In the dynamic world of logistics and freight, leadership and vision are paramount. We had the privilege of sitting down with Michael Sbrocchi, Vice President of Sales and Customer Care at Speedy Transport Group, Inc., to delve into his journey, insights, and the driving principles behind one of North America’s leading transportation companies. Known for his infectious enthusiasm and diverse background, Michael brings a unique perspective to the trucking industry, blending his experiences as an educator, musician, and world traveler into his role at Speedy Transport. This interview offers a deep dive into the strategies and philosophies that are propelling Speedy Transport forward in an ever-evolving market.
Getting to Know Michael Sbrocchi: From Educator to Transportation Leader
Many describe Michael as someone who embraces life with open arms. His path to the transportation industry is as engaging as his personality. Starting his career in elementary education with aspirations of becoming a vice principal, Michael’s trajectory took an unexpected turn when Jared Martin, President of Speedy Transport and a long-time friend, presented him with an intriguing proposition.
“Jared and I have been friends since our twenties,” Michael recounts. “About a decade ago, during a casual evening, he jokingly asked if I’d consider joining Speedy Transport. At the time, I was deeply rooted in my education career and didn’t take it seriously. However, every few months, he would bring it up again.”
For four years, Jared’s persistent invitations continued. Finally, while serving as a vice principal, Michael decided to explore the opportunity. “I agreed to see what Speedy Transport was all about. I was genuinely surprised by the scale of the operation and realized how little I knew about the trucking industry. Jared’s offer started to feel less like a joke and more like an experiment, a challenge. It was an opportunity to influence and shape the culture at Speedy Transport and within the broader transportation sector. Almost five years later, that’s exactly what we’re doing. What’s truly rewarding is that our friendship has only strengthened throughout this journey.”
Navigating Mistakes and Embracing Authenticity in the Transportation Industry
Every career path has its bumps, and Michael’s transition into the transportation world was no exception. He shares a pivotal learning experience from his early days at Speedy Transport.
“About six months into my role as partnership manager, I felt like I was hitting a wall,” Michael explains. “It seemed like my career experiment might be failing due to my inability to secure new business. In a moment of misguided initiative, I decided to imitate what I thought a salesperson should be and aggressively push for deals. It was a disastrous two weeks. Every cold call, every meeting left me feeling rejected and ineffective. I felt like a complete failure.”
This low point, however, became a turning point. “It could have been the end of my time at Speedy Transport, but it was actually just the beginning. My mistake was trying to be someone I wasn’t. From that moment on, I resolved to simply be myself in my role, and it worked. Ironically, I had learned this same lesson in a different context earlier in life. The importance of self-reflection and understanding perspective has become a constant guide for me. I’ve learned that change is inevitable, and approaching it with a strong sense of self has led to incredible personal and professional fulfillment.”
Inspiration and Innovative Thinking in Logistics
When asked about influential resources, Michael points not to a business book, but to a TED Talk that significantly shifted his perspective.
“While there are many insightful books, it was Sir Ken Robinson’s TED Talk, ‘Do schools kill creativity?’, that truly resonated with me,” Michael shares. “It was a profound message that I had to watch twice to fully grasp its impact. It validated the creative process and the concept of ‘thinking outside the box.’ This talk played a crucial role in my transition to Vice President of Sales and Customer Care.”
He elaborates on the broader application of this insight: “In any industry, in any role, it’s not only acceptable but beneficial to think and act differently. Continuous exploration, regardless of age or field, is the key to innovation and discovery.” This philosophy is clearly integral to Speedy Transport’s approach to problem-solving and service development.
Purpose-Driven Business at Speedy Transport: More Than Just Transportation
In today’s business landscape, purpose-driven companies often outperform those solely focused on profit. Michael reflects on the deeper purpose driving Speedy Transport.
“Speedy Transport is more than just a logistics company; it’s a community of over 800 employees, each representing a family. These 800 families provide a profound sense of purpose every day. It’s crucial that every member of the ‘Speedy family’ feels this same sense of purpose.”
He extends this sense of purpose to the broader community: “We are transporting goods that are essential to people’s lives, sometimes even life-saving supplies. This realization was clear before the pandemic, but it has become even more tangible and critical now.”
Drawing parallels to his previous career, Michael adds, “As an educator, the importance of purpose is evident daily – fostering student growth, supporting families, building community. It took time for me to fully appreciate the impact and purpose of being part of the ‘Speedy family.’ Cultivating a family atmosphere among colleagues has always been a core vision at Speedy Transport, and I am proud to contribute to it.”
The Guiding Principle: Authenticity in Leadership
Navigating the complexities of running a business requires a strong guiding principle. For Michael, it’s authenticity.
“My number one principle is to be authentic,” Michael states firmly. “Be genuine with yourself and with others. The successes and failures of any business are directly tied to the approach of the people driving it. I am fortunate to work at a company where many employees understand and live the daily grind. We are committed to supporting every member of our family on their authentic journey.” This commitment to authenticity permeates Speedy Transport’s internal culture and external interactions.
