The Gig Academy

Sustainable business growth for ICs in delivery & courier services

There has never been a greater demand for delivery and courier drivers. Although capacity is overwhelming, it’s also presenting an incredible opportunity for both ICs who are looking to grow their small businesses, and for established transportation companies looking to engage with more ICs to keep up with increasing capacity and to expand into new verticals.    

In this episode, host Nick Hancock interviews delivery and courier services industry veterans Kirk Godby and Rob Slack. They each have decades of experience in transportation, and they’ve seen it all. Openforcers always enjoy their stories from their experiences of owning and operating many companies in the final-mile space. We’re excited to let our listeners in on the fun while learning from the industry’s best.    

The Gig Academy host

Nick Hancock, Openforce Gig Academy Podcast Host and Customer Success Manager of Key Accounts
Nick monitors all areas that pertain to and affect the gig economy and IC model to best advise and meet the needs of Openforce’s clientele. Prior to working at Openforce, Nick worked in the dental manufacturing industry and has a background in insurance as a producer.

Nick has a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies of Humanities from Northern Arizona University. Nick resides in Phoenix, Arizona where he and his wife recently welcomed their firstborn daughter in October 2021.

About this episode's guests

Rob Slack, Industry Relations Executive at Openforce
Rob started in the delivery business in 1968 as a helper on his big brother’s delivery route. Being a typical big brother, he made Rob do most of the work! In 1976, from his dorm room at Siena College, Rob started his first courier company L.E.D.F.O.O.T Express (Light Express Deliveries for Operating On Time). In 1980 Rob served as the Transportation Manager for the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. 14 years later, his 17-office, 700-driver courier operation went public on the NY Stock Exchange along with several industry friends as US Delivery. In 1996 Rob invested in a startup, SCI. In 1999 Rob became the Senior VP of NextJet out of Dallas, TX, and left in 2001 to become active with SCI, serving as President and COO for over 16 years.

Rob is a 25+ year board member of the MCAA/CLDA and served as President from 2006-2008. He is the recipient of the CLDA Distinguished Service Award and was inducted into the Courier Hall of Fame in 2002.

Kirk Godby, Strategic Accounts Executive
Kirk is a seasoned C-level executive who has been in the logistics industry since 1993. He has owned and operated several logistics companies, and has been involved in just about every aspect of the first and last mile space, including solutions to create more efficiencies for those leveraging the independent contractor workforce model.

Kirk has dedicated 12 years as board member of the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA), where he served as President from 2014-2016. He was inducted into the CLDA Hall of Fame in 2021.

About Openforce
Openforce is the leader in technology-driven services that reduce operating costs and mitigate risk for companies using independent contractors. Their cloud-based applications help companies and contractors alike achieve more sustainable, profitable growth by removing financial, operational, and compliance barriers to getting business done.

Tax Prep 101 for independent contractors in transportation

Tax season is upon us which means many people are scrambling to find a tax preparation resource who understands the nuances of 1099 workers in the transportation industry. Or, they’re struggling to get organized. Or worse – they're sticking their heads in the sand and avoiding taxes altogether. 

That’s why Equinox Owner-Operator Solutions is here to help you! They understand trucking, transportation, and logistics. The Equinox team are proud blue collar accountants who are dedicated to the success of their IC clients.   

In this episode, host Nick Hancock interviews Colton Lawrence, CPA, President & CEO of Equinox Owner-Operator Solutions. Their overview discussion of tax preparation for ICs is helpful to anyone just starting out or small business owners who might need some extra help. And, learn why you should NOT file taxes the old-school way.    

For more information, please visit the Equinox website: www.equnioxbusiness.com  

For a deeper dive into the topics discussed in this episode, please check out Equinox’s podcast: www.equinoxbusiness.com/podcast

The Gig Academy host

Nick Hancock, Openforce Gig Academy Podcast Host and Customer Success Manager of Key Accounts
Nick monitors all areas that pertain to and affect the gig economy and IC model to best advise and meet the needs of Openforce’s clientele. Prior to working at Openforce, Nick worked in the dental manufacturing industry and has a background in insurance as a producer.

