True Success

For Friday’s inspiration I reread a story of one of my most inspiring students. Here again for a second read for my long time readers, a new read for the rest of you.

I’m amazed by the diversity of individuals that go through Brooke Training and become successful agents. Here’s one woman’s story.

Barbara and her husband have a passion for kiddos. They have adopted eight beautiful children. Barbara has been a stay at home mom for years and loves every minute of it. What she and hubby didn’t like was living in Las Vegas. Their dream was to move to Missouri with their clan but they lacked the money. She had to find a way to earn some money from home while raising her family. What to do? Barbara thought and prayed and her sister came to her mind. Sis is a freight broker agent in Utah. Barbara decided to go work with her sister to see if she might be able to do the same work. She thought she could, so next step was real training. Barbara searched online and found Brooke Transportation Training. She called me and soon signed up for class.

“Going to class has so hard because in 23 years I’d never left my family. It was very scary for me. I can be overcome by anxiety. But because I knew this is what I was supposed to do, I went. I got a lot out of school. And I met Doug Dillon at GFirst . Deciding to be an agent for him was the best for me.” Barbara says

That was a year ago. Today Barbara is turning a good profit as a freight broker agent, loving living in Missouri with her family. I asked her what motivates her to push on through the cold calling rejection. She says sometimes she just takes a breather. She depends on faith, hugging her babies, fishing and crafts to clear her mind and start back on her work fresh. The flexibility of her hours make all that possible.

Barbara comes in and speaks to our class when she can and share with the students thoughts on what has helped her succeed. More of that tomorrow.

Moving forward,

Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com
www.justintimefreight.com
www.transportationtraining.com

BIG RIG the movie

While browsing the Internet in between answering my email I came across this guy flick opening announcement in Motor Trend’s Truck Trend. If you haven’t heard about Big Rig, read on.

Media Films will release a new documentary called Big Rig with plans to bring the film on the open road visiting truck stops across the nation. The documentary offers an eye-opening look into the world of American truck drivers and shows just how crucial this industry is in America.


From acclaimed director Doug Pray, Big Rig is a portrait of modern America as seen through the eyes of long-haul truck drivers, the people who know this country in unimaginable ways. The film, which features a powerful musical score by acclaimed Canadian hip hop artist Buck 65, was financed by international sales company, Ocule Films, produced by Brad Blondheim and Executive Produced by Kirt Eftekhar and Randy Wooten. Richard Abramowitz repped the sale.

Though it is filled with gorgeous roadside vistas, the documentary is really about the people you meet along the way, the struggles they face, and what America would face if one day the trucking industry just shut down. Big Rig is a powerful and insightful documentary that will give viewers a new appreciation for the industry which drives the country. Now word comes that many of America's driving force are planning to strike. According to USA Today, there is no organized union effort, but that with "mounting diesel fuel costs and shrinking profits, some truckers nationwide are making plans to protest this week by parking their semis or clogging traffic by driving slowly."

On June 3rd, in addition to being available for purchase on DVD, Screen Media Films will bring the documentary to the trucking community and other mainstream venues in a radical and innovative, non-traditional theatrical release. Truckers will be able to see Big Rig when the documentary hits the open road on the "Big Rig Summer Tour 2008," stopping at over 25 TA/Petro truck stops across the nation through the end of August. The "Big Rig Summer Tour 2008" will be presented by SIRIUS Satellite Radio's Road Dog Trucking Radio, an exclusive 24/7 channel for Professional Drivers. Road Dog Trucking Radio features news, information and entertainment designed to lighten the load. The filmmakers have been frequent guests on Road Dog since completing Big Rig, and have produced a short doc about the channel's show Freewheelin' with Meredith Ochs and Chris T. "One thing we discovered while filming was that truckers rely heavily on SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Idleaire, and Truck Stops for their entertainment. It was always important for us to embrace these companies in our release strategy for `Big Rig'" said the film's producer Brad Blondheim. "We are thrilled to be working with Screen Media Films on this release and experimenting with the possibilities of film distribution." "It's hard for any film to survive in today's marketplace and it's especially hard for documentaries. You have to be creative," said Screen Media Films President Robert Baruc. "This film is so important for America to see. We didn't want it dying after a two city run so we are taking a radical approach to get it out to the masses." "When we saw the opportunity to get out on the road with a film like this, bringing it to our exact demographic, we had to take it." Said Suzanne Blech, Senior Vice President of Sales & Acquisitions for Screen Media Films.