Personal and Family Challenges During COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges across all sectors. Michael shares some personal and family-related hurdles faced during this period.
“The most difficult aspect has been seeing my two-year-old daughter unable to truly interact with her grandparents,” Michael reveals. “Video calls are helpful, and we do distanced visits, but she just wants to hug them. It’s hard for her to understand why she can’t. We’ve focused on finding safe ways to stay social, whether through video chats or distanced outdoor visits with neighbors.”
Work-Related Challenges and Adaptations at Speedy Transport
Operationally, Speedy Transport faced significant disruptions due to the pandemic. Michael outlines some of the key work-related challenges and the company’s responses.
“Sudden shifts in shipping volumes from partners presented major challenges. We had to quickly adapt our personnel strategies,” Michael explains. “However, the pandemic also opened up new opportunities. We explored partnerships for diverse freight mixes and expanded our full truckload lanes. Ensuring the safety and well-being of our drivers and terminal staff was paramount. Constant communication through email, phone calls, and distanced conversations became vital. We remain committed to prioritizing the safety of our Speedy Transport family.”
Managing Anxiety and Maintaining Positivity During Uncertainty
The constant news cycle and pandemic-related anxieties have been overwhelming for many. Michael shares his strategies for managing anxiety and supporting loved ones.
“Initially, I was consumed by anxiety,” Michael admits. “Following the news from China and Europe, I became deeply concerned about the potential impact. I tried to warn family and friends, and I was constantly absorbing COVID-19 related media. It became all-consuming and fueled my anxiety.”
A simple yet effective intervention helped him regain balance. “In early April, my wife suggested I stop consuming so much media. It was perfect timing for self-reflection. Almost immediately, my anxiety subsided, and I became more present and aware of my family and colleagues. Since then, I’ve been more selective about my media consumption, focusing on reliable sources and pacing myself. Being mindful of our media intake and critically evaluating sources helps shift our focus towards what we value and maintaining a positive outlook. We must believe that we will emerge from this stronger.”
Post-COVID Opportunities and the Future of Transportation
Looking ahead to the post-COVID economy, Michael sees both challenges and significant opportunities for Speedy Transport and the transportation industry as a whole.
“The post-COVID economy presents a chance for us to improve as a business and as individuals,” Michael believes. “The need to scale back and reassess our structure has highlighted areas for improvement and revealed redundancies. When you’re in constant growth mode, details can be overlooked. We now have the opportunity to address internal gaps and enhance our service offerings. There will also be a wealth of talent available. I anticipate people will be highly motivated to work and join companies with a clear sense of purpose.”
Long-Term Changes and Lasting Impacts
Michael reflects on the potential long-term societal changes resulting from the pandemic.
“I hope people will realize the importance of their health, both mental and physical, and not take it for granted. I think we will become more appreciative of being able to be physically present with loved ones. Face-to-face interaction is essential. The social distancing restrictions will likely make people more mindful of who they choose to spend their time with.”
Strategies for Rebuilding and Growth in the Post-COVID Era
For Speedy Transport, the path forward involves adaptation and a deep understanding of evolving needs.
“We will continue to adapt by actively listening to and understanding the new needs of our staff and customers,” Michael emphasizes. “We won’t be the right fit for everyone, but when we are, we will strive to exceed expectations. The pandemic has spotlighted the critical role of the supply chain and transportation industries, giving our drivers and employees a renewed sense of purpose.”
He also addresses a critical industry issue: “It’s crucial to understand that the North American transportation industry was facing a driver shortage before the pandemic. This shortage will persist in the post-COVID economy. Hopefully, the increased visibility of our industry as an essential service will attract more individuals to trucking as a career. If this issue isn’t addressed, we risk empty shelves again, but for different reasons. Educating the public about the essential nature of our service is more important than ever, and we will continue to advocate for this understanding long after the pandemic.”
Advice for Others: Staying True to Vision and Purpose
Michael’s advice to others navigating the post-COVID landscape is rooted in resilience and vision.
“I encourage others to stay true to their vision and purpose. Every business has a vital role to play in the post-COVID economy. We’ve seen incredible examples of companies pivoting to contribute and survive during the pandemic. This same resilience and drive will be essential for achieving future goals, even if the path to get there looks different.”
A Life Lesson Quote to Live By
Michael shares a personal anecdote and a powerful life lesson learned from a close friend’s stepfather.
“About eight years ago, I was with my best friend’s stepfather, Richard, on his boat. He complimented my girlfriend, and I admitted I was thinking about proposing. When I listed reasons for hesitating, mainly financial concerns, Richard simply said, ‘just f***in’ do it’.”
This direct advice had a profound impact. “The next day, I bought a ring, proposed a few weeks later, and we are happily married today. This quote reminds me not to postpone decisions that bring joy and happiness. Life is finite; we should spend it pursuing happiness and love.”
Connect with Michael Sbrocchi
To learn more about Michael Sbrocchi and follow his insights, connect with him on:
Twitter: @msbrocket
Instagram: @msbrocket_sztg
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-sbrocchi-83913b37/