Nick has a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies of Humanities from Northern Arizona University. Nick resides in Phoenix, Arizona where he and his wife recently welcomed their firstborn daughter in October 2021.

About this episode's guest

Colton Lawrence, President/CEO of Equinox Owner-Operator Solutions
Colton Lawrence is the President & CEO of Equinox Owner-Operator Solutions, a leader in the trucking industry for providing accounting, tax, and business advisory expertise to owner-operators and independent contractors. Colton is a licensed CPA in the state of Utah, and he leads a dedicated staff of top professionals. Over his many years of service to trucking entrepreneurs and professional drivers, Colton has earned a reputation as a trusted resource and is known in transportation circles as the Trucker CFO.

A staunch supporter of the gig economy, Colton believes there is a path to profitably operating a small fleet or single truck operation in transportation. Colton is active in several transportation industry associations which rely on the independent contractor model and is a proud member of the Women In Trucking Association. Colton serves as the host of the Equinox Owner-Operator Solutions Podcast, which is available through all the major podcast services. Beginning in January, Colton has become a regular contributor for the Radio Nemo Team, appearing on the Tim Ridley Show, the Dave Nemo Show and Nemo Weekends on a rotating basis. All of those shows can be heard on SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking Radio.

About Equinox Owner-Operator Solutions
Equinox Business Solutions, headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT, is one of the nation’s largest and fastest growing technology-driven business services firm. Equinox has been focused on the transportation industry for years, with an emphasis in long-haul over-the-road trucking, expedited trucking, the courier market and other important segments. Equinox is in business to help the businesses of the nation’s independent contractors who make our transportation system work.

Equinox Owner-Operator Solutions offers a comprehensive array of business services including bookkeeping, tax, and technology solutions, all which enable Equinox's team of Personal Business Advisors to help the transportation industry’s independent contractors manage their business, understand their fuel consumption, and adapt to changes in their business in real time . Equinox is committed to helping customers successfully manage and grow their business and find true independence. Equinox's solutions are proven to increase the success and improve the overall profitability of independent contractors through increased revenue, safety and training. With over 12 years of leading industry experience and working with over 30,000 Owner-Operators and Independent Contractors across the nation in 48 states, Equinox and its people are true transportation experts.

About Openforce
Openforce is the leader in technology-driven services that reduce operating costs and mitigate risk for companies using independent contractors. Their cloud-based applications help companies and contractors alike achieve more sustainable, profitable growth by removing financial, operational, and compliance barriers to getting business done.

Human Trafficking Prevention Month: An interview with Truckers Against Trafficking

January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Openforce is proud to announce its recent partnership with Truckers Against Trafficking, a non-profit organization that is raising up a mobile army of transportation professionals to assist law enforcement in the recognition and reporting of human trafficking, to aid in the recovery of victims and the arrest of their perpetrators.   

In this harrowing episode, host Nick Hancock interviews Laura Cyrus, TAT Director of Corporate Engagement to discuss how truckers, couriers, delivery drivers, home assembly technicians, and home health aides are uniquely positioned to spot human trafficking activity – and what we can do about it that could potentially save a life.    

For more information, please visit the Truckers Against Trafficking website: truckersagainsttrafficking.org 

**If you suspect human trafficking activity at your location, please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline immediately at 1-888-373-7888 to report what you know. Your call can remain anonymous.**  

The Gig Academy host

Nick Hancock, Openforce Gig Academy Podcast Host and Customer Success Manager of Key Accounts
Nick monitors all areas that pertain to and affect the gig economy and IC model to best advise and meet the needs of Openforce’s clientele. Prior to working at Openforce, Nick worked in the dental manufacturing industry and has a background in insurance as a producer.

Nick has a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies of Humanities from Northern Arizona University. Nick resides in Phoenix, Arizona where he and his wife recently welcomed their firstborn daughter in October 2021.

