Choppin' It Up

Will Jenkins

Welcome to "Choppin' It Up", a podcast powered by Journey! Join our host, Journey's CEO & Founder, Will Jenkins, as we chop it up with industry experts, leaders and friends. Will covers topics from freight & supply chain to entrepreneurship, sales & marketing. We're ready to share your Journey! Alright, let's start Choppin' It Up! About Journey: Journey is your #1 transportation recruiting resource & the premier community based academy for supply chain professionals. It's simple. We're here to help you succeed on your Journey. Learn more at www.journeydelivers.com.

  1. 09/04/2025

    Megan Masud & Sarah Hanna, Mental Health and Compliance

    SUMMARY: In this episode, host Will Jenkins sits down with Megan Masud and Sarah Hanna, Co-Founders of Competum Collective LLC, to share their entrepreneurial story and mission to improve the lives of drivers in the logistics industry. They break down how Competum Collective is tackling critical gaps with mental health support, compliance education, affordable healthcare options, and substance abuse resources. From navigating the healthcare side of trucking to creating safe, judgment-free spaces for carriers, Megan and Sarah discuss the lessons they’ve learned, the resilience required to build a business, and their vision for expanding nationwide. This conversation is packed with insights for anyone in logistics, trucking, compliance, or entrepreneurship.   TAKEAWAYS: Megan Masud and Sarah Hanna met unexpectedly and founded Competum Collective LLC to transform driver support.Mental health programs for drivers are at the center of their mission.Compliance education helps carriers avoid preventable issues.Their services include affordable healthcare and substance abuse resources.Strong industry relationships have fueled their growth.Competum Collective creates safe spaces for drivers to seek help without judgment.They pivoted their model based on market research and feedback.Entrepreneurship requires grit, adaptability, and persistence.Their expansion plan will bring essential services to drivers nationwide.  CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Introduction and Backgrounds 10:16 – Career Insights and Lessons Learned 13:48 – The Birth of Competum Collective 18:21 – Services Offered by Competum Collective 19:54 – Navigating Compliance for Independent Contractors 21:38 – The Impact of Substance Abuse Programs 23:09 – Proactive Measures for Driver Safety 26:43 – Building Relationships in the Industry 29:57 – Leveraging Subscription Services for Drivers 32:41 – Overcoming Challenges in Business Development 37:14 – Personal Growth Through Reading and Reflection 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 and Instagram!

    39 min
  2. 07/24/2025

    CJ Johnson, No Shortcuts in This Game

    SUMMARY: In this episode of Choppin’ It Up, Will Jenkins sits down with CJ Johnson, founder of BWS Logistics, a 3PL known for handling the tough stuff, like fragile freight, complex consolidation, last-minute loads, with ease. CJ shares how growing up in Chicago and handing out pizza flyers laid the groundwork for his entrepreneurial grit. From switching majors in college to honing his sales game at Sears, every step helped prepare him to launch BWS after a failed partnership deal. They dig into how BWS built its reputation on trust, relationships, and proactive communication—and why CJ still believes human connection will always outperform automation in freight. TAKEAWAYS:  The best training ground is real-world sales Relationships still win in logistics BWS makes the complex simple for shippers You only need one door to open to build something big CHAPTERS:  00:00 – Intro 02:06 – Growing Up in Chicago 04:00 – Pizza Flyers and Early Hustle 06:49 – College Pivot: Biology to Tech 11:15 – Sales at Sears: Real-World Education 13:42 – Getting into Freight 18:05 – When a Deal Fails, a Business Begins 20:37 – Building BWS Logistics from the Ground Up 23:56 – What Makes BWS Stand Out in 3PL 28:02 – Lessons in Leadership and Entrepreneurship 35:46 – Freight Market Insights and Advice 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 and Instagram!

    43 min
  3. 06/19/2025

    Elizabeth Moscoso, A Second-Gen Freight Story

    SUMMARY: In this episode of Choppin' It Up, Will Jenkins interviews Elizabeth Moscoso, President of Moscoso Express, a trucking company specializing in air freight. Elizabeth shares her journey from childhood involvement in the family business to leading the second generation of the company. The conversation explores the evolution of the trucking industry, the importance of technology, and the challenges of leadership. Elizabeth emphasizes the significance of team retention, problem-solving, and building personal relationships in the business. She also offers valuable insights on maintaining quality customer service and the importance of believing in oneself.   TAKEAWAYS: Moscoso Express started with humble beginnings and has evolved over 20 years. Technology has significantly changed the logistics and air freight industry. Building personal relationships is crucial in the trucking business. Team retention is key to maintaining quality service. Problem-solving is emphasized over strict adherence to SOPs. Transparency within the team fosters a positive work culture. Understanding cash flow is essential for business success. Delegation is important for entrepreneurial growth. The air freight niche requires attention to detail and adaptability. Believing in oneself is fundamental to achieving entrepreneurial dreams.CHAPTERS:  00:00 Introduction to the Journey 02:31 Overview of Moscoso Express 03:03 The Roots of Moscoso Express06:20 Evolution of the Business 09:10 Air Freight and Technology 11:57 Staying Nimble in Business 14:33 Team Retention Strategies 17:53 Corporate Experience and Its Impact 21:12 Challenges in Leadership 24:01 Building Relationships in the Industry 27:25 Quality Support and Customer Service 28:28 Advice for the Younger Self 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 and Instagram!

