and his wife Kelly, helped to found the Chattanooga Preparatory School, an all-boys charter school. Chattanooga Prep is designed to provide unique and impactful educational opportunities for the young men in the city's urban communities, and it opened to its inaugural class of sixth graders in August 2018 and now has over 300 young men. It's been a wild ride throughout the past two decades, and Ted has not only succeeded himself, but has an ability to bring others along with him. He has also done a lot of personal development and learned a lot, sometimes the hard way, about himself, others, and best practices when it comes to building companies and culture. That is why we wanted to speak with him on the Big Self Podcast. Time Stamps: 4:00--Ted's love of the Enneagram 6:24--The biggest hack for all our listeners on the Enneagram 10:20--The progressive realization of a worthy ideal (what success is) 18:00--How some companies are living out their values now more than in the recent past 27:43--When Ted and Kelly met David Robinson in researching for their prep school 30:57--How Chattanooga Prep selects the 70 students they enroll each year 34:40--How they create the "Disney World Experience" for the kids right off the bat 37:43--When Ted first discovered the power (and addictive nature) of the Blackberry 40:33--How Ted recognizes how some have huge advantages over others https://open.spotify.com/show/1yx9VzUCRcYezd7cUlSRn4?si=Xygeo5a7T0ePnX7IaHu0AQ (Subscribe on Spotify).
Ted Alling and the Access America Story Ryan Schreiber hosts a podcast about Ted Alling and the Access America story. Ted is co-founder of Access America, which merged with Coyote Logistics in 2014. About Ted Alling Ted Alling is a serial founder who uses his entrepreneurial achievements to create opportunities for others. He is the co-founder and former CEO of a $500 million logistics startup, Access America, that eventually merged with UPS subsidiary, Coyote Logistics. From that initial success, he and his fellow founders created Lamp Post Group in 2010, a venture capital firm and tech-focused incubator in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Fueled by a desire to build Chattanooga into a destination for young businesses, Lamp Post Group has invested $36 million into the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, backing a lengthy startup roster that includes Bellhops, Ambition, Chattanooga Whiskey, Reliance Partners Insurance, Steam Logistics, Fancy Rhino, Pricewaiter, Market Street Partners, Lamp Post Properties, The Jump Fund, and The House. In 2016 Ted co-founded Dynamo, an $18 million venture capital fund aimed at revolutionizing the logistics industry. As managing director of the fund — one of the largest in the Southeast — he works to ensure Dynamo remains the premier global knowledge leader in logistics technology by supporting the most innovative new businesses in the field. And now, along with his wife and co-founder, Kelly, Ted is embarking on his true passion project, the creation of Chattanooga Preparatory School, an all-boys public charter school. Chattanooga Prep is designed to provide unique and impactful educational opportunities for the young men in the city’s urban communities. Ted lives on Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, with his incredible wife and three extraordinary children. About Dynamo Ventures Dynamo Ventures is a supply chain and mobility investor, focused on pre-seed and seed-stage opportunities, and invests only in enterprise business models. The team is made up of Ted Alling and Barry Large who previously built Access America Transport, a logistics business that subsequently merged with Coyote Logistics and sold to UPS for $1.8B. Alongside, Jon Bradford and Santosh Sankar who have made 120+ early-stage investments over the last decade. To champion greater transparency, Dynamo Ventures specializes in startups in one of two broad areas: supply chain (the movement of goods) or mobility (the movement of people). About Chattanooga Preparatory School Chattanooga Preparatory School is an all-boys public charter school that opened its doors to students in August 2018. Located in the Highland Park area, close to downtown Chattanooga, we are positioned to provide a unique and impactful educational opportunity for the young men in our urban communities. Our city has a boundless capacity for innovation, transformation, and economic prosperity. Unfortunately, these opportunities are not accessible for all members of our community, especially young men in urban core neighborhoods who are disproportionately impacted by poverty and educational inequity. It is our belief that students have gifts and talents that have been underserved. The families and young men of Chattanooga deserve greater opportunity and choice. Our aim is to inspire, empower, and educate the men of tomorrow in the hopes that their successes will create generational change within our communities. Learn More About Ted Alling and the Access America Story Ted Alling Dynamo Ventures Chattanooga Preparatory School 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
Ted Alling of Access America and Dynamo Ventures joins Ryan to talk about his journey, and share why his current endeavor, Chattanooga Prep, is the most important of all.