Spanning 21,000 miles, 45 states, and dozens of truck stops, the film delves deeply into the lives and personal struggles of these working-class heroes, who are, literally, carrying the nation upon their backs. Rising gas prices and the unprecedented costs of diesel fuel have stunned businesses into trying to cut fuel consumption any way they can. Transport companies of all types are trimming staff and the few truckers left are packing their lunches and putting off maintenance.



I’ve always been one to praise the hard work of our truckers. In my decades in the industry I have had the privilege to talk with quite a few amazing truckers. They keep moving and thus keep America well stocked with an overabundance of all we need.

Moving forward,

Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com

Moms & Soldiers

Found this article on AhoyCargo.com about us. (I made up the ending because the link over to page 2 wouldn't work)

Online Freight Broker Transportation Training Course Accessible to Disabled Vets and Stay Home Moms

From:
Dallas, TX - January 18, 2007 - Brooke Transportation Training Services offers a certified online freight brokers training course through Gatlin, the top elearning company in existence. Because the course offered by Brooke is accessible both financially and physically, many disabled veterans and stay at homehttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif moms are discovering a new way of attaining an income through online education.

I am sure that our freight broker course is the best value in the industry. I have been doing this for over 20 years and I believe in mentors and coaching. – Jeff Roach, president Brooke Transportation Training Solutions

Dallas, TX: A recent article in the Wall Street Journal reported that transportation brokerage and logistics are the fastest growing segment of the transportation industry today. Disabled Vets may qualify to take this course with no out of pocket expense. Financing is available to all. Since the job itself is easily done from home both disabled vets and stay at home moms are a perfect fit.

Each month we get a new set of students both for our live courses and through Gatlin’s online education. My life if full because of all the new faces, new dreams I hear and opportunity I get to do what I love - tell stories with a little teaching mixed in.

Moving forward,

Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com
www.justintimefreight.com
www.transportationtraining.com

Get Smart without Leaving Home

Online education, elearning or distance learning are all terms for the fastest growing segment of education and training in our world.

Wikopedia defines electronic learning:

Electronic learning (or e-Learning or eLearning) is a general term used to refer to a form of learning in which the instructor and student are separated by space or time where the gap between the two is bridged through the use of online technologies.

E-learning is used interchangeably in a wide variety of contexts. In companies it refers to the strategies that the company network uses deliver training courses to employees. In distance education, universities define it as a planned teaching/learning experience that uses a wide spectrum of technologies, mainly Internet, to reach learners at a distance. Lately in most universities, e-learning is used to define a specific mode to attend a course or programs of study where the students rarely, if ever, attend face-to-face or for on-campus access to educational facilities, because they study on-line.

Gatlin Education offers our freight broker training course and a bunch of other great courses. They have over 100 certification courses. They have teamed up with universities across the nation to offer the courses. You can learn a career through elearning, hone a skill, take a course towards your college major of study or get training for your job. Is on line learning for you? Take our survey.

We started Brooke Transportation Training with one live course offered monthly in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. We expanded by offering courses in different locations for the convenience of our students. When we met with Gatlin and realized the potential to be able to train students all over the country and the world even through distance learning. Rewriting the course to work online was challenging but worth the effort. My vision has always been to help others succeed by learning the tools and integrity necessary to prosper both financially and in life.

Sign up for freight broker training or any other Gatlin offering through Justintimefreight.com.

