This is the Bear Down, Level Up Podcast, where we take you behind the scenes of logistics brokering and interview some of the brightest minds in business and logistics. They share their insights and secrets to success so you can Bear Down and Level Up.
Bear Down, Level Up Podcast
Claim This Podcastby Desmond Clark
7 episodes
Updated Daily
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Podcast Overview
This is the Bear Down, Level Up Podcast, where we take you behind the scenes of logistics brokering and interview some of the brightest minds in business and logistics. They share their insights and secrets to success so you can Bear Down and Level Up.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
3/20/2026
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Recent Episodes
July 7, 2026
Breakbulk Europe: Connections, AI, and Opportunity With Desmond and Louis
<p>Desmond Clark is the President of Bear Down Logistics, a freight brokerage company that provides transportation and supply chain solutions across the United States. A former NFL tight end who played 12 seasons with teams including the Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, and Miami Dolphins, Desmond transitioned his leadership and teamwork skills from professional sports into entrepreneurship. Beyond leading the company with a commitment to integrity, relationship-driven service, and operational excellence, he is a global motivational speaker, leadership trainer, and two-time published author.</p> <p>Louis Santana is the Vice President of Bear Down Logistics, where he oversees operations, builds systems and processes, and strengthens relationships with carriers and clients to ensure efficient freight movement. Louis brings hands-on industry experience from both sides of the logistics business, including operating trucks and working in brokerage operations. His leadership focuses on operational excellence, process-driven growth, and developing strong partnerships that support Bear Down Logistics' mission to deliver reliable transportation services.</p> <h2>In this episode…</h2> <p>In logistics, the best opportunities often come from knowing exactly where you fit in the bigger picture. Preparation matters, but so does being able to step into the right room, explain your value clearly, and build trust face-to-face. What happens when strategy, AI, and real-world relationship-building come together at an international freight conference?</p> <p>The answer is a sharper, more intentional approach to winning project cargo opportunities. Desmond Clark and Louis Santana, logistics professionals specializing in heavy haul and freight execution, share how they used AI to identify their strongest position before attending Breakbulk Europe: becoming the US execution arm for international and domestic partners moving freight from port to final destination. Rather than leading with cost savings, they focused on certainty, permitting knowledge, domestic execution, and solving the mystery that often begins once cargo reaches US shores. Louis also highlights how direct conversations with international contacts validated their approach and opened doors that would not have been possible through cold calls alone. The episode reinforces that AI can sharpen strategy, but trust is still built through clarity, presence, and relationships.</p> <p>In this episode of Bear Down Level Up, Desmond Clark, President, and Louis Santana, Vice President, of Bear Down Logistics, chat about leveraging AI, trade shows, and face-to-face networking to create heavy haul opportunities. They share why Breakbulk Europe validated their strategy, how US execution solves project cargo pain points, and what brokers can learn from getting in the room.</p>
June 23, 2026
The Power of 1% and Mindset in Business With Mike Shannon
<p>Mike Shannon is the Founder of Impruve, a company that builds custom AI solutions for wealth management clients to improve communication, workflows, and client engagement. A PE-exited founder, Mike previously co-founded Packback, an AI-powered writing tool widely adopted in US higher education and recognized by Time magazine as one of the World's Top Education Companies in 2024. He appeared on Shark Tank as an early milestone in his entrepreneurial journey and is the author of Sweaty Equity, in which he shares lessons on entrepreneurship, resilience, and the small details that create lasting success.</p> <h2>In this episode</h2> <p>Winning in business rarely comes from one massive breakthrough. More often, it is built through small choices, consistent habits, and the willingness to do the unseen work that compounds over time. What happens when leaders start treating those "little 1%" moments as the foundation for long-term success?</p> <p>The answer is that small details become strategic advantages when they are tied to a bigger purpose. Entrepreneur and AI leader Mike Shannon brings experience from sports, startups, Shark Tank, and technology to illustrate how preparation, relationship-building, and disciplined communication can create momentum across industries. Mike explains why showing up early, asking better questions, nurturing relationships, and staying in motion can open doors that may look like luck from the outside. His insights offer a practical reminder that growth is often manufactured through consistency, curiosity, and the courage to keep learning.</p> <p>In this episode of Bear Down Level Up, Desmond Clark sits down with Mike Shannon, Founder of Impruve, to discuss how small habits, AI, and entrepreneurial resilience shape winning businesses. Mike shares lessons from Shark Tank, the Chicago Bulls, and startup survival. He also touches on authentic communication, founder-market fit, and how AI can help improve lead response and logistics workflows.</p>
June 9, 2026
Tenacity and Mastery in Logistics With Levi Van Pay
<p>Levi Van Pay is Director of Agent Development at Select Transport Partners, a logistics and freight brokerage that supports independent freight agents through personalized service and innovative tools. He draws on over five years of experience in freight brokerage and recruiting to help agents grow their businesses through effective sales prospecting and strong relationship-building. Levi also hosts The Freight Agent Insider Podcast, where he shares industry insights and practical advice for freight professionals. Prior to his current role, he served as a Senior Business Development Manager at Logistic Dynamics, further strengthening his expertise in logistics and agent support.</p> <h2>In this episode…</h2> <p>Logistics is more than moving freight; it's about building relationships, navigating challenges, and finding ways to stand out in a competitive industry. In an industry where success requires both strategy and adaptability, how do professionals truly develop the confidence and systems to excel? </p> <p>Levi Van Pay, an expert in agent development, shares his journey from unexpected beginnings to mastering the art of freight brokerage. He emphasizes the importance of tenacity, repetition, and putting oneself in uncomfortable situations to grow both personally and professionally. Levi also highlights how building genuine relationships and collaborating with others, even competitors, can open doors and create sustainable success in the logistics field. His insights reveal that consistent effort, strategic networking, and confidence are key drivers for long-term achievement.</p> <p>In this episode of Bear Down Level Up, Desmond Clark chats with Levi Van Pay, Director of Agent Development at Select Transport Partners, about why tenacity and relationship-building are essential in logistics. Levi shares strategies for recruiting top agents, growing brand recognition, and creating a presence in competitive markets. He also touches on international expansion, handling complex freight, and maintaining consistency under pressure.</p>
7 total episodes available
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This podcast updates daily.
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Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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