Rob Skelton, Drop the Ego Pick Up the Freight

SUMMARY: Rob Skelton, CEO of Third Coast Logistics, shares his journey from the military to the freight industry. He discusses the challenges he faced while starting his business, the importance of leadership and team building, and how he navigated financial management during tough market cycles. Rob emphasizes the significance of building strong relationships in the freight industry and offers valuable advice for new brokerages. He also shares insights on personal development and the impact of mentorship on success. TAKEAWAYS: Rob's journey began with a passion for the freight business. Starting Third Coast Logistics was a pivotal moment in his career. Financial discipline is crucial for long-term success. Building a strong company culture is essential for employee retention. Mentorship can significantly impact business growth. Understanding the unique nature of freight is key to success. Hiring the right people is critical for a small business. Rob emphasizes the importance of personal goals in employees. Navigating market cycles requires strategic financial management. Continuous learning and adaptation are vital in the logistics industry. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Rob Skelton and His Journey 02:56 Early Career and Military Background 06:02 Transition to Freight and Starting Third Coast Logistics 09:11 Challenges and Lessons Learned in Business 12:05 Leadership and Team Building in a Small Business 14:54 Financial Management and Navigating Market Cycles 17:52 The Unique Nature of Freight and Building Relationships 20:58 Advice for New Brokerages and Personal Development 23:57 Favorite Books and Closing Thoughts EPISODE CREDITS: Host, Will Jenkins Creative Director, Erin Sweeney Edited and mixed by Keenan McCarthy Music licensed through Envato LINKS: Be sure to follow and tag @JourneyDelivers on LinkedIn Instagram Twitter Facebook TikTok YouTube ABOUT THE JOURNEY PODCAST: Welcome to The Journey Podcast, where we talk freight, sales, tech, the market and everything in between. Hosted by Will Jenkins, CEO and Founder of Journey, this show pulls from years of building & scaling freight brokerages along with the work our team does with hundreds of clients. We break down how brokers grow, how teams sell, how leaders hire, and what it takes to perform at a high-level in this industry.