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The People-First Approach to Funding the Future of Logistics with Michael Sachaj

Release Date: 05/06/2025

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...

The Skill Gap Epidemic: How Untrained Workers Are Holding You Back with Cary Dittmann

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

In “The Skill Gap Epidemic: How Untrained Workers Are Holding You Back”, and , the the Chief Operating Officer at FreightPath, discuss the critical challenges facing the global logistics industry and how targeted workforce development is essential for overcoming the widening skills gap. About Cary Dittman is the Chief Operating Officer at FreightPath, where he leads the company’s efforts to scale operations, forge strategic partnerships, and advance its mission to modernize supply chain education. With over 40 years of experience in logistics, technology, and enterprise growth, Cary...

Freight Downturn: What Winners Do to Gain Ground with Nick Klingensmith

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

In “Freight Downturn: What Winners Do to Gain Ground”, and , the Founder of Stride Motivation, discuss how professionals can adopt an endurance athlete's mindset to overcome fear, rejection, and self-limiting beliefs in the face of a challenging freight market. About Nick Klingensmith After being thrown out of a Las Vegas hotel in a drunken haze, jeopardizing his career and relationships, had to make a change. A 4-time cancer survivor, type-1 diabetic, recovering alcoholic with herniated discs, nerve damage and sleep apnea, he defies it all when he finds Obstacle Course Racing. Refusing...

Warp is The LTL Network of the Future with Daniel Sokolovsky

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

In “Warp is The LTL Network of the Future”, and , the Co-Founder and CEO of Warp, discuss how Warp's technology-powered freight network is modernizing LTL logistics across the U.S. by connecting shippers, cross-docks, and carriers through a single operating system to enable flexible, efficient, and highly visible freight movement. About Daniel Sokolovsky is the Co-Founder and CEO of Warp, a technology-powered freight network modernizing LTL logistics across the U.S. He grew up in the world of freight. His parents ran a courier business, so missed ETAs, late-night scrambles, and broken...

From Farm to Fork: A Broker's Guide to Food Safety and Cold Chain Logistics with Brian Hastings

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

In “From Farm to Fork: A Broker's Guide to Food Safety and Cold Chain Logistics”, and , the CEO and Co-founder of Veritas Logistics, discuss the critical role of human-centric logistics and strong partnerships in ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of food. About Brian Hastings is the CEO and Co-founder of Veritas Logistics, a third-party logistics firm founded in 2020 that prioritizes people and operates with core values of truth, partnership, passion, positivity, and service to provide customized transportation solutions. With over 15 years in the freight brokerage...

CHAINge, AI and the Future of Freight with Bart A. De Muynck

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

In “CHAINge, AI, and the Future of Freight”, and , an industry expert and thought leader with over 30 years of supply chain and logistics experience across the globe, discuss how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are reshaping the logistics landscape and what the future holds for global freight. About Bart A. De Muynck stands as an accomplished industry expert and thought leader, boasting over three decades of global supply chain and logistics experience. His distinguished career includes significant roles at major international companies such as EY, GE Capital, Penske...

Safeguarding Your Shipments: Denim's Insights on Fraud, Payments, and Carrier Vetting with Chad Capooth

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

In “Safeguarding Your Shipments: Denim's Insights on Fraud, Payments, and Carrier Vetting”, and , VP of Operations at Denim, discuss the evolving landscape of freight fraud, payment challenges, and how Denim provides comprehensive solutions to ensure financial and operational security for freight businesses. About Chad Capooth is the VP of Operations at Denim. He brings over 15 years of experience in strategic planning, business growth, and operations leadership. At Denim, he leads operational strategy, leveraging deep expertise in factoring, credit underwriting, and portfolio management...

Navigating the Numbers: Tariffs, AI, and the Future of Supply Chains with Corey DeSantis

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

In “Navigating the Numbers: Tariffs, AI, and The Future of Supply Chains”, and , BDO’s Logistics and Transportation Subject Matter Expert, discuss the evolving landscape of global trade, the transformative power of artificial intelligence, and strategies for building resilient supply chains for tomorrow. About Corey DeSantis serves as BDO’s Logistics and Transportation Subject Matter Expert, supporting clients in manufacturing, automotive, telecommunications and food manufacturing. Corey improves the condition of BDO’s clients through making data-driven decisions to optimize...

