Taking The Hire Road

In this episode, host Jeremy Reymer sits down with Nick Klingensmith, High-Impact Keynote Speaker, Author, Mental Endurance & Sales Performance Coach at Stride Motivation for a conversation about overcoming obstacles, improving health, and resilience in the trucking and logistics industry. They zoom in on Nick’s personal journey of battling cancer, diabetes, and addiction, and how those challe...

In this episode, Sam Watts, founder of Wattsmen Diesel House, shares how firsthand experience with a DOT audit led him deep into safety and compliance. Starting with a conditional rating and no formal background in safety, Sam recounts how necessity forced him to learn fast and build from the ground up. Sam and Jeremy talk about why most small fleets struggle to stay compliant, how technology can...

In this episode, Bob Book, Director of Marketing for Road Dog Care Company and VP of Marketing for Revolution Trucking, shares his path from general marketing into the world of trucking and wellness. He reflects on the surprising warmth of the trucking community and how genuine connections fuel long-term success. Bob and Jeremy discuss how Road Dog Care evolved from a coffee brand into a complete...

In this episode, Chelsea Faulkner, Director of Operations for HandledNow and host of Drive, shares her journey from staffing to the trucking industry. She discusses the challenges of connecting drivers and office teams and how HandledNow is helping companies find the right fit for long-term success. Chelsea and Jeremy explore the importance of bridging the gap between office staff and drivers to i...

In this episode, PJ Barclay, President and CEO of Impirica, shares his journey from the world of accounting to tackling impairment in the trucking industry. After recognizing the need for better safety measures, PJ explains how cognitive science and technology came together to create solutions for improving driver wellness and safety. He and Jeremy discuss the broader issue of impairment, addressi...

In this episode, host Jeremy Reymer sits down with Becky Schmitz, Executive Director of Vikingland Community Support Program and creator of the Mental Health Toolbox, for a conversation centered on mental well-being in the trucking industry. They unpack the hidden toll isolation, irregular routines, and chronic stress can take on drivers and why small, consistent habits matter. Becky shares how a...

In this episode, host Jeremy Reymer chats with Evan Shelley, CEO and co-founder of Truck Parking Club, to explore one of the industry’s most persistent and costly issues: truck parking. Evan shares how a real estate background and a deep understanding of driver pain points led him to create a tech-enabled platform that rapidly adds thousands of parking spaces nationwide. They discuss the actual im...

In this episode, Jason Douglass opens up about the journey that brought him full circle: from leaving a company he loved, to returning with unfinished business and a renewed vision. Now serving as VP of Operations, Jason shares what it’s taken to rebuild not just a team, but a culture. He and Jeremy talk about what it means to lead with heart in an industry that often demands grit over vulnerabili...

In this episode, host Jeremy Reymer sits down with Dr. Gina Anderson, Co-Founder and CEO of Luma Learning, to talk about personal growth, mental health, and the role of meaningful learning in the trucking industry. Dr. Gina shares how Luma goes beyond delivering content to build human connection and measurable change through immersive training programs. She also opens up about her new book Thrive,...

In this episode, host Jeremy Reymer is joined by Hope Zvara, CEO of Mother Trucker Yoga, to talk about what it really takes for drivers to take control of their health without stepping away from the job. They discuss the reasons traditional wellness programs struggle to connect with drivers, how shame and overwhelm keep people from starting, and why simple, consistent actions are far more effectiv...

In this episode, host Jeremy Reymer is joined by Shelley Dellinger, Vice President of Recruiting and Marketing at Cargo Transporters, to discuss the challenges of driver recruitment and retention in the trucking industry. They explore how staying engaged in the industry and supporting drivers’ well-being leads to better retention. Shelley also shares how flexibility and community involvement help...

In this episode, host Jeremy Reymer sits down with Jessica (Paugh) Warnke, CEO of Carter Express and Chair of the Indiana Motor Truck Association, to discuss leadership, innovation, and the realities of balancing work and family in trucking. Jessica shares how growing up in a trucking family shaped her career and the mindset that drives Carter Express forward. They explore the importance of compan...