About this episode's guest

Laura Cyrus, Director of Corporate Engagement at Truckers Against Trafficking
Laura is primarily responsible for shepherding and growing corporate relationships as it relates to training, engagement, and using corporate influence and position to help spread the TAT message. Her time is spent working to build partnerships with companies of all sizes but with a specific focus on large shippers, manufacturers, carriers and investment firms, helping them to light pathways of engagement. Laura works with various stakeholders as well as participates in the dissemination of information on program materials to further TAT’s work, primarily the Industry Training Program, Shipping Partners Program, and TAT Ambassadors Program. She also travels frequently to speak and represent TAT at various events throughout the year, working to educate audiences about the realities of domestic sex trafficking while pointing to viable solutions.

Laura is grateful to be using her gifts, education, and passion to help raise up a mobile army of transportation professionals to help disrupt trafficking networks.

About Truckers Against Trafficking
Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) is a 501(c)3 that exists to educate, equip, empower and mobilize members of the trucking, bus and energy industries to combat human trafficking.

Modern-day slavery, or human trafficking exists whenever people are bought and sold for forced labor or commercial sex. Around the world, it is estimated that there are over 40 million slaves today. Human trafficking has been reported in all 50 states, and the number of victims in the United States is estimated in the hundreds of thousands.

While illegal, human trafficking is a booming business. Traffickers recruit out of our schools, online, in shopping malls, as well as the streets and other locations. A large percentage of the people trafficked are women and children. Many of them are used in the sex industry. They are the prostituted people on the street and in private homes, and in legitimate businesses such as restaurants, truck stops and motels. They need to be identified and recovered.

Truckers Against Trafficking recognizes that members of the trucking, bus and energy industries are invaluable in the fight against this heinous crime. As the eyes and ears of our nation’s highways, you are in a unique position to make a difference and close loopholes to traffickers who seek to exploit our transportation system for their personal gain.

About Openforce
Openforce is the leader in technology-driven services that reduce operating costs and mitigate risk for companies using independent contractors. Their cloud-based applications help companies and contractors alike achieve more sustainable, profitable growth by removing financial, operational, and compliance barriers to getting business done.

Breaking down the Top 5 predictions for the transportation industry in 2022

This impactful episode features a can’t-miss discussion with Rob Slack, Industry Relations Executive at Openforce, and Doug Grawe, the newly appointed General Counsel at Openforce. Rob’s article titled “5 Transportation Industry Projections to Watch in 2022” was recently featured in the CLDA fall magazine, so we wanted to keep the discussion going while the article is hot off the press!   

In this year-end episode, host Nick Hancock interviews Rob and Doug to discuss how the current state of the world is impacting transportation businesses, as well as everyday consumers. One thing they all agree on – technology plays a massive role in righting the supply chain ship, despite a relentless concentration on compliance at every step.       

We wish all of our listeners a very happy and healthy holiday season!  

The Gig Academy host

Nick Hancock, Openforce Gig Academy Podcast Host and Customer Success Manager of Key Accounts
Nick monitors all areas that pertain to and affect the gig economy and IC model to best advise and meet the needs of Openforce’s clientele. Prior to working at Openforce, Nick worked in the dental manufacturing industry and has a background in insurance as a producer.

Nick has a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies of Humanities from Northern Arizona University. Nick resides in Phoenix, Arizona where he and his wife recently welcomed their firstborn daughter in October 2021.

About this episode's guests

Rob Slack, Industry Relations Executive at Openforce
Rob started in the delivery business in 1968 as a helper on his big brother’s delivery route. Being a typical big brother, he made Rob do most of the work! In 1976, from his dorm room at Siena College, Rob started his first courier company L.E.D.F.O.O.T Express (Light Express Deliveries for Operating On Time). In 1980 Rob served as the Transportation Manager for the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. 14 years later, his 17-office, 700-driver courier operation went public on the NY Stock Exchange along with several industry friends as US Delivery. In 1996 Rob invested in a startup, SCI. In 1999 Rob became the Senior VP of NextJet out of Dallas, TX, and left in 2001 to become active with SCI, serving as President and COO for over 16 years.

