Episódios
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How do you revive a 100-year-old brand… without playing it safe?
Andy Mecs, President of Chicken of the Sea, didn’t just inherit a legacy—he reshaped it.
But not by chasing trends.
Not by copying the competition.
And definitely not by playing defense.
Instead, he made a series of bold moves that most would’ve avoided—
And in the process, turned a fading favorite into a rising force.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
The unexpected career moment that changed everything
How he rebuilt trust—and a team—during the Great Resignation
Why zigging while others zag became his leadership edge
🎧 What happened inside Chicken of the Sea is bigger than tuna.
💬 What’s a time you bet on a harder path… and it paid off?
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Follow Andy here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-mecs-b132486/
Learn more about Chicken of the Sea: https://chickenofthesea.com/
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Warehouse Unrest. 3 AM. T-shirt soaked in sweat. Alone.
That’s where Joe Perkins, now COO of Carolina Handling, found himself early in his career —after pushing team productivity too far, too fast.
💥 His team walked out.
But instead of doubling down, Joe went back in—this time with humility.
Together, they rewrote the rules. Built a new plan. And blew past the goals he thought were impossible.
Joe went from player to coach, from telling to asking, and from forklift seller to logistics innovator.
You’ll learn:
🚫 Why “telling” doesn’t work
🧠 How to get teams to own strategy
💪 The 2 traits every employee needs
🎯 Why goal-setting needs to evolve—or fail
📬 And why his team now sends him postcards of their dreams
“Pour into your people.”
That’s Joe’s mantra—and after this conversation, you’ll never forget it.
💬 What’s one lesson that changed the way you lead?
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Follow Joe on LinkedIn:
Learn more about Carolina Handling: https://www.carolinahandling.com/
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Flex. Adapt. Win.
That’s the playbook for Ananta Islam, CEO at Körber Supply Chain Americas, who’s scaling a global operation with one mission:
Build teams that trust, strategies that empower, and a culture that moves at the speed of change.
Here’s what stood out in our conversation:
👉 Why leadership must flex across generations—even down to emojis
👉 The underrated power of self-awareness (and surrounding yourself with people who challenge you)
👉 Turning strategy into a daily practice, not a dusty PDF.
👉 Every company needs to “Find Their A”—and what that really means.
What’s one belief or behavior you had to flex to become a better leader?
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Follow Ananta on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ananta-islam-89580aaa/
Lean more about Körber:
Körber Group website: https://www.koerber.com/en/
Körber Business Area Supply Chain: https://koerber-supplychain.com/
Körber LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/k%C3%B6rber/
Körber Business Area Supply Chain LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/koerber-supply-chain/
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Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben Fanning
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Lifeline in a War Zone 📡
Nicole Robinson, President of DataPath, shares the harrowing moment when her team’s satellite system—the world’s largest fleet of defense-certified terminals—helped civilians escape to safety....
...in the middle of a war. ⚠️
This wasn’t luck. It was leadership.
And for Nicole and her team, saving lives isn’t a one-time story—it’s the mission.
Every.
Single.
Day.
Imagine being stranded in the middle of a jungle. A desert. A ship at sea.
No cell towers. No Wi-Fi.
But the mission can’t wait—and lives are on the line.
That’s where Nicole and her team come in—building invisible lifelines that deliver connection, hope, and survival.
In this episode:
✅ The satellite launch that changed everything.
✅ How one employee’s awakening redefined impact.
✅ Why real leadership starts by challenging culture.
If you believe leadership is about more than metrics—if you believe purpose drives performance—this one’s for you.
Have you ever lead in a crisis?
🎙️ Check it out now on Lead the Team podcast, ranked in the top 2% globally
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Follow Nicole on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-robinson-a7a825b/
Learn more about DataPath: https://datapath.com/
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Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben Fanning
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🍴 CHEF’S FIRE.
Talent gets you started.
Obsession takes you further.
But it’s fire and vision that forges a true chef.
Mike Lata, James Beard Award-winning chef and founder of Charleston’s celebrated FIG and The Ordinary, didn’t just build restaurants —
...he's built a legacy grounded in passion, resilience, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
In this conversation, Mike shares what few ever see behind the plate:
🔥 The brutal early years most don't survive.
🔥 The moment he considered quitting — and what pushed him through.
🔥 The deep personal standards that light every dish, every service, every dream.
This isn’t just about food.
It’s about craft.
Vision.
Heart.
And the fire it takes to build something that lasts.
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Follow Mike on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikelata
Eat at his incredible restaurants:
FIG - https://eatatfig.com/
The Ordinary - https://eattheordinary.com/
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Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben Fanning
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Some leaders manage.
