Around the Diamond Powered by American Diamond

Around the Diamond is where leadership meets logistics.

Hosted from their signature corner couch, Kevin Mench and Steve Wineriter sit down with entrepreneurs, athletes, operators, and industry leaders to have real conversations about what it takes to win — in business and in life.

Each episode dives into two core themes, leadership and logistics. 

Whether you’re building a company, scaling operations, or chasing ambitious goals, Around the Diamond brings you inside the candid and insightful conversations. 

Grab a seat on the corner couch and join the conversation.

Episodes

4 days ago

26 min

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 industryThe difference between carriers, 3PLs, and the LTL modelWhy customer-specific solutions outperform one-size-fits-all shippingBuilding a people-first culture backed by technologyDeveloping future leaders through mentorship and opportunityPractical strategies for controlling freight costs in today's marketWhy 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 Diamond03:54 – Anyssa's Journey from Carrier to 3PL Leadership06:07 – Why Leadership and Culture Matter at American Diamond10:16 – Understanding LTL and Modern Logistics13:27 – Building Teams Through Growth and Opportunity17:00 – Creating a Workplace Where Every Voice Matters20:38 – Supporting Agents and Growing Together22:40 – Smart Strategies for Reducing Freight Costs24:51 – 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
Follow Around the Diamond: IG: https://www.instagram.com/aroundthediamondpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586346530967Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@around.the.diamon6?_r=1&_t=ZP-94XAyjAAYvP

Jun 15, 2026

1hr 15 min

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 Diamond00:10 – Mark Clayton's Journey from High School to the NFL07:59 – Which Professional Athletes Are the Best Competitors?12:54 – The Art of Route Running and Football IQ19:47 – How Sports Prepared Mark for Entrepreneurship27:30 – The Birth of Livv Audio and an Innovative Idea30:02 – Passion, Product Development, and Building a Business33:06 – Manufacturing Challenges and Lessons Learned36:03 – Improving the Product Through Customer Feedback39:34 – Taking a Leap of Faith into Entrepreneurship43:52 – Scaling a Business While Building the Right Team52:25 – Balancing Family, Innovation, and Business Ownership1:03:05 – 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.

Jun 1, 2026

46 min

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 AIThe competitive mindset behind growth and successWhat sports teach us about leadership and teamworkThe hidden challenges of entrepreneurship and professional athleticsBuilding a culture where everyone rows in the same directionWhat 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 Conversation05:39 – Why American Diamond Is Going All-In on AI08:21 – Competition, Sports, and the Drive to Win11:00 – The Gen X Mindset and Mental Toughness16:39 – How Team Sports Prepare You for Business21:45 – Building a Culture of Teamwork and Accountability25:02 – The Hidden Responsibilities of Leadership29:35 – What Fans Don't See Behind Professional Sports34:39 – Legacy, Sacrifice, and Respect37:44 – What Steve Wants American Diamond's Legacy to Be42:32 – Advice for Entrepreneurs, Athletes, and Future Leaders45:48 – Closing Thoughts and Final Takeaways
Check out American Diamond Logistics: https://www.adldelivers.com/Become an Agent: https://www.adldelivers.com/become-an-agent
Follow Around the Diamond: IG: https://www.instagram.com/aroundthediamondpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586346530967Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@around.the.diamon6?_r=1&_t=ZP-94XAyjAAYvP

May 18, 2026

40 min

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 Begins00:02:50 – Meet Elise Delaney & Her Role at ADL00:06:30 – The Interview That Changed Elise’s Career Path00:09:38 – Why ADL’s Culture Feels Different00:12:17 – What the American Dream Means Today00:15:34 – Kevin Mensch’s MLB Journey & Baseball Sacrifices00:21:24 – How American Diamond Logistics Was Built00:25:38 – The Risks Behind Chasing Big Dreams00:32:07 – How Technology Changed the 3PL Industry00:36:44 – Leadership, Honesty & Coaching the Next Generation00:40:01 – 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/aroundthediamondpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586346530967Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@around.the.diamon6?_r=1&_t=ZP-94XAyjAAYvP

May 5, 2026

31 min

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 ADL00:05:42 – Building an Elite Agent Program from the Ground Up00:12:41 – Why Culture Matters More Than Ever in Logistics00:19:50 – Turning Agents into Entrepreneurs00:23:36 – Eliminating Anxiety Through Automation00:25:36 – The Technology Giving ADL Its Edge00:29:11 – Why ADL’s Model Is Ahead of the Competition00:31:22 – 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/aroundthediamondpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586346530967Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@around.the.diamon6?_r=1&_t=ZP-94XAyjAAYvP

Apr 6, 2026

54 min

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 nowHow AI is automating accounting, invoicing, and dispute resolutionThe real impact on efficiency, margins, and scalabilityWhy AI doesn’t replace people—it frees them to focus on relationshipsWhat 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 Accounting13:22 – Why Traditional Tech (Like OCR) Failed Logistics20:11 – Automating Invoices, Freight Bills & Back Office Work28:52 – Solving LTL Disputes with AI32:59 – How AI Improves Efficiency and Team Morale40:46 – The Impact on Cash Flow, Scale, and Growth45:35 – 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/aroundthediamondpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586346530967Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@around.the.diamon6?_r=1&_t=ZP-94XAyjAAYvP

Mar 23, 2026

28 min

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 risksWhy relationships still drive the logistics industryHow American Diamond built a true “dream team” cultureThe importance of adaptability in supply chain and freightWhat 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 Team02:22 – Leaving a $500M Company for a Startup08:03 – Betting on Yourself and Taking Risks15:12 – Building the “Dream Team” Culture22:26 – Why Direct Communication Beats Corporate Structure22:51 – 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/aroundthediamondpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586346530967Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@around.the.diamon6?_r=1&_t=ZP-94XAyjAAYvP

Mar 8, 2026

45 min

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 Diamond02:57 – How Kevin Mench and Steve Wineriter Became Business Partners09:44 – The Baseball Inspiration Behind American Diamond Logistics12:26 – Expanding Warehouses and Scaling a Logistics Company19:01 – Building a Company Culture That Employees Love25:22 – Why Workplace Environment Drives Business Success32:36 – Weather, Trucking, and Real Logistics Challenges40:04 – 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/aroundthediamondpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586346530967Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@around.the.diamon6?_r=1&_t=ZP-94XAyjAAYvP

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