When you’re thinking of scaling your business, there are two ways to do it – hire more people or acquire other companies. Either way, you’ve got to have all your ducks in a row to make sure you’re scaling your business the right way, so you’re scaling up – not down. Today on “The Future of Ground Transportation”, Jim Becker, founder of Becker Logistics, LLC, shares some lessons on acquisitions: What are some things to look for? When is the right time to do it? And how do you make sure you’ve got your processes in place? Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation: Have your processes in place. Learn how to make time or delegate. Brokers exist for a reason. The three modes of running a business Episode Highlights: [08:55] Lessons in Acquisitions Acquiring businesses means more problems and more situations. And so, you've got to put your house in order. Have the processes in place so you can potentially grow. If you can organically grow, then you can grow through acquisition, too. The things that will help you grow organically will also help you as you're going through that acquisition growth. [10:44] Delegation for Expansion As the visionary of the company, Jim has to predict their future and look out six months to a year ahead. While everybody else is busy working in the business, Jim is working on the business raising capital. You have to learn how to make time or delegate, which are critical things for you to be able to expand your business. [16:33] The Role of Brokers Becker Logistics is a third-party provider. They're not moving freight, they are brokering freight. They own zero assets. Jim used to have an asset-based company but realized it wasn't that scalable. Brokers exist for a reason. Jim has formed partnerships with 125,000 carriers throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, so they’re able to cater to high demands, large enough to serve Fortune 1000 companies. Through technology and the intellect of their team, they can serve clients better because that’s all they do – transportation. [20:52] The Three Modes to Run a Business Run mode -  you’re just running and you’re not really changing much Growth mode - either you’re hiring or doing acquisitions Transformation - you’re doing some other process to make something happen Notable Quotes: [09:45] “If you can organically grow, then you can grow through acquisition too.” [16:53] “Brokers do exist. And we exist for that main reason.” [17:45] "We can service you better than you ever thought because this is what we do... all we do is transportation." Resources Mentioned: Becker Logistics, LLC Connect with Jim: LinkedIn Primal Leadership by Daniel Goleman About the Guest Jim Becker is the founder and CEO of Becker Logistics, LLC. The company built on its founding core values of integrity, quality, innovation, safety, competitiveness, openness, respect, and equal work-life balance. Since its inception in 1997, Becker Logistics, LLC has grown exponentially in annual revenue, with employees across the U.S. and in three different countries. Connect with Jim on LinkedIn.