Culture Isn’t What You Say. It’s What You Do.

Posted on by kaynegrau

Every leader talks about culture. We talk about this in our management meetings, board sessions, town halls, social media posts, and mission statements painted on walls. It needs to be discussed; however, in the end, culture isn’t built on words, it’s built by behaviors. It’s built organically and not forced or purchased by the company’s “culture committee.”  

This year, I made a conscious decision to try something different for our employees. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, happy hours, and summer barbecues are great; however, it doesn’t seem to have a long-term positive effect on our culture.  We needed something new and more motivating.  In the end, I wanted to celebrate the people who quietly go above and beyond. The ones who don’t ask for recognition but earn it anyway.

Today, I have 11 custom United Transportation soccer jerseys in my office. They’re numbered 1 through 12. One for each month of the year.  Starting Jan 1st, our employees received instructions on how to nominate their peers over the course of the month. We made this simple by putting a lock box on the warehouse wall. The employees can nominate their peers by writing the nominee’s name, why they are nominating that employee, and signing their name on the sheet of paper. It then goes into the lock box and is reviewed at the end of the month. I wanted this done by the people closest to the day-to-day work. Managers can’t choose the favorite, and we are not guessing or scrambling to pick someone who did something in the final 24 hours.

When a winner is announced at the end of the month in front of the entire company, they get the background on why they were chosen, and to ensure the company hears the specific examples of going above and beyond. After the high fives and congratulations, the winner receives their custom soccer jersey with their name embroidered on the back.

But wait … there is more…

That jersey doesn’t disappear into their home closet or a drawer. It goes up on our warehouse wall… 30 feet high and directly under our United Transportation logo. By December, there will be 12 jerseys on that wall. Twelve names. Twelve stories. Twelve people who represent what “exceeding expectations” really looks like. For all to see and maybe spark some curiosity.  

What surprised me most wasn’t how easy the idea was to promote, but how quickly the team rallied around it. The excitement was immediate. The buildup over the past month to see our first winner has become part of the fun, with the wall slowly turned into something that matters. 

I love that we get to celebrate the employees. I am also excited that our customers, partners, and visitors won’t just see open trailers, racking, forklifts, and freight. They will now see the reflection of our people’s work and know that others valued their contributions. Real names. Real recognition. Proof that culture here isn’t just talked about. We live it, and we recognize those who lead by example and go above and beyond each day.  

Because walking the talk means showing up. It means listening, it means celebrating the right things. And most of all, it means letting your people know, clearly and consistently, that they matter.

That’s culture. Built each day, one action at a time.

And …. congratulations to Enrique Sotelo, for winning January’s award. Very well deserved! (and yes, we vacuum sealed the jersey to preserve the quality over the year.)

Decisions to be made Today & Tomorrow

Posted on by kaynegrau

Taking over a business doesn’t arrive with fireworks and a marching band. There’s no cinematic moment where everything snaps into focus. It shows up quietly—usually early in the morning—when you realize the decisions start before anyone else is awake and don’t stop when the day ends. This is another reason I love the fire pit in our backyard and the alone time to think about what’s next, where things may go, and then trying to analyze the millions of details — only to know that I will miss the other million later!

People often assume leadership is about having the answers. In reality, it’s about carrying the questions. A hundred of them, every single day. Some are small and operational. Others carry real consequences, and that can affect the entire company. Most don’t announce themselves as “important” until it’s too late to pretend they weren’t.

What surprises me the most isn’t the pressure, it’s actually the loneliness that can exist even when you’re surrounded by incredible people. We have an amazing team with decades of experience that checks all the boxes to ensure we run soundly every day. I have a coach and wife who is the best sounding board a spouse could ask for. Plenty of friends and former colleagues in the network to reach out to. And still, there are moments when the responsibility sits squarely on my shoulders. Not because others aren’t willing to help—but because the final call, the accountability, the risk, the change that needs to be made is my call. It’s not something I complain about. I chose this. I wanted it. But that doesn’t make it easy.

