Should Trucking Companies Hire Second-Chance Drivers? | Marina Ivanov, Apex Transportation

Should Trucking Companies Hire Second-Chance Drivers? | Marina Ivanov, Apex Transportation

In this episode of NGT Talks, Lindsey Trent sits down with Marina Ivanov of Apex Transportation to discuss her journey from growing up in a trucking family to helping build a trucking company from a single truck into a thriving operation. Marina shares how her perspective on the industry evolved over time and how those experiences shaped Apex's people-first culture, where respect, purpose, and strong leadership are at the center of everything they do. The conversation also explores the importance of second-chance hiring, including opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals and SAP drivers, and how meaningful employment can transform lives, families, and communities. Marina discusses the need for greater dignity and respect for professional drivers, the opportunities available for women in trucking, and the transportation issues she is most passionate about, including truck parking, cargo theft, and building a stronger future for the industry through leadership and advocacy. Raised in the trucking industry as the daughter of an owner-operator, Marina never planned to become a transportation executive. After beginning her career as a dental hygienist, she eventually joined her family's trucking business full time and helped grow it into a successful, WBENC-certified, woman-owned logistics company.  Today, Marina is passionate about using her platform to advocate for the people behind the transportation industry. She speaks regularly about workforce development, driver safety, creating second-chance career opportunities and building company cultures that prioritize people alongside profitability. Potential discussion topics include:  Lessons learned growing a family-owned transportation business Building a people-first culture in a demanding industry Why driver advocacy and workforce development matter more than ever Creating opportunities for underserved and second-chance populations Women in transportation leadership The future of trucking and logistics   Marina has recently been recognized through the 2026 100 Women to KNOW in America Award, and APEX Transit Solutions was honored with the Rising Star Award at the 2026 Crowns of Enterprise Awards (see release below). I'd be happy to coordinate an interview or provide additional background if interested. Looking forward to hearing back!  https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-ivanov-4a9144194/ Thank you to our Sponsors!!! https://www.tenstreet.com/ https://www.trimble.com/en https://www.ushertransport.com/ https://www.benekeith.com/ https://www.ancora.com/ https://driverslegalplan.com/ https://www.dottransportation.com/ https://cargotransporters.com/ https://acronaviation.com/driver-training-solutions/ https://www.isaacinstruments.com/ https://www.uti.edu/ The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America. Visit our website:  www.nextgentruckers.org Contact us at:  info@nextgentruckers.org Follow us on socials here: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/nextgentruckers] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nextgentruckers/] Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2EbPLzDIvqFfEkPayWGLCw]LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/nextgentruckers/?viewAsMember=true] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@nextgentruckers]

What Does It Take to Become a National SkillsUSA Medalist?

In this episode of NGT Talks, Lindsey Trent welcomes Nelson County Area Technology Center instructor Scott Thompson and student Treavon Laning, who recently earned a bronze medal in the SkillsUSA National Heavy Equipment Operations competition. Treavon shares his journey from growing up around farm and construction equipment to competing against the nation's top students and becoming the only Kentucky student to earn a medal at the national competition. The conversation explores the skills, preparation, and determination required to succeed at the highest level while still in high school. Scott and Treavon also discuss Nelson County's innovative Heavy Equipment and CDL training programs, which provide students with hands-on experience, industry-recognized certifications, and direct pathways into high-demand careers. From operating heavy equipment and earning a CDL to participating in work-based learning opportunities, students are gaining the skills employers need today. This episode highlights the impact of career and technical education, the importance of industry partnerships, and the incredible opportunities available to young people pursuing careers in transportation, construction, and the skilled trades. https://upcenter.nelson.kyschools.us/ Thank you to our Sponsors!!! https://www.performancefoodservice.com/ https://www.descartes.com/home https://www.act1trucking.org/ https://www.xpo.com/ https://driverwages.com/ https://atssimulation.com/ https://www.mjai.com/ https://www.averitt.com/ https://www.dhl.com/us-en/home.html?locale=true https://fusionnow.io/ https://gfs.com/en-us/ https://forklift-simulator.com/ The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America. Visit our website:  www.nextgentruckers.org Contact us at:  info@nextgentruckers.org Follow us on socials here: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/nextgentruckers] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nextgentruckers/] Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2EbPLzDIvqFfEkPayWGLCw]LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/nextgentruckers/?viewAsMember=true] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@nextgentruckers]

Can Formerly Incarcerated Individuals Build Successful CDL Careers? | Jason Wang Reair