The Threads of Trade: How Global Events are Reshaping Cotton Logistics with Michael Symonanis

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

In “The Threads of Trade: How Global Events are Reshaping Cotton Logistics”, and , Director of Strategic Network at Louis Dreyfus Company, discuss how global events are reshaping cotton logistics, leveraging Michael’s dual perspective as a BCO and former ocean carrier, and the importance of collaboration and data transparency. About Michael Symonanis doesn’t just move containers - he moves conversations forward. With 30+ years in international container shipping, Michael brings a rare dual lens as both a BCO and former ocean carrier. Now in his 20th year at Louis Dreyfus Company, he...

REPOST: Beyond the Tracks: The Next Frontier of American Rail with Martin Lew

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

and discuss beyond the tracks: the next frontier of American rail. Martin is CEO at , a tech-enabled rail logistics provider with a team of experienced rail professionals, an extensive network of partners, and a best-in-class technology platform that simplifies the movement of freight and creates a competitive advantage. About Martin Lew is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Commtrex, the largest tech-enabled logistics platform in North America (US, Canada, and Mexico) for shippers to directly connect with railroads, transloaders, storage facilities,...

More Episodes

Michael Sachaj and Joe Lynch discuss the people-first approach to the future of logistics. Michael is a Partner at Hyde Park Angels (HPA), a leading early-stage investor based in Chicago.

About Michael Sachaj

Michael Sachaj is a Partner at HPA and manages and supports HPA’s investment opportunities through their lifecycle. Michael has led investment in a number of HPA’s top performing investments including ShipBob, FourKites, Paccurate, and Digit. Prior to joining HPA in 2013, Michael attended Northwestern University and worked at strategy consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton supporting various government clients in the Pentagon. Michael is an avid sneakerhead, new dad, and fluent in Polish.

About HPA

Hyde Park Angels (HPA) is a leading early-stage investor based in Chicago. HPA's People First model leverages world-class operating expertise, a powerful business network, and venture capital to fuel startup success. HPA’s extensive network of 150+ members—comprising entrepreneurs, executives, and venture capitalists—provides strategic value to entrepreneurs by offering expertise and connections to foster growth and innovation.

Key Takeaways: The People-First Approach to Funding the Future of Logistics

Michael Sachaj and Joe Lynch discuss the people-first approach to the future of logistics.
Michael is a Partner at Hyde Park Angels (HPA), a leading early-stage investor based in Chicago.
Hyde Park Angels (HPA) is a prominent early-stage investment group based in Chicago, known for its people-first approach to investing.
Positioning HPA in a Thriving Investment Ecosystem: Chicago’s early-stage funding market is more vibrant and competitive than ever, reflecting the strength and momentum of the region’s innovation economy. In response, HPA is leaning into this opportunity by elevating its brand and deepening its bench of experienced investors. By combining capital with meaningful industry access and hands-on support, HPA is increasingly positioned as a partner of choice for ambitious founders.
Integrating Capital with Strategic Expertise: HPA is committed to delivering more than just capital—it provides startups with access to strategic guidance from experienced investors across a wide range of industries. By thoughtfully aligning portfolio companies with members who bring relevant expertise, HPA ensures that founders receive meaningful, tailored support. This deliberate approach strengthens outcomes and reinforces HPA’s role as a high-impact partner in early-stage growth.
People-First Investment Philosophy: HPA stands out by prioritizing relationships over transactions. By aligning investors who bring deep operational and industry experience with entrepreneurs, HPA creates a mentorship-driven ecosystem that goes beyond capital—turning passive funding into strategic partnership. This approach builds long-term value and attracts high-quality startups.
Robust Midwest Deal Flow and Ecosystem Ties: Located in Chicago, HPA leverages its geographic advantage to tap into the Midwest’s growing startup ecosystem. With strong ties to local universities, accelerators, and business leaders, HPA gains early access to promising ventures often overlooked by coastal VCs, giving it a unique sourcing edge.