As I was about to post something about the importance of partnerships in our industry, I looked out my window and was struck by how beautiful life can be. We can get caught up in the daily grind, focusing on the next dollar, the next partnership, or who we can outdo or who is trying to outdo us. The business world of 2024 is chaotic, filled with competition and comparisons. I never understood the logic in that. We can all do well—there's room. I promise. But sometimes, we need to stop and appreciate what we have, where we are, who we share our lives with, and the simple fact that we're here, living a beautiful life.
It's easy to lose sight of this in the hustle. I’m as guilty of it as anyone. My life revolves 10000% around work, and I’m often too busy to participate in simple pleasures like a men's night out or a game night. Never have. I took my first “vacation” at 40 and worked the entire time from another country. When my wife was asked recently if I’d be interested in joining a men’s church get-together, she replied, “He’s too busy.” My 11-year-old son then told his mom he wished I’d do more than work and make some friends, which hits, but I know the power of survival and building too. I’ve never mentally had time for anything but that. Even though I have friends, my life is focused on work, quiet, and somewhat reclusive. There’s so much to be thankful for.
This reflection ties back to how we approach partnerships. In business, just as in life, the best partnerships aren’t just about financials but about doing the right thing. It's about aligning with those who see the beauty in improving things for people who genuinely care about creating a positive impact.
(On to the Original Post Idea) Juggling Partnerships in a Saturated Market
Weeding through the crowded market of vendors in the transportation compliance space, any space, for that matter, can feel like juggling flaming torches. Each seems to demand attention, but it's important to ensure you're holding on to the ones that align with your values and won’t burn you or your clients. In this ever-evolving industry, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of options, each claiming to be the silver bullet for your compliance needs. While loyalty to a single brand or product might seem noble, it isn't always the most effective strategy.
Through my affiliations with Motive, Luma Brighter Learning, Haul, Tenstreet, LLC, DriverReach, HireRight, and the list goes on, I’ve seen the value these organizations bring. Sometimes, it's not even the company; it's the leadership that drives the vision and the team that supports it and drives the revenue. At the same time, I've also learned the importance of keeping an open mind to other vendors based on specific needs. There are countless vendors, each with unique strengths, and sometimes, the best choice for a particular situation may not be your primary partner. While I support Motive as the best full-suite solution on the market, when I go to a carrier and find their business needs a camera, Nexar Inc., Garmin, or Netradyne is where I send them. There is no cookie-cutter answer, and I assure you there's room for everyone in this industry based on individual needs. We really need the equivalent of the old Angie's List, now Angi, for the industry. Objectively, who provides what, who provides it well, and what are their values from an objective, practical, value-focused perspective?
My philosophy in choosing who to work with is simple: align with those whose goals mirror my own, which means meeting operational objectives, growth, etc., while keeping people safe, preserving property and life, and doing the right thing. It’s about finding partners genuinely committed to making our roads, drivers, and operations safer and treating their employees with respect and dignity. Providing value is at the core of every decision. Customer success or client success is at the heart of what they do.
It frustrates me to see risk control, safety, or compliance consultants—and even insurance folks—partnering with organizations solely for financial gain, disregarding the vendor's actual value or integrity. It's not just about who can write the biggest check or offer the most enticing perks; it's about aligning with those who share a commitment to quality, honesty, and customer focus.
There’s a significant difference between making money and making money ethically. We all need to earn a living, but it’s crucial to meet customers where they are and provide them with solutions that genuinely add value. Supporting vendors who lack quality just because they're publicly traded or have a slick, aggressive sales machine compromises not only our work's integrity but also our personal integrity. This approach ultimately undermines the objectives of preserving life and property and reducing claims and exposure while failing to deliver a solid return on investment.
When juggling vendors, the key is to be discerning. Start by objectively assessing which vendors align with your values, which are honest, and which are genuinely focused on their customers. Look beyond the sales machine to see if they deliver on their promises and meet their clients' needs. Only by supporting those committed to quality, integrity, customer satisfaction, and success can we ensure we’re providing the best possible solutions for our clients and contributing positively to the industry.
Ultimately, I aim to support anyone whose mindset aligns with my own: doing what's right for the people and the industry. It's not about loyalty to a brand for loyalty's sake; it's about loyalty to the mission of safety, quality, and value. That’s the partnership worth juggling for. As I sit here, reflecting on the beauty of life and the importance of our choices, I’m reminded that every decision we make should bring us closer to making things better for everyone around us and everyone in our industry.
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