Jason Wang, Founder and CEO of Free World, shares his remarkable journey from incarceration as a teenager to leading a national nonprofit that trains and places individuals with criminal histories into careers in the trucking industry. After spending years in the juvenile justice system and witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by people reentering society, Jason became determined to create opportunities for others seeking a second chance. Through Free World, he has built a program that removes barriers to employment by providing CDL training, financial support, transportation assistance, and long-term career coaching for participants. In this episode, Jason discusses how Free World partners with more than 160 trucking schools and carriers across the country to help individuals secure meaningful careers that provide family-sustaining wages and long-term stability. He explains why trucking has become a powerful pathway for economic mobility, shares inspiring success stories from program graduates, and addresses common misconceptions employers may have about hiring individuals with criminal records. This conversation highlights the life-changing impact of opportunity, the importance of workforce development, and how the trucking industry can play a vital role in strengthening both communities and the supply chain. https://freeworld.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonwaang/ Thank you to our Sponsors!!! https://www.thekag.com/ https://info.lincolntech-usa.com/ https://www.longhaultrucking.com/ https://www.lytx.com/ https://www.lincolntech.edu/campus/nashville-tn https://www.odfl.com/ https://www.republicservices.com/ https://drive4roehl.com/ https://www.ryder.com/en-us https://truckparkingclub.com/ The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America. Visit our website:  www.nextgentruckers.org Contact us at:  info@nextgentruckers.org Follow us on socials here: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/nextgentruckers] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nextgentruckers/] Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2EbPLzDIvqFfEkPayWGLCw]LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/nextgentruckers/?viewAsMember=true] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@nextgentruckers]

Why Advisory Boards Matter in Trucking Education with Dave Dein - REAIR

In this re-release of Next Gen Talks, Lindsey Trent sits down with Dave Dein, CDL Coordinator and Instructor at Patterson High School, to discuss the importance of building strong advisory boards for trucking and logistics programs. Dave shares how Patterson High School launched one of the nation’s first high school truck driving programs and explains how meaningful partnerships with industry leaders helped shape the program from the very beginning. Throughout the conversation, Lindsey and Dave discuss how schools and employers can work together to create hands-on learning opportunities, career pathways, mock interviews, field trips, and real workforce connections for students. This episode offers practical insight for educators, administrators, and industry professionals looking to strengthen workforce development efforts and better connect students to careers in trucking and the supply chain. Thank you to our Sponsors!!! https://www.tenstreet.com/ https://www.trimble.com/en https://www.ushertransport.com/ https://www.benekeith.com/ https://www.ancora.com/ https://driverslegalplan.com/ https://www.dottransportation.com/ https://cargotransporters.com/ https://acronaviation.com/driver-training-solutions/ https://www.isaacinstruments.com/ https://www.uti.edu/ The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America. Visit our website:  www.nextgentruckers.org Contact us at:  info@nextgentruckers.org Follow us on socials here: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/nextgentruckers] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nextgentruckers/] Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2EbPLzDIvqFfEkPayWGLCw]LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/nextgentruckers/?viewAsMember=true] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@nextgentruckers]

Making Trucking a First Career Choice with Leah Shaver of NTI

In this episode of NextGen Talks, Lindsey Trent sits down with Leah Shaver, President and CEO of the National Transportation Institute (NTI), to discuss the importance of early talent development and why the trucking industry must begin investing in the next generation workforce now. Together, they explore the purpose behind the Career Catalyst Awards and highlight companies that are creating meaningful career pathways for young people through internships, apprenticeships, work-based learning, and partnerships with schools and communities. Throughout the conversation, Lindsey and Leah discuss the aging workforce within trucking, the challenges of attracting Gen Z talent, and the need to position trucking as a first career choice instead of a last resort. They share real-world examples of companies successfully building “sticky” careers by engaging with local schools, offering mentorship opportunities, supporting workforce development initiatives, and investing in long-term employee growth. The discussion also dives into the importance of communication, workplace culture, volunteerism, family engagement, and creating opportunities for young people to see themselves within the trucking industry. This episode is filled with practical ideas and inspiring examples for employers looking to strengthen their workforce pipeline, improve retention, and build stronger community connections. Whether you are a carrier, private fleet, educator, or industry partner, this conversation offers valuable insight into how trucking companies can invest in people, support future talent, and help create a stronger and more sustainable industry for years to come. https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahbshaver/ https://driverwages.com/ https://driverwages.com/braced-for-impact-2025-sees-a-shift-in-driver-wages-heres-what-changed-what-you-need-to-know-as-the-calendar-flips-and-other-insights-from-2025-your-fleet-can-use-in-2026/ Thank you to our Sponsors!!! Sponsors 1 https://www.performancefoodservice.com/ https://www.descartes.com/home https://www.act1trucking.org/ https://www.xpo.com/ https://driverwages.com/ https://atssimulation.com/ https://www.mjai.com/ https://www.averitt.com/ https://www.dhl.com/us-en/home.html?locale=true https://fusionnow.io/ https://gfs.com/en-us/ https://forklift-simulator.com/ The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America. Visit our website:  www.nextgentruckers.org Contact us at:  info@nextgentruckers.org Follow us on socials here: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/nextgentruckers] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nextgentruckers/] Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2EbPLzDIvqFfEkPayWGLCw]LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/nextgentruckers/?viewAsMember=true] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@nextgentruckers]