How Tri-State Built Their Bulk Trucking Empire Over 50 Years & 3 Generations w/ Jared Flinn

In this episode of the BulkLoads Podcast, 97-year-old Tri-State Commodities founder, Jack Shupe & his grandson Chad share their 50-year trucking empire journey - from piggybacking for packing houses to becoming a recognized bulk commodity business. They attribute their success to slow, sustainable growth, caring for drivers and customers, and the Lord's involvement.
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Timecodes:
00:00 Highlighting companies' stories at different business stages.
04:59 Switched from piggybacking to hauling for corporation.
09:18 Started small, grew with Salt Lake Chemical.
11:44 Earlier, getting good drivers was easier. Deregulation changed trucking.
14:22 Generational business success and instilling family values.
18:56 Family's passion drove successful business transition smoothly.
22:28 Brotherly shoe business, orange preference, peaceful transition.
23:52 Colorful branding propelled business despite industry unfamiliarity.
28:58 Spousal support is vital for business success.
31:21 Truckers adapt to coast-to-coast driving challenges.
34:00 Grow slowly, avoid unnecessary debt, build relationships.
38:42 Grandpa's actions inspired non-Christian to reconsider.
42:50 Building strong customer and employee relationships is key.
43:35 Chad and Jack's generational business success story.
49:51 Prayer for strength, blessings, and safety.
50:33 Prayer for blessing in the industry. Thankful.

[@redline4200]

You called Jack a man of influence. You have no idea how many of us out there have been influenced by Jack Shupe. I drove for him in the 70s and have always felt like a part of the family. Even still today. Love that man and his whole family

[@BulkLoadsNow]

This is so great to read. Hearing stories like yours and first hand accounts makes our job even more enjoyable to share these wonderful companies.

[@kenandjacquelinereimer5627]

What an incredible man, and family.
It was the honor of a lifetime to build the Tri-State diorama and bring it to Colorado.

[@BulkLoadsNow]

We appreciate the comment! Good to hear first hand experience like yours

[@chaloblanco3611]

Great podcast ,guys

[@BulkLoadsNow]

We appreciate you tuning in!!

[@JohnThomsen-vu2pd]

I am Peggy (Carstens) Thomsen and would like to have heard Jack Shupe mention my Father's, Robert Carstens, help in the early days of forming Piggy Back and Tri-State Commodities. My Father worked many years with both Jack and John Shupe at Shupe Bros. previously. I am glad to see the business thriving under his sons and grandchildren.

[@BulkLoadsNow]

That is great context to add. We appreciate you watching the episode & the comment!

[@redline4200]

Tri State is the BEST!

[@BulkLoadsNow]

We agree!