Graig shares how his journey from struggling truck driver to logistics entrepreneur shaped a people-first trucking company culture built on trust, safety, and community impact.

This episode explores what happens when someone who has experienced the worst parts of the trucking industry decides to build something better — a company where driver wellbeing, leadership, and doing the right thing come before profit.

From sleeping on a friend’s couch early in his career to leading a respected Maine-based trucking and logistics company,

Graig explains how empathy, humility, and strong values can transform operations, safety culture, and driver retention.

You’ll also hear powerful stories about community service, including delivering sandwiches to veterans, transporting donated medical chairs to emergency rooms during COVID, and supporting local schools in Biddeford, Maine.

Graig’s leadership philosophy is simple:“Do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do.”

In this conversation, Dr. Anderson and Graig explore what that looks like in practice—behind the wheel, in dispatch, and across the trucking industry.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

1. Why allowing drivers time off without explanation can improve trucking safety and driver wellbeing
2. How Brown Dog Carriers supported schools and veterans during COVID
3. What 20 years of poor management taught Graig about building a better trucking company culture
4. Leadership lessons for small trucking companies and logistics businesses
5. How trust and community can improve driver retention and operational performance

Connect & Learn More

1. Connect with Graig Morin on LinkedIn,https://www.linkedin.com/in/graig-morin-840a54147/
2. Learn more about Brown Dog Carriers & Logistics,https://www.browndogcarriers.com/
3. Explore Luma Brighter Learning and Dr. Gina Anderson’s work in learning science and workforce training. https://lumabrighterlearning.com/
4. Interested in being a guest on On the Front Line: The Safety, Learning & Operations Podcast? Apply here. https://www.learningwithgina.com/otfl-guest/

Subscribe for more conversations on:

1. Safety leadership
2. Workforce learning
3. Trucking operations
4. Compliance and risk management
5. Leadership for frontline and mobile workforces

David shares what it means to lead with flat hierarchy, why safety isn’t a competitive advantage in tanker trucking, and how innovation in a decades-old industry moves slowly but powerfully. He also opens up about legacy, what it means to carry a family business forward. He talks about why people are the next great challenge in trucking and not technology.

If you’ve ever wondered how real leadership gets built in a high-stakes, high-risk industry, this episode is for you!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Why frontline workers are the engine, and leaders are just steering wheel How United Petroleum Transports built a culture of trust
2. Where is fuel hauling innovation is heading
3. Why legacy isn’t something you plan

Connect with David on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-price-95863a59/

Want to learn more about David's work? Check out the United Petroleum Transports website, https://www.drive4upt.com/

Check out the Luma Brighter Learning website, https://lumabrighterlearning.com/

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply, https://www.learningwithgina.com/otfl-guest/

Subscribe to On the Frontline for more insights on safety, compliance, learning, and operations in the world of mobile, distributed, and high-risk workforces.

Brandon sits at the intersection of safety, strategy, analytics, and operations — building systems that turn complex compliance data into decisions leadership can actually act on. But his real passion? The humans behind the data. With a background in education, Brandon brings a rare lens to frontline leadership in trucking and logistics: one that puts people before metrics, every time.

In this conversation, Brandon challenges the industry to stop promoting the best worker and start developing the best leader and shares what it actually takes to close that gap.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Why promoting your best worker into leadership without training is setting them up to fail
2. How the energy a frontline leader brings either builds trust — or destroys it
3. The shift from measuring everything to measuring what actually matters
4. How data visibility is helping safety teams move from reactive to proactive
5. Why Brandon believes if the answer isn't your people, you're asking the wrong questions

Want to learn more about Brandon’s work? Check out the Performance Food Group website HERE.

Check out the Luma Brighter Learning website HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

If you're struggling to attract and retain younger talent, this conversation offers practical strategies for making an impact in your own backyard.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Why 60% of Gen Z explores careers on social media—and what trucking must do to show up there
2. How NextGen works state-by-state to build relationships that create CDL, supply chain, and diesel tech programs
3. The power of employee-generated content: Why real stories beat corporate messaging every time
4. How connecting young people to industry professionals reinvigorates current employees

Connect with Lindsey on LinkedIn, ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindseytrent/⁠Want to learn more about Lindsey’s work?

