What happens when the guy who ran one of the largest agent networks in logistics decides to start fresh—and do it better?

On this episode of Around the Diamond Powered by American Diamond Logistics, hosts Kevin Mench and Steve Wineriter sit down with John Draeger, VP of Agency Services at ADL, to break down how culture, technology, and leadership are redefining what it means to be a logistics agent.

From scaling agencies without adding headcount to eliminating operational anxiety through automation, this conversation dives deep into the future of freight—and why ADL’s model might be miles ahead of the competition.

If you’re an agent, entrepreneur, or anyone in logistics looking to grow faster (and smarter), this episode is a blueprint.

Chapters

00:00:10 – Meet John Draeger & His Move to ADL 00:05:42 – Building an Elite Agent Program from the Ground Up 00:12:41 – Why Culture Matters More Than Ever in Logistics 00:19:50 – Turning Agents into Entrepreneurs 00:23:36 – Eliminating Anxiety Through Automation 00:25:36 – The Technology Giving ADL Its Edge 00:29:11 – Why ADL’s Model Is Ahead of the Competition 00:31:22 – The Future of Agency Growth at American Diamond

Check out American Diamond Logistics: https://www.adldelivers.com/ Become an Agent: https://www.adldelivers.com/become-an-agent

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What happens when AI takes over the most inefficient part of logistics?

In this episode of Around the Diamond powered by American Diamond Logistics, Kevin Mench and Steve Wineriter sit down with Dr. Srijan Kumar, CEO of Lighthouse AI, to break down how artificial intelligence is transforming the freight and supply chain industry from the inside out.

From invoice processing to freight bill audits, Lighthouse AI is automating the back office in ways that were impossible just a few years ago—cutting processing times, improving cash flow, and eliminating massive operational bottlenecks.

Dr. Kumar shares how his background in AI at companies like Google and Home Depot—and firsthand experience running brokerage accounting—led him to build a platform that’s now redefining how logistics companies operate.

This episode dives into:

Why logistics has lagged behind in technology—and what’s changing now How AI is automating accounting, invoicing, and dispute resolution The real impact on efficiency, margins, and scalability Why AI doesn’t replace people—it frees them to focus on relationships What the future of AI-powered logistics looks like

From processing invoices in seconds to reducing back-office costs and improving team morale, this conversation shows how AI is no longer the future—it’s already here.

If you’re in logistics, supply chain, freight brokerage, or business operations, this episode is a must-listen.

⏱ Chapters

00:00 – How AI Is Revolutionizing Logistics Accounting 13:22 – Why Traditional Tech (Like OCR) Failed Logistics 20:11 – Automating Invoices, Freight Bills & Back Office Work 28:52 – Solving LTL Disputes with AI 32:59 – How AI Improves Efficiency and Team Morale 40:46 – The Impact on Cash Flow, Scale, and Growth 45:35 – The Future of AI in Logistics & Supply Chain

Check out American Diamond Logistics: https://www.adldelivers.com/ Become an Agent: https://www.adldelivers.com/become-an-agent

Follow Around the Diamond: IG: https://www.instagram.com/aroundthediamondpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586346530967 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@around.the.diamon6?_r=1&_t=ZP-94XAyjAAYvP

What makes someone walk away from a stable corporate career to take a chance on something uncertain?

In Episode 2 of Around the Diamond powered by American Diamond Logistics, Kevin Mench and Steve Wineriter sit down with COO Jim Nichol and CCO Cliff Robbins to break down the real story behind building a logistics company from the ground up—and why betting on yourself can pay off.

Jim shares what it was like leaving a $500 million company to join a $2 million startup, while Cliff explains how he went from being a customer of American Diamond Logistics to becoming part of the leadership team after seeing their technology, execution, and service outperform the competition.

This episode dives into:

The mindset behind taking career risks Why relationships still drive the logistics industry How American Diamond built a true “dream team” culture The importance of adaptability in supply chain and freight What it really takes to scale a company in a constantly changing market

From card tables and fax machines to building a company on the verge of nine-figure growth, this is a conversation about leadership, vision, and doing whatever it takes to win.

If you’re interested in logistics, entrepreneurship, business leadership, or supply chain innovation, this episode gives you a real look behind the curtain.

⏱ Chapters

00:00 – Welcome + Meet the ADL Leadership Team 02:22 – Leaving a $500M Company for a Startup 08:03 – Betting on Yourself and Taking Risks 15:12 – Building the “Dream Team” Culture 22:26 – Why Direct Communication Beats Corporate Structure 22:51 – How ADL Adapts in a Changing Logistics Industry

Check out American Diamond Logistics: https://www.adldelivers.com/ Become an Agent: https://www.adldelivers.com/become-an-agent

Follow Around the Diamond: IG: https://www.instagram.com/aroundthediamondpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586346530967 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@around.the.diamon6?_r=1&_t=ZP-94XAyjAAYvP