In this episode, hosts Rich and Bryan open with a little fun (yes, they really ask: “how cool is Tom Holland?”) before diving into one of the biggest drivers of startup success — culture. They sit down with Macy Chambers and Neha Soi to discuss their career journeys and what it takes to build a company like BERO from the ground up, including early mistakes, key launch lessons, and the critical role of supply chain in making a retail brand stand out.

From there, the conversation shifts to the carrier side of the business: what makes a carrier credible from a shipper’s perspective, how Hoplite Logistics stays laser-focused on the shipper experience, and where growth is headed next. The group explores how technology and intuition combine to guide both teams’ evolution, while also touching on the importance of in-person relationships and Neha’s transition from freight brokerage to the shipper side.

Whether you’re launching a startup, scaling operations, or simply curious about how culture, supply chain, and technology intersect, this episode offers a backstage pass into the making of two different—but closely connected—growth stories. Tune in for an inside look at what’s working, what’s shifting, and what’s ahead for BERO and Hoplite.

00:00 – Intro to BERO and how cool is Tom Holland?

03:20 – Building culture at a start-up

05:49 – Macy and Neha’s career journeys

08:42 – Building BERO from the ground up

12:41 – Lessons learned from several start-up launches

16:08 – Importance of supply chain in retail start-ups

17:59 – What makes a carrier credible from their viewpoint?

19:50 – How awesome Hoplite Sales Director Rob Conard is

21:16 – Hoplite’s growth and focus on the shipper experience

23:19 – Pivot points and the role of intuition

28:33 – Neha’s quick transition from a freight brokerage to the shipper side

31:57 – Importance of in-person visits for relationship-building

35:44 – Hoplite and BERO’s approach to technology

41:46 – What does the future hold for BERO?

44:49 – Working with large retailers