"FREIGHT EXPERIENCE
BUILT INTO
YOUR your advocacy"
-Ryan Smith
freight talent advocates-
partners who understand
Your business
Purple Squirrel is committed and invested in your sustained prosperity. We connect individuals and organizations with highly qualified candidates and opportunities. We are here to assist you in navigating changing business environments.
Ryan also founded FreightAgents.International, an educational resource for experienced freight agents outside the United States exploring partnerships with U.S. brokerages.
Explore FreightAgents.Internationallet's make it happen
Founder
Ryan Smith
Founder & Freight Talent Advocate (Matchmaker)
Ryan Smith spent more than 14 years in freight before founding Purple Squirrel.He started in the industry with a desk phone, fax machine, and MacRAE's Blue Book—eventually building multiple books of business and specializing in heavy haul, over-dimensional, expedited, and time-sensitive freight.His career took him from freight sales and the 1099 independent agent model to owning and operating his own freight brokerage.That experience gave Ryan a view of the industry from both sides of the agent agreement.He saw firsthand how commission structures, operational support, technology, credit, customer ownership, and the brokerage behind an agent can either accelerate a business—or hold it back.Ryan founded Purple Squirrel to give freight professionals something he felt was missing from traditional recruiting: an independent advocate who understands the business they're actually trying to build.Today, he works with 1099 independent freight agents, agency owners, W-2 freight sales professionals, and brokerage partners to identify opportunities where the talent, freight, operating model, and support structure actually align.The goal isn't simply to make a placement.
It's to build brokerage partnerships that last.
Ryan Smith spent more than 14 years in freight before founding Purple Squirrel.He started in the industry with a desk phone, fax machine, and MacRAE's Blue Book—eventually building multiple books of business and specializing in heavy haul, over-dimensional, expedited, and time-sensitive freight.His career took him from freight sales and the 1099 independent agent model to owning and operating his own freight brokerage.That experience gave Ryan a view of the industry from both sides of the agent agreement.He saw firsthand how commission structures, operational support, technology, credit, customer ownership, and the brokerage behind an agent can either accelerate a business—or hold it back.Ryan founded Purple Squirrel to give freight professionals something he felt was missing from traditional recruiting: an independent advocate who understands the business they're actually trying to build.Today, he works with 1099 independent freight agents, agency owners, W-2 freight sales professionals, and brokerage partners to identify opportunities where the talent, freight, operating model, and support structure actually align.The goal isn't simply to make a placement.
It's to build brokerage partnerships that last.
“During our time working together, I had the pleasure of experiencing Ryan's outstanding professionalism and dedication firsthand. Ryan's leadership, attention to detail and problem-solving qualities are unmatched.
Ryan consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic and a genuine passion for logistics and helping others succeed.
Additionally, Ryan is a pleasure to collaborate with. He is approachable and very supportive, which fosters a cohesive team environment.”
Scott Harrison Freight Agency Owner
“I can’t express enough gratitude for Ryan from the Purple Squirrel. Transitioning from a traditional brokerage to a 1099 model felt overwhelming at first, but Ryan Smith was my guiding light throughout the entire process.
From our very first conversation, it was clear that Ryan genuinely cared about my goals and aspirations. He took the time to understand what I was looking for in a brokerage—a place I could truly call home. With his deep industry knowledge and keen insights, Ryan matched me with a brokerage that perfectly aligned with my values and ambitions.
What really stood out to me was his unwavering support. Ryan didn’t just help me find a brokerage; he walked me through every step of the transition, answering my questions and offering invaluable advice along the way. His dedication made a potentially stressful experience feel seamless and exciting.
Thanks to Ryan, I now feel confident and empowered in my new role. I can’t recommend him highly enough to anyone looking to make a change in their career. Thank you, Ryan, for everything! You truly made a difference in my journey.”
Cazel M Independent Freight agent
"Purple Squirrel has been an absolute game-changer in my job search! Their team of dedicated professionals went above and beyond to understand my career goals and find me the perfect match. They provided valuable guidance throughout the process, from resume tailoring to interview preparation. I highly recommend Purple Squirrel to anyone seeking a supportive and effective recruiting agency.“
V Contreras Freight Agent
“Ryan was a great individual to work with. During our time he was very detail oriented, timely, and knowledgeable. Just speaking with Ryan you can tell by how he presents himself and the lingo he uses that he not only understands the logistics market, but is extremely keen on what is going on in the current market. He understands the nuances to carrier vetting, customer set up, and the day to day operation of logistics.
If you are looking for someone to be an A team player that thinks like an owner then Ryan Smith is your guy.”
Phil Kinjerski Freight Broker
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