Rebellious Times Podcast

ASP5: Why the Best Customer Experiences Still Feel Physical

Why the Best Customer Experiences Still Feel Physical In this episode of the Rebellious Times Podcast, I sat down with John Petri, CEO of Fuel BMC, to discuss entrepreneurship, sports culture, branding, resilience, and what it takes to build a successful sports branding agency. “The rise of the analog is here.” That line from Mark Stern perfectly captures a shift many businesses are starting to feel. In this episode of the Rebellious Times Podcast, I sat down with Mark Stern, CEO of Custom Box Agency, to discuss entrepreneurship, customer experience marketing, physical product engagement, health transformation, and why human connection matters more than ever in the AI era. This episode fits both our Austin Startup Series and Agency Spotlight Series because Mark is building something genuinely different inside the marketing world. From Corporate Consulting to Entrepreneurship Mark’s story starts far away from entrepreneurship. He grew up in Alabama believing success followed a very traditional path: college graduate school corporate career financial security That mindset eventually led him into management consulting at Deloitte after earning his MBA at Duke University. On paper, everything looked successful. In reality, the lifestyle became exhausting. For six years, Mark lived the “road warrior” consulting life: constant flights endless travel high pressure little personal balance Eventually, he hit a point where he realized: “This can’t be it.” That moment became the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey. The Problem That Created Custom Box Agency One of the things I appreciated most about this conversation was how practical the origin story was. Custom Box Agency did not start because Mark wanted to launch an agency. It started because he became frustrated buying expensive digital products, masterminds, and programs that still left customers confused and overwhelmed. His thought was simple: “Why not physically send people everything they need to succeed?” That insight eventually evolved into Custom Box Agency. Today, the company helps businesses create physical onboarding and customer experience campaigns designed to: improve engagement increase retention streamline onboarding enhance customer success Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mark Stern and Custom Box Agency03:02 Mark’s Journey from Corporate to Entrepreneurship06:06 Understanding Custom Box Agency’s Offerings09:07 The Importance of Physical Experiences in a Digital World11:59 Differentiation and Positioning in the Market14:50 Health Transformation and Its Impact on Business23:51 Conclusion and Call to Action Why Physical Experiences Matter More in the AI Era This was probably the strongest theme of the entire episode. As AI-generated content explodes, Mark believes people are increasingly craving: physical experiences authenticity human connection trust He described it as: “digital distrust.” That idea really resonated with me. As more interactions become automated, physical experiences become more memorable because they feel real. That creates a huge opportunity for businesses willing to think differently. It’s Not About Swag One thing Mark emphasized repeatedly: Custom Box Agency is not simply shipping branded merchandise. Instead, they engineer experiences. That includes: onboarding systems journey maps printed resources physical tools gamified customer journeys retention campaigns The goal is to help customers achieve outcomes faster while creating stronger emotional connection along the way. The Unexpected Health Conversation One of the most interesting parts of this episode came unexpectedly. Mark shared his personal health transformation journey after realizing he had reached a breaking point physically during COVID. At one stage, he reached 250 pounds and began questioning how sustainable his lifestyle really was. What followed was a complete shift in: fitness nutrition accountability sleep energy management The deeper insight was powerful: If your health becomes the weakest link, eventually your business suffers too. That part of the conversation felt especially relevant for founders and agency owners. Entrepreneurship, Identity, and Reinvention Underneath the agency discussion, this episode was really about reinvention. Mark walked away from the traditional definition of success to build something more aligned with: creativity freedom <li data-section-...

