In Episode 14 of The Miles and Mentors Podcast, Alex Powers sits down with Kameel Gaines, CEO of Rig on Wheels, a recruitment and retention agency in the trucking industry. Kameel shares her remarkable journey, from starting her business solo to building a diverse, inclusive team dedicated to matching drivers with the right companies. She reflects on the early days, including the sacrifices made to keep her business thriving, and delves into the crucial topics of driver recruitment, retention, and diversity initiatives that elevate the trucking industry.

Throughout the episode, Kameel offers valuable insights on how she navigated the challenges of growing a business, the importance of matching the right drivers to the right companies, and why diversity and inclusion are essential for industry growth. This episode is filled with actionable advice and inspiration for drivers, recruiters, and anyone interested in making a lasting impact within the trucking and logistics space.

Episode Timestamps:
01:00 – Introduction to Kameel Gaines and Rig on Wheels
04:15 – What brought Kameel to the trucking industry
07:30 – Overcoming challenges as a solo entrepreneur
12:45 – The importance of building the right team
16:20 – Matching drivers to company culture for long-term success
22:05 – Kameel’s perspective on diversity, equity, and inclusion in trucking
28:45 – The impact of mentorship on driver retention
32:10 – Advice for new drivers on building a sustainable career
36:00 – Kameel’s approach to mentorship and the value of community

Guest Contact Info: Kameel Gaines
Rig on Wheels

Phone: (281) 968-3100
Website: https://www.rigonwheels.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kameel-gaines-rig-on-wheels/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RigOnWheels

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Stay connected with The Miles and Mentors Podcast for more inspiring episodes! Follow us on social media to hear from industry professionals who have “put in the miles” and are here to mentor you.

Website: www.milesandmentorspodcast.com
Facebook: facebook.com/milesandmentors
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast

In Episode 13 of The Miles and Mentors Podcast, Alex Powers interviews Tierra Allen, also known as "The Sassy Trucker." Known for her powerful presence across TikTok and YouTube, Tierra shares her inspiring journey from nursing to trucking and the unique challenges she has faced as a female driver. With a mission to mentor others, Tierra opens up about how social media helped her overcome the isolation of long-haul driving and connect with a community of aspiring truckers.

Tierra discusses what it’s like to break stereotypes, the safety concerns unique to women in the industry, and her long-term goals to build her own business and encourage more women to pursue careers in trucking. This episode is filled with powerful advice for both new and experienced drivers, as well as anyone looking to take control of their career path.

Episode Timestamps:

• 01:15 – Tierra’s journey from nursing to trucking

• 04:10 – Overcoming gender stereotypes in a male-dominated industry

• 08:05 – Using social media to combat isolation and connect with others

• 12:20 – Safety tips for female truck drivers

• 16:30 – The challenges of balancing content creation with life on the road

• 20:45 – Tierra’s five-year plan and goals for the future

• 25:50 – Thoughts on technology’s impact on the trucking industry

• 29:30 – The value of mentorship and Tierra’s role as a mentor for other female drivers

• 33:15 – Advice for those considering a career in trucking

Guest Contact Info: Tierra Allen
“The Sassy Trucker”

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SassyTruckerr
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sassy.trucker
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSassyTrucker
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sasssy.trucker

Discover More About The Miles and Mentors Podcast Stay connected with The Miles and Mentors Podcast for more inspiring episodes! Follow us on social media to hear from industry professionals who have “put in the miles” and are here to mentor you.

Website: www.milesandmentorspodcast.com
Facebook: facebook.com/milesandmentors
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast

In Episode 12 of The Miles and Mentors Podcast, Alex Powers interviews Rob Carpenter, an expert in transportation, risk management, and compliance. Known as “The DOT Guy,” Rob shares his journey from driver to fleet owner, broker, and compliance adviser. He provides invaluable advice for drivers, fleet owners, and transportation companies on building defensible risk programs, managing capital, and navigating regulatory challenges.

Rob discusses the importance of understanding the full business side of the transportation industry, the capital requirements often overlooked by new fleet owners, and how to protect businesses from potential risks through continuous monitoring and compliance strategies. He shares his thoughts on technology’s role in optimizing fleet operations and highlights the critical need for mentorship at every stage of a logistics career.

This episode is packed with actionable insights for those navigating the complexities of the trucking industry, whether you're a new driver, a fleet owner, or someone managing compliance at scale.

Episode Timestamps:
01:20 – Rob’s journey from driver to fleet owner, broker, and compliance adviser
04:15 – The realities of managing capital as a fleet owner
08:35 – The importance of risk management and compliance in the trucking industry
12:45 – Key steps to developing a defensible risk program for new fleet owners
16:25 – How telematics and fleet intelligence systems can optimize operations
20:30 – Managing compliance for multi-DOT numbered fleets
25:15 – Tips for new drivers on career growth and safety
28:40 – The future of transportation: Autonomous trucks and safety compliance
33:10 – Rob’s key takeaway from a personal experience that shaped his approach to compliance

Guest Contact Info:
Rob Carpenter
Truck Safe Consulting

Websites:
https://trucksafe.com/
https://carpentercompliance.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-carpenter-cds-cdm-e-74500977/

Discover More About The Miles and Mentors Podcast
Stay updated with The Miles and Mentors Podcast for more insightful episodes! Follow us on social media to never miss an episode. We bring you real-life advice and insights from industry professionals who have put in the miles and are here to mentor you.

Website: www.milesandmentorspodcast.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/milesandmentors
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast

Interested in being a guest on the show or sponsoring an episode? Reach out to us at milesandmentors@gmail.com. Join us on this journey and become part of a community dedicated to growth and success in the logistics and trucking industry.