Levi Van Pay is Director of Agent Development at Select Transport Partners, a logistics and freight brokerage that supports independent freight agents through personalized service and innovative tools. He draws on over five years of experience in freight brokerage and recruiting to help agents grow their businesses through effective sales prospecting and strong relationship-building. Levi also hosts The Freight Agent Insider Podcast, where he shares industry insights and practical advice for freight professionals. Prior to his current role, he served as a Senior Business Development Manager at Logistic Dynamics, further strengthening his expertise in logistics and agent support.

Logistics is more than moving freight; it's about building relationships, navigating challenges, and finding ways to stand out in a competitive industry. In an industry where success requires both strategy and adaptability, how do professionals truly develop the confidence and systems to excel?

Levi Van Pay, an expert in agent development, shares his journey from unexpected beginnings to mastering the art of freight brokerage. He emphasizes the importance of tenacity, repetition, and putting oneself in uncomfortable situations to grow both personally and professionally. Levi also highlights how building genuine relationships and collaborating with others, even competitors, can open doors and create sustainable success in the logistics field. His insights reveal that consistent effort, strategic networking, and confidence are key drivers for long-term achievement.

In this episode of Bear Down Level Up, Desmond Clark chats with Levi Van Pay, Director of Agent Development at Select Transport Partners, about why tenacity and relationship-building are essential in logistics. Levi shares strategies for recruiting top agents, growing brand recognition, and creating a presence in competitive markets. He also touches on international expansion, handling complex freight, and maintaining consistency under pressure.

Desmond Clark is the President of Bear Down Logistics, a freight brokerage company that provides transportation and supply chain solutions across the United States. A former NFL tight end who played 12 seasons with teams including the Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, and Miami Dolphins, Desmond transitioned his leadership and teamwork skills from professional sports into entrepreneurship. Beyond leading the company with a commitment to integrity, relationship-driven service, and operational excellence, he is a global motivational speaker, leadership trainer, and two-time published author.

Louis Santana is the Vice President of Bear Down Logistics, where he oversees operations, builds systems and processes, and strengthens relationships with carriers and clients to ensure efficient freight movement. Louis brings hands-on industry experience from both sides of the logistics business, including operating trucks and working in brokerage operations. His leadership focuses on operational excellence, process-driven growth, and developing strong partnerships that support Bear Down Logistics' mission to deliver reliable transportation services.

Corey Davis is a Logistics Coordinator at Bear Down Logistics, where he manages daily freight operations, including coordinating drivers, tracking shipments, and ensuring loads are delivered on time and according to client expectations. Corey plays a key role in maintaining communication between carriers, clients, and internal teams to solve time-sensitive logistics challenges and keep supply chains moving efficiently.

In logistics, the easiest customer experience usually comes from a lot of behind-the-scenes discipline. Clear communication, shared systems, and fast decisions can turn a stressful project into something customers trust. But what does it actually take to become the "easy button" when freight gets complicated?

The answer is creating structure before the pressure hits. Louis Santana, a logistics professional with deep experience managing complex freight projects and client relationships, explains how solving problems starts with listening carefully, taking ownership, and simplifying execution. One key insight is the power of a shared process — like using one central spreadsheet to track container numbers, pickup and delivery dates, dimensions, carrier updates, and payment status. Louis also emphasizes that winning in logistics is not just about revenue; it is about building trust through speed, integrity, consistency, and partnerships that make clients feel confident the work will get done right.

In this episode of Bear Down Level Up, Desmond Clark, President; Louis Santana, Vice President; and Corey Davis, Logistics Coordinator at Bear Down Logistics, talk about becoming the "easy button" for customers. They explore how systems calm chaos, why relationships drive growth, and what trust looks like in freight execution. They also touch on partnerships, quick communication, and finding your lane in logistics.

Desmond Clark is the President of Bear Down Logistics, a freight brokerage company that provides transportation and supply chain solutions across the United States. A former NFL tight end who played 12 seasons with teams including the Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, and Miami Dolphins, Desmond transitioned his leadership and teamwork skills from professional sports into entrepreneurship. Beyond leading the company with a commitment to integrity, relationship-driven service, and operational excellence, he is a global motivational speaker, leadership trainer, and two-time published author.

Louis Santana is the Vice President of Bear Down Logistics, where he oversees operations, builds systems and processes, and strengthens relationships with carriers and clients to ensure efficient freight movement. Louis brings hands-on industry experience from both sides of the logistics business, including operating trucks and working in brokerage operations. His leadership focuses on operational excellence, process-driven growth, and developing strong partnerships that support Bear Down Logistics' mission to deliver reliable transportation services.

Corey Davis is a Logistics Coordinator at Bear Down Logistics, where he manages daily freight operations, including coordinating drivers, tracking shipments, and ensuring loads are delivered on time and according to client expectations. Corey plays a key role in maintaining communication between carriers, clients, and internal teams to solve time-sensitive logistics challenges and keep supply chains moving efficiently.

Behind every seamless logistics delivery lies a world of chaos, last-minute changes, and high-stakes problem-solving. When months of planning for a massive freight move are derailed by unexpected delays, what does it take to keep customers happy and operations on

Louis Santana, a heavy-haul brokerage specialist, explains how he and his team tackled a daunting project in Texas to transport a large transformer using a 19-axle trailer. Despite six months of planning, they faced a critical setback the night before the move when the driver ran out of hours and would be delayed. Navigating Department of Transportation regulations, coordinating with riggers and crane operators, and adjusting timelines in real time, the team maintained clear and honest communication with the client. Alongside Desmond Clark, Louis highlights how a hands-on approach — especially being physically present on-site — built trust and transparency, ultimately leading to additional business from the customer.

In this episode of Bear Down Level Up, Desmond Clark, President; Louis Santana, Vice President; and Corey Davis, Logistics Coordinator at Bear Down Logistics, share insights on overcoming operational challenges and building strong client relationships. Corey also discusses face-to-face networking, commission-based growth strategies, and lessons from early career risks.