Around the Diamond Powered by American Diamond

Beyond the Star: From Super Bowl Champion to Business Leader | Darren Woodson | Episode 16

American Diamond Logistics — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0600

What happens when the game ends, but the drive to win never goes away?

In this episode of Around the Diamond Powered by American Diamond Logistics, Kevin, Steve, and Elise sit down with Darren Woodson, three-time Super Bowl champion and former Dallas Cowboys safety, for an unforgettable conversation about football, leadership, adversity, entrepreneurship, and finding purpose beyond the game.

Darren takes us behind the scenes of the Dallas Cowboys dynasty, sharing stories about the legendary NFC East rivalries, playing under Jimmy Johnson, and the locker room culture that helped build one of the most successful teams in NFL history. From unforgettable moments with Michael Irvin to the realities of player contracts, competition, and earning your place on a championship roster, Darren offers a firsthand look at what it really took to wear the star.

But the conversation goes far beyond football.

Darren opens up about growing up in Phoenix, the sacrifices his mother made, the challenges he faced academically and athletically, and the determination that carried him from Arizona State to the NFL. He also shares how a career-ending back injury forced him to rethink his future—and how mentorship helped guide his transition into broadcasting, commercial real estate, and business leadership.

Together, Kevin, Steve, Elise, and Darren explore the similarities between professional sports and business: accountability, competition, resilience, teamwork, and learning how to respond when things don't go your way.

The conversation also turns to something bigger than winning—family, faith, personal growth, and the legacy you leave through the people you impact.

In This Episode:

Behind the scenes of the Dallas Cowboys' Super Bowl dynasty

The legendary NFC East rivalries of the 1990s

What the NFL was really like before today's massive contracts

Darren's unforgettable NFL Draft story

Lessons from Jimmy Johnson and Michael Irvin

Growing up with adversity and learning to earn your opportunities

Why accountability and competition build stronger teams

The injury that ended Darren's playing career

Transitioning from the NFL to ESPN and commercial real estate

How mentorship shaped Darren's business career

Why losing can teach you more than winning

Building a culture of leadership, trust, and resilience

Finding purpose through family, faith, and giving back

Whether you're a Cowboys fan, entrepreneur, business leader, or someone navigating your own next chapter, Darren's story is a reminder that championship habits don't end when you leave the field—they shape everything you build afterward.

Around the Diamond Powered by American Diamond Logistics explores the intersection of sports, business, leadership, and entrepreneurship through conversations with athletes, executives, founders, and the people redefining success on and off the field.

Chapters
YouTube-ready timestamps from the supplied transcript
00:00 – Welcome to Around the Diamond
00:24 – Meet Dallas Cowboys Legend Darren Woodson
02:50 – Cowboys vs. Eagles: The NFC East Rivalry
04:26 – Playing on the NFL's Toughest Fields
06:32 – Player Safety, Turf & the Future of Football
07:38 – The NFL's International Expansion
09:18 – Streaming, Fantasy Football & Changing Fans
10:42 – Why Darren Grew Up Hating the Cowboys
11:55 – NFL Free Agency, Contracts & Holdouts
15:18 – The Business Behind NFL Player Salaries
18:55 – What Darren Woodson Would Earn in Today's NFL
20:37 – The Story Behind Darren's NFL Draft
25:20 – From Childhood Dreams to the Dallas Cowboys
27:00 – The Sacrifices That Made Darren Successful
30:05 – Michael Irvin's Unforgettable Rookie Welcome
31:49 – Jimmy Johnson & Building a Championship Culture
34:00 – Why Great Teams Need Competition
37:14 – Parenting, Pressure & Learning from Mistakes
39:35 – Overcoming Adversity as a Young Athlete
42:27 – Darren's Journey to Arizona State
45:54 – Preparing for Life After Football
47:33 – The Injury That Changed Darren's Career
50:00 – Mentorship & the Transition Beyond the NFL
52:00 – From ESPN to Commercial Real Estate
54:46 – Why Losing Is Part of Winning
56:32 – What Football Teaches About Business
58:29 – Resilience, Leadership & Learning to Bounce Back
60:00 – Building a Culture That Encourages People
63:39 – Faith, Purpose & What Really Matters
65:17 – How Steve and Darren First Connected
67:00 – Final Thoughts

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AI Won’t Replace Relationships: The Future of Logistics | Ep. 15

American Diamond Logistics — Sun, 27 Sep 2026 22:31:40 -0600

AI is changing logistics fast—but can technology actually replace the relationships that keep freight moving?