Just because we're living through the most tumultuous time in human history doesn't mean we can't still do some good. In fact, it's all the more reason to. It's so refreshing to see those that have seen success with startups give back to their communities. Welcome to Building While Flying! This weekly podcast is brought to you by the Sasha Group. We're the consultancy meets agency arm of the VaynerX family of companies. We help ambitious companies build strong brands that flex with the times through strategy, branding media and marketing. In ever-changing times, businesses and brands have to shift and adapt. And across all sectors, there is an air of experimentation. Business owners are trying new things out in the wild; building the plane while flying. Ted Alling is doing so much good in Chattanooga. A big part of the reason why there's a VaynerX office in Chattanooga is Ted Alling. This guy has so much pride for his town, you can't help but fall in love with it from his passion alone. As co-founder of Chattanooga Prep, he demonstrates this passion in the most admirable way. This school for boys prepares tomorrow's entrepreneurs and leaders by giving them a strong, solid and loving foundation. Ted is the co-founder and former CEO of Access America, a $500 logistics startup company. Access America eventually merged with Coyote Logistics, a UPS subsidiary. So obviously, Ted is a perfect example of massive startup success. The driving force behind much of what Ted does is a desire to build Chattanooga into a destination for young businesses. This is why he helped co-found Lamp Post Group in 2010, a venture capital firm. They have invested $36 million into the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, all in an effort to turn their beloved city into a landscape ripe for the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. In this episode, Mickey and Ted, who happen to be close friends, chat all about startups and the good you're able to do with their success. They discuss navigating personal relationships when they also involve business, and how Ted's been able to beat the odds of mixing friendship with startups. Ted is such a caring, thoughtful guy. And it's so amazing to hear all the work he's doing with the boys' prep school and the Chattanooga community as a whole. This is a feel-good episode for sure. Other in-flight topics: Ted's upbringing The early stages of his career Partnering with friends The challenges of logistics startups All things Chattanooga The reasons behind the prep school idea Links: Connect with Ted on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedalling/ Dynamo Ventures - https://www.dynamo.vc/ Lamp Post Group - https://www.lamppostgroup.com/ Chattanooga Preparatory School - https://www.chattanoogaprep.com/
Ted Alling joins us to discuss his success in the business world and how that can be applied to your athletic program and team. Alling is a serial founder who uses his entrepreneurial achievements to create opportunities for others. He has had great success inspiring his workers as well as leading others to success.
Real Men Connect with Dr. Joe Martin - Christian Men Podcast
Ted Alling is a serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, husband, and father of three children. And he lives right here in our beautiful city of Chattanooga, TN. To say that Ted is a successful entrepreneur is an understatement. Because as the former co-founder and CEO of Access America Transport, Ted’s leadership guided the company through over a decade of growth generating more $490 million in revenue. He is currently a managing partner of the Lamp Post Group, where he actively recruits and mentors entrepreneurs. Ted also founded AAT Carriers, Reliance Partners, and Dynamo, which is a logistics accelerator program. And he and his amazing wife Kelly recently started the Chattanooga Preparatory School for disadvantaged boys. To contact Ted, visit his website at http://www.ChattanoogaPrep.com ------------------ If you want to help us transform the lives of even MORE MEN for God’s glory, please take a minute to leave us a helpful REVIEW on iTunes: http://www.rmcpodcast.com and SHARE this podcast with any young man (or men) you’re mentoring or discipling. And make sure you don't miss an interview episode by signing up for our Man-to-Man eNewsletter at http://www.RealMenConnect.com, and grab your FREE copy of the Real Men Spiritual Leader Blueprint AND our Are You the Man ebook. Are you stuck? Want to go to the next level in your marriage, career, business, or ministry? Then maybe it’s time you got a coach. ALL CHAMPIONS have one. Let me coach you for the next 21-Days to help you strengthen your faith, improve your marriage, spiritually lead your family, achieve more, balance your time, grow your ministry, or even stop an addiction. Click here for details: www.CoachMeDrJoe.com Also join us on: Download Our APP: iPhone or Android Join the Real Men 300: http://www.RealMen300.com Facebook Group: http://www.realmenuniversity.com/ Facebook: @realdrjoemartin Instagram: @realdrjoemartin Twitter: @professormartin
Ted Alling has become an important figure in the startup economy of Chattanooga. In this episode we discuss his story from entrepreneur starting a business with his friends to those same partners creating startup incubator Lamp Post Group. In the midst of the story our conversation moves on to leadership, education, and what makes Chattanooga such a great place to live, work, and give back. Referenced in this episode: Lamp Post Group website: http://lamppostgroup.com/ Dynamo: http://dynamo.vc/ Article on Chattanooga Prep Charter School: http://bit.ly/2lhVaNE Techstars: http://bit.ly/2kfU6tH
Ted Alling, MD at Dynamo and Founder at Lamp Post Group shares his experience and advice as an entrepreneur and investor. He talks mentorship, hiring for success and how to always stay sharp.
This week we talk with Shelley Prevost, CEO and Cofounder of Torch- a hardware tech company that is making parenting easier. She talks life as a first time founder and gives insights into working with Ted Alling, Barry Large and Allan Davis- MD's at Dynamo.
Ted Alling, managing partner of The Lamp Post Group, talks about how to achieve success as an entrepreneur.
Ted Alling shares how he built a 500 million dollar company in the trucking industry with pure grit and determination. We're going to dive into some hardcore sales tactics and inspiring stories in this conversation. Ted's a total badass.
Ted Alling, serial entrepreneur and managing partner of the Lamp Post group, shares how he built up a business from nothing and the state of business in the United States today. And what is disruptive technology? How does it affect business and entrepreneurship? Find out by listening to your favorite personal finance show, with its blend of smart advice, good conversation, and humor.