How Will You Compete with Amazon with Charley Dehoney
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
Release Date: 11/14/2020
From Deal Flow to Data Flow: Investing in the Freight Market with Ben Gordon
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
In “From Deal Flow to Data Flow: Investing in the Freight Market”, and , Founder and Managing Partner of Cambridge Capital, discuss the evolution of investment in the supply chain sector, highlighting the shift from traditional deals to a focus on leveraging data and technology for strategic growth. About Ben Gordon is the Founder and Managing Partner of . He draws on a career building, advising, and investing in supply chain companies. Benjamin has led investments in outstanding firms including , , , , and others. As CEO of BGSA Holdings, Benjamin has spent...
info_outline
The M&A Playbook for Logistics Leaders with Spencer Tenney
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
In “The M&A Playbook for Logistics Leaders”, and , President & CEO of Tenney Group, discuss the current state of mergers and acquisitions in the logistics sector, offering key insights on how business leaders can navigate a more selective market, build value, and secure successful deals. About Spencer Tenney serves as President & CEO of Tenney Group, where he oversees the firm’s day-to-day effectiveness and long-term vision. Spencer is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and holds the designation of Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor through...
info_outline
AI Literacy in Logistics with Gather AI's Andrew Hoffman
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
In “AI Literacy in Logistics with Gather AI's Andrew Hoffman”, and , CTO at Gather AI, discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming warehouse operations by using visual data from drones and other machines to identify issues, suggest next steps, and ultimately improve efficiency and accuracy. About Andrew Hoffman is the Chief Technical Officer at Gather.ai, an AI-powered intralogistics optimization firm that empowers 3PLs, manufacturers, and retailers to improve margins and on-time order fulfillment in the widest range of logistics environments - from ambient to cold chain storage....
info_outline
Intermodal Expo 2025: Unpacking Cargo Theft, AI, and M&A with Anne Reinke
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
In “Intermodal Expo 2025: Unpacking Cargo Theft, AI, and M&A”, and , President & CEO of IANA, discuss the critical issues and forward-looking trends that are shaping the future of the intermodal freight industry. About Anne Reinke became the Intermodal Association of North America’s third President & CEO in December of 2024. Immediately preceding her appointment at IANA, Anne was President & CEO of the Transportation Intermediaries Association for four years. Anne has a long career in transportation policy, with a stint at the Association of American...
info_outline
Inside the DAT - Convoy Platform Deal: What This Acquisiton Means for the Freight Market with Bill Driegert
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
In “Inside the DAT - Convoy Platform Deal: What This Acquisiton Means for the Freight Market”, and , EVP of Convoy Platform - DAT Freight & Analytics, discuss how the integration of the Convoy Platform's automation and AI technology with DAT's massive freight marketplace will help brokers combat fraud, increase efficiency, and focus on high-value work. About Bill Driegert is the EVP of Convoy Platform at DAT Freight & Analytics. He was previously the EVP of Trucking at Flexport and the co-founder and Head of Operations at Uber Freight, Uber’s logistics business. Bill began his...
info_outline
How Humanoid Robots are Shaping the Future of Logistics with Parker Conroy
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
In “How Humanoid Robots are Shaping the Future of Logistics”, and , Head of Product at Apptronik, discuss how Apollo, a human-centered, AI-powered humanoid robot, is set to transform the industry by working alongside humans to fill labor gaps and perform a wide range of tasks in a safe and efficient manner. About Parker Conroy is the Head of Product at Apptronik, a leading developer of humanoid robots. Conroy has worked in robotics for more than a decade, guiding product management teams to design and deploy thousands of industrial robotic arms, autonomous mobile robots, drones, and now,...
info_outline
The C.H. Robinson Perspective: Navigating the Next Era with Michael Castagnetto
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
In “The C.H. Robinson Perspective: Navigating the Next Era”, and , President of North American Surface Transportation at C.H. Robinson, discuss how the company's people-first culture and commitment to developing its employees drive its ability to solve complex logistics challenges and innovate for the future. About Michael Castagnetto was named president of North American Surface Transportation (NAST) in January 2024. Prior executive positions with the company include Vice President, Customer Success in NAST from January 2023 – January 2024 and President of Robinson Fresh from December...