Some leaders survive.
A rare few — power the world.
Brad Childers, President and CEO of Archrock, doesn’t just lead a company.
He fuels the infrastructure that powers modern life — keeping energy flowing when the world needs it most.
With over a decade as CEO and a 30-year career at the intersection of energy, innovation, and strategy, Brad has a deep conviction about the role energy plays in liberating humanity from darkness, cold, and toil — and a sharp eye for what’s next.
In this conversation, Brad shares the real story behind leadership:
⚡ How to relieve the hidden weight the leaders carry.
⚡ The faith that keeps you moving.
⚡ A step to win the Future.
If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to lead when everything’s on the line — this episode will change how you see leadership — and the power behind the modern world.
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Follow Brad and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-childers-7363955/
Learn More about Archrock: https://www.archrock.com/
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💥 Ever felt like the underdog… and wondered if you could actually win?
Richard Leurig, President of Accruent, built an entire career out of beating industry titans — with speed, clarity, and purpose.
✅ Outlasted the mortgage meltdown
✅ Scaled MoneyGram in a federal crisis
✅ Built “The Better Everyday Way”
In this bold episode, he shares how to lead through chaos, simplify to grow, and turn setbacks into superpowers.
🎧 Listen now — and get the playbook for underdog victories.
👇
Question for you: When’s a time being the underdog actually gave you an edge?
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Follow RIchard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rkleurig/
Learn more about Accruent: https://www.accruent.com/
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Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben Fanning
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What happens when a doctor, raised to save lives, suddenly finds himself in the high-stakes world of business with no playbook to guide him?
Dr. David Stern, CEO of Experity, opens up about his journey from the fast-paced world of urgent care to leading a tech company that serves thousands of clinics across the country.
But his isn’t just a story of business success—it’s a story of raw determination, personal growth, and leadership forged in the fires of crisis.
Dr. Stern reflects on the pivotal moments that nearly broke him—like the federal investigation that threatened everything he built. How did he pull through the darkest times?
What lessons did he learn as he transformed from a physician into the leader his company desperately needed?
In this powerful conversation, Dr. Stern shares the advice he would give to his younger self, how he rewired his approach to leadership, and the humbling truth he discovered when everything seemed lost.
This isn’t just about business—it’s about resilience, the courage to pivot, and the heart it takes to lead when the stakes are highest.
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Followed David on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/urgentcaredoc/
Learn more about Experity - https://www.experityhealth.com/
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Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben Fanning
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The Hard Conversation
What if your biggest leadership breakthrough, started with a brutally honest performance review?
Well Shri Parikh, didn’t just turn around an underperforming team member—he changed that person’s life.
And in return? That person incredibly mentored his teenage son through one of the most difficult chapters of his life.
The result? A lifelong bond… and a leader reborn.
Shri is the President and Executive Vice President of Ovik Health, a subsidiary of the legendary Milliken & Company—recognized for over 160 years of innovation and values-driven impact across the globe.
He reveals how purpose, performance, and personal values come together to shape the kind of leader who builds trust that transcends the workplace.
If you’ve ever wondered how to lead with more heart, more impact, and more legacy… then Shri's message is for you.
Let's go!
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Follow Shri - www.linkedin.com/in/shri-parikh-a462244
Learn more about Ovik Health and Milliken - https://www.milliken.com/en-us
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Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben Fanning
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What if your biggest leadership advantage… was knowing when to say less?
Today’s guest is Hans Stig Moller, CEO of Odyssey Logistics—a global logistics powerhouse that moves freight across 130 countries. But here’s the twist: Hans doesn’t lead with volume. He leads with calm. Curiosity. And radical humility.
Raised in Denmark, shaped by gritty experience in the shipping yards, and guided by a deeply people-first mindset, Hans opens up about what it really takes to earn trust at scale—without burning out or losing yourself in the title.
In this episode, you’ll hear how a moment behind the scenes in accounting forever changed how Hans views “leading by example”… how a career setback turned into an MBA on steroids… and why he believes listening—truly listening—is one of the most underrated executive skills.
We also go deep on how he tracks his time like a venture investment, why he says AI is transforming logistics quarter by quarter, and how his Danish roots still shape every boardroom and town hall he steps into.
If you’re leading a team, navigating growth, or just trying to become a more grounded, strategic version of yourself—this one will hit home.
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Follow Hans on LiinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hans-stig-moller/
Learn more about Oddessy Logistics: https://odysseylogistics.com/
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Where do you draw the line as a leader?
Stan Howell, a pharmaceutical powerhouse with 25+ years at giants like Johnson & Johnson, Merck, and Novartis, shares a powerful message.