This may seem very strange to describe a typical day; however, I often refer to a normal working day as the Hulu TV show, “The Bear.” In season one, they don’t know what kind of “meat” will show up each morning. It’s never the same with different cuts of beef, quality, and quantities. Yet, the Bear opens the door every morning and serves hundreds of loyal and happy customers in downtown Chicago. Yes, I understand it’s a TV show; however, deep down at the core, the parallels of owning a business are quite similar. Whether you’re making Italian beef sandwiches, selling a product or service, or shipping cargo, there will be problems you didn’t plan for. You have to make it work, and customer expectations need to be met.

At United Transportation, we are hellbent on service, every day, every minute. Our customer always deserves excellence. The team always deserves clarity. The operation still needs to run. So we adapt. We make do with what we have, and we create something worthy of what’s in front of us. Not because it’s perfect, but because that’s our job, and to ensure our employees and customers remain satisfied with what we provide.

Leadership isn’t loud. It’s not performative. It’s a series of quiet decisions made when no one’s watching—decisions that shape outcomes long after the moment passes. We carry this because it’s our responsibility to do so.

And tomorrow morning, when the doors open for business, we will see what showed up, and we will figure it out again. Not because it’s easy, but because that’s what ownership demands.

Stop Chasing “Set for Life”

Posted on by kaynegrau

Have you ever said to yourself, “If I can do this, get this, have this – I will be set for life?” I have. Many times, over the past 30 years.

When I took some time off in 2024, I did some reflecting on the chasing of that feeling and why I was hellbent on trying to be “set for life.” The decisions I made, the jobs that I evaluated or the dreams I wanted to fulfill.  I saw this pattern and wanted to learn from it. I worked with a coach, and after a few sessions and analyzing various examples, the lightbulb went off. It was a simple idea, almost annoyingly obvious once you hear it out loud: there’s no such thing as being “set for life.”

Most of us grow up believing this mythical moment exists—a number in the bank, a title, a business sale, a finish line we think will deliver permanent ease or certainty. We imagine that once we reach it, we’ll exhale for the rest of our lives. No stress, no questions, no doubts.

But that moment isn’t real, and more importantly, the pursuit of this carries a cost.

The key takeaways after my coaching sessions could be summarized with “When people say they want to be set for life, they’re not chasing a reality—they’re chasing a feeling.” It’s the imagined feeling of safety, love, validation, or completion. The idea that one day we can say, “I made it,” and everything after that will be easy.

Here’s the problem: because the target is a feeling, not a fact, it moves.
Every time you get close, it shifts.
Every win is discounted because it isn’t the win.
Every milestone is dismissed because it isn’t that milestone.

While we search for being “set for life,” and that big bang validation, we missed out on the real tangible validations that were sitting right in front of us. The wins we earned, the progress we made, the risks and challenges we survived, the people we helped, and the complex problems we solved. The worst of all – we overlooked the proof that we were already building something meaningful.

Now for the fun part …


Assuming you were the fortunate one to achieve that large goal – the money, title, business sale, whatever your version is—you likely felt underwhelmed and probably reset for the next big “set for life” milestone.  Because the moment you reached that mythical goal, it didn’t come with the fireworks you imagined. It didn’t fix everything. Life still has challenges and is not frictionless, and in the end, we start asking ourselves, “Was it really about the milestone?” I believe it’s about the feeling we hoped we would feel upon reaching the “set for life” milestone.

All that said, I am still focused on short-term and long-term personal and professional goals. I am still driven by the idea of building success with the company I recently acquired. I still dream about what retirement could look like in the next chapter of life. However, it’s not tied to a set dollar amount, a timeframe for an exit strategy, or a set date in the future to stop working. As my wife says from time to time, “Let the universe do its thing,” which I fully subscribe to now. I am more in touch with what is happening today, and I have a greater appreciation for what is happening around me, my family, friends, and colleagues. I am no longer waiting for some final moment to feel complete.

To summarize,  being “set for life” isn’t a finish line—it’s a mindset.

We become “set for life” by realizing we’re already living it, one earned win at a time.

