Legacy, leadership, and the road ahead | Cole Stevens of Stevens Trucking

In this episode, ⁠Chris Torrence⁠ sits down with ⁠Cole Stevens⁠, the Chief Strategy Officer of ⁠Stevens Trucking⁠, to discuss the evolving role of a CSO and the rich history of Stevens Trucking. Starting as a family business in the oil field industry, Stevens Trucking has grown into a successful enterprise. Cole shares insights into their journey, attributing their success to a strong work ethic, adaptability, and meticulous planning.

The conversation delves into the challenges faced by truck drivers, including distracted driving and increasing job demands. Cole and Chris emphasize the often underappreciated contributions of supply chain workers such as truck drivers, pilots, and warehouse staff. They highlight the critical role these individuals play in supporting the economy and the importance of acknowledging their hard work.

The discussion also explores the role of technology in the trucking industry, the process of evaluating and adopting new technologies, and the significance of building strong relationships with technology vendors. Cole emphasizes the need for effective communication and customer discovery to address specific pain points and enhance the implementation of automation and AI.

As the episode wraps up, Cole reflects on the patriotic nature of the trucking industry and expresses gratitude for the sacrifices made by truck drivers and military personnel.

Chapters
00:00 – The Role of a Chief Strategy Officer
06:03 – The History of Stevens Trucking
13:29 – Family Dynamics and Decision-Making
24:41 – Appreciating Home Time and Challenges Faced by Truck Drivers
33:13 – Underappreciation of the Supply Chain
43:42 – Stevens Trucking's Operations and Footprint
47:38 – Evaluation of Technology Vendors
54:56 – Misconceptions and Challenges in Adopting Technology
58:38 – Building Relationships and Ensuring Buy-In
01:02:20 – Conveying the Benefits of Technology to Employees
01:04:04 – Understanding Technology as a Tool