    30 min
  4. 05/22/2025

    Kevin McMaster, The Long Game In Freight

    SUMMARY: In this episode of Choppin' It Up, host Will Jenkins sits down with Kevin McMaster, SVP of Sales and Operations at Flock Freight. Kevin shares his story of immigrating to the U.S. and building a standout career in freight, from his early days at Coyote to leading teams at Flock. He opens up about the challenges he faced, the mentors who shaped him, and the mindset that helped him grow into a top performer. Will and Kevin dig into the competitive nature of sales in logistics, the shift from individual contributor to leader, and what it takes to build and scale a freight organization. They also talk about the power of relationships, leadership lessons learned the hard way, and the books that helped shape their perspectives.   TAKEAWAYS: Kevin immigrated to the U.S. at 13, an experience that helped build his resilience and independence. He started his career in transportation in 2007 and quickly learned the value of hard work. The competitive, high-performance culture at Coyote played a major role in shaping his career. Mentorship was a key factor in Kevin’s growth—from carrier sales to leadership roles. His time in Europe gave him an early sense of independence and problem-solving. Struggles in school taught him grit and how to push through challenges. Prioritizing customer service became a cornerstone of his sales approach. Kevin’s competitive mindset was clear: “I wanted to emulate number one—and beat number one.” He believes you need to do the job you want before you get the job you want. Building strong, authentic relationships is essential in leadership. Success comes from organizing and executing around what the business truly needs. Some challenges—like the infamous "$10 books"—still persist in the freight world. "If you go and book the volume, the money will come." He was scared to leave Real Time Freight for Coyote, but believed in himself and took the leap. Mistakes are part of the process: “It’s okay to not get it right.” Flock’s success isn’t about one person—it’s about the team and the mission. Belief in himself was a driving force throughout his career.  CHAPTERS:  00:00 Introduction to Kevin McMaster  02:53 Kevin's Early Life and Immigration Story  11:26 Educational Journey and Career Beginnings  14:09 Joining Coyote: The Early Days  18:59 Roles and Responsibilities at Coyote  25:25 Transitioning to Leadership and Career Growth 25:53 The Competitive Spirit: Emulating Success  26:43 Leadership Lessons from Coyote  32:57 Transitioning to Flock Freight  41:14 Building a New Organization: The Flock Experience  51:27 Key Takeaways and Influential Books Start your Journey at www.journeydelivers.com 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 and Instagram!

    54 min
  5. 04/24/2025

    Rob Skelton, Drop the Ego Pick Up the Freight

    SUMMARY: In this episode of Choppin' It Up, 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 and Instagram!

    31 min
  6. 03/27/2025

    Women's History Month #NoGatekeeping

    SUMMARY: In this special Women's History Month edition of Choppin' It Up, the conversation revolves around the importance of mentorship, the challenges women face in a male-dominated industry, and the leadership lessons learned throughout their careers. Erin Sweeney, Maya Quijada and Nicki Bottan share personal stories with Will Jenkins of how mentorship has shaped their professional journeys, the significance of advocating for one another, and the trends they hope to see in the freight industry. They celebrate the achievements of women leaders and discuss the unique experiences of working in a fast-paced startup environment, emphasizing the value of community and support among women in the workplace.   TAKEAWAYS: Mentorship plays a crucial role in career development.Women supporting women is essential in male-dominated industries.Leadership requires vulnerability and the ability to ask for help.Authenticity is key to personal and professional growth.Advocacy is a powerful tool for empowering others.Creating a supportive community enhances workplace dynamics.Women in leadership positions can inspire future generations.Embracing failure is part of the growth process.Diversity in leadership leads to better business outcomes.The journey of entrepreneurship is about the people you impact.  CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Women's History Month Special01:33 The Impact of Mentorship on Career Growth06:13 Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry10:12 Leadership Lessons Learned15:26 Trends and Changes for Women in Freight18:38 Celebrating Women Leaders in Freight22:45 Working in a Fast-Paced Startup Environment27:43 Unexpected Gratifying Moments in Careers31:44 The Importance of Advocacy in Mentorship36:12 Closing Thoughts and Community Building  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 and Instagram!