In Episode 15 of Around the Diamond Powered by American Diamond Logistics, Kevin, Steve, and Elise go guest-free for a behind-the-scenes conversation about what American Diamond is building, where logistics technology is headed, and why the human element still matters no matter how advanced the tools become.

Steve gives an update on American Diamond's push to automate more of the shipment lifecycle, including new AI-powered carrier sales capabilities, continued development inside Navigator, and internal tools designed to make the company faster, leaner, and better prepared to scale.

They also dive into the changing relationship between people and technology. AI can analyze data, automate repetitive work, identify potential problems, and create efficiencies that weren't possible just a few years ago—but technology is only as effective as the people implementing it. For American Diamond, the goal isn't replacing people. It's giving great people better tools.

The conversation also gets into the company's evolving LTL technology, including testing that identified a potential reclass/rebill scenario before booking that could have saved a customer roughly $100 on a $300–$400 shipment. It's a small example of a much bigger goal: finding problems before they become expensive problems.

And because this is Around the Diamond, things eventually go completely off the rails—with parenting, getting older, tattoos, Steve's potential first tattoo, vacations, and Rob getting unexpectedly pulled onto the show to explain his Four Horsemen sleeve.

In This Episode:

How American Diamond is using AI in carrier sales

Automating more of the shipment lifecycle

What's being built inside Navigator

Using technology to strengthen carrier relationships

Why AI still needs the human element

Preparing American Diamond for the next freight market shift

New technology designed to prevent costly LTL rebills

How automation is making teams leaner and faster

Why relationships remain critical in logistics

Building technology from real operational problems

The difference between using AI and depending on AI

Raising kids in a technology-driven generation

Why necessity drives some of the best innovation

The technology opening new possibilities at American Diamond

And somehow... a very serious discussion about whether Steve needs a tattoo

Around the Diamond Powered by American Diamond Logistics explores logistics, leadership, technology, business, sports, and the conversations happening behind the scenes with the people building what's next.

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome Back to Around the Diamond
01:30 – Steve's Next Vacation & Elise's Wedding Plans
03:20 – Generational Differences, Music & Technology
07:22 – Stolen Freight and the Risks Facing Logistics
08:33 – American Diamond's Latest AI Developments
10:24 – Building Smarter Carrier Sales Automation
11:33 – What's New Inside Navigator
12:34 – Rethinking Dedicated Freight & Carrier Relationships
13:37 – Preparing for the Next Freight Market Shift
15:20 – Why Technology Is Only as Good as the People Using It
15:48 – AI Can't Replace the Human Element
16:27 – Growing Up Before AI & Smartphones
18:32 – What Happens When Technology Becomes a Crutch?
20:11 – Parenting, Growing Up & Where the Time Goes
24:09 – Being Intentional With Time With Your Kids
25:51 – Passing the Entrepreneurial Mindset to the Next Generation
27:12 – American Diamond's Next Generation of LTL Technology
28:15 – Catching an LTL Rebill Before It Happens
29:02 – Years of Ideas Finally Becoming Reality
30:29 – Technology, Medicine & Why Humans Still Matter
34:33 – Somehow We Started Talking About Tattoos
38:04 – Rob Shows Off His Four Horsemen Sleeve
41:06 – Should Steve Get an American Diamond Tattoo?
43:46 – Inside the Culture at American Diamond
44:30 – How Internal Automation Is Changing the Business
45:21 – Turning Week-Long RFPs Into Days
46:19 – Becoming Leaner Without Sacrificing Service
47:23 – What's the Next Big Idea?
48:14 – Technology Has Removed the Barriers to Innovation
49:03 – Closing Thoughts

Check out American Diamond Logistics: https://www.adldelivers.com/
Become an Agent: https://www.adldelivers.com/become-an-agent

When Family Changes Everything: Building a Business With Purpose | Bill Daubmann | Episode 14

American Diamond Logistics — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0600

Sometimes entrepreneurship starts with an idea. Other times, life gives you no choice but to find a new path.