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ASP4: Fueling Big Sports Brands: Why Business-Minded Creativity Wins

5d ago00:29:43Tap to summarize

Why Business-Minded Creativity Wins in Sports Branding “It all starts with a good brief.” That line from John Petri captures the philosophy behind Fuel BMC. In this episode of the Rebellious Times Podcast, I sat down with John Petri, CEO of Fuel BMC, to discuss entrepreneurship, sports culture, branding, resilience, and what it takes to build a successful sports branding agency. John’s story moves from Buffalo to Atlanta, from corporate leadership roles to entrepreneurship, and eventually into working with major sports brands and organizations. This episode is part of the Agency Spotlight Series. From Buffalo to Atlanta John grew up in Buffalo, New York, surrounded by sports culture. Naturally, that passion became part of his identity early on. After studying graphic design, he moved to Atlanta looking for opportunity, warmer weather, and a stronger creative industry. That move became a turning point. Over time, John built experience across: Agency environments Corporate brand leadership Sports marketing Retail experiences Creative direction Those experiences laid the foundation for Fuel BMC. Why Sports Branding Is Different One of the strongest themes in this episode is that sports branding is not just about logos or visuals. Instead, it is about understanding fan culture. John explains that if you do not genuinely understand sports fans, you cannot effectively market to them. That includes: Team identity Fan behavior Community culture Emotional connection Because sports are emotional, branding decisions carry much more weight. This perspective gives Fuel BMC a more strategic approach than traditional creative agencies. Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Fueling Big Sports Brands03:06 John’s Journey from Buffalo to Atlanta05:52 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship08:47 Understanding Sports Culture and Fan Engagement12:07 The Sharks Experience and Entrepreneurial Resilience14:56 Building Relationships in Business17:52 Working with Family: Balancing Business and Personal Life20:55 Health, Family, and Stress Relief23:53 The Meaning Behind Fuel BMC27:02 The Discovery Process at Fuel BMC The Entrepreneurial Leap After years working in-house at major brands, John eventually launched Fuel BMC following a corporate layoff. That transition was not easy. At one point, John invested nearly everything into pursuing a major opportunity with the San Jose Sharks. Although the project did not fully materialize, the experience became a defining entrepreneurial lesson in resilience, risk, and persistence. That part of the conversation stood out to me because many entrepreneurs experience moments where belief has to outweigh certainty. Relationships Drive Everything Another major takeaway from this episode is how much John values relationships. Throughout the conversation, he repeatedly credits: Mentors Team members Clients Family Partners for helping Fuel BMC grow. That relationship-first mindset also extends internally. John explains that he sees leadership as serving his team rather than managing them. In an agency world increasingly focused on automation and scale, that human approach feels refreshing. Building an Agency with Family John also shared insights about building Fuel BMC alongside his wife. That part of the conversation was especially interesting because entrepreneurship and family life often become deeply interconnected. Rather than separating business and personal life completely, John views them as part of the same mission: Building a business Raising a family Supporting a team Creating something meaningful together That perspective gives the episode a very grounded feel beyond marketing strategy alone. AI, Creativity, and the Discovery Process Toward the end of the episode, we discussed AI and creative workflows. John made an important point: AI is powerful, but it still requires strategy, direction, and human judgment. Even with advanced tools, successful creative work still depends on: Understanding the audience Building the right brief Asking the right questions Aligning with business goals As John puts it: “It all starts with a good brief.” John Petri links: fuelbmc.com LinkedIn

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Episode 48: From Fintech to Faith Tech – The Mind of a Modern Multipreneur