Check out the Next Generation in Trucking Association website, ⁠https://nextgentrucking.org/⁠

Check out the Luma Brighter Learning website, ⁠https://lumabrighterlearning.com/⁠

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply, ⁠https://www.learningwithgina.com/otfl-guest/

Nikki explains how a partnership with Trucker Path solved the critical truck parking safety gap for women drivers, why "leading from the front" means making others shine, and how she's building networks that keep talent in the industry. Her approach to innovation—taking one step, trying one new thing, and showing up excited—demonstrates why community-centered leadership creates lasting impact.

If you're navigating male-dominated industries, building inclusive programs, or leading teams through innovation, this episode will show you the power of strategic partnerships and quiet persistence.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. How Nikki's strategic partnership with Trucker Path created a safety solution accessed 64 million times
2. Why leadership means creating opportunities for others to shine, not chasing titles
3. The seven critical safety features women drivers identified for truck stops
4. How forward-thinking technology and virtual training tools are attracting the next generation to trucking
5. Why starting earlier with student outreach could transform industry talent pipelines
6. Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn ⁠HERE⁠.

Want to learn more about Nikki’s work? Check out the American Trucking Association website ⁠HERE⁠.

Check out the Luma Brighter Learning website ⁠HERE⁠.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply ⁠HERE⁠.

Subscribe to On the Frontline for more insights on safety, compliance, learning, and operations in the world of mobile, distributed, and high-risk workforces.

Blake challenges the "tenure trap" that keeps fresh voices on the sidelines. He shares why his best safety innovations came from people outside the safety team. Drivers who asked "why do we do it that way?" changed everything. He reveals his leadership approach: never ask someone to do what you wouldn't do yourself.

Tune in to discover why the best innovations come from unexpected voices, and how quiet leadership opens doors.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Why breakthrough ideas come from non-experts in the room
2. How to create space for newcomers in a longevity-driven industry
3. The leadership lesson of being remembered for people, not accomplishments
4. How small frontline changes move entire industries forward

Connect with Blake on LinkedIn HERE.

Want to learn more about Blake’s work? Check out the Iowa Motor Truck Association website HERE.

Check out the Luma Brighter Learning website HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Subscribe to On the Frontline for more insights on safety, compliance, learning, and operations in the world of mobile, distributed, and high-risk workforces.

Tom shares why safety leaders must reject the "safety cop" mentality, how his role as a caregiver for his wife shaped his leadership philosophy, and what the transportation industry gets dangerously wrong about driver home time and mental health. His open-door approach and habit of daily kindness have earned his team multiple National Safety Council awards—not through rules, but through genuine connection.

If you're a safety manager, operations leader, or anyone responsible for people in high-risk work, this episode will challenge how you think about compliance, culture, and what it really means to bring everyone home safely.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Why the "safety cop" approach fails and what works instead
2. How caregiving experience translates to better safety leadership
3. The #1 thing Tom would redesign in the transportation industry to reduce accidents
4. Why letting drivers talk isn't a waste of time—it's a safety strategy
5. How to identify team strengths and position people where they'll thrive
6. Tom's advice for making kindness a daily leadership habit

Connect with Tom on LinkedIn HERE.

Want to learn more about Tom’s work? Check out the Keizer Management, LLC website HERE.

Check out the Luma Brighter Learning website HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Subscribe to On the Frontline for more insights on safety, compliance, learning, and operations in the world of mobile, distributed, and high-risk workforces.

Elizabeth challenges the passive learning epidemic plaguing busy carriers—where employees complete training but nothing changes on the ground. She shares her vision for practical, application-based education where learners implement best practices, report results, and earn certification through real-world impact, not just screen time.

