In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Robert Bain, Senior Consultant & Director of Partnership at  GLCS, Inc.

Robert Bain is a Senior Consultant & Director of Partnership at  GLCS, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in optimizing technology and operations in the freight industry. His nearly two decades of experience include leadership roles at Uber Freight and QuadGraphics, demonstrating his expertise in building efficient logistics operations. With a background spanning fleet management to brokerage operations, Robert brings a comprehensive understanding of the freight industry's operational needs and technological challenges.

[00:06:37 - 10:00]  Robert shares how being an underdog in high school soccer shaped his resilience and determination, qualities he carried into his logistics career. He reflects on the challenges of competing in a less recognized soccer program and how they instilled a strong work ethic and competitive spirit. “Pressure is a privilege. So few people ever get the chance to feel that,”.

[00:22:41 - 27:00] Three Pillars of Operations, Robert introduces the foundational principles of operational success: Extreme Ownership, Customer Experience, and Free Cash Flow. He highlights how these elements are interconnected, creating a flywheel of continuous improvement. Extreme Ownership emphasizes taking full responsibility for outcomes and processes, fostering accountability and proactive problem-solving. Customer Experience focuses on ensuring customers feel valued and respected, as their perception directly impacts loyalty and payment consistency. Free Cash Flow Points out the importance of maintaining financial health to sustain operations and reinvest in growth. Together, these pillars create a self-reinforcing system where improvements in one area drive success across the others, ensuring long-term operational excellence.

[00:27:09] Building the Broker Carrier Summit, Robert recounts the inception and growth of the Broker Carrier Summit, a unique event designed to foster genuine connections between brokers and carriers. Starting with just 35 attendees at its first gathering, the summit rapidly expanded to nearly 500 participants in only 18 months, showcasing the logistics industry's hunger for collaboration and relationship-building. He highlights the summit’s mission to bridge gaps and address shared challenges in the broker-carrier dynamic, emphasizing the importance of trust and partnership in driving industry success. Robert’s vision for the event reflects his commitment to creating a community where businesses can thrive together through meaningful connections.

[00:27:09 - 36:00] Robert discusses his journey as a powerlifter, highlighting the discipline and mindset required to achieve extraordinary feats, like squatting over 1,000 pounds. He reflects on the dedication, perseverance, and resilience needed to pursue such demanding goals, drawing parallels between powerlifting and his professional life. “I don’t want to die with the music inside me still,” he shares, emphasizing the importance of embracing challenges and pushing personal boundaries. Robert’s story serves as an inspiring reminder of how passion and determination can drive success in both physical and professional endeavors.

[00:39:32 - 41:00] Robert and Brent reflect on the key takeaways from the episode, highlighting the importance of humility, perseverance, and building genuine relationships. Robert explains how staying grounded and appreciating the journey along with the people who support you, is vital to achieving lasting success. He encourages listeners to embrace their potential, seize opportunities, and use every challenge as a stepping stone for growth. These reflections provide a thoughtful conclusion to an episode filled with practical advice and inspiring stories.

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