Industry Insights

with Route Consultant

Welcome to Industry Insights with Route Consultant—your front-row seat to the fast-moving world of logistics and beyond. Each week, we bring you game-changing insights, real-world strategies, and fresh perspectives to fuel smarter investments and build stronger businesses. Join us as we sit down with expert guests to explore emerging trends and pressing topics across a wide range of industries.

Podcast
Latest Episode
All Episodes
Blog

Loading…

Explore All Industry Articles + Videos

Route Market Intelligence + 2026 Benchmarks

The 2026 route market is undergoing a fundamental shift in valuation and buyer behavior. From the structured pricing environment of Flowers Corporate routes to the scaling revenue of FedEx P&D operations, our latest benchmarks provide the data-driven clarity needed to navigate today's acquisition landscape. Download our latest snapshots to see how your operation measures up against current industry standards.

Read More

Business Exit Planning: Life After Selling Your Business

This week on Industry Insights with Route Consultant, we focus on business exits and how to prepare long before a sale to maximize value and make the business transferable. Josh is joined by Steve Alverson and Austin Coley of McCall Wealth Advisors, who explain how they help owners plan through and beyond a sale by first clarifying personal goals and the “why” behind the business. They discuss why exit planning should start early, how buyers pay for future cash flow, and common value killers like taxes, fees, unrealistic expectations, and debt. 

Read More

Business Exit Planning: How to Maximize Your Sale Value

This week on Industry Insights with Route Consultant, we focus on business exits and how to prepare long before a sale to maximize value and make the business transferable. Josh is joined by Steve Alverson and Austin Coley of McCall Wealth Advisors, who explain how they help owners plan through and beyond a sale by first clarifying personal goals and the “why” behind the business. They discuss why exit planning should start early, how buyers pay for future cash flow, and common value killers like taxes, fees, unrealistic expectations, and debt. 

Read More

Tax-Smart Strategies for FedEx Route Owners (Installment Sale Trusts Explained)

Recorded live at the Route Consultant Expo 2026, this special episode features Kevin Brunner, owner of SellMyFDX and Q Companies, sharing practical tax strategies for business owners planning an exit. Kevin explains how a 537 Installment Sale Trust can defer taxes by routing sale proceeds through a trust, allowing sellers to reinvest more capital, create flexible income streams, and potentially improve deal terms for both buyers and sellers. He covers key concepts like installment notes, ordinary-income treatment of distributions, step-up in basis at death, and how the trust can support reinvestment, retirement income planning, and legacy goals. Kevin also outlines his firm’s investment approach focused on consistent income and risk management, plus options for structuring complex transactions and coordinating with CPA-led tax planning.

Read More

Expo 2026: Your Playbook for Logistics Success

In this episode of Industry Insights with Route Consultant, we dive deep into what to expect from the Route Consultant Expo 2026, featuring insights from experts Stephen Rhein and Butch Butler. Gain exclusive previews on sessions, trends, and strategies that will help contractors in the logistics industry succeed. Whether you're in the FedEx, bread distribution, or other logistics spaces, this is packed with valuable knowledge on how to navigate operational challenges, growth opportunities, and much more. Join us and prepare to make smarter investments and build stronger businesses in 2026!

Read More

Exit Planning: Financial Strategies with Kevin Brunner, Q Companies

This week, we sit down with Kevin Brunner, founder and owner of Q Companies, to explore essential financial strategies for business mergers, acquisitions, and tax planning. Kevin shares his journey from mowing lawns and trading penny stocks to becoming a financial advisor with a proven track record. Learn about the importance of early exit planning, proven financial strategies, and how Q Companies helps business owners achieve tax-efficient exits. Join us for insightful discussions on maximizing your business value and planning for a secure financial future.

Read More
Podcast Episode, Expo, Buying, Selling Giovanna Terry Podcast Episode, Expo, Buying, Selling Giovanna Terry

Expo 2026: Your Playbook for Logistics Success

In this episode of Industry Insights with Route Consultant, we dive deep into what to expect from the Route Consultant Expo 2026, featuring insights from experts Stephen Rhein and Butch Butler. Gain exclusive previews on sessions, trends, and strategies that will help contractors in the logistics industry succeed. Whether you're in the FedEx, bread distribution, or other logistics spaces, this is packed with valuable knowledge on how to navigate operational challenges, growth opportunities, and much more. Join us and prepare to make smarter investments and build stronger businesses in 2026!

Read More

Building a Scalable Business with Bread Routes

This week, we’ve partnered with Truck N’ Hustle to bring you an episode dedicated to understanding bread routes from a contractor perspective and how to be successful in this space. Join us as Josh sits down with Rahmel to talk about the history of the bread business, how the independent contractor model works, and how you can get started.

Read More

Selling Price and Due Diligence for Waste Management Routes: A Complete Guide

Considering buying or selling a waste management route? This guide breaks down how to determine a fair selling price and navigate the due diligence process, essential steps for a successful transaction in this stable, cash-flow-driven industry.

Read More

What to Expect In Expenses for FedEx Routes for Sale

FedEx Ground routes have predictable revenues with few variables. It’s what makes these businesses such solid investments!

If your revenue is predictable with few variables to significantly change it, then how do you impact your Net Operating Income (or take-home pay)? You focus on Total Expenses.

Read More
Blog Post, Selling, Exit Strategy Guest User Blog Post, Selling, Exit Strategy Guest User

What Determines List Price for Bread Routes?

Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, understanding what drives the list price of a bread route is essential to making a smart purchase. While bread routes may seem simple on the surface—delivering fresh product to retail locations—there are multiple financial and operational factors that affect their market value.

Read More