Rob is a 25+ year board member of the MCAA/CLDA and served as President from 2006-2008. He is the recipient of the CLDA Distinguished Service Award and was inducted into the Courier Hall of Fame in 2002.

Doug Grawe, General Counsel at Openforce
For Doug, law school essentially changed the way he analyzed problems which has proven to be an invaluable skill for corporate transportation companies over the last 17 years. A quick study, Doug grew most of his career with Dart Transit Company, one of the top-performing and established trucking companies in America. Dart is known for building one of the best owner-operator business models, where Doug had the opportunity to learn from some of the great industry pillars.

From there, Doug founded the Grawe Group, LLC, a law and consulting firm specializing in transportation. He has advised several businesses to help them achieve their goals through practical, sustainable risk management solutions. Doug thrives on serving as a partner to transportation business leaders and collaborating with them to figure out solutions, not just telling them what they can and cannot do.

Doug attended Iowa State University and holds a law degree from Hamline School of law. He is currently a board member for the Minnesota Trucking Association and chair of its Government Affairs Committee. Believing rules are made by those who speak up, Doug is active on a variety of policy issues impacting the transportation industry, but most notably protecting the rights of drivers to choose independence or employment in the transportation industry. Doug has written many trade articles on the independent contractor issue and submitted amicus briefs to the U.S. Supreme Court to protect the rights of drivers and carriers to choose.

About Openforce
Openforce is the leader in technology-driven services that reduce operating costs and mitigate risk for companies using independent contractors. Their cloud-based applications help companies and contractors alike achieve more sustainable, profitable growth by removing financial, operational, and compliance barriers to getting business done.

Why Fluid Truck is a game changer for independent contractors and gig workers

James Eberhard is the CEO and Founder of Fluid Truck, a Denver-based tech company transforming the vehicle rental experience. Fluid Truck leverages innovative technology to offer easy, efficient, sustainable truck sharing for businesses and individuals. Under James’ leadership, it has accelerated into the fastest growing technology company in Colorado. 

In this episode, host Nick Hancock interviews James to discuss how his unique idea for Fluid Truck came to reality, as well as how the app is transforming the way 1099 drivers access resources to build their small businesses.      

If you’re listening and you’re interested in learning more about Fluid Truck, check out their website at www.fluidtruck.com  

The Gig Academy host

Nick Hancock, Openforce Gig Academy Podcast Host and Customer Success Manager of Key Accounts
Nick monitors all areas that pertain to and affect the gig economy and IC model to best advise and meet the needs of Openforce’s clientele. Prior to working at Openforce, Nick worked in the dental manufacturing industry and has a background in insurance as a producer.

Nick has a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies of Humanities from Northern Arizona University. Nick resides in Phoenix, Arizona where he and his wife recently welcomed their firstborn daughter in October 2021.

About this episode's guest

James Eberhard, CEO & Founder of Fluid Truck
James "Jimmy" Eberhard is the CEO and Founder of Fluid Truck, a Denver-based tech company transforming the vehicle rental experience. Fluid Truck leverages innovative technology to offer easy, efficient, sustainable truck sharing for businesses and individuals. Under James’ leadership, it has accelerated into the fastest growing technology company in Colorado. 

James is a serial tech entrepreneur and a recognized visionary in the mobile industry. Prior to Fluid Truck, James founded Mobile Accord, Inc. It pioneered mobile donations to nonprofits, notably launching the text donation program that raised +$40 million in collaboration with The Red Cross and U.S. Department of State following the devastating 2018 earthquake in Haiti.  

Before Mobile Accord, Inc., James created and launched GeoPoll and 9 Squared, Inc. Geo Poll is the leading mobile survey platform in emerging markets with a database of over 240 million users. Under his leadership, and with less than $50,000 in start-up capital, 9 Squared quickly evolved into a leading mobile content and services business. In 2004, 9 Squared was acquired by Monstermob Group, PLC.