Walking Across Richmond with Pastor Corey Brooks: Two Days I Won’t Forget

Posted on by kaynegrau

Over the last two days, I had the privilege of walking alongside Pastor Corey Brooks as part of his Walk Across America for Project H.O.O.D. — a journey aimed at bringing hope, opportunity, and lasting change to communities that need it most. I’ve supported Pastor Brooks for years, but there is something different about being shoulder-to-shoulder with someone on the road they’ve committed themselves to. You see the mission up close. You feel the purpose in every mile.

The People Along the Way

Walking through Richmond offered something you don’t always get in a busy life: space to slow down, take in the environment, and actually connect with the people you meet. We passed the locals, people visiting Richmond, and strangers who stopped to ask what we were walking for. Every conversation had a small spark of curiosity, but many ended with surprise and inspiration once they learned why Pastor Brooks was crossing the country — to raise $25 million for a transformational economic center on the South Side of Chicago.

There’s something powerful about a cause that stops people in their tracks. In two days, I saw firsthand how this mission resonates far beyond Chicago’s borders.

Dinner With the Team

After the miles, the blisters, and the quiet stretches of road, we had a great team dinner at my ABNB that provided down time and a real connection. We ate, made an amazing Walk Across America playlist, traded stories, and recharged for the next leg. There’s a camaraderie that only forms when you share physical effort and a shared purpose — a reminder that big missions aren’t achieved alone.

Those evenings gave us time to breathe, reflect, and appreciate just how many talented, dedicated people are working behind the scenes to support Pastor Brooks’ vision.

Time Alone With Pastor Brooks

But the moments that will stay with me the longest were the one-on-one conversations with Pastor Brooks. When you walk long distances, you talk differently — less filtered, more honest, more human. We talked about leadership, politics, faith, community, and the weight of carrying such an ambitious mission across thousands of miles.

What struck me most is how relaxed and centered he is. Despite the physical challenge and the enormous goal ahead, he doesn’t waver. He believes completely in this mission — and that belief is contagious. Sitting with him, listening to him reflect on the purpose behind every step, I felt a deep sense of calm that he will finish this walk… and he will accomplish everything he set out to do.

A Journey That Leaves an Impact

I came to Richmond to support a friend and a leader. I left with something more: renewed conviction in the power of service, the power of community, and the power of simply showing up — one step at a time.

Walking with Pastor Brooks wasn’t just about the miles. It was about witnessing a man on a mission, seeing the impact firsthand, and remembering that big change doesn’t start with grand gestures. It starts with a single step, repeated again and again with purpose.

I’m grateful for these last two days — for the people we met, the team that carried the energy forward, and the time to truly understand the heart behind this walk.

Finally, if you want more information on the Walk Across America and like to donate to this amazing cause, information can be found here — https://www.projecthood.org/waasignup .. Appreciate the look.

The most important investor…

Posted on by kaynegrau

As entrepreneurs, we often talk about investors, risk, and conviction. We talk about business models, market opportunities, and returns. But the most meaningful “investor presentation” I ever gave wasn’t in a boardroom — it was within our home office.

When I set out to buy United Transportation, I wasn’t just making a financial decision. I was putting everything on the line — a good deal of our savings, our future, and a dream I believed in with every ounce of who I am. The numbers had to make sense, but so did the heart behind it. I was emotionally connected to the pending deal: therefore, to move forward, I needed my most trusted partner, my wife to challenge every aspect of what we were buying together. If it made sense, I hoped she would also believe in it too.

I built a deck just like I would for any investor. Slides, financials, growth plans, risk mitigation, upside potential — everything you’d expect. But behind each slide was something deeper: my passion for building something enduring, something that could outlast me, and something that reflected who I am at my core.

And as I presented, I realized that this wasn’t just a pitch about a company — it was about our life. It was about betting on ourselves. It was about believing that the late nights, the uncertainty, and the stress would someday transform into pride, purpose, and security for our family.

My wife asked the hard questions. She challenged the assumptions. She reminded me of what was at stake. And then, after the spreadsheets, projections, and soul-searching, she gave me something that no investor ever could — her trust.

That trust became the foundation of everything that followed. Because behind every business owner taking a leap, there’s often a partner silently taking it too — without the spotlight, without the title, but with just as much courage.

