Around the Diamond Powered by American Diamond

The American Dream Isn’t Dead… It Just Looks Different | Around the Diamond Ep. 6 Pt. 1

What does the American Dream actually look like in 2026? In Part 1 of this special episode of Around the Diamond Powered by American Diamond Logistics, hosts Kevin Mensch and Steve Weinberg sit down with Elise Delaney to talk about chasing dreams, building careers, and creating something bigger than yourself. From Major League Baseball stories and startup struggles to leadership lessons and the evolution of American Diamond Logistics, this episode dives into the mindset behind success—and the sacrifices that come with it. Steve breaks down how ADL evolved from “just creating a job” into a nationally recognized, tech-centric 3PL, while Kevin shares powerful insights from professional baseball about honesty, leadership, coaching, and perseverance. This one is equal parts business, sports, culture, and motivation—with plenty of laughs mixed in along the way. Chapters 00:00:10 – Vacations, Cardboard Cutouts & Chaos Begins 00:02:50 – Meet Elise Delaney & Her Role at ADL 00:06:30 – The Interview That Changed Elise’s Career Path 00:09:38 – Why ADL’s Culture Feels Different 00:12:17 – What the American Dream Means Today 00:15:34 – Kevin Mensch’s MLB Journey & Baseball Sacrifices 00:21:24 – How American Diamond Logistics Was Built 00:25:38 – The Risks Behind Chasing Big Dreams 00:32:07 – How Technology Changed the 3PL Industry 00:36:44 – Leadership, Honesty & Coaching the Next Generation 00:40:01 – Part 2 Preview: Continuing the American Dream Conversation Check out American Diamond Logistics: https://www.adldelivers.com/ Become an Agent: https://www.adldelivers.com/become-an-agent Follow Around the Diamond:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/aroundthediamondpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586346530967 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@around.the.diamon6?_r=1&_t=ZP-94XAyjAAYvP

The Agent Model That Changes Everything | John Draeger | Episode 5

What happens when the guy who ran one of the largest agent networks in logistics decides to start fresh—and do it better? On this episode of Around the Diamond Powered by American Diamond Logistics, hosts Kevin Mench and Steve Wineriter sit down with John Draeger, VP of Agency Services at ADL, to break down how culture, technology, and leadership are redefining what it means to be a logistics agent. From scaling agencies without adding headcount to eliminating operational anxiety through automation, this conversation dives deep into the future of freight—and why ADL’s model might be miles ahead of the competition. If you’re an agent, entrepreneur, or anyone in logistics looking to grow faster (and smarter), this episode is a blueprint. Chapters 00:00:10 – Meet John Draeger & His Move to ADL 00:05:42 – Building an Elite Agent Program from the Ground Up 00:12:41 – Why Culture Matters More Than Ever in Logistics 00:19:50 – Turning Agents into Entrepreneurs 00:23:36 – Eliminating Anxiety Through Automation 00:25:36 – The Technology Giving ADL Its Edge 00:29:11 – Why ADL’s Model Is Ahead of the Competition 00:31:22 – The Future of Agency Growth at American Diamond Check out American Diamond Logistics: https://www.adldelivers.com/ Become an Agent: https://www.adldelivers.com/become-an-agent Follow Around the Diamond:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/aroundthediamondpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586346530967 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@around.the.diamon6?_r=1&_t=ZP-94XAyjAAYvP

How AI Is Transforming Logistics (Faster Than Anyone Expected) | Dr. Srijan Kumar | Ep # 3

What happens when AI takes over the most inefficient part of logistics? In this episode of Around the Diamond powered by American Diamond Logistics, Kevin Mench and Steve Wineriter sit down with Dr. Srijan Kumar, CEO of Lighthouse AI, to break down how artificial intelligence is transforming the freight and supply chain industry from the inside out. From invoice processing to freight bill audits, Lighthouse AI is automating the back office in ways that were impossible just a few years ago—cutting processing times, improving cash flow, and eliminating massive operational bottlenecks. Dr. Kumar shares how his background in AI at companies like Google and Home Depot—and firsthand experience running brokerage accounting—led him to build a platform that’s now redefining how logistics companies operate. This episode dives into: Why logistics has lagged behind in technology—and what’s changing now How AI is automating accounting, invoicing, and dispute resolution The real impact on efficiency, margins, and scalability Why AI doesn’t replace people—it frees them to focus on relationships What the future of AI-powered logistics looks like From processing invoices in seconds to reducing back-office costs and improving team morale, this conversation shows how AI is no longer the future—it’s already here. If you’re in logistics, supply chain, freight brokerage, or business operations, this episode is a must-listen. ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – How AI Is Revolutionizing Logistics Accounting 13:22 – Why Traditional Tech (Like OCR) Failed Logistics 20:11 – Automating Invoices, Freight Bills & Back Office Work 28:52 – Solving LTL Disputes with AI 32:59 – How AI Improves Efficiency and Team Morale 40:46 – The Impact on Cash Flow, Scale, and Growth 45:35 – The Future of AI in Logistics & Supply Chain Check out American Diamond Logistics: https://www.adldelivers.com/ Become an Agent: https://www.adldelivers.com/become-an-agent Follow Around the Diamond:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/aroundthediamondpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586346530967 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@around.the.diamon6?_r=1&_t=ZP-94XAyjAAYvP