Moving forward,

Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com
www.transportationtraining.com
www.justintimefreight.com
My expertise and thus my career have always been in transportation. I love it (most days) but I realize freight brokering ishttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif not for everyone. When we teamed up with Gatlin Education (the largest provider of online education) to write an online version of our training course I learned of the thousands of courses they offer. So when we went live with our online course we decided to also offer other Gatlin courses that might be of interest to our browsers. At Justintimefreight.com find a listing of other opportunities towards a bright new future.

A key in business success is truly enjoying what you do, the field you are in and the people with whom you work. So…if you work alone, that means you need to like yourself then find a field that fits you. If you go crazy being alone all day then make sure to choose an avenue that calls for interaction. Take a moment and think, what would I most enjoy spending my day doing. Evaluate you talents (natural abilities) and skills (learned abilities) and brainstorm what fields use those gifts.

Our elearning (electronic learning) center has featured courses as well as a plethora of other courses. Experts in the field write and facilitate the courses. No matter how talented you are, education is key in business success and maximum earning potential. These courses are taken on line from your own computer at your pace…in you pajama pants if you like.

At justintimefreight.com you can easily browse or use our search window to find a field of study of interest. Go ahead take a moment to dream. What would you like to learn today? Learn online anywhere, anytime. Education is never wasted.

Expand your mind, expand your income potential and expand your future by learning something new or refreshing something you already know.


Moving forward,

Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com
www.justintimefreight.com

Training Choice

I received this question I thought I’d blog for any of you out there who might be asking the same question.

I am very interested in taking the Brooke Freight Broker training class. I have done allot of research into the transportation industry and am familiar with much of it given my experience as Director of Operations at a publishing firm for 20 years. I was responsible for all aspects of distribution and logistics. The prospect of working in this industry as a freight broker / agent and being able to have it as a home based business is very intriguing - particularly from where I live.

My first question is whether or not you felt any advantage to taking the "live" class in Dallas versus the on-line course through Gatlin Education. Both appear to be excellent, yet the live class is one week where the on-line course would last much longer at 150 hours. Cost is a bit of a factor as well, but I am willing to pay for the quality course.

My second question is whether or not you recommend being a freight broker agent first rather than jumping in head first as a broker. My desire is to be a broker. Is it difficult to leave a brokerage house as an agent to start your own brokerage house? Are there non-compete issues?

Any advise or direction you could give me would be extremely helpful and appreciated. I look forward to taking your training course very soon.

Blessings,

Stephen D.
Sisters, OR

Stephen,

Choosing a course all depends on how you think you learn most effectively. The live class is more interactive. The on-line course is more detailed. The live class is available in several locations. See the website for a schedule, http://www.brooketraining.com/options.htm and keep checking back because we are adding new classes as the need arises. The online course is available 24/7. Both courses will give you what you need to get started in this industry.

One of the things we hear from graduates is how much they enjoyed meeting other students and keeping in touch with them as they each start their own business. We have super instructors, so having face-to-face interaction with them is beneficial. The online course is very convenient, very thorough and you can take it at your own pace. The instructor (me) is available to answer questions/consult with students before, during and after finish of the online course. I know our live course graduates feel a bit of information overload by the end of the week.
Honestly the best case is to take the live course and then the on-line course. You might choose to start putting some knowledge learned in either course for a while, then take the other option as a refresher, reminder, and motivator. A hands on Advanced Course is offered after the basic when requested by graduates.
Upon graduation you will be set and be ready to compete in this industry.
Thanks for the inquiry.
Moving Forward,

Jeff

Righteousness

Dretha Burris gave me permission to use this email she wrote. It sure made an impact on me. She is a good story teller and quotes from a great book.

