In this episode, hosts Rich and Bryan open with a little fun (yes, they really ask: “how cool is Tom Holland?”) before diving into one of the biggest drivers of startup success — culture. They sit down with Macy Chambers and Neha Soi to discuss their career journeys and what it takes to build a company like BERO from the ground up, including early mistakes, key launch lessons, and the critical role of supply chain in making a retail brand stand out.

From there, the conversation shifts to the carrier side of the business: what makes a carrier credible from a shipper’s perspective, how Hoplite Logistics stays laser-focused on the shipper experience, and where growth is headed next. The group explores how technology and intuition combine to guide both teams’ evolution, while also touching on the importance of in-person relationships and Neha’s transition from freight brokerage to the shipper side.

Whether you’re launching a startup, scaling operations, or simply curious about how culture, supply chain, and technology intersect, this episode offers a backstage pass into the making of two different—but closely connected—growth stories. Tune in for an inside look at what’s working, what’s shifting, and what’s ahead for BERO and Hoplite.

00:00 – Intro to BERO and how cool is Tom Holland?

03:20 – Building culture at a start-up

05:49 – Macy and Neha’s career journeys

08:42 – Building BERO from the ground up

12:41 – Lessons learned from several start-up launches

16:08 – Importance of supply chain in retail start-ups

17:59 – What makes a carrier credible from their viewpoint?

19:50 – How awesome Hoplite Sales Director Rob Conard is

21:16 – Hoplite’s growth and focus on the shipper experience

23:19 – Pivot points and the role of intuition

28:33 – Neha’s quick transition from a freight brokerage to the shipper side

31:57 – Importance of in-person visits for relationship-building

35:44 – Hoplite and BERO’s approach to technology

41:46 – What does the future hold for BERO?

44:49 – Working with large retailers

AI is reshaping nearly every industry, and freight and logistics are no exception. Among the companies leading this transformation is Augment, a rising force in freight brokerage technology.

In this episode, hosts Rich and Bryan sit down with Justin Hall, CCO of Augment, to dive into the company’s mission, capabilities, and vision for the future. Justin shares his unique background, the lessons that shaped his career, and why Augment is positioning itself as a game-changer for brokers.

Looking ahead, what will freight look like in the next 2–3 years as innovation accelerates? Justin offers his insights—and explains how you and your company can start capitalizing on these changes today.

00:01 – Intro & Culture Building

06:29 – Justin’s Background & Freight Journey

16:23 – The Origins of Augment

21:37 – Why Hoplite Partnered with Augment

23:49 – Augment’s Mission

28:32 – The Promise of AI in Freight

32:32 – Startup Culture & Work–Life Balance

36:30 – Augment’s Commitment to Customers

37:47 – Do Shippers Care About AI? The Real Value Add

39:34 – Long-Term Applications of AI in Freight

44:43 – The Role of Tribal Knowledge in Logistics

46:10 – Augment’s Biggest Challenges to Date

48:37 – Taking the Leap: Starting Your Own Business

50:38 – Why Shippers Choose Hoplite

In the seventh episode of The Ramp Up, Rich and Bryan chat with former Borderless Coverage CEO Mark Vickers. Borderless Coverage was acquired by Reliance Partners in 2021, where Mark now works as Head of International Logistics. The trio discuss the state of cross-border freight in Mexico, best practices for shippers moving in and out of Mexico, and what you can do to best negate risk south of the border. Mark's background with Mexico freight in particular has made him an industry expert on the topic. If you are a shipper who is already moving Mexico freight, this is an episode you will not want to miss.

00:01 – Status update on Hoplite

01:11 – What did we underestimate?

03:50 – What are we pleased with?

06:08 – Importance of security measures with Mexico Cross-border freight

14:00 – Mark Vickers intro and Borderless Coverage background

18:00 – Reliance Partners shipper insurance coverage and trends

26:14 – Mexico cross-border policy changes in recent years

33:31 – What does Mexico need to change to curb rampant cargo theft?

38:55 – What do first-time shippers need to know about moving cross-border Mexico?

42:38 – What regions in Mexico should shippers invest in?

45:31 – 8th Annual Modernization of Cross-Border Trade Event