He's now risen to the corner office as COO at Wedgewood holding true to his personal values and guiding principles.
Wedgewood is the largest US veterinary compounding pharmacy, serving over 70,000 vets and one million animals yearly.
He didn't have some grand plan; he chose to seize the opportunities and learned along the way.
Stan's journey from a packaging line to leading global operations is packed with unexpected turns and powerful lessons in leadership, discipline, and the criticality of passion.
Learn how he navigated massive industry shifts and why he believes authentic communication is the only communication that truly resonates.
You'll also Discover
-A Surprising Key to Accelerating Your Career
-Why Motivation is Overrated in Leadership
-An Unexpected Downside of Becoming Indispensable
-How to Craft a Communication Strategy That Works
-A Simple 3-Word Blueprint for True Leadership
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What are your non-negotiable principles in your career?
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Follow Stan on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stan-howell/
Learn more about Wedgewood: https://www.wedgewood.com/
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Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben Fanning
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Powerful Healing Force
Dr. Tom Britton, CEO of Accanto Health, shares how his personal experience with addiction and recovery has shaped his approach to leadership.
He's powerfully leveraged it to build a thriving culture at Accanto Health, the parent company of the Emily Program and Gather Behavioral Health.
They focus on treating those impacted by eating disorders and other behavioral heath challenges.
You'll find how they effectively offer compassion and evidence-based care across a broad organization.
He opens up about the challenges he faced and the lessons he learned along the way, offering a powerful example of how leaders can turn personal struggles into sources of strength and inspiration.
You'll Also Discover:
How to Overcome Challenges with Resilience
A Strategy for Building High-Performing Teams
Why Leading with Empathy Matters
A Step to Creating a Thriving Culture
An Unexpected Approach to Leadership Development
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Do you you think empathy is important for leaders?
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Follow Dr. Tom Britton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tom-britton-4021611a/
Learn more about Accanto Health here: https://accanto.com/
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Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben Fanning
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Data Doesn't Lie!
Andrew Frawley, CEO of Data Axle, shares the key for leveraging data and AI to create emotional connections at scale...a game-changer for EVERY business.
It's incredible they equip organizations to leverage a database of 90 million businesses and 300 million consumers to find their best customers.
Forget Mad Men, this is the new era of connection.
You'll learn how AI can predict emotional triggers...
....the power of understanding the "full person" (both as a consumer and as a professional)
....and the future of personalized content creation.
It's not just about having the data, it's about knowing how to use it to drive real outcomes.
You'll also discover:
✅ How data help build customer relationships.
✅ The data point that really inspires customer loyalty.
✅ The unexpected trait Andy instills in every employee
----> Do you have the data you need to reach you customer?
Follow Andy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyfrawley/
Learn more about Data Axle: https://www.data-axle.com
Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben Fanning
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Are you a true leader?
Ever wonder what happens when a leader loses their title? Josh Whitley, CEO of AlaTrade Foods, reveals the raw truth about leadership, identity, and the importance of life beyond the job.
In this gripping interview, Josh shares his journey from climbing the ranks to facing a layoff, and the profound lessons he learned along the way.
It's a wake-up call for any leader prioritizing their position over their people.
Discover how a leader learned the hard way that who you are is not what you do.
Hint: It involves a powerful lesson from a savvy boss, a meat processing plant, and some hard-earned wisdom.
You'll also discover:
A strategy to lead by example, not just words.
How to build a culture of trust and accountability.
Why "people first, chicken second" is a game-changer.
The surprising power of prioritizing safety and well-being.
A blueprint to avoid the "leadership vacuum".
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What defines you outside of your job title?
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Follow Josh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-whitley/
Learn more about AlaTrade Foods:
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Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben Fanning
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Your AI Edge
Fredrik Thomassen, CEO and Founder of Superside, stands at the forefront of the AI creative revolution.
His mission is to empower in-house creative teams, often overlooked and under-resourced, by unlocking the transformative power of AI.
Superside, serving giants like Amazon, Salesforce, and Vimeo, is proving that AI is the creative edge that teams need.
You'll hear how Fredrik and his team are leveraging AI to...
-Alleviate Strain: Reducing the immense pressure on teams, enabling them to focus on true innovation.
-Drive Innovation: Fueling awe-inspiring campaigns that push creative boundaries.
-Pioneer New Workflows: Redefining the creative process with AI-driven efficiency.
-Deliver Unprecedented Savings: Providing significant cost and time benefits to clients.
This is the new creative landscape.
You'll also discover:
✅ How to leverage AI to scale your team.
✅ A strategy to build an AI-first system.