Romans 4:3- For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” (NKJV)

Romans 4:3 -What does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." (NIV)

Romans 4:3 -For what does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” (NRSV)

A couple of weeks ago while I was "channel surfing", waiting for my daughter to get home after being out with her friends, I flipped by an old movie called "Mr. Holland's Opus." When the movie first came out, many teachers enjoyed watching the film. Some campuses showed it to their faculties because it described a teacher's impact across generations and over time. The ultimate gift for this teacher's forced retirement due to budget cuts was when his students put his dream to music and played a composition he had written, an opus. He was touched to the core by their recognition of his impact on their lives and their very special thank you gift.

In the school business, spring is the season when people decide to retire. There are more than a dozen retirement parties in our district scheduled within a 2-week window. Whew! So many life changing decisions...

One of the retirement celebrations I attended included folks sharing stories about how the retiree had touched their lives. The students, parents, and school officials present described the legacy of a wonderful educator - band director, Marcia Zoffuto. She truly deserved the accolades. The stories that were shared, however, were not about lessons learned regarding skills and knowledge, but about life lessons that Ms. Zoffuto taught her students - the goal is worth the work, perseverance is required to reach the goal, "we" and "us" require all the "I"'s to be united, perfection requires a price, achievement requires commitment, etc. The description of the lessons truly described a legacy.

This passage in Romans, originally found in Genesis 15:6, describes a lesson we can learn from Abraham's life. We know that Abraham accomplished many great things in his life:
- he faithfully followed God's directions to leave his home place and head for new territory
- he faithfully held on to the promise that he would father many nations
- he tried to save his nephew, Lot, and Lot's family from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah
- he placed the son of God's promise, Isaac, on the altar and was about to kill him per God's instructions when an angel stopped him
- he paid God a tithe, a tenth, of all his increase, and he was very, very wealthy
- his life, although not sin free, was one that pleased God

Nothing in Abraham's life please God more than Abraham believing what God told him, despite what other people said, despite what the circumstantial evidence showed, despite normal human fears and doubts, despite the delay in God's delivery of His promise. Abraham believed God. God called Abraham's belief in God righteousness. God did not call any of Abraham's good deeds righteousness, only Abraham's faith in God. Abraham indeed became the father of many nations. We are among Abraham's descendants. Even better, we are heirs of the promise God made to Abraham. Abraham left us a legacy. His legacy is one of faith.

Remember the old Sunday School/Vacation Bible School song, "Father Abraham has many sons...."? My prayer for you today, my dear friends, is for you to learn from Abraham that the most important action, the most important achievement, the most important path we can follow is the one that is all about faith, about believing God. May your legacy for your family and friends be like Abraham's. May God be able to show your life to others and say, "I count my child's faith for righteousness because my child believed me."

Moving forward,

Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com

Enabling

“A good objective of leadership is to help those who are doing poorly to do well and to help those who are doing well to do even better.” Jim Rohn

“Rocket ships are not built by super heroes. They are built by ordinary people who have been given the right training, skills, and equipment to do the job. Leaders are the ones who bring the people and resources together.

Leaders enable others to work by providing resources. They unleash the creative power of their team by providing the right tools. They make continuing education a priority by encouraging associates to develop their skills in both on-site and off-site training opportunities.

Leaders keep the well of available resources flowing freely.”

Excerpted from Minute Motivators for Leaders by Stan Toler

It is easy to feel inadequate, not smart enough, not creative enough or not something enough. But if I remember rocket scientists, sure their smart, but really the reason they can do what they do is cause they learned how. They follow a plan. Success is available to anyone who will learn a plan then work the plan. You become a leader when you also help others succeed. I love that because that is truly why I love training others to be freight brokers. There will always be others who seem to catch on quicker or start out with more advantages. But in reality the hard luck stories are the ones that are most encouraging. We have met some incredible people in our years of training. People who had nothing, knew nothing about transportation yet have taken what they learned in a week and became successful.