Today, United Transportation represents more than a company. It’s the result of a shared belief, a family decision, and a willingness to take a calculated leap into the unknown.

The lesson? Every great business story has an emotional investor behind it. And sometimes, that investor isn’t a venture fund or a bank — it’s the person who knows you best, believes in you most, and takes the leap right beside you.

Pivots …

Posted on by kaynegrau

Just coming into my six month at United Transportation and things could not be better. I continue to have the “pinch me” moment as I drive into our logistics center each morning and see the warehouse and trucks lined up at the doors.

Our team has been amazing through the short-term transition. We have a plan to move forward and continue to deliver superior customer service to our existing customers, while onboarding new clients in a seamless manner. We have a distinct focus on warehouse and driver safety, as well as the rollout of new services. Seeing the operation onsite on a daily basis, gaining more experience and a greater appreciation for the transportation sector, and receiving employee feedback has been incredible.

While driving home one evening, I was reflecting on how I got here. 30 years ago, I was getting my promotion from a Help Desk to an Oracle DBA and cutting my teeth on data warehousing, big data (before it was big data), and system/network administration responsibilities. The end goal was to be like my boss, a CIO who wore a suit and carried a laptop briefcase to work every day. Ideally, I would be working in downtown Philadelphia with a corner office managing hundreds of employees and having a ton of responsibility.

Eventually I became a CTO, managed teams of all sizes, and gained the experience to directly influence an organization through the buildout of new technology.  Once achieved, I can remember thinking to myself, “I am done and set for life….” It only took a few roles in different companies to quickly figure out, this is not for me. I loved being technical, but was drawn to the buildout of products, how to build go to market plans, and how these products were sold and supported. This didn’t happen overnight, and it took some time to pivot; however, I took on new roles and aligned myself for what I wanted to do in the future. This eventually gave me the experience to focus on the buildout of new ideas and eventually a company. (With a co-founder)

Growing up, my Dad had a full-time job with the local energy and gas company as a meter reader. He would be home around 3PM and then begin to dabble in what he loved – thinking of new companies to start. These weren’t companies you would ever hear about and came in the forms of a comedy club, a videotape rental store, a trucking company, and a bbq wing restaurant. None of these businesses were “game over” successful or enough for him to quit his full-time job. He just continued to invent and never let the failures hold him back from trying the next idea. I thoroughly enjoyed having a front row seat and watching his excitement and passion about “what it could be” for each new company that was launched. That risk taking is embedded deep within me.

I took some time off last year to evaluate what was next and reflect on my professional career. I spent countless hours documenting what I loved, what I disliked, where was I challenged, where was I bored, where I succeeded and where I failed. I also focused on those I worked with and lessons learned from those different team dynamics, My end goal in this exercise was to have an open, clear, un-biased mindset on what I want to do next. This next “venture” had to offer something very different. I made a list of what I wanted – the people I would work with, an in-person – energetic – work environment, and a product/service that could be differentiating over time. Finally, I wanted to remove all the distractions or extra-curricular noise that distracts leaders and the underlying team from building a great business.  I checked all those boxes through the due diligence process and acquiring United Transportation.

In summary, life is about twists and turns. I’ve always been the one to choose the highest/scariest rollercoaster in the theme park vs the predictable safe ride. Some things have worked, while many things haven’t. I don’t regret a single decision, as it’s allowed me to get to this point to have fun, feel alive, motivated, and excited about the future.

Gather round…

Posted on by kaynegrau

There’s something timeless about a fire pit. It’s more than warmth — it’s a gathering place for thoughts, stories, and connection.

Around a fire, solitude feels different. The quiet crackle gives space for reflection… for thinking deeply, honestly, and without distraction. It’s where vulnerability meets clarity — where you sort through ideas that don’t surface in the noise of the day.

But the magic grows when others join in. Family. Neighbors. Friends. Teammates.. Suddenly, that same fire sparks brainstorming, laughter, creativity, and new energy. The glow becomes a circle of trust — where the best ideas, and the best versions of ourselves, come to life. I’m also confident in saying that some of the best business ideas came to light around this circle of fire vs the wooden table in a conference room. Finally, let’s not forget where many of the greatest music playlists have been generated. Judged .. and then deployed to the masses.

