DDU Collapse, Hard Pivots, Real Leadership: The NOW Courier Story

Season 4 of the Last2First Podcast kicks off with Ryan Schwalbach, President at NOW Courier. Ryan’s journey as a second-generation owner is full of highs, lows, and tough decisions—including firing his largest customer just years after acquiring the company from his parents. In this conversation, Ryan shares raw insights on leadership, resilience, and navigating a courier business through change, growth, and eventual sale. Topics We Cover in This Episode: ✅Second-generation ownership in the final mile industry ✅Transitioning a family business to the next generation ✅Scaling operations with independent contractor drivers ✅Tough leadership calls and letting go of major accounts ✅Customer relationships, pricing power, and profitability ✅Navigating market shifts and industry pressures ✅The emotional side of acquisitions and ownership ✅Building resilience as a leader in uncertain times ✅Selling a courier business and what drives the decision ✅The future of the final mile: data, drivers, and leadership 🔥 Season 4 also introduces a brand-new segment: 🚛 Driving the Mile — ride-along with drivers for a ground-level perspective 👉 Don’t miss a single episode! Subscribe: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Last2FirstPodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3gDS58wo6IWeLl48LHukdP?si=gmhv7Lh8QvyY5xxFS9ZpPA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/hn/podcast/last2first-podcast/id1778491941 👉 Connect with our guest: Follow Ryan Schwalbach on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanschwalbach/ Follow NOW Courier: https://www.nowcourier.com/ #Last2FirstPodcast #FinalMile #Season4 #NOWCourier

What is Last2First Podcast?

Welcome to Last 2 First, the podcast dedicated to exploring the final mile in logistics and the unique challenges faced by business owners in this vital industry. Each episode features insightful conversations with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who share their experiences, strategies, and innovations shaping the future of final mile delivery.

Join us as we dive into topics like optimizing delivery routes, enhancing customer satisfaction, navigating regulatory hurdles, and leveraging technology for efficiency. Whether you're a seasoned logistics professional or a business owner looking to improve your operations, Last 2 First offers valuable insights and actionable advice to help you lead your business to success.

Tune in and discover how to turn the last mile into your first priority!