In this special Father’s Day bonus episode of Kev Talks, Kevin Parkerson and co-host Kevin Higgins pause the logistics talk to focus on something even more foundational-fatherhood. Joined by returning guest Aron Kolosik (featured in Episode #20), the trio reflects on how being a dad has shaped their leadership styles, taught them patience, and influenced how they show up, both at work and at home.

Aron shares heartfelt stories about raising two sons and the importance of consistency, intentionality, and simply showing up. He also offers practical advice for younger dads navigating career growth and family life, drawing from his current work with the Unstuck Master Plan, a coaching program helping people lead more meaningful, balanced lives.

If this conversation resonates with you, be sure to check out Episode #20 for more of Aron's story and the work he’s doing to help others get “unstuck.”

Whether you’re managing freight or family schedules, this episode is a reminder that leadership starts at home.

Happy Father’s Day from all of us at Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics.

In this insightful episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, co-hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with Steve Kochan, CEO and Co-founder of HaulPay, to dig into the intersection of freight, finance, and freight-tech innovation.

Steve shares how HaulPay is rethinking logistics payments and cash flow management by combining deep industry knowledge with smart technology. He breaks down how HaulPay’s factoring model works without creating balance sheet debt, and how this can be a powerful cash flow tool for brokers, forwarders, and carriers—if used wisely.

The discussion goes beyond finance to the future of automation in logistics. Steve gives his take on how AI and large language models (LLMs) are maturing in the space, where niche applications are gaining traction, and how backend automation can help small and mid-size players stay competitive. He encourages companies to bring in junior tech talent—offering practical advice on hiring smart interns who can help digitize back-office functions without massive spend.

Steve also opens up about his leadership philosophy—describing a democratic, “lead from the front” approach. He emphasizes listening to frontline employees and empowering teams to make informed decisions, especially in fast-changing environments.

Throughout the episode, you’ll hear practical insights on:

· Avoiding high-cost factoring traps by understanding effective invoice rates

· Automating back-office processes to drive margin and growth

· Using structured data to de-risk freight operations

· Leveraging emerging AI tools for niche problem-solving

· Why junior software engineers are an overlooked resource for logistics firms

· How leadership style impacts company agility and team morale

🔗 Connect with Steve Kochan & HaulPay:

Website: haulpay.io

In this episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, we sit down with Janine Mansour, Commercial Director at the Port of New Orleans, to talk about the port's role in global trade, infrastructure growth, and community engagement. Janine shares how Port NOLA is working to become a Gulf gateway of choice by connecting water, rail, and highway networks with regional shippers and consumers.

The conversation dives into the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT), a major new container terminal project designed to handle larger vessels that can’t pass under the Crescent City Connection bridge. Janine details how the port selected a 1,200-acre site in Violet, Louisiana, and is developing the project as a public-private partnership with Ports America and Terminal Investment Limited (MSC), with $800 million in private funding already committed.

We also hear how the port is involving the community from the start—through advisory councils, an on-site project office, and plans for a dedicated truck bypass road to reduce local traffic impact. Janine closes by sharing personal insights on leadership, family, and what keeps her passionate about global logistics.

Don’t miss this episode if you want to understand how smart port planning, private investment, and local partnerships can drive global logistics forward.

This episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics is proudly sponsored by the Port of New Orleans—connecting global commerce to inland markets with water, rail, and highway access.

Visit https://portnola.com for more information