1w ago00:45:06Tap to summarize

From FinTech to FaithTech: Inside the Mind of a Modern Multi-preneur “Disney taught me how to develop teams.” That line from Roger Phipps stayed with me long after this conversation ended. In this episode of the Rebellious Times Podcast, I sat down with Roger Phipps — a serial entrepreneur operating across FinTech, PropTech, AI, construction technology, communication strategy, and immersive faith-based virtual reality experiences. This wasn’t a typical startup conversation. Instead, we explored the mindset behind multi-preneurship, the realities of scaling companies, leadership lessons from Disney, and how AI is reshaping industries faster than most businesses realize. What Is Multi-preneurship? Roger describes multi-preneurship as managing multiple businesses simultaneously. However, he explains it with a more memorable analogy: Entrepreneurship is jumping off one cliff and building your parachute on the way down. Multi-preneurship is jumping off multiple cliffs at the same time. That mindset has defined much of Roger’s career. The Pivot from Corporate Leadership to Entrepreneurship Before becoming an entrepreneur, Roger spent years in leadership roles at Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies. At one point, he believed he had reached the destination: Executive leadership Financial success The dream home Corporate achievement Then life changed. A major personal transition forced Roger to reevaluate what he wanted from work and life. That became the inflection point that pushed him into entrepreneurship. What followed was a rapid rise inside a FinTech startup focused on solving problems inside the credit union industry. Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Multi-preneurship02:06 The Journey from Corporate to Entrepreneurship05:57 Finding the Right Partners11:07 Lessons from Disney Leadership18:04 Current Ventures and AI Exploration23:17 AI Adoption in Fortune 500 Companies24:32 Transforming Industries with AI27:34 The Real Estate Industry’s Complexity30:02 The Role of Real Estate Agents35:10 Integrating Faith and Technology40:25 Experiencing the Bible in Virtual Reality Building a FinTech Business by Solving Industry Pain Points Roger explains that the credit union space had been underserved technologically for years. Instead of building generic tools, the company focused specifically on the unique operational needs of credit unions: Digital marketing Software Hardware Cybersecurity Digital branches The key insight was simple: Understand the industry deeply enough to solve problems others ignore. That focus helped the business scale rapidly. Disney Leadership Lessons One of my favorite sections of the episode was Roger’s discussion about leadership training at Disney. Unlike many corporations, Disney focused on holistic leadership development: Mental well-being Physical health Communication Emotional intelligence Team development Roger explained how Disney actively invested in helping leaders become better humans first — not just better managers. That philosophy heavily influenced how he later built and managed entrepreneurial teams. Why Most Businesses Still Struggle with AI The AI section of this conversation was especially interesting. Roger argues that only a small percentage of Fortune 500 companies are using AI effectively today. The reason? Most businesses struggle to diagnose their own inefficiencies. Instead of simply adding AI features to existing systems, Roger believes businesses should rethink workflows entirely from the ground up. One major theme throughout the episode: AI should enhance human capacity — not simply replace people. Real Estate Technology Is Still Broken Roger also discussed how industries like: Real estate insurance construction healthcare have fallen behind technologically. One of the projects he is working on uses AI-powered video and audio analysis to automate property inspections and asset management workflows. Instead of replacing workers, the goal is to eliminate repetitive manual tasks and increase operational capacity. That distinction matters. Faith Meets Technology Toward the end of the conversation, Roger shared one of his most fascinating projects: A virtual reality Bible experience. The idea is to allow users to immerse themselves visually inside biblical environments while reading scripture. Using VR technology, users can: Explore historical environments Experience biblical scenes visually Participate in remote Bible studies Better understand historical context The project combines: Faith archaeology education immersive technology in a surprisingly thoughtful way. Final ...

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S&L6: From Argentina to Miami: Building a Relationship-First Logistics Business