In this episode of Around the Diamond Powered by American Diamond Logistics, Kevin, Steve, and Elise sit down with Bill Daubmann, founder of My Shower Door, for a conversation about family, adversity, entrepreneurship, leadership, and building a business with a purpose bigger than yourself.

Bill Daubmann's entrepreneurial journey began after his 11-year-old son was diagnosed with cancer. With treatment requiring frequent travel and medical expenses piling up, Bill made the decision to step away from his career and hockey officiating so he could be there for his family. What started as a home-based closet organization business eventually led Bill into shower doors—and an opportunity that would change the trajectory of his family's life.

After relocating from Massachusetts to Florida, Bill and his family doubled down on the shower door business. Today, My Shower Door has nearly 200 employees, multiple locations across Florida and the Carolinas, its own manufacturing operation, and plans for national franchise expansion.

Bill shares what he's learned going from a true mom-and-pop operation where he did everything himself to leading an organization with hundreds of employees. The conversation dives into the difficult stages of scaling, why profits can actually fall during periods of growth, the importance of middle management, and one of the biggest lessons Bill learned as a leader: people are your most valuable asset.

The episode also explores the Daubmann family's commitment to philanthropy. What began with Make-A-Wish after Bill's son's battle with cancer expanded into supporting veterans and organizations connected to wounded and amputee athletes.

From family and cancer to hockey, entrepreneurship, leadership, company culture, philanthropy, and national expansion, Bill Daubmann's story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the hardest moments in life can completely redefine where you're headed.

Around the Diamond Powered by American Diamond Logistics explores the intersection of sports, business, leadership, entrepreneurship, and the people behind the success stories.

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome to Around the Diamond
00:33 – Meet My Shower Door Founder Bill Daubmann
01:38 – Meeting Bill Through Baseball & Philanthropy
02:49 – How His Son's Cancer Diagnosis Changed Everything
03:44 – From Baseball to Professional Hockey Officiating
05:33 – Taking a Slap Shot to the Head
06:59 – The Decision to Leave Hockey and Become an Entrepreneur
07:42 – Why Cancer Changed the Daubmann Family's Future
09:02 – Building His First Business From Home
09:47 – Entrepreneurship, Medical Bills & Doing Whatever It Takes
10:25 – Moving to Florida and Starting Over
11:08 – Growing to Nearly 200 Employees
11:35 – Taking My Shower Door Nationwide
13:13 – How Bill Found the Shower Door Business
14:34 – Inside the Custom Frameless Shower Door Business
15:51 – Why Tempered Shower Glass Shatters Into Tiny Pieces
17:09 – Developing Safer Shower Glass Technology
18:09 – Innovation & What's Next for My Shower Door
19:20 – The Hardest Stages of Scaling a Company
20:21 – From Mom-and-Pop to a Real Organization
21:42 – Why Management Becomes Critical as You Grow
22:01 – Building—and Fixing—Company Culture
22:48 – Why People Are Your Most Valuable Asset
22:56 – When Leaders Have to Look in the Mirror
24:49 – Constantly Evaluating Your People & Processes
25:57 – Building a Business Around Family
27:07 – Why Entrepreneurs Have to Learn to Disconnect
28:28 – How Travel Can Make You a Better Business Owner
29:26 – Bill's Son, Cancer Survival & Giving Back
30:06 – What's Next for Bill Daubmann and My Shower Door
31:01 – Closing Thoughts

Check out American Diamond Logistics: https://www.adldelivers.com/
Become an Agent: https://www.adldelivers.com/become-an-agent

Betting on Yourself: The Reality of Building a Brand | Taylor Artman | Episode 13 Pt 2

American Diamond Logistics — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0600

Having a great idea is one thing. Betting on yourself enough to actually build it is something entirely different.

In Episode 13 of Around the Diamond Powered by American Diamond Logistics, Kevin and Steve continue their conversation with Taylor Artman, founder of Surf & Turf Golf, moving beyond his professional golf career and into the realities of entrepreneurship.

Taylor breaks down the early days of turning Surf & Turf from a social golf club into a real business—including the moment a North Texas PGA event generated 54 orders worth roughly $43,000 and forced him to figure out how to scale almost overnight.