Moving forward,

Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com

Small Steps

I imagine anyone starting a new business, dreams of landing a big account right off. Just as a would-be a movie star hopes of being discovered in a diner. The reality is most “overnight success” stories started with years of getting their foot in the door. I read the story of a very rich novelist. Nearly every book he writes makes the best seller list almost immediately. Yet he wrote for decades, supported by his wife before he made enough money to pay the mortgage. We know success takes time in our mind but we really in our heart want to skip past the hard work to the reaping of all the rewards. Today as you make your 50 calls face each one optimistically as a potential business relationship in the budding stage. Shippers will be leery because unfortunately there are brokers who do not act above board. Work hard to prove you are trustworthy in small ways. If you say you will check back to see if they have a load next month, by golly you better check back with them when you say you will. If you say you will send them something, do it right away. Deliver more than you promise. Follow up with a thank you note (with business card) or email. Be creative in ways to stay in touch in a way that shows you desire to assist them in anyway possible. Ask for their advice on how to serve the customer. Listen and learn from every encounter.

Moving forward,

Jeff Roach

Student speak

We just finished up training another fantastic group of students to become freight brokers. Here is a little of what they said abou the course:

Testimonials Dallas 4/28/08 class

Some of the best advice in the industry. The instructors help and want to see you be a success. This class is worth the cost. Pay attention, ask questions, you will get your money's worth. Thank you guys for the start of a lasting friendship. ---J. R.

When I first came in I was a little nervous because I knew little about this business. I was amazed at the knowledge I accumulated in only a week. Jim

I enjoyed every day. Informative and fun. – Linda S

4/21/08 Florida

Extremely entertaining and thorough. Great examples and answers. I now feel very, very confident. – Dara S

Very professional. Susie is very knowledgeable. I would recommend this class to anyone interested in being an agent or broker. –Mark E

Listen and enjoy. Good stuff. -- Michael H.


I find great satisfaction in teaching. I meet amazing people anxious to start a new career or expand their career. The kind words are always confirming that I am doing what I should do. We are committed to giving more than expected and to try to improve the integrity of this industry one student at a time.

Moving forward,

Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com

Use Your Ears

I heard this great sales reminder on aol news.


“I can't remember who told me this, but I certainly didn't grow up knowing it, so I must have gotten this advice at Salomon Brothers in the 1970s.

The advice was, first, always ask for the order, and second, when the customer says yes, stop talking.

The worst advice that people can take is to react before they've had a chance to think. I think we all say things and wish we hadn't said them. Ready, shoot, aim is not the smartest policy.”

-Mayor of New York City, founder of Bloomberg LP”

One of the great things about having to pitch a lot before you make a sale is your approach gets better and better…if you learn from each experience. Some of my greatest sales were the easiest because I let the customer talk, while I listen intently… thus demonstrating that my desire is to understand and respond to their need not “mark another notch on my belt” with forceful selling. Learn when to stop flapping those gums and you will reap the benefits.

Moving forward,

Jeff Roach - President
Brooke Transportation Training Solutions
jroach@transportationtraining.com
www.transportationtraining.com
www.brooketraining.com
www.justintimefreight.com

Surprise, We are Making Money

Have you ever noticed how bad news gets a heck of a lot more press than good news? Even good news is often reported with a negative spin. Have you ever heard a report that 95% of American's are employed? I always hear 5% are unemployed. What's up with that? Staying positive helps me stay motivated to success. So I really liked this article sent to me by Greg Williams, Director, Financial Analysis and Business Development of http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif

3PLs Thrive Despite U.S. Ills

Despite the ongoing freight recession in the United States, revenues of U.S. third-party logistics service providers grew to $122 billion in 2007, according to a report by Armstrong & Associates.

Gross revenue grew by 7.4 percent while net revenue grew 7.2 percent, the report found.

Global revenues grew to $487 billion, driven by expanding growth in Asia. Revenue growth was highest in non-asset transportation management. Overall growth continued a pattern of being more than three times the growth of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product.

The supply chain market research and consulting firm specializing in 3PLs said growth continues to be driven by companies outsourcing to concentrate on core competences, the need for sophisticated supply chain information technology solutions, and globalization.