Tune in to discover why Elizabeth believes the greatest gift leaders can give is confidence—and why she's building TCA's reputation as the go-to destination for transportation education.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Why "watch the video, check the box" training fails small carriers juggling seven roles
2. How to shift from passive learning to application-based education with measurable results
3. The power of listening to subject matter experts when you're not the content expert yourself
4. How one committee meeting sparked an unbudgeted recruitment and retention training series
5. Why investing in employee education is actually investing in their confidence—and your bottom line
6. Leadership lessons from someone who wants to be forgotten but remembered for impact

Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn HERE.

Want to learn more about Elizabeth’s work? Check out the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) website HERE.

Check out the Luma Brighter Learning website HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Subscribe to On the Frontline for more insights on safety, compliance, learning, and operations in the world of mobile, distributed, and high-risk workforces.

William shares his journey of building trust by showing up, keeping promises, and connecting members with real solutions. With years of experience visiting facilities nationwide, he’s seen firsthand how innovation in driver recruitment, safety technology, and cargo tank inspections is shaping the industry. He also talks about what frontline leadership teaches us about humanity, how regulations affect companies in unexpected ways, and why genuine, consistent touchpoints matter more than formal meetings.

Tune in to hear how one leader is shaping the future of tank trucking through trust, connection, and a commitment to understanding the people he serves.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. How trust and integrity form the foundation of effective industry advocacy
2. The value of visiting member facilities to understand operational challenges firsthand
3. What frontline leadership reveals about the struggles people face behind closed doors
4. Innovative solutions emerging across the tank truck industry, from driver pipelines to virtual tank inspections
5. The lasting impact of advocacy work and policy changes that benefit the entire industry
6. Why regular communication matters more than scheduled committee meetings

Connect with William on LinkedIn HERE.

Want to learn more about William’s work? Check out the National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC) website HERE.

Check out the Luma Brighter Learning website HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Subscribe to On the Frontline for more insights on safety, compliance, learning, and operations in the world of mobile, distributed, and high-risk workforces.

Jason discusses his commitment to preserving print magazines despite industry trends toward digital-only content, and why physical publications still matter for connecting communities. Jason shares his perspective on SEO versus quality storytelling, the overwhelming nature of data in both media and trucking operations, and how telematics creates similar challenges for fleet operators. He talks about the role of AI in journalism and trucking.

Listen to this episode to hear how Jason is shaping the future of trucking media while staying true to the fundamentals of good storytelling and community connection.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Jason's background in journalism and his transition into trucking media over the past 20 years
2. The mission of Bulk Transporter and Refrigerated Transporter magazines to share best practices and spotlight industry leaders
3. The historical connection between the magazines and the National Tank Truck Carriers association since 1937
4. The fight to preserve print magazines in an industry moving toward digital-only content
5. The challenges of SEO-focused content versus in-depth storytelling and quality journalism
6. The proper role of AI in journalism and business operations

Connect with Jason on LinkedIn HERE.

Want to learn more about Jason’s work? Check out Bulk Transporter, Refrigerated Transporter magazines website HERE.

Check out EndeavorB2B, Jason’s parent company website HERE

Check out EndeavorB2B, Jason’s parent company podcast, The Fleet Lead HERE.

Check out the Luma Brighter Learning website HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Subscribe to On the Frontline for more insights on safety, compliance, learning, and operations in the world of mobile, distributed, and high-risk workforces.

Ed shared his philosophy on leading by example and treating employees as family rather than just workers. He talks about the importance of continous improvement through both technology and process refinement, the value of learning in motivating teams, and how staying connected through industry conferences and vendor relationships helps guide innovation. Ed opens up about his faith-based moral compass and how doing what's right guides his decision-making. He explains how success at Nagle Companies depends on investing in people, building relationships over chasing volumes, and contributing to the community through various charitable activities.

Tune in to discover how dignity and respect transform workplace culture and why investing in people's growth creates stronger business outcomes.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Ed's philosophy on leading by example through dignity and respect
2. How developing employees to their greatest potential benefits the company
3. The role of learning in creating motivation and ownership among teams
4. Faith-based values as a moral compass for business decisions
5. The evolution of technology in transportation and work-life balance
6. Building consultative partnerships with vendors to guide innovation

Connect with Ed on LinkedIn HERE.

