The Journey Podcast

Cameron Robertson, From Tech Support to CEO

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Journey Podcast, host Will Jenkins speaks with Cameron Robertson, CEO of 3PL Systems, about his journey from a tech support role to leading a freight technology company. Cameron shares insights into his early life, career decisions, and the importance of curiosity and mentorship in professional growth. He discusses the challenges of rebuilding BrokerWare, navigating the COVID-19 pandemic as a new CEO, and the current trends in freight technology, particularly the role of AI. Cameron also highlights the upcoming projects at 3PL Systems and the company's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

Episode Notes

SUMMARY:

TAKEAWAYS:

Cameron grew up in Southern California and had a passion for technology from a young age.
He initially planned to join the Coast Guard but shifted to a career in IT after meeting his wife.
Cameron joined 3PL Systems in 2011 and quickly took on various roles, showcasing his adaptability and eagerness to learn.
His first role was in technical support, where he learned about the freight industry by engaging directly with clients.
Cameron emphasized the importance of curiosity and mentorship in his career development.
He became CTO in 2015 and led the effort to rebuild BrokerWare from the ground up, focusing on scalability and efficiency.
Cameron became CEO in January 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic, which posed significant challenges for the business.
He values company culture and ensures that every employee has a voice, contributing to high employee retention.
Cameron believes that while AI is important, not everything should be automated, and companies need to focus on building strong foundational products.
3PL Systems is launching new projects, including Freight Fusion and Shepherd AI, to enhance their offerings.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to the Journey Podcast
02:04 Cameron's Early Life and Education
06:12 Career Beginnings at 3PL Systems
14:33 Career Progression and Growth at 3PL Systems
22:13 Transition to CTO and Rebuilding BrokerWare
31:07 Becoming CEO and Navigating COVID-19
37:03 Current Trends in Freight Tech and AI
39:55 Future Projects and Innovations at 3PL Systems