Why Top Executives Bet on American Diamond Logistics | Jim Nichol & Cliff Robbins

What makes someone walk away from a stable corporate career to take a chance on something uncertain? In Episode 2 of Around the Diamond powered by American Diamond Logistics, Kevin Mench and Steve Wineriter sit down with COO Jim Nichol and CCO Cliff Robbins to break down the real story behind building a logistics company from the ground up—and why betting on yourself can pay off. Jim shares what it was like leaving a $500 million company to join a $2 million startup, while Cliff explains how he went from being a customer of American Diamond Logistics to becoming part of the leadership team after seeing their technology, execution, and service outperform the competition. This episode dives into: The mindset behind taking career risks Why relationships still drive the logistics industry How American Diamond built a true “dream team” culture The importance of adaptability in supply chain and freight What it really takes to scale a company in a constantly changing market From card tables and fax machines to building a company on the verge of nine-figure growth, this is a conversation about leadership, vision, and doing whatever it takes to win. If you’re interested in logistics, entrepreneurship, business leadership, or supply chain innovation, this episode gives you a real look behind the curtain. ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Welcome + Meet the ADL Leadership Team 02:22 – Leaving a $500M Company for a Startup 08:03 – Betting on Yourself and Taking Risks 15:12 – Building the “Dream Team” Culture 22:26 – Why Direct Communication Beats Corporate Structure 22:51 – How ADL Adapts in a Changing Logistics Industry Check out American Diamond Logistics: https://www.adldelivers.com/ Become an Agent: https://www.adldelivers.com/become-an-agent Follow Around the Diamond:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/aroundthediamondpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586346530967 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@around.the.diamon6?_r=1&_t=ZP-94XAyjAAYvP

From the Baseball Diamond to the Supply Chain | The Story Behind American Diamond Logistics | Around the Diamond Ep. 1

What happens when a former Major League Baseball player teams up with a logistics entrepreneur? You get Around the Diamond, the podcast where sports, leadership, and modern logistics collide. In this inaugural episode of Around the Diamond powered by American Diamond Logistics, former Texas Rangers outfielder Kevin Mench sits down with American Diamond Logistics founder Steve Wineriter to discuss the incredible journey behind one of the fastest-growing logistics companies in the country. From humble beginnings in a home office to building a $50+ million logistics company, Steve shares how technology, relationships, and relentless work ethic helped American Diamond Logistics disrupt the traditional 3PL model. The conversation explores how the company built its own technology platform, including Freight Tracer and Navigator TMS, to bring real-time supply chain visibility to clients across North America. They also discuss the evolving role of AI and automation in logistics, the importance of company culture, and why relationship-driven business still matters in a technology-driven world. Along the way, Kevin and Steve talk about their unlikely path from neighbors to business partners, the baseball inspiration behind the company’s name, and how teamwork in sports translates directly into success in business. If you want to understand where logistics, leadership, and technology are headed next, this episode sets the stage.  Around the Diamond brings you conversations with industry leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs shaping the future of logistics. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Around the Diamond 02:57 – How Kevin Mench and Steve Wineriter Became Business Partners 09:44 – The Baseball Inspiration Behind American Diamond Logistics 12:26 – Expanding Warehouses and Scaling a Logistics Company 19:01 – Building a Company Culture That Employees Love 25:22 – Why Workplace Environment Drives Business Success 32:36 – Weather, Trucking, and Real Logistics Challenges 40:04 – The Future of Logistics: AI, Automation, and Supply Chain Innovation (Alternate Description) The first pitch is thrown for Around the Diamond, powered by American Diamond Logistics. Former MLB outfielder Kevin Mench sits down with company founder Steve Wineriter to talk about how a conversation between neighbors turned into a fast-growing logistics company and now a podcast. They break down: How American Diamond Logistics started in a back office Why relationships still drive the logistics industry The technology that helped the company grow from $2.5M to over $50M Why culture and leadership matter just as much as trucks and warehouses How AI is about to transform supply chains Along the way they share stories from baseball, business, and the lessons learned from building a company the old-fashioned way: hard work, trust, and teamwork. This episode sets the tone for a show that will explore logistics, leadership, innovation, and the people behind the supply chain. Check out American Diamond Logistics: https://www.adldelivers.com/ Become an Agent: https://www.adldelivers.com/become-an-agent Follow Around the Diamond:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/aroundthediamondpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586346530967 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@around.the.diamon6?_r=1&_t=ZP-94XAyjAAYvP