In this solo episode, Brian Hastings, co-founder of Veritas Logistics, lays out five tactical principles every freight broker needs to master to win new business—and actually keep it. With 24,000 brokerages competing for attention and trust, Brian shares what separates the amateurs from the professionals: belief, niche expertise, honest communication, a service-first mindset, and genuine relationship-building.

Whether you're just getting started in freight sales or looking to sharpen your client retention game, this episode delivers actionable advice straight from someone who's been in the trenches. Plus, Brian reflects on Veritas’s five-year journey from a basement startup to a growing logistics powerhouse, and the values that fueled their rise.

The Logistics & Leadership Podcast, powered by Veritas Logistics, redefines logistics and personal growth. Hosted by industry veterans and supply chain leaders Brian Hastings and Justin Maines, it shares their journey from humble beginnings to a $50 million company. Discover invaluable lessons in logistics, mental toughness, and embracing the entrepreneurial spirit. The show delves into personal and professional development, routine, and the power of betting on oneself. From inspiring stories to practical insights, this podcast is a must for aspiring entrepreneurs, logistics professionals, and anyone seeking to push limits and achieve success.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction & today's focus: client acquisition + retention

(00:45) - The #1 mindset shift: belief in your service

(02:00) - Why you must niche down to speak confidently

(03:15) - Honest communication: why "the harder right" builds trust

(04:00) - You've landed the client—now here’s how to keep them

(04:30) - What a service-first mindset actually looks like

(05:45) - Why short-term thinking kills long-term partnerships

(06:30) - The human advantage in an AI-automated world

(07:45) - Caring about the person behind the PO

(08:30) - How to stand out on high-volume sales calls

(09:45) - A personal reflection: 5 years of Veritas Logistics

(10:30) - Startup in a basement: risks, doubt, and survival

(11:30) - Vision check: What "people first" really means at Veritas

(12:15) - Looking ahead: hiring, growth, and ideal partners

Connect with us!

▶️ Website | LinkedIn | Brian’s LinkedIn | Justin’s LinkedIn

▶️ Get our newsletter for more logistics insights

▶️ Send us your questions!! ask@go-veritas.com

Watch the pod on: YouTube

In this high-energy episode of the Logistics & Leadership Podcast, Justin sits down with Yanni Hufnagel, founder and CEO of Lemon Perfect—a $100 million beverage brand built from just lemons and water. Yanni shares the raw truth of leaving a career in Division I college basketball to start over in the world of CPG, navigating rejection, reinvention, and the relentless pursuit of building something extraordinary.

From his early days Googling “how to start a beverage company” to getting Lemon Perfect on shelves at Bristol Farms and earning the backing of investors like Beyoncé and Blake Griffin, Yanni takes us through the wins, the failures, and the identity-shifting moments that shaped his journey. This episode is a masterclass in hustle, vision, and staying resilient when the scoreboard isn’t in your favor.

Whether you’re a founder, athlete, or builder at heart, this conversation will leave you fired up to bet on yourself—again and again.

The Logistics & Leadership Podcast, powered by Veritas Logistics, redefines logistics and personal growth. Hosted by industry veterans and supply chain leaders Brian Hastings and Justin Maines, it shares their journey from humble beginnings to a $50 million company. Discover invaluable lessons in logistics, mental toughness, and embracing the entrepreneurial spirit. The show delves into personal and professional development, routine, and the power of betting on oneself. From inspiring stories to practical insights, this podcast is a must for aspiring entrepreneurs, logistics professionals, and anyone seeking to push limits and achieve success.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - From basketball coach to beverage founder

(02:10) - The aha moment with lemon water

(04:30) - Prototyping Lemon Perfect in his kitchen

(06:45) - When coaching doors closed, entrepreneurship opened

(09:00) - The early failures and near-pivot back to basketball

(11:30) - How 12 stores became a launchpad for growth

(14:00) - Building with fractional teams before hiring full-time

(16:15) - Why Yanni never sold the product—only the vision

(18:00) - The power of relationships and his investor network

(20:00) - Translating coaching culture into company culture

(22:30) - Facing adversity: oxidation issues and rebranding

(25:15) - Lemon Perfect 4.0 and rebuilding consumer trust

(28:45) - Fighting back from failure and regaining momentum

(32:00) - Yanni’s vision for Lemon Perfect’s legacy

Connect with Yanni Hufnagel:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yhufnagel

Instagram: https://yannihufnagel.com/

Website: https://www.instagram.com/yanni/?hl=en

Connect with us!

▶️ Website | LinkedIn | Brian’s LinkedIn | Justin’s LinkedIn

▶️ Get our newsletter for more logistics insights

▶️ Send us your questions!! ask@go-veritas.com

Watch the pod on: YouTube

On today's episode, Supply Chain Leaders Brian Hastings and Justin Maines sit down with Chadd Olesen, CEO and founder of AVRL, to discuss his unconventional entry into the logistics industry and his work with top brokerages. Topics include automation, change management, and strategies for transforming midsize brokerages into industry powerhouses. Chad shares insights on the complexities of spot bidding, the impact of emerging technologies, and the importance of educating brokers. Join us as we explore how AVRL is revolutionizing the transportation sector and what the future holds for brokerage companies.

The Logistics & Leadership Podcast, powered by Veritas Logistics, redefines logistics and personal growth. Hosted by industry veterans and supply chain leaders Brian Hastings and Justin Maines, it shares their journey from humble beginnings to a $50 million company. Discover invaluable lessons in logistics, mental toughness, and embracing the entrepreneurial spirit. The show delves into personal and professional development, routine, and the power of betting on oneself. From inspiring stories to practical insights, this podcast is a must for aspiring entrepreneurs, logistics professionals, and anyone seeking to push limits and achieve success.

Timestamps:

(00:31) - Chadd's Journey into Logistics

(00:46) - Early Projects and Key Partnerships

(02:06) - Breaking into Transportation

(05:02) - Automation in Transportation

06:13 Growth and Change Management

(07:31) - Solving Problems for Shippers and 3PLs

(14:34) - Future of Technology in Logistics

(19:33) - Challenges and Opportunities in Automation

(21:13) - Intern's Quick Adaptation to TMS

(22:39) - Building a Unique Culture at AVRL

(25:37) - Challenges in Technology Adoption

(27:27) - The Role of Change Management

(33:49) - Client Expectations and Long-Term Success

(37:07) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Chadd Olesen!

▶️LinkedIn | Website

Connect with us!

▶️ Website | LinkedIn | Brian’s LinkedIn | Justin’s LinkedIn

▶️ Get our newsletter for more logistics insights

▶️ Send us your questions!! ask@go-veritas.com

Watch the pod on: YouTube