    39 min
  7. 03/06/2025

    David Bell & Alfonso Quijano, CloneOps at Manifest 2025

    SUMMARY: In this episode of Choppin' It Up, host Will Jenkins joins David Bell, CEO & Founder of CloneOps.ai, and Alfonso Quijano, CTO of Lean Solutions Group, to discuss their experiences in the logistics industry, focusing on the integration of AI and technology in business operations. They emphasize the importance of building relationships, understanding the logistics space, and the evolving nature of sales strategies. The conversation highlights the need for businesses to adapt to technological advancements while maintaining strong customer relationships and delivering value. Both guests share insights on their journeys, the challenges they faced, and their vision for the future of logistics and AI.   TAKEAWAYS: Experience is everything in business.Building relationships is key to success.AI will transform logistics operations.Customer acquisition costs can be reduced through partnerships.Understanding the logistics space is crucial for tech companies.Sales in logistics are becoming more sophisticated.Long-term strategies are essential for business sustainability.The speed of technology is accelerating rapidly.AI will help businesses scale and manage attrition.Fundamentals of business must not be overlooked in the AI era.  CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to the Journey01:05 Innovations in Logistics and AI03:57 Building Relationships in Business08:10 The Importance of Experience in Logistics11:58 Customer Acquisition Strategies15:51 The Evolution of Sales in Logistics20:05 The Role of AI in Business24:10 Long-Term Business Strategies27:59 Final Thoughts and Recommendations      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 and Instagram!

    31 min
  8. 02/27/2025

    The Men of Journey, Black History Month Edition

    SUMMARY:  In this special edition of Choppin' It Up for Black History Month 2025, host Will Jenkins is joined by Justin Turner and Calvin Blackmon to discuss their personal journeys, the importance of advocacy in professional spaces, and the ongoing challenges faced by professionals of color. They share insights on mentorship, the freight industry, and the impact of racism in today's society, emphasizing the need for community support and understanding. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the challenges they face as Black professionals in business, the importance of representation, and the legacy of their ancestors. They share personal experiences of dealing with racism and the impact it has on their motivation and drive. The discussion also delves into the complexities of parenting in a racially diverse world, emphasizing the need for open conversations about race with their children. Finally, they reflect on their achievements and the pride they take in their journeys as successful Black entrepreneurs and executives.  TAKEAWAYS:  Advocacy is crucial for career advancement. Personal journeys often involve unexpected turns. Excellence is required every day for professionals of color. Mentorship differs from advocacy in its approach. Community support can change career trajectories. Racism still exists and impacts professional experiences. Perception can influence opportunities in the workplace. It's important to pay it forward for future generations. Understanding challenges requires empathy and awareness. Professional success often involves navigating biases. Representation is crucial for advancement in business. Racism can manifest in unexpected ways, even online. The legacy of our ancestors fuels our motivation. Parenting requires navigating difficult conversations about race. Children need to understand their unique experiences in society. It's important to control what you can control in life. Success is often a result of perseverance and hard work. Integrity and reputation are vital in professional spaces. Embracing diversity enriches personal and professional environments. Pride in achievements can inspire future generations. CHAPTERS:  00:00 Introduction and Team Dynamics 01:42 Personal Journeys and Career Paths 09:29 The Importance of Advocacy in Professional Spaces 15:01 Understanding the Challenges Faced by Professionals of Color 23:11 The Ongoing Reality of Racism and Its Impact 24:50 Facing Racial Challenges in Business 28:20 The Legacy of Our Ancestors 29:47 Navigating Conversations About Race with Children 32:20 The Balancing Act of Parenting in a Diverse World 39:47 Pride in Achievements as Black Professionals KEYWORDS: Black History Month, advocacy, mentorship, professional challenges, diversity, personal journeys, freight industry, career paths, racism, community support, racial challenges, representation, legacy, parenting, black professionals, entrepreneurship, integrity, diversity, corporate world, personal growth 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 and Instagram!

    48 min

About

Welcome to "Choppin' It Up", a podcast powered by Journey! Join our host, Journey's CEO & Founder, Will Jenkins, as we chop it up with industry experts, leaders and friends. Will covers topics from freight & supply chain to entrepreneurship, sales & marketing. We're ready to share your Journey! Alright, let's start Choppin' It Up! About Journey: Journey is your #1 transportation recruiting resource & the premier community based academy for supply chain professionals. It's simple. We're here to help you succeed on your Journey. Learn more at www.journeydelivers.com.