✅ Why remote creative teams have become the future of work.
✅ A step-by-step blueprint for implementing your AI workflow.
✅ The unexpected benefit of AI for creative work.
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What are your thoughts on the future of AI?
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Follow Fredrik on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredrikthomassen/
Learn more about Superside: https://www.superside.com/
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Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben Fanning
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Unstoppable Resilience
Ever been laid off?
Patricia Coan, COO at Pura, has not once, not twice, but THREE times!
But her story isn't one of defeat.
It's a powerful lesson in resilience and adaptability that every leader needs to hear.
How did those setbacks actually accelerate her career? You'll have to listen to believe it.
Patricia shares how those experiences shaped her leadership, offering invaluable insights on navigating career curveballs and leading with empathy.
Find out how the strategy she applied to build high-performing teams and revolutionize an industry.
Her journey is a testament to turning adversity into your greatest advantage.
You'll also discover:
A Strategy to Build Unstoppable Resilience.
How to Turn Setbacks Into Superpowers.
Why Adaptability is Your #1 Asset.
A Surprising Key to True Empathy.
The Unexpected Gift of Getting Fired.
=> What's a career curve ball you've ever faced?
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Follow Patricia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciabuck/
Learn More about Pura: https://pura.com/
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Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben Fanning
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Razat Gaurav, CEO of Planview, shares his experience leading a company formed by merging three competing entities.
Imagine the challenge of uniting three rival companies with distinct cultures and values into a cohesive team.
This is the situation he faced when he took the helm at Planview.
You'll learn the powerful strategy he used to build trust, establish a shared vision, and align incentives among the team.
You'll Also Discover:
Why Culture Matters
A Step to Visionary Leadership
The Surprising Way to Resolve Conflict
=> Have you ever experienced a merger or acquisition?
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Follow Razat on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/razatgaurav/
Learn more about Planview: https://www.planview.com
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Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben Fanning
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Limitless Energy Source?
The future of energy is changing, and business leaders NEED to know what's coming.
Michael Ginsburg, President of Tokamak Energy USA, distills he groundbreaking potential of fusion energy and how it can revolutionize our world! 🤯
This is NOT just a pipe dream!
Michael, a leading expert in energy and the fusion industry, boils down the opportunity, the latest advancements, and why fusion is closer than ever to becoming a reality.
You'll see why AI and machine learning are accelerating breakthroughs and what needs to happen to make fusion power commercially viable.
This is a MUST-LISTEN episode for anyone interested in the future of energy and the incredible possibilities fusion holds.
Tune in to learn about the exciting developments that lie ahead and how fusion could solve our energy problems for good! 💡
You'll Also Discover:
How to Invest in Fusion Energy.
The Country Winning the Fusion Race.
A Strategy to Translate Science into Commercial Success.
The Geopolitical Impact of Fusion Energy.
Emotional Intelligence and Leadership in Science .
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Have you heard of fusion? What do you the think the impact will be? 👇
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Follow Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeljginsberg/
Learn more about Tokamak Energy -https://tokamakenergy.com/
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Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben Fanning
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Ditch Fear
Jeff Mills, President of iMerit, shares a difficult moment in his career when he was asked to do something that completely went against his core values.
What do you do when your leader asks you to do something that you don't believe in?
For Jeff, it was an easy decision, but it wasn't a popular one.
What would you do in this situation?
He also shares why fear is a relic of the past, a short-sighted strategy that stifles innovation and drives away top talent.
Isn't better when were in the trenches together, working towards a common goal. You'll Also
Discover:
How to Motivate Your Team.
A Strategy for Leading in the Age of AI.
Why Retention is Critical for AI Success.
A Step to Disrupt Your Industry with AI.
The Three Impacts of AI on FTE Models.
Follow Jeff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmills/
Learn More about iMerit: https://imerit.net/
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Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben Fanning
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Take Charge Courage
Kristy Knichel, President and CEO of Knichel Logistics, shares THE defining moment in her leadership journey.
Despite being appointed President, Kristy faced a situation that challenged her authority and tested her resolve.
Discover how she defied expectations, navigated family dynamics, and took courageous action to protect her company.
Learn from her experience and gain valuable insights for your own leadership journey.
You'll Also Discover:
How to Overcome Self-Doubt
A Strategy for Building a Strong Support System
Why Embracing Vulnerability is Key to Growth
A Step to Leading with Authenticity
An Unexpected Outcome of Taking Risks
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How do you think taking on a big challenge helps you grow?
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Follow Kristy on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristyknichel/
Learn more about Knichel Logistics - https://www.knichellogistics.com/
Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben Fanning
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