In this episode, host Jeremy Reymer welcomes Dr. Mark Manera, Founder and CEO of Offshift, to discuss the health challenges truck drivers face and the small, sustainable changes that can make a big difference. They talk about why traditional wellness programs fail drivers, the impact of long hours and limited healthy options, and how small shifts in movement, nutrition, and sleep can improve well-...

In this episode, host Jeremy Reymer sits down with Mats Holmbäck , Co-founder and CEO of Lanefinder , to explore how AI is transforming driver recruiting in the trucking industry. They break down the inefficiencies in traditional hiring—repetitive recruiter conversations, outdated job-matching methods—and how AI-driven solutions like Lanefinder Connect are streamlining the process. Mats shares his...

In this episode, host Jeremy Reymer welcomes Gurdon Blackwell, Chief Revenue Officer at Asurint, to explore the evolving landscape of background screening in the trucking industry. They discuss the growing challenges of risk mitigation, the impact of nuclear verdicts, and why a thorough, well-executed background check is more than just a compliance measure, it’s a safeguard for carriers. Gurdon sh...

In this episode, host Jeremy Reymer sits down with Trey Griggs, Founder and CEO of BETA Consulting Group and Director of Operations for the Broker Carrier Summit.   They discuss the critical role of messaging in sales and marketing, the power of customer advocacy, and how startups can build a strong foundation for growth. Trey also shares insights on the Broker Carrier Summit—an event designed to...

In this episode, host Jeremy Reymer shares a major update about the show’s new home and its next phase of growth. While the mission remains the same (tackling industry challenges, sharing insights, and celebrating the people who make trucking thrive), the format is evolving. Expect biweekly episodes, more discussions on leadership and personal growth, and new initiatives designed to bring even mor...

On this episode of Taking the Higher Road, we're revisiting a standout conversation with Tracy Rushing, Executive Director of Safety and Recruiting at RE Garrison, and a 2024 Influential Woman in Trucking. Originally aired as an insightful look into driver recruiting, retention, and wellness, this episode highlights Tracy’s mission to create a destination employer—where every employee plays a role...

On this episode of Taking the Hire Road, we’re revisiting a standout conversation featuring Jeremy Reymer, founder of DriverReach and the passion project Project 61. Originally aired as an inspiring call to action for the trucking industry, this episode sheds light on the alarming statistic of a 61-year life expectancy for CDL drivers and Jeremy's mission to change that narrative. Jeremy shares hi...

On this episode of Taking the Hire Road, we’re revisiting a favorite episode featuring Karen Smerchek, President of Veriha Trucking and the next Chair of the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA). Originally aired during a critical moment in the industry, this conversation highlights Karen’s story of leading a family business, the legacy of trucking, and her passion for improving the lives of drive...

Shaun Lezer, Professional CDL driver of over a decade, joins Jeremy Reymer, founder of DriverReach and PROJECT 61, to discuss the challenges drivers face while delivering the nation’s good - especially physical and mental health. Shaun shares what motivated him to make some critical decisions to improve his health, and discusses the importance of taking small steps in the right direction. Special...

Nick Darman, Founder & CEO of Alvys, joins Jeremy Reymer, founder of DriverReach and PROJECT 61, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey into trucking, from starting a trucking company to creating Alvys, a world-class transportation management system (TMS) to help fleets maximize efficiency and utilization. Special thanks to the show’s sponsors! DriverReach ( https://www.driverreach.com ) Proje...

This week guest host Leah Shaver, President & CEO of The National Transportation Institute, chats with Josh Hankins, senior vice president of safety, security, and driver personnel at J.B. Hunt. Josh is one of the leaders behind the innovation and implementation of technologies and programs at one of the most forward-looking companies in America. As he puts it: One of the core elements of acco...

Tracy Rushing, Executive Director of Safety and Recruiting with R.E. Garrison, and recipient of the  Influential Woman in Trucking Award, joins Jeremy Reymer, founder of DriverReach and PROJECT 61, to discuss the importance of having the right mindset when it comes to recruiting, how best to leverage technology, and how being a human first is what sets the best carriers apart. Special thanks to th...

The trucking industry faces a rapid push in technology and innovation, moving the industry from decades-old processes and systems into the current era. It is more important than ever for carriers and logistics companies to determine how they will modernize, or risk being forgotten. DDC FPO’s Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Global, Madison Conway, will share the power companies ha...