Want to learn more about Ed's work? Check out Nagle Companies website HERE.

Check out the Luma Brighter Learning website HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Subscribe to On the Frontline for more insights on safety, compliance, learning, and operations in the world of mobile, distributed, and high-risk workforces.

Amy shares her journey from safety professional to nonprofit founder. She experienced firsthand the challenges of wearing men's extra-large safety gear when she needed a medium or small. Amy explains her three founding principles of education, research, and advocacy through what she calls the "Errors Initiative." She opens up about the importance of listening to understand rather than respond. Amy believes that stopping to truly hear women's experiences was her breakthrough moment at a 2018 safety conference.

Tune in to discover how Amy's quiet leadership is building community and moving the industry toward safer workplaces for everyone.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Amy's journey from safety professional to nonprofit founder
2. The Safety Rack's mission to close the PPE gap for women workers
3. Research findings showing injury rates linked to poorly fitting safety equipment
4. The three founding principles: education, research, and advocacy (the "Errors Initiative")
5. How listening and understanding drives meaningful change in workplace safety
6. The importance of data in convincing employers and manufacturers to make changes
7. Innovation emerging in women-specific safety equipment over the past five years
8. Building community and connection within the safety industry
9. Leading with purpose while facing barriers and skeptics

Connect with Amy on LinkedIn HERE.

Want to learn more about Amy's work? Check out The Safety Rack website HERE.

Check out the Luma Brighter Learning website HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Subscribe to On the Frontline for more insights on safety, compliance, learning, and operations in the world of mobile, distributed, and high-risk workforces.

Melissa reveals the gap between safety regulations and real-world trucking challenges. She explains how Walmart's Driver Ambassador Program creates direct lines of communication between stores and drivers. This cuts through corporate red tape to solve problems quickly. She opens up about her personal approach to managing 300 drivers. She also touches on leadership lessons from her Army father. Melissa believes the best managers lead with both heart and mind.

Tune in to discover how genuine care for people transforms workplace culture and creates safer roads for everyone.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. How growing up in trucking and learning from an Army father shaped Melissa's authentic leadership approach
2. Why current hours of service regulations fail drivers and what policymakers need to understand about real trucking life
3. The story behind Walmart's Driver Ambassador Program and how it bridges communication between retail stores and transportation teams
4. Why knowing your people personally - their families, birthdays, and life situations creates stronger safety culture
5. How leading with heart and building genuine relationships transforms both drivers and organizations
6. What it means to receive recognition for quiet leadership that creates lasting impact without seeking the spotlight

Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn HERE.

Want to learn more about Melissa's work? Check out Walmart's Driver Ambassador Program website HERE.

Check out the Luma Brighter Learning website HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Subscribe to On the Frontline for more insights on safety, compliance, learning, and operations in the world of mobile, distributed, and high-risk workforces.

Steve explains why the industry must shift from reactive enforcement to proactive fleet safety culture, how Operation Safe Driver redefined road safety, and what COVID-19 taught leaders about innovation, education, and rebranding. His people-first leadership philosophy - rooted in sports and teamwork, shows why empowering others is key to lasting impact.

If you’re a fleet manager, logistics professional, or transportation leader, this episode will inspire you to lead with purpose and drive change.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. How Steve Keppler’s multi-decade career shaped his unique perspective on trucking, logistics, and intermodal transportation
2. Why the transportation industry must transition from reactive enforcement to proactive safety culture
3. Leadership lessons from sports that apply to team development and mission-driven organizations
4. How COVID-19 accelerated innovation, rebranding, and educational strategies in associations
5. The story behind Operation Safe Driver and its data-driven, educational approach to road safety
6. Why empowering individuals creates ripple effects that transform organizations and industries

Connect with Steve on LinkedIn HERE.

Want to learn more about Steve's work? Check out Scopelitis Transportation Consulting’s website HERE.

Check out the Luma Brighter Learning website HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Subscribe to On the Frontline for more insights on safety, compliance, learning, and operations in the world of mobile, distributed, and high-risk workforces.

