To help all shippers navigate the challenges of the current market, we’ve organized Speaking Logistics, a virtual conference of renowned industry experts who speak on market trends and critical issues facing the transportation industry.
Dean Croke
Principal Analyst, DAT Freight & Analytics
Before joining DAT Solutions, Dean was chief insight officer at FreightWaves, leading the freight market intelligence team of market experts. Before that, he was vice president of data products at Spireon where he helped develop new telematics data products in the trucking, passenger automotive and insurance markets. Dean also ran Lancer’s long-haul truck insurance business after spending many years as vice president of Omnitracs Analytics (formerly Qualcomm), where he developed data science technologies, including machine learning, complex business rules engines, and data analytics for transportation companies.
Dean was one of the original founders of Atlanta-based FleetRisk Advisors (purchased by Qualcomm and now called now Omnitracs Analytics) and has 35 years of experience in data analytics, transportation, supply chain management, mining and insurance risk management. Originally from a family-owned and operated trucking business in Australia, Dean is still actively involved in the trucking business. Having completed nearly 2 million miles in Australia as a long-distance truck driver, Dean also owns a 379 Peterbilt show truck known as “The Grumpy Pete” and still holds a U.S. Commercial Driver License (CDL) making him uniquely experienced in the field of data science, supply chain management, risk management and human performance.
Prior to FleetRisk Advisors, Dean worked at Lancer Insurance in New York City in 2003 where he developed the widely acclaimed “Risk Never Sleeps” sleep management program for commercial drivers–a unique approach to managing sleep as opposed to fatigue. Dean has held a number of senior positions at Boston-based Circadian Technologies Inc., global insurer Allianz, regional insurer OAMPS, and was also general manager of the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) where he played a key role in the development of the TruckSafe and Fatigue Management Program – both alternative compliance programs which have been evidenced in the FMCSA’s recent “Beyond Compliance” initiative.
Justin Olsen
VP of Legal & Risk, England Logistics
Justin joined EL in June 2015 as vice president of Legal & Risk Management. Prior to accepting his position with England Logistics, Justin was in private legal practice for over 20 years and was a founding member of the Salt Lake City-based law firm of Olsen, Skoubye & Nielson, LLC. From 1991-1994, Justin was in-house legal counsel for two large trucking companies. Throughout his career, Justin has primarily represented brokers, intermediaries and carriers in a variety of matters.
Justin’s extensive experience has led him to serve in many capacities within industry associations. He is a former vice-chair of the Transportation Lawyers Association’s (TLA) Logistics and E-Commerce Committee and previously served on TLA’s Executive Committee.
After extensive service with the Transportation Intermediary Association (TIA), Justin was elected to the TIA’s board of directors. He has also served as a member of the Carrier Selection Framework Committee, TIA’s Fraud Task Force, TIA’s Legal Committee, TIA’s Contracts Committee and TIA’s Education Committee. Justin is also a member of the Conference of Freight Counsel. He has also been named by Utah Business Magazine as one of Utah’s Legal Elite.
Alex Lawrence, PhD
Associate Professor, Weber State University
Alex wears dual hats as a tenured professor at Weber State University and as a seasoned entrepreneur.
At WSU, Alex teaches his students about AI and the latest technology tools being used in business. His expertise in these areas has garnered him national recognition as an authority on ChatGPT and AI for business applications. This recognition resulted in Alex being showcased on the front page of the Wall Street Journal and participating in a spirited debate on CNN, viewed live by millions, among many other national media appearances. Additionally, Alex is highly sought after as a speaker, consultant and advisor helping companies learn more about AI practices and strategies.
Parallel to and preceding his academic career, Alex has been a lifelong entrepreneur. Over the past 30 years, he has been a founder, CEO and C-level executive who has launched and led several successful companies, including one that ranked #34 nationally in all categories on the Inc. 500 list.
Right now, Alex is living his dream, maintaining a balance between teaching, consulting, and growing his entrepreneurial pursuits. In line with this, Alex owns the only EV used car dealership in Utah and one of the few in the nation: EV Auto. Alex is currently expanding with multiple locations regionally and across the US.Despite these varied professional commitments, Alex prefers to spend time traveling with his wife and two daughters or playing golf and fly fishing with friends.
Get ahead of the market with the industry’s brightest minds. We can’t wait to see you!
