Jeremy Hafemann, Head of Operations

From Truck Driver to Head of Ops: Scott interviews Jeremy, CFS’s head of operations, about his rapid growth from truck driver to leading a growing ops team. Jeremy shares his trucking background, goal of visiting all 48 mainland states, and the challenge of giving up “his” truck to move into office leadership. He explains how CFS’s ops culture shifted from saying “no” to a “yes” mindset, improving vendor relationships by using trusted partners and stronger planning. They discuss building morale and pride through well-kept equipment, creating adaptable teams, and training new drivers with patience and people skills. Jeremy describes the stress and learning curve of managing spreading seasons, pivoting with weather, and implementing rigorous avian-influenza biosecurity measures, including improved tire-spraying systems. He credits mentorship from Al, extreme ownership principles, and developing leaders, and defines success as leading leaders while maintaining family and health. 00:00 Meet Jeremy at CFS 00:45 Life in Trucking 04:31 Trailers and Endorsements 06:36 From Driver to Ops 11:46 Training New Drivers 15:13 Culture and Adaptability 17:47 Ops Role Evolves 23:19 Why Jeremy Joined CFS 29:39 Leadership Lessons from Al 38:16 Always Say Yes 44:42 Stress and Prioritize 48:32 Sales vs Ops Timelines 48:56 500 Tons Manure Deal 51:13 Mustache Banter Break 52:51 Extreme Ownership Lessons 55:48 Building Leaders on Crew 59:29 Dedicated Trucks Divisions 01:03:51 Millionth Ton Milestone 01:05:46 Mentors and Big Vision 01:08:34 From Driver to Manager 01:10:53 Biosecurity Systems Upgrade 01:16:31 Stress and First Spread Season 01:27:24 Company Culture and Leadership 01:33:53 Defining Success Ahead 01:35:48 Closing Thanks and Wrap