What followed was the part of entrepreneurship nobody sees on social media: finding vendors, hiring the right people, managing rapid growth, dealing with cash flow, putting personal finances on the line, and learning when to stop chasing every opportunity and focus on what the company does best.

Taylor also shares how Surf & Turf developed its identity as an on-and-off-course lifestyle brand, why headwear became such an important part of the business, and the vision behind turning the 16 flag into a recognizable symbol of the brand.

Throughout the conversation, Kevin, Steve, and Taylor explore the similarities between athletes and entrepreneurs—the competitive drive, willingness to take risks, ability to adapt, and determination to keep moving when there are no guarantees of success.

In This Episode:
Turning Surf & Turf Golf from an idea into a company
The $43K order that changed the trajectory of the business
Scaling from roughly 50 accounts to 150
Hiring the first employees and establishing company culture
Why focusing on what you do best matters when scaling
The cash-flow reality behind rapid business growth
Putting your own money and assets behind your vision
How entrepreneurs learn to see problems before they happen
Building the Surf & Turf brand and the story behind the 16 flag
Expanding without losing what made the company successful
Taylor's long-term vision for Surf & Turf Golf
Knowing when a founder should eventually step back

From professional golf to building a growing lifestyle brand, Part 2 of Taylor Artman's story is about what happens after you decide to bet on yourself—and the work required to make that bet pay off.

Around the Diamond Powered by American Diamond Logistics explores the intersection of sports, business, leadership, and entrepreneurship through conversations with athletes, founders, executives, and the people building what's next.

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome Back: Picking Up with Taylor Artman
04:01 – Why Athletes Make Natural Entrepreneurs
07:42 – From Athlete to Business Owner
08:34 – Building Surf & Turf Golf From the Ground Up
09:39 – The $43K Order That Changed Everything
10:50 – Learning How to Scale Fast
11:38 – Going From 50 Accounts to 150
12:05 – Hiring the First Surf & Turf Employee
13:25 – Building the Team and Company Culture
15:34 – Finding the Right Products for the Brand
16:22 – The Danger of Trying to Do Everything
17:01 – Doubling Down on What You're Great At
18:53 – The Reality of Bootstrapping a Business
19:24 – Why Cash Flow Is Everything
21:31 – Good Ideas vs. Actually Building a Company
22:30 – Learning to See Around Corners as an Entrepreneur
22:58 – How Far Will You Go to Keep Your Dream Alive?
30:00 – Where the Surf & Turf Name Came From
32:12 – Turning Curiosity Into Brand Awareness
33:34 – Building the Iconic 16 Flag
37:14 – How Far Can Surf & Turf Expand?
39:04 – Taylor's Long-Term Vision for the Company
40:14 – When Should a Founder Step Back?
42:37 – Adapting to the Next Generation
49:19 – Closing Thoughts

Check out American Diamond Logistics: https://www.adldelivers.com/
Become an Agent: https://www.adldelivers.com/become-an-agent

Making Golf Cool Again: From Pro Golfer to Entrepreneur | Taylor Artman | Episode 12 Pt 1

American Diamond Logistics — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 04:02:00 -0600

Golf is changing—and Taylor, founder of Surf & Turf Golf, is building a brand for the next generation of players.

In Episode 12 of Around the Diamond Powered by American Diamond Logistics, Kevin and Steve sit down with Taylor to talk about a life spent around the game, his journey into professional golf, and how an unexpected change in his playing career ultimately opened the door to entrepreneurship.

Taylor shares how he first picked up a golf club as a kid in Norman, Oklahoma, eventually played collegiate golf at Oklahoma City University, and spent seven years pursuing the professional game. Along the way, the conversation dives into the competitive side of golf, leadership in an individual sport, and why lessons learned as an athlete translate so naturally into business.

Then comes the story behind Surf & Turf Golf. What began as a Southern California social club evolved into a lifestyle and apparel brand designed to bridge the gap between traditional golf culture and the people discovering the game in a completely different way.

Taylor explains how the Tiger Woods boom made golf cool and the Topgolf boom made golf accessible—creating an entirely new generation that wants to enjoy the game without necessarily looking or acting like the traditional country-club golfer.

From professional golf and entrepreneurship to leadership, community, branding, and building something around a genuine passion, Episode 12 is a conversation about recognizing when one chapter is ending—and having the confidence to start the next one.