James is based in Denver, Colorado. He is married to Suzanne Philion and has four children.

About Fluid Truck
Fluid Truck is a peer-to-peer truck sharing platform that offers 24/7 mobile access to a wide array of trucks, vans, SUVs, and more. Unlike most traditional rental companies, Fluid Truck offers an entirely virtual rental experience - eliminating the hassle of waiting in line, operating around restrictive store hours, and wasting time with unnecessary paperwork.

Our mission is to change the way we utilize trucks as a resource by leveraging innovative technology to offer easy & efficient vehicle sharing.

Transportation M&A trends and 2022 predictions

Spencer Tenney is President and CEO of the Tenney Group, an industry specialized merger and acquisition advisory firm that has been dedicated to transportation since 1973. Tenney Group’s core business is sell-side representation services for trucking and logistics companies with annual revenues ranging from 20M to 300M. 

In this episode, host Nick Hancock interviews Spencer to discuss the unprecedented amount of M&A activity in the transportation industry right now, as well as Spencer’s industry insight for 2022 and beyond.     

If you’re listening and you’re interested in learning more about mergers and acquisitions in transportation, contact Spencer at www.thetenneygroup.com 

The Gig Academy host

Nick Hancock, Openforce Gig Academy Podcast Host and Customer Success Manager of Key Accounts
Nick monitors all areas that pertain to and affect the gig economy and IC model to best advise and meet the needs of Openforce’s clientele. Prior to working at Openforce, Nick worked in the dental manufacturing industry and has a background in insurance as a producer.

Nick has a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies of Humanities from Northern Arizona University. He and his wife are expecting their firstborn daughter in October 2021.

About this episode's guest

Spencer Tenney, President & CEO of the Tenney Group
Spencer Tenney is President and CEO of the Tenney Group, an industry specialized merger and acquisition advisory firm that has been dedicated to transportation since 1973. Tenney Group’s core business is sell-side representation services for trucking and logistics companies with annual revenues ranging from 20M to 300M. Spencer graduated from the University of Texas and currently serves as Vice-Chair of the American Trucking Association’s M&A Task Force. On a personal note, Spencer, his wife Lauren and their three kids reside in Franklin, TN. He enjoys songwriting, fitness, reading presidential biographies, and serving Franktown Open Hearts – a faith based non-profit dedicated to inspiring and empowering inner-city youth.

About the Tenney Group
An industry specialized merger & acquisition advisory firm in business since 1973, Tenney Group has been dedicated to the Transportation and Logistics industry since its inception. Offering an array of services, including sell-side advisory, buy-side advisory and valuation services, the firm is dedicated to maximizing their clients’ outcome.

The team prides itself on being able to be all-in on work worth doing. To serve the people that move America is a privilege the team doesn’t take lightly. The realization is that relationships will always outlast transactions, and each person in the Tenney Group is dedicated to maximizing every relationship with industry professionals.

The team is comprised of a number of individuals who bring unique backgrounds and experiences to the forefront. When joined together, the team is able to provide vast talent and skillsets to serve the firm’s clients at the highest level.

Gig economy jobs spotlight–delivery and assembly technicians

Mike Giaccone is the CEO of Assemblers Inc.–a rapidly growing, nationally recognized company with retailer partnerships across the United States. Hear how Mike, who began his career with retail giants such as The Home Depot and Lowe’s, saw the need for expanding customer service by offering delivery AND assembly. And so, Assemblers Inc. was founded in 1998.   

As a game-changer in the industry, Assemblers, Inc. now sets the standard for technology and innovation, employs thousands of 1099 technicians, and services stores and residential locations throughout North America. 

In this episode, host Nick Hancock interviews Mike to learn more about what it takes to be an assembly technician, and how it can be a very rewarding and lucrative career for independent contractors.    

If you’re listening and you’re interested in opportunities with Assemblers, contact them via their website.  

