Episode Details
May 16, 2025
32 minutes
- The Overqualification Trap – Doug and Jeremy examine why so many educated workers feel stuck and undervalued, and how degrees alone no longer guarantee meaningful employment.
- Experience > Education? – They dive into how companies today are prioritizing real-world skills over academic credentials, and how job seekers can adapt to that shift.
- The Illusion of the Perfect Path – Many people never end up working in the field they studied. The hosts challenge the traditional belief that education equals career success.
- Hands-On Hiring – Jeremy explains why he favors skill-based hiring at Fluent Conveyors, using practical tests to evaluate true capability beyond the resume.
- Modern Exploitation in the Workplace – They discuss how organizational structures can exploit workers, especially in sales roles, by enforcing excessive control and limiting earning potential.
- Pushing for Growth – Doug and Jeremy share how empowering employees and maintaining transparent communication leads to better performance and long-term loyalty.
Featured Quotes
"Degrees don’t tell me what you can do—your actions do. That’s why we test skills first. The resume is just the introduction."
Jeremy Axel
"Empowered employees outperform controlled ones. If you're not creating space for people to grow, you’re capping their potential—and your company’s too."
Doug Cox
Episode Transcript And Overview
In this episode of Never in Reverse, Doug and Jeremy pull back the curtain on why people with advanced degrees and impressive résumés often find themselves underpaid—or even unemployed. They explore the rising importance of experience over education, and why relying too heavily on credentials can lead to professional stagnation. From hiring practices at Fluent Conveyors to broader industry trends, the hosts offer a candid look at how the workforce is evolving and how job seekers can position themselves for success. They also tackle the blurry line between structure and exploitation, especially in environments that undervalue autonomy and growth. Whether you're starting your career or reevaluating your value, this episode will help you rethink how to prove your worth in today’s job market.
Timeline Notes
Introduction
Today’s episode will focus on how people become overqualified and underpaid. Jeremy terms this problem the “over qualification trap,” and he says it has a lot to do with higher education paths people go down.
Employers are growing tired of applicants presenting a degree as the key piece of evidence that they deserve a job. You have to work your way up, and work experience is becoming much more important as a result.
Most people who get their higher education in a field do not go into a career in that field.
When possible, Jeremy likes to test applicants on skills through hands-on skill testing. This allows him to look past resumes and learn who his candidates are.
Fluent Conveyors is a very transparent organization. Jeremy shares his plans for the company’s future with his teams and looks for feedback from all of his employees.
Barriers to entry, income limits, and hierarchies can be used to exploit salespeople. Some companies put their sales teams in a box by demanding an unnecessary level of control over them.
Environments that do not push their teams do not allow their team members to grow. Organizations that recognize the talent they have hired push their staff to perform at their best.
Notable Guests
Jeremy Axel
Founder
Jeremy Axel
Founder
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.