2w ago00:23:57Tap to summarize

How Relationship-First Logistics Helped OLR Services Grow Through Crisis and Change “We are very proud that we have the human touch.” That line from Maria Rigotti captures the spirit of this fun conversation. In this episode of the Rebellious Times Podcast, I sat down with Maria Rigotti, CEO of OLR Services, to discuss entrepreneurship, logistics, immigration, family business, and the importance of building relationships during uncertain times. This conversation goes beyond freight and warehousing. Instead, it becomes a story about resilience, trust, and the human side of business. From Argentina to Miami: Building the American Dream Maria moved from Argentina to the United States in 1995 with her husband. At the time, they were newly graduated and searching for opportunity. Unlike today, there was no Google or easy access to information. As a result, starting over in a new country required significant risk and determination. However, Maria and her family built a business through persistence, adaptability, and long-term thinking. That entrepreneurial journey is a central part of this episode. What OLR Services Actually Does OLR Services operates as a third-party logistics provider (3PL). However, Maria explains that the business is far more than trucking or warehousing. Instead, the company provides full-service logistics support for international brands entering the US market. Their services include: Warehousing Product inspection Distribution Import guidance Fulfillment support The company also focuses heavily on flexibility and customer relationships. Unlike larger providers, OLR Services works with both small and large customers. As a result, growing businesses receive support that is often difficult to find elsewhere. Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Maria Rigotti and Her Journey03:11 The Logistics Business: OLR Services Overview06:05 Navigating Challenges in the Logistics Industry08:52 The Impact of COVID-19 and Tariffs on Business12:03 Entrepreneurship: Lessons Learned and Advice15:02 Family Business Dynamics and Experiences17:56 World Cup Perspectives: Argentina vs. England21:06 Reflections on Political History and Its Impact24:07 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations Growing Through COVID and Tariff Disruption The logistics industry has faced enormous disruption over the last several years. COVID created both challenges and opportunities. Because supply chains were under pressure, logistics providers became essential infrastructure. Later, tariffs created another major shift. Maria explains that many customers stopped importing products entirely, especially within electronics. Therefore, OLR Services had to reinvent parts of the business and expand into new industries. That included: Cosmetics Construction products Industrial equipment Machinery parts Instead of panicking, the company adapted. This section of the conversation contains valuable lessons for entrepreneurs navigating uncertainty. Why Family Business Still Matters One of my favorite parts of this episode was hearing Maria talk about working alongside her husband, son, sister, and extended family. Family businesses come with challenges. However, they also create deep trust and alignment. Maria describes the business as a shared journey where both success and hardship are experienced together. That perspective feels increasingly rare in modern business culture. Building Bridges Between The UK And Argentina Toward the end of the episode, Maria and I discussed the Falklands / Malvinas conflict and how political decisions can divide ordinary people. Although the subject remains emotional for both Argentina and England, the conversation focused on something bigger: Relationships between people matter more than political narratives. Maria reflected on how the war affected Argentine families and young soldiers. Meanwhile, I shared personal memories from the British side. Despite different perspectives, the discussion became an example of respectful dialogue and human connection. Just a small conversation to help bring people together in a divided world. Maria Rigotti links: olrservices.us LinkedIn

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Episode 47: Before the Hurricane Hits – Why Most Homeowners Aren’t Insurance Claim Ready

2w ago00:26:29Tap to summarize

Why Insurance Claims Preparation Matters Before Disaster Strikes “Most homeowners aren’t insurance claim ready.” That line from Jennifer Taylor says a lot. In this episode of the Rebellious Times Podcast, I sat down with Jennifer, Founder and CEO of ClaimReady, to discuss why insurance claims preparation is something most homeowners overlook until it is too late. The conversation explores how homeowners can better understand their coverage, avoid costly surprises, and prepare for disasters before they happen. Most Homeowners Do Not Fully Understand Their Coverage Insurance policies are complicated. In many cases, homeowners assume they are fully covered. However, policies often contain exclusions, limitations, and changing terms. As a result, people only discover gaps in coverage after a disaster occurs. Jennifer explains that reviewing policies regularly is essential. Otherwise, homeowners risk finding themselves underinsured during major claims. The Role of Public Adjusters Many people are unfamiliar with public adjusters. Unlike insurance company adjusters, public adjusters advocate for homeowners during the claims process. Because of this, they can play a critical role after disasters such as: Hurricanes Floods Fires Major home damage Jennifer shares insights into how these professionals help homeowners navigate complex claims and negotiate fair outcomes. Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction to ClaimReady and Jennifer Taylor03:11 Understanding Insurance Coverage and Claims06:07 The Role of Public Adjusters08:56 Challenges Faced by Homeowners After Disasters11:57 Navigating Insurance Policies and Coverage Changes15:03 How ClaimReady Works18:02 Personal Experiences with Home Renovation24:03 Advice for Homeowners on Insurance Why Preparation Matters Before Disaster Happens One of the biggest themes in this episode is preparation. Most homeowners only think about insurance after something goes wrong. However, Jennifer argues the opposite approach is far more effective. Planning ahead allows homeowners to: Understand their coverage Identify policy gaps Estimate rebuilding costs Reduce stress during emergencies As a result, they are far better positioned when disasters occur. How ClaimReady Helps Homeowners ClaimReady was built to simplify insurance preparation. The platform helps homeowners better understand: Coverage levels Policy changes Potential risks Insurance needs In addition, ClaimReady includes tools designed to make policy reviews easier and more accessible. Because insurance language can be confusing, simplifying the process is valuable for homeowners. Lessons from Home Renovation and Real Life Jennifer also shares personal experiences renovating homes. These experiences reinforced how important it is to properly understand coverage and replacement costs. For example, renovation expenses can increase significantly over time. Therefore, older coverage estimates may no longer be accurate. This practical perspective makes the conversation especially relatable. Advice for Homeowners One message comes through clearly in this episode: Do not wait until disaster strikes to review your insurance. Instead: Review policies annually Understand exclusions Ask questions Plan proactively Although insurance is rarely exciting, being prepared can make a major difference when problems arise. Jennifer Taylor links: claimreadyapp.com LinkedIn