The Gig Academy host

Nick Hancock, Openforce Gig Academy Podcast Host and Customer Success Manager of Key Accounts
Nick monitors all areas that pertain to and affects the gig economy and IC model to best advise and meet the needs of Openforce’s clientele. Prior to working at Openforce, Nick worked in both the Dental manufacturing industry and has a background in insurance as a producer.

Nick has a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies of Humanities from Northern Arizona University and he and his wife are expecting their firstborn daughter in October 2021.

About this episode's guests

Mike Giaccone, CEO at Assemblers Inc.
In 1985, long before he was the President and CEO of Assemblers, Mike Giaccone was hired by The Home Depot.

At the age of 23, he quickly became one of the youngest store managers in its history. With experience and drive, he mastered customer service, sales, merchandising and management skills as he climbed the corporate ladder.

After ten years with The Home Depot and two years with Lowe’s Home Improvement, Giaccone realized that the demand for assembled merchandise was growing. He observed that with assembled displays, products like grills, mowers, and patio furniture sold more quickly than their non-assembled counterparts.

Assembly service companies were already in place, but they simply did not meet the demand of the stores Giaccone managed. So he created Assemblers, Inc.

About Assemblers Inc.
Founded in Chattanooga, TN in 1998, Assemblers, Inc. has grown into a nationally recognized company with retailer partnerships across the United States. As a game-changer in the industry, Assemblers, Inc. now sets the standard for technology and innovation, employs thousands of technicians, and services stores and residential locations throughout North America.

We pride ourselves on our exceptional delivery, assembly, and repair services. Our top priority is creating an outstanding customer experience in both residential and commercial locations.

Small steps, big results—how this CEO went from driver to entrepreneur

“Taking the smallest step is better than not taking a step at all.”

Almaurice Russ is the owner and CEO of Bon Voyage Enterprises, a family-owned company that provides delivery services in Maplewood, NJ, serving the tri-state area.

In this episode, host Nick Hancock interviews the incredibly inspiring Almaurice on the steps he took, as well as the challenges he faced in his entrepreneurial journey.

If you’re listening and you’re interested in driving opportunities with Bon Voyage, here’s how to connect with Almaurice:

• Bon Voyage Website
• Instagram: @bvtransporting
• Facebook: almaurice.russ

The Gig Academy host

Nick Hancock, Openforce Gig Academy Podcast Host and Customer Success Manager of Key Accounts
Nick monitors all areas that pertain to and affects the gig economy and IC model to best advise and meet the needs of Openforce’s clientele. Prior to working at Openforce, Nick worked in both the Dental manufacturing industry and has a background in insurance as a producer.

Nick has a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies of Humanities from Northern Arizona University and he and his wife are expecting their firstborn daughter in October 2021.

About this episode’s guests

Almaurice Russ, CEO at Bon Voyage Transport
Bon Voyage was founded in September 2015 by Almaurice Russ. Almaurice spent years building a company from scratch, striving to make a legacy for his family. While building this company he never wished it could be easier but, he knew finding a team was necessary. The more help, the more growth. As the famous quote says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Bon Voyage Is a family-owned business. We treat our customers with care to ensure that we provide exceptional service. We strive to provide you with affordable rates and abide by your budget. Bon Voyage services the Tri-state area. We can meet your logistical needs. Continue to build your team here at Bon Voyage, the growth of your business will be inevitable.

About Bon Voyage Transport
Our mission at Bon Voyage is simple: to provide high-quality services for our valued clients. Our team goes above and beyond to cater to each project’s specific needs. Through open communication and exceptional service, we hope you’ll find what you’re looking for with our Courier Service. For more information or general inquiries, get in touch today.

The perfect storm—supply and demand issues facing the logistics industry

Driver shortages have been an issue for the past several years, but especially since the pandemic.

In this episode, Jennifer Dube, Director of Vendor Services at SDS Rx, and Brad Crank, Director of Operations at Crossroads Courier, discuss the current challenges surrounding driver recruiting and retainment in the transportation and logistics industry. Hear how they’ve gotten creative with recruiting tactics and advertising, and how they’ve been able to adapt to and overcome the driver shortage issue in their respective businesses.