So whether it’s a night alone in thought or a late conversation that changes everything… never underestimate what a simple fire pit can ignite. 🔥

hashtag#Reflection hashtag#FirePitMoments

Daydreaming with Project HOOD at NYSE

Posted on by kaynegrau

I received a call two days ago from my good friend, founder, pastor and mentor, Pastor Corey Brooks “Hey Kayne, want to join us in NYC on Friday and ring the opening bell?” I am not sure that I allowed him to finish the sentence and interrupted with “ABSOLUTELY!”

Ringing the bell has always been a dream of mine, a bucket list item, etc. Although it wasn’t my company, we weren’t doing an IPO, it exceeded all my expectations.

First, I will say that the NYSE team are true professionals. Before we walked into the building we were welcomed with massive signage. Upon getting thorough security, we were led to an incredible waiting area with breakfast, a ceremony for the Pastor, and picture taking event. We then moved to the floor for more pictures and opening the market with the customary ringing of the bell. Hats off to the NYSE team for a wonderful day.

Most importantly, I want to congratulate the entie Project H.O.O.D. team. Your passion, your effort, your dedication towards building this community center and reducing violence in Chicago is so inspiring. Seeing Hood’s logo on the building and all over the trading floor is a true testament of those that are listening, watching and offering to help.

Finally, I want to share something directly from the Pastor:

“From O-Block to Wall Street. Today, we rang the bell at the New York Stock Exchange not just for Project H.O.O.D., but for every block that’s been overlooked, every life that’s been written off, and every dream that refuses to die. Hope has an address. And now, it has a voice on the biggest stage in finance.”

#FromOblockToWallStreet #NYSE #ProjectHOOD #WeCanBeBetter #OpportunityBlock #UrbanRevival

Feels amazing to be back ….

Posted on by kaynegrau

Ah.. it feels good to be back ..

“If you want something you’ve never had, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done.”

It’s been 30+ years working, learning, succeeding, failing, and gaining experience to finally do something on my own. I feel fortunate to finally become the sole owner of a company. After six months of searching for an ideal company to acquire and another four months of due diligence/deal closing, I am excited to announce that I have acquired United Transportation through a newly formed entity called Graxon Logistics.

After my work at Uptake and being entrenched in logistics and transportation sector, I became captivated with this space. The possibilities for greater innovation, efficiency, transparency to the end customer, driver satisfaction, and safety were (and continue to be) endless. Over this three-year period, I had a unique opportunity to interface with OEM’s, dealers, operators, and drivers. Every level had me intrigued on the problems we were solving and solutions that could still be developed. During my evaluation process and search, I purposely narrowed it down to something niche within the industry. It needed to be service oriented with massive expansion opportunities worldwide. United Transportation became the obvious choice.

I am taking the torch from a visionary founder, Ricky Singh He has been a true professional, partner, and friend throughout the transaction. I’m deeply honored and humbled to build on the incredible foundation he has created over the past 15 years. His dedication and passion have shaped United Transportation into what it is today. With our amazing team, I’m excited to explore new opportunities, embrace challenges, and continue creating value for our customers, partners, and community.

I want to thank Tom Keenan for the introduction to Ricky and joining me on this journey. Tom has close to 30 years in warehousing, logistics, and trucking. He will be an unbelievable asset to help with nurturing our existing customer base and assisting me with rapid expansion. In addition, I want to thank Scopelitis and Byline Bank for assisting me with closing the transaction. Finally, thanks to my wife, family, friends and mentors in my network that I relied on for advice and critical feedback.

I couldn’t be more excited to be in our O’Hare warehouse and get my hands dirty. If ever around the area and want to see the operation in person, let me know….

It’s GO time!

One Night, A Lifetime of Hope

Posted on by kaynegrau

There’s a vision emerging on the near Southside—one that can be best seen from 19 feet in the air.  

There, atop a stack of shipping containers, Pastor Corey Brooks is living in a tent until February 28, 2022, braving the cold Chicago winter to promote his radically ambitious plan for the Englewood-Woodlawn neighborhoods. And he deserves our help. 