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ASP3: High Standards, Lean Teams & Real Results: Inside a 15-Year Agency Journey

3w ago00:40:44Tap to summarize

How a Marketing Strategy Agency Builds Results with Lean Teams “Meeting clients where they’re at.” That idea shows up again and again in this conversation. In this episode of the Rebellious Times Podcast, I sat down with Heidi Sporel, Founder of E2Excel Marketing. We talked about what it really takes to build a marketing strategy agency that lasts. This episode is part of the Agency Spotlight Series. The focus is simple. Learn from people who have actually built service businesses that work. From Client Side to Agency Owner Heidi spent over 20 years on the client side. Because of that, she understands what companies actually need from marketing partners. Eventually, she made the move to build her own agency. That shift matters. It means her approach is grounded in real business outcomes, not just theory. Why Lean Teams Work Many agencies try to scale by adding more people. However, Heidi took a different path. E2Excel runs a lean team. As a result, the focus stays on strategy and execution that actually moves the needle. Instead of doing everything in-house, the model is simple: Keep strategy and storytelling internal Bring in specialists when needed Because of this, the agency stays flexible without losing quality. I sat down with Heidi Sporel, Founder of E2Excel Marketing. We talked about what it really takes to build a marketing strategy agency that lasts. This episode is part of the Agency Spotlight Series. The focus is simple. Learn from people who have actually built service businesses that work. Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Heidi Sporel and E2Excel Marketing03:30 The Journey of E2Excel Marketing05:03 Running a Lean Team in Marketing08:12 In-House vs. External Expertise11:39 Educating Clients on Marketing Value18:14 Balancing Business and Family Life22:53 Navigating College Choices for Children In-House vs External: Finding the Balance There is always a tension between internal teams and external partners. On one hand, in-house teams understand the brand. On the other hand, external partners bring specialized skills. Heidi’s approach sits in the middle. The core thinking stays internal. Meanwhile, technical expertise is brought in when required. This balance allows for both consistency and depth. Educating Clients Builds Trust Not every client understands marketing. That is normal. However, Heidi leans into this instead of avoiding it. She focuses on educating clients. As a result, conversations become more productive and expectations become clearer. Over time, this builds trust. And trust leads to better long-term relationships. Running a Business While Raising a Family This episode also goes beyond agency operations. Heidi shares what it looks like to run a business while raising children. That includes: Managing time effectively Setting priorities Supporting her kids through big decisions like college Because of this, the conversation feels grounded in real life—not just business theory. What This Means for Agency Owners There is no single way to build an agency. However, a few principles stand out from this conversation: Focus on quality over volume Build a model that fits your life Educate clients, don’t just sell to them Stay flexible as the market evolves In the end, simplicity often wins. Heidi Sporel links: e2excel.com LinkedIn