The report, "U.S. and Global 3PL Financial and Acquisition Results and Projection to 2010", predicts that U.S. 3PL revenues will exceed $150 billion in 2010 after modest growth of 5.5 percent in 2008 and 7.5 percent in 2009.

International transportation management including Expeditors International, Kuehne & Nagel and DHL Global Forwarding grew by 9.5 percent.

Domestic transportation management grew 8 percent with net income margins averaging 13.4 percent. This includes freight brokerage and related value-added services. C.H. Robinson dominates domestic transportation management with 34 percent of net revenues and 66 percent of pre-tax earnings.

Third-party logistics continued to consolidate in 2007. Strategic purchases and private equity investments continued across functionalities. Wall Street analysts became concerned about the inherently lower profit margins in value-added warehousing and distribution. In addition, investors continued their preferences for non-asset based activities.

So go out and get your piece of that pie.

Moving forward,

Jeff Roach

2008 Disabled Vets Poppy Drive

For over 80 years, around Memorial Day, hospitalized disabled veterans assemble artificial red poppy flowers. The poppies represent the blood shed by our service men in defense of our great country. The vets who craft the poppies earn a little money as well benefit from the physical and mental activity.

Various organizations across the nation distribute these artificial poppies. The poppies are not for sale but donations are accepted to support service men and women and their families.

Brooke Transportation is proud to be approved by the Vocational Rehabilitation Department, Texas Workforce, the Veteran’s Affairs Administration and the Texas Department of Rehabilitative Services to train disabled vets for a career in the transportation industry. The training is free to qualified vets.

This is the same process for all applicants wanting financial aid with either the Texas Workforce and Veterans Affairs Administration AND the Texas Department of Rehabilitative Services.

As you enjoy May flowers blooming everywhere watch for the artificial poppies, make a donation and reflect on the life you enjoy because of the sacrifice of the military.

Have a great weekend.

Moving forward,

Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com

Blogging helps encourage teen writing

Edited and excerpted from eSchool News and wire service reports


Survey reveals that student bloggers are more prolific and appreciate the value of writing more than their peers

A nehttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifw survey from the Pew Internet & American Life Project explores the intersection between teens, technology, and writing.

Buried beneath the alarm of writing "purists," (who are not happy with the text messaging shorthand creeping into English class) the report showed a promising finding with equally important implications for schools: Blogging is helping many teens become more prolific writers.

Teens who communicate frequently with their friends with technology tools do not write more often for less gadget-rich teens, according to the study. Teen bloggers, however, write more frequently both online and offline, the study says.

Forty-seven percent of teen bloggers write outside of school for personal reasons several times a week or more, compared with 33 percent of teens without blogs. Sixty-five percent of teen bloggers believe that writing is essential to later success in life; 53 percent of non-bloggers say the same thing.

Bradley A. Hammer, who teaches in Duke University's writing program, says the kind of writing students do on blogs and other digital formats actually can be better than the writing style they learn in school, because it is better suited to true intellectual pursuit than is SAT-style writing.

"In real ways, blogging and other forms of virtual debate actually foster the very types of intellectual exchange, analysis, and argumentative writing that universities value," he wrote in an op-ed piece last August.

Teens write for a variety of reasons, the report notes: as part of a school assignment, to stay in touch with friends, to share their artistic creations with others, or simply to record their thoughts. Teens say they're more motivated to write when they can choose topics that are relevant to their lives and interests, and they report greater enjoyment of school writing when they have the chance to write creatively. Teens also report that writing for an audience motivates them to write well and more frequently--and blogs are one way of providing this type of audience.


The telephone-based survey of 700 U.S. residents ages 12 to 17 and their parents was conducted last year from Sept. 19 to Nov. 16 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 5 percentage points.

Maybe this summer I can talk my teen into guest blogging or starting her on blog on something of intellectual interest like the South Lake Dragon High School Football heroes.

Moving forward,

Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com