Around the Diamond Powered by American Diamond Logistics explores the intersection of sports and business through conversations with athletes, entrepreneurs, leaders, and the people building what's next.

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome Back to Around the Diamond
05:10 – Meet Taylor, Founder of Surf & Turf Golf
05:49 – Growing Up on the Golf Course
10:30 – When Golf Became More Than a Hobby
11:40 – Greg Norman, Payne Stewart & the Tiger Woods Era
13:49 – How Golf Culture Has Changed
20:00 – Taylor's Big Vision for Surf & Turf Golf
21:03 – College Golf, Scholarships & Oklahoma City University
22:09 – The Championship Golf Program That Got Cut
25:38 – What Leadership Looks Like in an Individual Sport
29:08 – Why Athletes Make Great Business Leaders
32:27 – Competition, Camaraderie & Trash Talk on the Golf Course
36:31 – Athletes Learning the Game of Golf
40:02 – The Road from College Golf to the Pros
41:50 – The Beginning of Surf & Turf Golf
42:40 – The Injuries That Changed Taylor's Career
43:41 – Trading Professional Golf for Entrepreneurship
45:08 – The Problem Surf & Turf Set Out to Solve
46:50 – How Golf Became Cool Again
47:34 – How Topgolf Changed Who Plays Golf
48:32 – Building a Golf Brand for a New Generation
49:19 – What's Next for Surf & Turf Golf

Check out American Diamond Logistics: https://www.adldelivers.com/
Become an Agent: https://www.adldelivers.com/become-an-agent

Can You Ever Really Unplug? | Episode 11

American Diamond Logistics — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 05:47:00 -0600

Can successful entrepreneurs ever truly disconnect?

In Episode 11 of Around the Diamond Powered by American Diamond Logistics, Kevin, Steve, and Elise trade the guest chair for an honest conversation about leadership, work-life balance, company growth, and what it really means to build a business.

From Steve's "working vacation" to the realities of leading a rapidly growing company, the discussion explores the challenges entrepreneurs face when passion and responsibility follow them everywhere. Along the way, they share stories about relationships, communication, personal growth, and the lessons they've learned while building American Diamond Logistics.

This episode is a candid look behind the scenes at the conversations that happen when the microphones are rolling—but there's no guest in the room.

In This Episode:
Can entrepreneurs ever truly unplug?
Balancing work, family, and personal time
The realities of leading a growing business
Building relationships while pursuing ambitious goals
Company culture and continuous improvement
Lessons learned through leadership and experience

Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or simply trying to find balance in a demanding career, this episode offers an authentic conversation about the challenges—and rewards—of the journey.

Around the Diamond Powered by American Diamond Logistics explores leadership, logistics, entrepreneurship, and the conversations that shape successful businesses.

⏱ Chapters

00:00 – Welcome Back to Around the Diamond
03:18 – Can You Ever Really Take a Vacation?
09:27 – When Work Follows You Everywhere
15:46 – Entrepreneurship and Work-Life Balance
22:10 – Growing a Business Without Losing Yourself
28:41 – Leadership Lessons Along the Way
35:05 – Building a Strong Company Culture
42:14 – Relationships, Communication & Growth
49:36 – Looking Ahead at What's Next
55:48 – Final Thoughts

Check out American Diamond Logistics: https://www.adldelivers.com/
Become an Agent: https://www.adldelivers.com/become-an-agent

Relationships Over Transactions | Julian Segovia | Episode 10

American Diamond Logistics — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 12:55:48 -0600

What separates a good logistics company from a great one? According to Julian Segovia, it's not just technology—it's relationships.

In Episode 10 of Around the Diamond Powered by American Diamond Logistics, Kevin, Steve, and Elise sit down with Julian Segovia, who leads Carrier Procurement at American Diamond Logistics, to discuss his remarkable journey from a new logistics coordinator to one of the company's key leaders.

Julian shares how embracing a "whatever it takes" mentality, building genuine relationships with carriers, and leveraging AI to improve efficiency have helped fuel American Diamond's rapid growth. He explains why the future of logistics isn't about chasing the cheapest truck—it's about creating long-term partnerships built on trust, accountability, and consistent service.

The conversation also explores leadership, company culture, hiring the right people, and how AI is transforming carrier procurement without replacing the human relationships that drive the industry.