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ASP2: Beyond ROAS: Building Smarter Shopify Brands in the AI Era

3w ago00:41:59Tap to summarize

How Ecommerce AI Is Changing Shopify Growth and Marketing Strategy “How do you not become obsolete?” That question sits at the center of modern ecommerce. In this episode of the Rebellious Times Podcast, I sit down with Mike Brennan, Co-Founder of Developer Squad and Founder of Milexi, to explore how ecommerce AI is reshaping how brands grow, optimize, and compete. This is the second episode in the Agency Spotlight Series, where we learn from operators building service businesses in a rapidly evolving landscape. From Social Media to Ecommerce Infrastructure Mike’s journey began during the early days of social media. At the time, the pace of innovation was exciting and unpredictable. However, things changed quickly. During the 2008 financial crisis, Mike co-founded Developer Squad. This period forced a more disciplined approach to building a business. Since then, the landscape has evolved again. Today, Mike focuses on ecommerce and AI through Milexi. As a result, his perspective reflects multiple waves of technological change. AI Is Reshaping Ecommerce AI is no longer optional. Instead, it is becoming a core part of ecommerce operations. For example, AI is already improving: Product discovery Personalization Marketing automation Customer experience Because of this, brands must act quickly. Otherwise, they risk falling behind competitors who are moving faster. Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mike Brennan and His Journey07:10 Transitioning to Developer Squad and Milexi14:09 The Role of AI in E-commerce20:49 Navigating the Shopify Partner Ecosystem27:33 Understanding Metrics and Marketing in E-commerce36:39 Exploring OpenClaw and Future Innovations The Shopify Ecosystem Is Evolving Shopify continues to be a strong foundation for ecommerce brands. However, the ecosystem around it is evolving. Today, there are more tools, more integrations, and more choices than ever before. As a result, complexity has increased. To succeed in this environment, brands need: Clear positioning Strong technical execution A clear understanding of how tools work together In other words, it is not about using more tools. Instead, it is about using the right tools effectively. Beyond ROAS: Understanding Real Profitability Many ecommerce brands focus heavily on ROAS. However, this can be misleading. Instead, Mike emphasizes a broader view of performance. For example, brands should focus on: → Contribution margin→ True profitability→ Conversion rate optimization Because of this, decision-making becomes more accurate. As a result, brands can grow sustainably rather than chasing vanity metrics. The Future: Autonomous Agents and OpenClaw Looking ahead, AI will continue to evolve. In particular, tools like OpenClaw point toward a new model. In this model: AI agents perform tasks autonomously Decision-making becomes faster Operations become more efficient Although this may sound futuristic, it is already beginning to happen. Therefore, businesses should start preparing now. Mike Brennan links: developersquad.com milexi.com LinkedIn

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ASP1: Longevity Through Relationships – How a New York IT Firm Built Enduring Client Relationships