Pastor Brooks, Senior Pastor of New Beginnings Church, is also the founder of Project H.O.O.D. (Helping Others Obtain Destiny), an organization committed to providing mentoring, job training and community services for one of Chicago’s poorest and most crime-ridden neighborhoods. Ten years ago, he camped for 94 long, freezing days and nights on the roof of a long-closed hotel near the corner of East 66th St. and South Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. That decrepit structure, abandoned and used only for drugs and prostitution, was eventually torn down with the funds Pastor Brooks raised during his campout. 

The Pastor’s ultimate goal for that property, however, has yet to be realized. He undertsands that without skills, without encouragement, without self-esteem and a firm belief that one can succeed, there is no hope for individuals, families, or entire communities. That’s why he has set his sights on a major plan to build and operate a community center dedicated to improving, even transforming the lives of thousands of local residents. 

It is an enticing vision indeed. The center will bring 400 new jobs to the neighborhood—but that’s only the beginning. It will provide trade school training in construction, plumbing, electrical and other sorely needed occupations. It will support the arts with theater and dance studios. A swimming pool and golf simulator will allow urban youth to learn sports they would otherwise never have a chance to try. It will include three restaurants where food service skills can be taught. 

Eyes, Hearts Opened 

Big ideas, however, require big gestures and big support—which is why Pastor Brooks has once again pitched a tent above his beloved streets. This time, he’s asking for others to join him.  

His infectious dream has attracted scores of celebrities,  CEOs, political and religious leaders and many others, all of whom are spending at least one night with him in his little outpost. I had the privilege of joining Pastor Brooks on November 20, the first night of his 100-day commitment. 

As I huddled around his stove, listening to the Pastor talk, my eyes were opened to more than the night air. I discovered how much is happening, both bad and good, just a few miles from where most of us in Chicago live and work every day. I realized that the problems we face as a society are only solved when we, as individuals, step up and care. 

While some social challenges don’t affect each of us directly, we still have a responsibility to find answers. What impacts our neighbors impacts us as well. And when people like Pastor Brooks and his team not only develop a practical solution, but also put their personal blood, sweat and tears behind it, we have an obligation to assist. 

This 85,000-square-foot initiative, called the Leadership and Economic Opportunity Center, will be a stake in the ground for the Woodlawn and Englewood neighborhoods. It will be a safe place for kids to gather after school. It will give recently incarcerated adults a way to transition to gainful employment and eventually become financially independent. It will offer programming for teens on nights and weekends, encouraging kids who otherwise might not have a place to go to spend their time learning and contributing positively to their community. 

Moreover, this kind of center has huge potential for replication. If it succeeds—and I have no doubt it will—it will be a model for other Chicago neighborhoods and ultimately other cities across the U.S. to follow. Pastor Brooks’ idea is a powerful engine for change. 

Make It Happen 

Grand undertakings are rarely inexpensive. The Leadership and Economic Opportunity Center, already designed and planned through the voluntary contributions of leading Chicago architects and construction professionals, has a price tag of $35 million. Seven million dollars have already been raised—but there is much more left to do. 

Tens of thousands of people have already supported the project, either directly or indirectly, through their time, effort and contributions. Corporate financial support, along with additional individual and organizational giving, is still sorely needed to drive the movement forward. To donate, please visit the Project H.O.O.D. website.  

If you can’t donate money—or even if you can and you’re looking to take an extra step—donate a morning or afternoon to the cause. Come and see firsthand what is happening at Project H.O.O.D., from the computer coding programs for girls, to the classes on stocks and investing, as well as the summer boot camps for boys. There are many, many opportunities for professionals of all specialties and backgrounds to share their knowledge. 

Finally, I’m challenging at least a few dozen Chicagoland CEOs to sign up for a night with Pastor Brooks during his Tent-a-Thon. Spend an evening with him as he shares his insights and ideas for how we can better our community. Look out over a portion of our city that is starved for attention. Bed down for the night with a new sense of participation and purpose.  

Make the climb. You will come down unbelievably inspired. 

To sign up for a night at the Tent-a-Thon, visit www.projecthood.org/tent-a-thon.