info_outline
REPOST: Blind Spots & Bottlenecks: Unmasking the Hidden Enemies of Supply Chain with Briana Birkholz
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
and discuss blind spots & bottlenecks: unmasking the hidden enemies of supply chain. Briana is the Vice President of Product Management for the 3PL market segment at SPS Commerce, the world’s leading retail network, connecting trading partners around the globe to optimize supply chain operations for all retail partners. About Briana Birkholz is the Vice President of Product Management for the 3PL market segment at SPS Commerce. With a passion for overcoming supply chain and logistics challenges, Briana is committed to addressing the distinct needs of customers through comprehensive,...
info_outline
Project 61: The Mission to Give Truckers a Longer, Healthier Life with Jeremy ReymerProject 61: The Mission to Give Truckers a Longer, Healthier Life with Jeremy Reymer
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
In “Project 61: The Mission to Give Truckers a Longer, Healthier Life”, and , the Founder and CEO of Project 61, discuss the shocking statistic that the average life expectancy of a truck driver is just 61 years and the organization's mission to address this health crisis. About Jeremy Reymer is a recognized leader and innovator in the trucking industry with over 20 years of experience as both a carrier and vendor. A frequent speaker and podcast host, he addresses critical issues such as driver recruiting, retention, compliance, and health and wellness. In 2016, Jeremy founded...
info_outline
The Dark Funnel Demystified: Unlocking Hidden Sales with Jennie Malafarina
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
In “The Dark Funnel Demystified: Unlocking Hidden Sales”, and , the CEO of Virago Marketing, discuss how businesses can drive measurable revenue growth by understanding and leveraging the invisible customer journey. About Jennie Malafarina is the CEO of Virago Marketing, a Cleveland-based agency helping transportation and logistics companies turn marketing into a revenue-driving engine. Since taking the lead at Virago in 2020, she has elevated the agency’s impact—guiding strategies that deliver measurable results aligned with client growth goals. With over a decade of experience in...
info_outlineHow Will You Compete with Amazon with Charley Dehoney
Charley Dehoney and Joe Lynch discuss how will you compete with Amazon. Charley is an entrepreneur, executive, and investor in the logistics and transportation space who has successfully launched and grown multiple companies.
About Charley Dehoney
Charley Dehoney is a growth-focused executive, board member, and investor, with more than 17 years of experience at the intersection of transportation technology. He's helped launch, build, and scale companies that have supported hundreds of millions of dollars in growth. Charley is currently serving as President of Fitzmark, a mid-sized 3PL. Previously, Dehoney served as CEO of Manning's Truck Brokerage, a 50-year-old, logistics company acquired in 2020 by Fitzmark, Inc. Dehoney has also held executive roles in several high growth and venture capital-backed logistics businesses. He lives in Omaha, Nebraska with his beautiful wife and three strapping young sons.
About Fitzmark
FitzMark is a leading Indianapolis-based transportation and logistics provider. Fitzmark delivers technology-enabled third-party logistics solutions to shippers and carriers. Fitzmark specializes in expedited transport, dry van, flatbed, refrigerated freight, warehousing, and multimodal. Fitzmark has warehousing locations in Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, and Indianapolis. Additionally, Fitzmark has offices in over a dozen cities nationwide with new locations planned.
Key Takeaways: How Will You Compete with Amazon
- In the episode title, "Amazon" represents all of the tech-forward competitors who have entered the transportation and logistics market.
- The Amazons of the world have some distinct advantages over the average 3PL or broker. A few of those advantages include:
- A worldview that technology can transform an industry and that great tech companies can and should scale very rapidly.
- A plan to build a better mousetrap - not just compete head to head with the existing players in the market.
- A goal to create a superior customer experience using technology.
- Access to capital either because of venture capital / private equity backing or because the company is publically traded.
- Money to invest in sales and marketing. While many 3PLs and brokers skimp on websites and digital marketing, the Amazons will invest because they know there is a good return on investment.
- Mindshare, which is a marketing term that describes the amount of consumer awareness or popularity surrounding a particular product, idea, or company.
- To successfully compete against the Amazons, Charley recommends the following:
- Build a niche and become extremely competitive within that niche. If you develop a service offering that solves the unique challenges of a specific niche, your company will be able to compete and win even against larger rivals.
- Leverage the proper capital sources to scale your companies growth:
- Angel investors/Venture capital for start-ups.
- Bank lending/Growth equity for relatively mature companies that are looking for capital to expand or restructure operations, enter new markets, or finance a significant acquisition without a change of control of the business.
- Private equity to fund strategic exit and or acquisitions.