Apr 27Tap to summarize

How Relationship-Driven IT Consulting Services Build Long-Term Competitive Advantage “Perfection is the enemy of done.” That mindset has helped Macktez stay relevant for over 30 years. In this episode of the Rebellious Times Podcast, I sit down with Noah Landow, Founder of Macktez, to explore how IT consulting services built on relationships—not just technology—can create long-term success. This episode kicks off the Agency Spotlight Series, where we learn from founders building enduring service businesses in an increasingly competitive and AI-driven world. Longevity in a Fast-Changing Industry Technology moves fast. Most firms do not last. Macktez has been operating for over three decades in New York—one of the most competitive markets in the world. That kind of longevity is not accidental. It is built on consistency, adaptability, and trust. Why Relationships Outlast Technology Technology evolves constantly. Client relationships do not. Macktez focuses on: Deep collaboration with clients Long-term problem solving Clear communication and alignment This creates a foundation that survives shifts in tools, platforms, and trends. In a world increasingly driven by AI, this becomes even more important. Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Noah Landow and Macktez01:04 The Journey of Macktez: 30 Years in IT Consulting04:11 Understanding Client Needs: The Role of In-House IT Teams07:10 Navigating Change: Common Challenges in IT08:53 The Impact of AI on Business Operations12:01 Building Relationships: The Key to Long-Term Success15:00 Targeting the Right Clients: Finding Compatibility17:45 Nonprofit Involvement: Union Docs and the Victorian Web24:12 Final Thoughts and Advice for Businesses The Real Challenges Businesses Face Many organizations struggle with IT. Not because they lack tools. But because they lack clarity. Common challenges include: Managing cybersecurity risks Navigating organizational change Integrating new technologies Keeping up with rapid AI adoption External consultants play a key role in bridging that gap. AI Is Changing the Game AI is not just another tool. It is reshaping how organizations operate. Noah takes a practical approach: Use AI to increase efficiency Experiment early Avoid overthinking adoption The companies that act now will have an advantage. Choosing the Right Clients One of the most important lessons from this episode is selectivity. Macktez does not work with everyone. They focus on clients who: → Value collaboration→ Are open to change→ Want long-term partnerships This alignment improves outcomes on both sides. Building an Enduring Service Business For agency and consulting founders, this episode offers a clear takeaway: Sustainable success comes from: Strong relationships Clear positioning Adaptability Consistent delivery In an AI-driven world, these fundamentals matter more—not less. Randy Perkins links: macktez.com LinkedIn

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S&L5: Resilience on the Road: Randy Perkins on Trucking, Fatherhood, and Fixing Logistics

Apr 2300:38:11Tap to summarize

How Truck Driver Conditions Are Impacting the Future of the Trucking Industry “I want to help be part of the solution.” That statement captures Randy Perkins’ passion for treating people the right way. In this episode of the Rebellious Times Podcast, I sit down with Randy, Co-founder & CEO of FreightPro, to explore how truck driver conditions are shaping the future of the trucking industry. This is part of the Supply Chain & Logistics series, where we go beyond systems and talk about the people who keep everything moving. From Adversity to Entrepreneurship Randy’s story is not typical. He grew up facing instability and hardship. At times, even homelessness. However, those experiences shaped his mindset. They built resilience.They gave him a clear sense of purpose. That purpose now drives his work in logistics. The Hidden Backbone of the Economy Truck drivers are essential. They move goods across the country every day. Yet, they are often overlooked. Randy highlights a core issue: Drivers are undervalued and underappreciated. This leads to: High turnover rates Burnout Recruitment challenges Operational inefficiencies The system is not broken because of drivers. It is broken because of how they are treated. Rethinking Driver Recruitment and Retention FreightPro is built on a different philosophy. Instead of treating drivers as interchangeable resources, the focus is on: Respect Fair compensation Transparency Long-term relationships Randy believes that improving driver experience is not just ethical. It is also good business. Better treatment leads to: → Lower turnover→ Stronger operations→ More reliable supply chains Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Resilience on the Road01:44 Randy’s Inspiring Journey from Adversity to Success11:06 Transitioning from College to a Career in Logistics21:32 The Challenges and Realities of Truck Drivers22:41 Building Freight Pro: A New Approach to Logistics25:52 Overcoming Technical Challenges26:01 Introducing FreightPro: A New Approach to Trucking31:26 Empowering Drivers: Messages for the Future34:27 Connecting with the Community: Randy’s Personal Life39:44 The Importance of Humanity in Business The Human Element in Logistics Logistics is often viewed as a numbers game. However, Randy brings it back to people. Behind every shipment is a human being. Behind every delay is a real challenge. By recognizing this, companies can build stronger systems. This human-first approach is what sets FreightPro apart. Fatherhood, Purpose, and Legacy Randy’s motivation goes beyond business. Family plays a central role. His experiences growing up influence how he thinks about leadership, responsibility, and impact. He is not just building a company. He is building something that reflects his values. A Better Future for Trucking The future of trucking depends on change. It depends on: Attracting younger drivers Improving working conditions Creating sustainable careers Randy’s vision is clear. – Fix the system by valuing the people within it. That’s a big 10-4 from the Rebellious Times Podcast!! Randy Perkins links: freightpro.ai LinkedIn

