Copyright FreightWaves
At the F3: Future of Freight Festival, Kevin Nolan sat down with FreightWaves’ CEO and founder, Craig Fuller, to discuss his success in creating multi-billion dollar companies. Nolan, founder of Sope Creek Capital, shared his journey through the challenging landscapes of the logistics industry and offered a glimpse into his strategic approach toward entrepreneurship and investment. Nolan’s entrepreneurial journey began with the founding of Nolan Transportation Group (NTG) and OTR Solutions. These companies have become significant players in freight logistics, and Nolan says that’s because he focused on building robust infrastructure and hiring top talent. Almost nothing is more important than team dynamics, according to Nolan. “It’s who you surround yourself with in order to build great businesses,” Nolan said. Recognizing the potential to help other burgeoning entrepreneurs, Nolan launched Sope Creek Capital, a family office based in Atlanta, Georgia. Sope Creek Capital aims to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs by offering both capital and mentorship. “We are here to not only provide flexible capital but also to guide and support entrepreneurs as they navigate their business journeys,” Nolan said. Sope Creek Capital’s Investment Strategy and Philosophy At the core of Sope Creek Capital’s strategy is the belief in investing in companies that are at inflection points in their business lifecycle, particularly those in the logistics and transportation sectors. “Our experience allows us to be a true value-add partner,” Nolan said. The firm’s approach is comprehensive. Sope Creek Capital combines financial support with strategic guidance drawn from Nolan’s vast experience in scaling companies. Although the logistics space is where Sope Creek Capital tends to focus, the firm’s investments do extend into other fields. They pursue a diversified investment portfolio, including sectors like technology and financial services. “We’re grounded in freight but open to transformational ideas across sectors,” Nolan noted during the chat. Nolan says he’s on the lookout for startups that aim to solve critical problems in the marketplace and bring innovative solutions to the logistics landscape. “We look for founders who are passionate, who have stood in the trenches, and who are determined to make a significant impact,” Nolan said. Sope Creek Capital seeks to partner with entrepreneurs capable of leveraging unique market positions. For instance, OTR Solutions evolved from a simple capital provider to a comprehensive service firm offering solutions like a fuel card network to assist small trucking companies. “Keeping the small trucker on the road and allowing them to compete with the larger carriers is at the heart of what we do,” said Nolan. Nolan’s says future entrepreneurs need to build resilient cultures and be willing to face realities head-on. “Everyone must know where they stand; it’s like keeping score,” he said. This philosophy applies internally within companies and externally in how businesses are structured and managed. For Nolan, success is deeply tied to the cultural fabric of an organization, which ultimately supports sustained growth and innovation. In reflecting on how NTG and OTR have evolved under his leadership, Nolan highlighted their continuous adaptability and responsiveness to market changes. “In this industry, you can’t stand still,” he said. “You have to move, innovate, and keep meeting the market’s demands.” Nolan does not shy away from discussing the challenges faced by logistics companies, especially in economic downturns. These periods, he argues, test the mettle of any business. His own experiences with NTG through various cycles, including the Great Financial Crisis, offered him valuable insights into maintaining business continuity and resilience. The downturn provided Nolan invaluable lessons on flexibility and strategic pivoting. “It’s in these moments that you see the real winners emerge,” Nolan said. “We’ve made our leaps during tough times, by hiring aggressively and correctly.” According to Joe Petosa, Partner at Sope Creek Capital, Kevin started the organization to help other entrepreneurs like him: people with drive and an idea. “One of our largest differentiators is that Sope Creek grew from operators and so we provide capital through that lens,” Petosa said. For entrepreneurs, it’s a unique experience to work with capital partners that intimately understand the challenges of managing a business day-to-day, whether that’s a seed-stage freight tech company or scaling lower middle market business. “We continue to be impressed by entrepreneurial talent in and around the logistics and distribution market and remain excited for the future of freight,” Petosa said. Sope Creek Capital is committed to ongoing investment in startups that demonstrate promise and potential across various industries. Nolan’s message to aspiring entrepreneurs is to surround themselves with the right people and continually adapt to changing landscapes. “When you’re passionate about building something from the ground up, it’s not always about the destination,” Nolan said. “It’s about the journey and what you learn along the way.”. With Sope Creek Capital, Nolan continues to pave the way for future entrepreneurs and foster innovation and growth in logistics and across other sectors.
