Stories from family-owned businesses celebrate culture, purpose, and the people behind enduring transportation companies
Mount Pleasant, SC — June 29, 2026 — The new book Powered by People: Building Culture That Outlasts the Founder was released on Amazon on June 25th, 2026, honoring the founders, families, employees, and communities who helped build the transportation industry. Through stories of grit, faith, trust, perseverance, and service, the book reminds readers that the transportation industry is powered by more than trucks—it’s powered by people. Purchase the book on Amazon now!
Conceived by Dr. Gina Anderson, co-founder of Luma Brighter Learning, after attending an Iowa Motor Truck Association executive meeting in 2023, the book features stories from transportation leaders and family-owned businesses who opened their hearts to share what it truly means to build a company that lasts beyond its founder.
“I want the world to understand just how special the trucking and logistics industry truly is,” says Dr. Anderson. “Most entrepreneurs spend their lives building a business, but few stop to consider how their values, culture, wisdom, and vision will endure after they step away. Yet, those are often the things that leave the greatest impact.”
At the center of the book is one guiding question: What happens to a company’s legacy when the founder is no longer there to lead it?
More than a business book, Powered by People serves as both a tribute to the leaders who built the transportation industry and a practical leadership framework for the next generation of entrepreneurs seeking to build organizations rooted in purpose, culture, and human connection.
The book features stories and insights from transportation leaders, founders, family business owners, and industry professionals, including, Dr. Gina Anderson and Dr. Scott Anderson (Luma Brighter Learning), Catherine Ezzell-Joyner (Ezzell Trucking, Inc.), Elise Johnson (Leonard’s Express), Brooklyn Keizer (Keizer Companies), Collin Kottke (Kottke Trucking, Inc,), Garrett Knollman (Transmark Logistics), Ed Nagle (Nagle Companies), John Pemberton (Pemberton Truck Lines), and Mary Schaupp (LCL Bulk Transport).
Together, these contributors share lessons learned from leadership, succession planning, culture building, workforce development, safety, family business transitions, and the responsibility of stewarding a legacy for future generations.
Partial proceeds from the book will be donated to nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, or industry initiatives selected by the contributing authors.
“We wanted this project to do more than preserve stories,” said Dr. Anderson. “We wanted it to create opportunities for future generations. These organizations are doing important work in workforce development, education, transportation, and community impact, and we are honored to support them through this effort.”
Powered by People: Building Culture That Outlasts the Founder is available through Amazon and other online retailers.
Purchase today:
About Dr. Gina Anderson
Dr. Gina Anderson is the CEO and co-founder of Luma Brighter Learning, a three-time Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Company (2023–2025) serving the transportation and logistics industry. She also founded Ripples of Sunshine, a movement designed to make an impact, one life at a time. A nationally recognized learning scientist and TEDx speaker, she applies evidence-based learning science to improve safety, strengthen compliance, and reduce operational risk across the supply chain ecosystem. She has authored several books focused on neuroscience, learning, and leadership and is recognized by FleetOwner and Inc. Magazine as an industry thought leader. Dr. Anderson also hosts two podcasts that spotlight mental health, leadership, and the people shaping safer, more human-centered industries. She holds a Doctorate in Education in Instructional Systems Technology with a minor in Learning Science from Indiana University. Learn more at www.learningwithgina.com.