If you’re listening and you’re interested in driving opportunities with either of these awesome companies, check out their websites:

SDS Rx

Crossroads Courier

The Gig Academy host

Nick Hancock, Openforce Gig Academy Podcast Host and Customer Success Manager of Key Accounts
Nick monitors all areas that pertain to and affects the gig economy and IC model to best advise and meet the needs of Openforce’s clientele. Prior to working at Openforce, Nick worked in both the Dental manufacturing industry and has a background in insurance as a producer.

Nick has a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies of Humanities from Northern Arizona University and he and his wife are expecting their firstborn daughter in October 2021.

The current climate of compliance and insurance in logistics

Compliance and insurance are often complex and confusing processes for the transportation industry. Is your business is in the best position to navigate them with minimal risk?  

In this episode, Bryan Paulozzi, CIC, Vice President at Risk Strategies, and Rob Slack, Industry Relations Executive at Openforce, discuss the current challenges surrounding compliance and insurance in the transportation and logistics industry. They address why it’s important to go beyond just checking boxes, how confusing and complicated compliance requirements are affecting recruiting efforts and impacting the driver shortage, and how technology can play a role in automating some of these tedious processes.

The Gig Academy host

Nick Hancock, Openforce Gig Academy Podcast Host and Customer Success Manager of Key Accounts
Nick monitors all areas that pertain to and affects the gig economy and IC model to best advise and meet the needs of Openforce’s clientele. Prior to working at Openforce, Nick worked in both the Dental manufacturing industry and has a background in insurance as a producer.

Nick has a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies of Humanities from Northern Arizona University and he and his wife are expecting their firstborn daughter in October 2021.

About this episode's guests

Rob Slack, Industry Relations Executive at Openforce
Rob started in the delivery business in 1968 as a helper on his big brother’s delivery route. Big brothers being what they are, made Rob do most of the work! In 1974 he became the delivery driver and in 1976, from his dorm room at Siena College, Rob started his 1st courier company L.E.D.F.O.O.T Express (Light Express Deliveries for Operating On Time). In 1980 Rob served as the Transportation Manager for the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. 14 years later his 17 office, 700 driver courier operation went public on the NY Stock Exchange along with several industry friends as US Delivery. In 1996 Rob invested in a startup, SCI. In 1999 Rob became the Senior VP of NextJet out of Dallas, TX, and left in 2001 to become active with SCI, serving as President and COO for over 16 years.

Rob is a 25+ year board member of the MCAA/CLDA and served as President from 2006-2008. He is the recipient of the CLDA Distinguished Service Award and was inducted into the Courier Hall of Fame in 2002.

About Openforce
Openforce is the leader in technology-driven services that reduce operating costs and mitigate risk for companies using independent contractors. Their cloud-based applications help companies and contractors alike achieve more sustainable, profitable growth by removing financial, operational, and compliance barriers to getting business done.

 

Bryan Paulozzi, CIC, VP of Transportation at Risk Strategies
Bryan joined the insurance industry back in 2009 starting out with Jeff Ice and his team who at the time were known as Oswald Logistics, which served as a boutique agency catering to the needs of small parcel, courier, and last mile delivery companies. Shortly thereafter, they partnered with their largest competitor at the time to form Brightstone Insurance Services at the end of 2010. During their time as Brightstone, they grew to become one of the largest agencies specializing in the same day delivery class of business representing over 2,000 clients while offering unique and exclusive insurance products. In May of 2017, their firm was acquired by Risk Strategies Co., a top 15 U.S. broker, to lead their national transportation practice of which Bryan and his team continue to do today.

About Risk Strategies
At Risk Strategies, we take a specialist approach to keep you ahead of risk. We are innovators and problem solvers. Our team has expertise across all leading industries, deep risk management and insurance experience, and we are passionate about your success. Committed to diversity and inclusion, we support our communities through the RSC Foundation, and have been recognized by Business Insurance as one of the Best Places to Work.