Episode Details
March 7, 2025
34 minutes
- The Courage to Start Over – Doug and Jeremy discuss how embracing change and starting over is essential in business, family, and personal growth.
- Adapting in Business – How they navigate change at Fluent Conveyors, whether it’s adjusting to new client needs or staying ahead with technology.
- Decision-Making Under Uncertainty – Why great leaders aren’t defined by decisions made in predictable times, but by how they pivot in adversity.
- Personal Transitions & Life Lessons – Doug and Jeremy share personal experiences of major life changes, from college to career shifts to family challenges.
- Letting Go of Old Habits – Why recognizing when you’re wrong and being willing to change is crucial in personal growth and relationships.
- The Power of Your Circle – How surrounding yourself with people who push you forward can make all the difference during periods of change.
Featured Quotes
"The ability to adapt isn’t just a skill—it’s a mindset. If you resist change, you risk being left behind."
Jeremy Axel
"Starting over isn’t failure. It’s a chance to build something better with the lessons you’ve learned along the way."
Doug Cox
Episode Transcript And Overview
Great decision makers aren’t defined by the decisions they make during predictable times; they know how to adapt to change in the face of adversity and pivot when necessary. In today’s episode of Never In Reverse, Jeremy and Doug discuss starting over as it applies to their business, families, and personal lives. They give tips on how you can position yourself to quickly adapt to change and share their experiences with change and starting over.
Adapting to change is a crucial skill for business owners. At Fluent Conveyors, Jeremy and Doug adapt to change quickly, whether that change is in their clients or in the adoption of new technology. In their personal lives, change is about both adapting to the unexpected and being able to accept when they are wrong. To foster positive change in yourself, they recommend surrounding yourself with people who push you to be the best version of yourself.
Timeline Notes
Today's episode is about starting over, and how starting over takes courage. On the business side, Jeremy embraces change at work and always looks for ways to move forward.
Doug brings up how starting over also related to automation and technology. While the processes your company has in place may feel comfortable, staying ahead of the curve should come first.
Jeff Bezos famously said that while his company has expanded to be one of the largest in the world, the time it takes him to make decisions is the same as it was when Amazon was a bookstore.
When Jeremy graduated college, he felt the transition from college to adulthood very deeply.
Doug feels that he bit off more than he could chew early on, getting married and having kids in quick succession. The recession coincided with these life events, and Doug had to learn to adapt quickly.
A big part of adapting to change in your personal life is accepting when you're wrong, particularly in marriage. You have to be willing to let go of your old habits and ideas if they aren't serving you.
Your friends can also impact the changes you make. Choosing friends who push you forward instead of holding you back can make it easier to become a better person.
It is important to lean on the people around you during periods of change. Everyone has faced adversity, so everyone has something to offer to help get you through it.
Notable Guests
Adi Klevit
Founder | CEO
Adi Klevit
Founder | CEO
Adi Klevit is the Founder of Business Success Consulting Group and the host of the Systems Simplified podcast. With nearly three decades of experience as an industrial engineer and process consultant, she has helped hundreds of growth-focused companies systematize their operations to scale successfully.
Known as “The Process Guru,” Adi specializes in designing and implementing turnkey systems that reduce dependence on the owner, empower teams, and increase profitability. Her clients range from fast-growing trades businesses to multi-location professional service firms, and she is a trusted advisor to CEOs across the U.S.
Joe Dillon
Divorce Mediator & Founder
Joe Dillon
Divorce Mediator & Founder
Joe is a pioneer in divorce mediation who has been helping couples navigate the end of their marriages with dignity and financial wisdom for over 17 years. As co-founder of Equitable Mediation Services, Joe combines his MBA in Finance with specialized training from Harvard, MIT, and Northwestern University to guide couples toward agreements that protect both their emotional wellbeing and financial futures.
Joe pioneered virtual divorce mediation in 2011, nearly a decade before others adopted online practices during the pandemic. His results speak for themselves: Equitable Mediation Services maintains a 98% case resolution rate, significantly higher than the industry average of 70%.
Jeremy Axel
Host
Jeremy Axel
Host
Founder and sales manager of Fluent Conveyors, brings over 10 years of experience transforming the conveyor industry with innovative design, exceptional service, and strong dealer partnerships. Serving sectors like recycling, agriculture, and packaging, he delivers custom solutions that enhance efficiency and profitability. Known for his strategic relationship-building and customer-focused approach, Jeremy has earned top honors such as Sales Rep of the Year and President’s Club, reflecting his ongoing commitment to growth and industry leadership.
