Around the Diamond Powered by American Diamond

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 Diamond05:10 – Meet Taylor, Founder of Surf & Turf Golf05:49 – Growing Up on the Golf Course10:30 – When Golf Became More Than a Hobby11:40 – Greg Norman, Payne Stewart & the Tiger Woods Era13:49 – How Golf Culture Has Changed20:00 – Taylor's Big Vision for Surf & Turf Golf21:03 – College Golf, Scholarships & Oklahoma City University22:09 – The Championship Golf Program That Got Cut25:38 – What Leadership Looks Like in an Individual Sport29:08 – Why Athletes Make Great Business Leaders32:27 – Competition, Camaraderie & Trash Talk on the Golf Course36:31 – Athletes Learning the Game of Golf40:02 – The Road from College Golf to the Pros41:50 – The Beginning of Surf & Turf Golf42:40 – The Injuries That Changed Taylor's Career43:41 – Trading Professional Golf for Entrepreneurship45:08 – The Problem Surf & Turf Set Out to Solve46:50 – How Golf Became Cool Again47:34 – How Topgolf Changed Who Plays Golf48:32 – Building a Golf Brand for a New Generation49:19 – 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
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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 timeThe realities of leading a growing businessBuilding relationships while pursuing ambitious goalsCompany culture and continuous improvementLessons 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 Diamond03:18 – Can You Ever Really Take a Vacation?09:27 – When Work Follows You Everywhere15:46 – Entrepreneurship and Work-Life Balance22:10 – Growing a Business Without Losing Yourself28:41 – Leadership Lessons Along the Way35:05 – Building a Strong Company Culture42:14 – Relationships, Communication & Growth49:36 – Looking Ahead at What's Next55:48 – Final Thoughts
Check out American Diamond Logistics: https://www.adldelivers.com/Become an Agent: https://www.adldelivers.com/become-an-agent
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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 LogisticsWhy relationships outperform transactional businessBuilding a culture centered around trust and accountabilityThe "give a damn" mindset that fuels long-term successHow AI is reshaping carrier procurement and operationsDeveloping future leaders inside a growing companyWhy 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 Adventure03:37 – Julian's Journey to American Diamond07:29 – Growing with a Fast-Moving Company11:09 – The "Give a Damn" Mentality17:20 – Why Customer Relationships Always Win19:41 – Moving to Austin & Leading Remotely20:54 – From Transactional to Strategic Carrier Partnerships26:31 – Building Teams Through Trust and Leadership34:32 – How AI Is Changing Carrier Procurement37:30 – Using AI to Fight Fraud and Improve Operations41:32 – Innovation, Automation & Scaling the Business46:12 – Creating Long-Term Partnerships That Last54:37 – 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
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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
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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.

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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