In This Episode:
Julian's five-year journey through American Diamond Logistics
Why relationships outperform transactional business
Building a culture centered around trust and accountability
The "give a damn" mindset that fuels long-term success
How AI is reshaping carrier procurement and operations
Developing future leaders inside a growing company
Why the best logistics companies invest in people first

Whether you're in logistics, sales, leadership, or building a business from the ground up, this episode is packed with practical lessons on creating lasting partnerships and staying ahead in a rapidly changing industry.

Around the Diamond Powered by American Diamond Logistics explores leadership, innovation, logistics, and the people driving the future of business.

⏱ Chapters

00:10 – Welcome Back & Steve's Alaska Adventure
03:37 – Julian's Journey to American Diamond
07:29 – Growing with a Fast-Moving Company
11:09 – The "Give a Damn" Mentality
17:20 – Why Customer Relationships Always Win
19:41 – Moving to Austin & Leading Remotely
20:54 – From Transactional to Strategic Carrier Partnerships
26:31 – Building Teams Through Trust and Leadership
34:32 – How AI Is Changing Carrier Procurement
37:30 – Using AI to Fight Fraud and Improve Operations
41:32 – Innovation, Automation & Scaling the Business
46:12 – Creating Long-Term Partnerships That Last
54:37 – Final Thoughts on Leadership, Growth & Success

Check out American Diamond Logistics: https://www.adldelivers.com/
Become an Agent: https://www.adldelivers.com/become-an-agent

People First: Building the Future of Logistics | Anyssa Biguenet | Episode 9

American Diamond Logistics — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:59:53 -0600

What separates a good logistics company from a great one? According to Anyssa Biguenet, it starts with people.

In Episode 9 of Around the Diamond Powered by American Diamond Logistics, Kevin, Steve, and Elise sit down with Anyssa Biguenet, Vice President of LTL at American Diamond Logistics, to discuss her journey through the transportation industry and how a people-first mindset is transforming the future of logistics.

Drawing on years of experience with both carriers and third-party logistics providers, Anyssa shares why understanding operations from the ground up leads to better customer service, stronger carrier relationships, and smarter business decisions. She also explains how technology should empower people—not replace them—and why developing great teams is the key to long-term success.

Whether you're in logistics, leadership, or simply interested in building a winning culture, this conversation offers valuable insights into what it takes to create an organization where employees, customers, and partners all thrive.

In This Episode:
Anyssa's journey into the logistics industry
The difference between carriers, 3PLs, and the LTL model
Why customer-specific solutions outperform one-size-fits-all shipping
Building a people-first culture backed by technology
Developing future leaders through mentorship and opportunity
Practical strategies for controlling freight costs in today's market
Why relationships remain the most valuable asset in logistics

Around the Diamond Powered by American Diamond Logistics explores leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and the people building the future of business—one conversation at a time.

⏱ Chapters

00:00 – Welcome to Around the Diamond
03:54 – Anyssa's Journey from Carrier to 3PL Leadership
06:07 – Why Leadership and Culture Matter at American Diamond
10:16 – Understanding LTL and Modern Logistics
13:27 – Building Teams Through Growth and Opportunity
17:00 – Creating a Workplace Where Every Voice Matters
20:38 – Supporting Agents and Growing Together
22:40 – Smart Strategies for Reducing Freight Costs
24:51 – Looking Ahead: Technology and the Future of Logistics

Check out American Diamond Logistics: https://www.adldelivers.com/
Become an Agent: https://www.adldelivers.com/become-an-agent

From the NFL to the Boardroom: Mark Clayton’s Next Big Win LIVV Audio | Episode 8

American Diamond Logistics — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0600

What happens when the competitive drive that fueled an NFL career turns into an entrepreneurial journey?

In Episode 8 of Around the Diamond Powered by American Diamond Logistics, Kevin and Steve sit down with former Oklahoma Sooners and NFL wide receiver Mark Clayton to discuss his path from the football field to the business world and how the lessons learned in sports continue to shape his success today.

Mark shares the story behind Livv Audio, the innovative headphone company he founded after identifying a problem during his playing career. From sketching ideas while recovering from injury to navigating product development, manufacturing setbacks, patents, and fundraising, his journey is a masterclass in resilience and perseverance.