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S&L4: The Capital Supply Chain – How Cash Actually Moves Business

Apr 16Tap to summarize

How Commercial Lending Powers the Supply Chain and Business Growth “Capital is the key input in the supply chain.” It is a simple idea. However, most people overlook it. In this episode of the Rebellious Times Podcast, I sit down with Shane Walton, Founder of the Commercial Loan Broker Institute, to break down how commercial lending actually works. This conversation goes beyond loans. It explores how capital flows through businesses and why understanding that flow is critical for growth and survival. Capital: The Missing Link in the Supply Chain Most discussions about supply chains focus on products. They focus on sourcing, logistics, and delivery.However, Shane highlights a critical truth. None of it moves without capital. Every step in the supply chain depends on access to funding. Without it, momentum slows. Growth stalls. Risk increases. This is why capital should be viewed as a core operational input. The Evolution of the Lending Market The lending market has changed significantly. It is no longer dominated by traditional banks. Today’s ecosystem includes: Private lenders Alternative financing providers Specialized capital sources Asset-based lending solutions This fragmentation creates opportunity. However, it also creates complexity. Entrepreneurs now have more options. At the same time, they must navigate a more complicated landscape. Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Shane Walton and His Journey02:45 Understanding Politics and Persuasion in Business09:17 The Importance of Capital in the Supply Chain15:52 Evolution of the Lending Market19:53 The Role of Storytelling in Lending23:11 Navigating the Complex Capital Ecosystem26:12 The Value of Specialized Brokers29:52 Mitigating Risks in Entrepreneurship Why Brokers Matter More Than Ever This is where brokers come in. Shane explains that modern lending requires specialization. A single lender cannot serve every scenario. Brokers help: Match businesses with the right capital source Structure deals effectively Navigate lender requirements Reduce friction in the process In many cases, the difference between getting funded and getting rejected comes down to alignment. The Power of Storytelling in Finance One of the most interesting insights from this conversation is the role of storytelling. Even in finance, narrative matters. Lenders are not just evaluating numbers. They are evaluating risk, vision, and alignment. Entrepreneurs must clearly communicate: What they are building Why it matters How the capital will be used How risk will be managed A strong story increases the likelihood of funding. Risk Management and Capital Strategy Shane emphasizes that capital is not just about access. It is about structure. Poor capital decisions can increase risk. Strong capital strategies can reduce it. Entrepreneurs must think carefully about: → Timing of funding→ Cost of capital→ Flexibility of terms→ Long-term impact on the business Understanding these elements can significantly improve outcomes. Shane Walton links: commercialloanbrokerinstitute.com LinkedIn

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All episodes

ASP5: Why the Best Customer Experiences Still Feel Physical

ASP4: Fueling Big Sports Brands: Why Business-Minded Creativity Wins

Episode 48: From Fintech to Faith Tech – The Mind of a Modern Multipreneur

S&L6: From Argentina to Miami: Building a Relationship-First Logistics Business

Episode 47: Before the Hurricane Hits – Why Most Homeowners Aren’t Insurance Claim Ready

ASP3: High Standards, Lean Teams & Real Results: Inside a 15-Year Agency Journey

ASP2: Beyond ROAS: Building Smarter Shopify Brands in the AI Era

ASP1: Longevity Through Relationships – How a New York IT Firm Built Enduring Client Relationships

S&L5: Resilience on the Road: Randy Perkins on Trucking, Fatherhood, and Fixing Logistics

S&L4: The Capital Supply Chain – How Cash Actually Moves Business