I started Becker Logistics in 1997 with nothing more than an idea, strong drive, and landline phone. There was no instruction manual. I didn’t have funding or a polished business plan. What I had was a strong work ethic, a belief in the logistics industry, and the drive to build something meaningful.
Back then, I wore every hat. Sales, billing, dispatching, even tech support when the computer froze. It was a grind. But it taught me something powerful. Success doesn’t come from knowing everything. It comes from showing up every day and doing the work, even when you don’t have all the answers.
Learning What Leadership Really Means
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that leadership is not about being in control. It is about being responsible. In the early days, I thought a leader was someone who made all the decisions. Over time, I realized real leadership means building trust, giving people direction, and stepping aside so others can step up.
I had to unlearn the idea that I had to do it all. That shift didn’t happen overnight. But as the business grew, so did I. I began to see the value in hiring people who were better than me in certain areas and trusting them to lead. That trust became the foundation of everything.
You Don’t Build a Business Alone
Hiring my first employee was a milestone. Building a team was the real breakthrough. Over the years, I’ve seen how important people are to a business. Not just employees, but partners, customers, and mentors. No one builds a 3PL logistics company on their own. It takes a team that believes in the mission and in each other.
I’ve learned to listen to my team. Their feedback, ideas, and dedication are what helped Becker Logistics grow into what it is today. Company culture isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a reflection of how you lead, how you communicate, and how you treat people.
Failure Teaches More Than Success
Not everything worked out. There were ideas that failed, hires that didn’t fit, and decisions I would handle differently if given the chance. But I wouldn’t trade those failures. They taught me how to adapt. They taught me patience. Most of all, they taught me that resilience is built through setbacks, not smooth sailing.
In business, you will get knocked down. What matters is getting back up, learning, and doing better next time.
28 Years In, Still Learning Every Day
The logistics industry has changed a lot since 1997. The technology, the pace, the expectations… everything looks different. But the core lessons haven’t changed.
People matter most. Trust takes time. Leadership is earned. And growth never stops.
After 28 years, I’m still learning. I’m still growing. And I’m still grateful for every person who has been part of this journey, especially the ones who stood by me through the toughest moments.
Running a business is not about reaching a destination. It’s about the commitment to keep improving. That’s what keeps me motivated after nearly three decades in this industry.