The conversation also explores the similarities between sports and entrepreneurship, the importance of leadership and teamwork, and why the willingness to embrace adversity often separates success from failure.

Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or business leader, this episode is packed with valuable lessons on innovation, competition, and turning an idea into reality.

In This Episode:

Mark Clayton's journey from quarterback to NFL wide receiver
The skills that translate from sports to business
How Livv Audio was born from a simple problem
Overcoming manufacturing and startup challenges
Leadership lessons from athletics and entrepreneurship
Why relationships and resilience drive long-term success

Around the Diamond Powered by American Diamond Logistics explores leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and the people who are redefining success both on and off the field.

⏱ Chapters

00:00 – Welcome to Around the Diamond
00:10 – Mark Clayton's Journey from High School to the NFL
07:59 – Which Professional Athletes Are the Best Competitors?
12:54 – The Art of Route Running and Football IQ
19:47 – How Sports Prepared Mark for Entrepreneurship
27:30 – The Birth of Livv Audio and an Innovative Idea
30:02 – Passion, Product Development, and Building a Business
33:06 – Manufacturing Challenges and Lessons Learned
36:03 – Improving the Product Through Customer Feedback
39:34 – Taking a Leap of Faith into Entrepreneurship
43:52 – Scaling a Business While Building the Right Team
52:25 – Balancing Family, Innovation, and Business Ownership
1:03:05 – Leadership Lessons from Sports and Entrepreneurship

This episode is a great blend of football, business, leadership, and innovation, making it one of the strongest conversations yet in the Around the Diamond series.

The American Dream Isn’t Dead… It Just Looks Different (Part 2) | Elise Delaney | Episode 7

American Diamond Logistics — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 05:44:00 -0600

What does success look like when the dream keeps evolving?

In Part 2 of "The American Dream Isn’t Dead… It Just Looks Different," Kevin and Steve continue their conversation about leadership, competition, teamwork, and the pursuit of something bigger than yourself.

Steve shares how American Diamond Logistics is embracing AI and innovation to create efficiencies that are redefining what's possible in the logistics industry, while Kevin reflects on the lessons learned from a lifetime of competition—from growing up with older brothers to playing Major League Baseball.

The discussion explores how sports and business often follow the same blueprint: building strong teams, overcoming adversity, staying focused on a common goal, and understanding that success is about far more than what people see on the surface.

From leadership responsibilities and company culture to legacy and personal growth, this episode dives into the mindset required to build something meaningful and leave a lasting impact.

In This Episode:
Why American Diamond is going all-in on AI
The competitive mindset behind growth and success
What sports teach us about leadership and teamwork
The hidden challenges of entrepreneurship and professional athletics
Building a culture where everyone rows in the same direction
What legacy really means beyond revenue and recognition

Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or chasing your own version of the American Dream, this conversation is packed with insights on resilience, purpose, and long-term success.

Around the Diamond Powered by American Diamond Logistics explores leadership, innovation, logistics, and the people driving meaningful change in business and beyond.

⏱ Chapters

00:00 – Continuing the American Dream Conversation
05:39 – Why American Diamond Is Going All-In on AI
08:21 – Competition, Sports, and the Drive to Win
11:00 – The Gen X Mindset and Mental Toughness
16:39 – How Team Sports Prepare You for Business
21:45 – Building a Culture of Teamwork and Accountability
25:02 – The Hidden Responsibilities of Leadership
29:35 – What Fans Don't See Behind Professional Sports
34:39 – Legacy, Sacrifice, and Respect
37:44 – What Steve Wants American Diamond's Legacy to Be
42:32 – Advice for Entrepreneurs, Athletes, and Future Leaders
45:48 – Closing Thoughts and Final Takeaways

Check out American Diamond Logistics: https://www.adldelivers.com/
Become an Agent: https://www.adldelivers.com/become-an-agent

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

American Diamond Logistics — Mon, 18 May 2026 06:13:00 -0600

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

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

American Diamond Logistics — Tue, 05 May 2026 05:00:00 -0600

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

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

American Diamond Logistics — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 07:02:00 -0600

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

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

American Diamond Logistics — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 07:39:00 -0600

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

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

American Diamond Logistics — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 21:25:14 -0600

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