From making safety fun and engaging, to creating meaningful connections with drivers, to building training programs that focus on the “why,” Nathan’s people-first approach is transforming leadership in the transportation and logistics industry.

Nathan was honored with the Pelican Award that celebrates leaders who quietly lift others higher and create lasting impact.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

-How to make workplace safety fun and engaging for frontline teams

-Why people-first leadership strategies in the transportation industry create lasting results

-The power of explaining the why in safety training to boost engagement

-Practical ways to build trust with drivers and frontline employees

-How leadership and empathy skills for safety professionals shape safer, stronger teams

-Nathan’s vision for creating a positive safety culture in logistics and trucking

Connect with Nathan on LinkedIn HERE.

Want to learn more about Nathan's work? Check out RelaDyne’s website HERE.

Check out the Luma Brighter Learning website HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Subscribe to On the Frontline for more insights on safety, compliance, learning, and operations in the world of mobile, distributed, and high-risk workforces.

Dylan is a nationally recognized, multi-award-winning fleet safety leader at Keystops and the founder of DrivexIQ. His mission is to help drivers succeed, reduce risk for organizations, and build safer roads for everyone.

Learn how proactive driver coaching, simulation technology, and human-centered leadership are reshaping safety in the transportation and logistics industry.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

-How to build a proactive fleet safety culture instead of reacting to accidents

-The story behind Dylan’s driver simulator innovation and why it’s changing training forever

-Leadership lessons from the frontline of transportation and logistics

-Why giving drivers second chances creates unexpected success stories

-How DrivexIQ helps prevent costly accidents and litigation through smarter driver training

Connect with Dylan on LinkedIn HERE.

Want to learn more about Dylan's work? Check out his podcast HERE.

Check out the Luma Brighter Learning website HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Subscribe to On the Frontline for more insights on safety, compliance, learning, and operations in the world of mobile, distributed, and high-risk workforces.

She emphasizes the importance of empathy, personal connections, and continuous learning in adapting to industry changes. Tabatha highlights the value of leading with heart, building trust, and nurturing future leaders to create lasting positive change within organizations and their communities.

Connect with Tabatha on LinkedIn HERE.

Want to learn more about Tabatha's work? Check out their website HERE.

Check out the Luma Brighter Learning website HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

He discusses innovations like using dash cam footage to highlight good driving and advocates for proactive, behavior-based safety measures. Justin advises prioritizing workplace culture and empowering teams.

Connect with Justin on LinkedIn HERE.

Want to learn more about Justin's work? Check out their website HERE.

Check out the Luma Brighter Learning website HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

She discusses the vital role of the trucking industry, the importance of community, and the impact of remembrance.

Connect with Courtney on LinkedIn HERE.

Want to learn more about 's work? Check out their website HERE.

Check out the Luma Brighter Learning website HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Connect with Rebecca on LinkedIn HERE.

Want to learn more about Rebecca's work? Check out their website HERE.

Check out the Luma Brighter Learning website HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

He discusses his personal health journey, his mission to improve drivers’ well-being, and the value of positive influence. Dr. Gina honors Jerry with the Pelican Award for his impactful leadership. The episode highlights the power of empathy, personal growth, and the drive to create positive change in the trucking industry.

Connect with Jerry on LinkedIn HERE.

Want to learn more about Jerry's work? Check out their website HERE.

Check out the Luma Brighter Learning website HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Dr. Gina Anderson is the CEO of Luma Brighter Learning. During this interview, she shares her vision for the podcast: spotlighting compassionate leaders who drive positive change in workplace culture, especially within the supply chain industry.

The episode explores the importance of empathy, connection, and meaningful learning in leadership. Listeners are invited to nominate inspiring leaders and engage with the podcast community, setting the stage for a series dedicated to celebrating trailblazers who prioritize employee well-being and innovation.

Connect with Dr. Gina Anderson on LinkedIn HERE.

Want to learn more about Dr. Gina's work? Check out her website HERE.

Check out the Luma Brighter Learning website HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.