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Trevor Outman
CEO of TKO Capital | Chairman & Co-founder of Active Insights
Professional Background
Trevor Outman is a visionary entrepreneur with a wealth of experience in building successful companies and driving meaningful social impact. As the Founder of Shipware, Trevor has made significant strides in the logistics and cost management landscape, helping organizations streamline their shipping processes while significantly reducing costs. Under his stewardship, Shipware evolved from its humble beginnings in a garage to achieving a remarkable nine-figure exit, showcasing Trevor's acute understanding of business dynamics and operational efficiency.
Notably, Trevor’s strategic leadership saw Shipware recognized among the Inc. 5000 and the San Diego Business Journal’s Fastest Growing Companies lists over multiple consecutive years. These accolades affirm Trevor's impact on the industry, emphasizing his abilities not just to grow a business but to create a vibrant workplace culture. His remarkable commitment to fostering a supportive environment earned Shipware the titles of one of America’s Best Places to Work and San Diego’s Best Places to Work as recognized by Inc. and SDBJ, respectively.
Education and Achievements
Trevor's educational journey began at Oral Roberts University, where he equipped himself with the foundational skills necessary for success in business. After completing his studies, he proudly served his country in the military, a role that undoubtedly shaped his character and leadership style. This unique background laid the groundwork for his future endeavors as a forward-thinking entrepreneur.
Following his military service, Trevor pursued an MBA, which complemented his practical experience with essential business knowledge. After graduating, Trevor founded Shipware, where he cultivated a culture of continuous improvement and grit, underpinning the organization's successes. His ability to build high-performing teams and a mission-driven workplace has positioned him as a respected leader in the entrepreneurial community. Recognizing his achievements, Trevor was honored with the prestigious title of San Diego Business Journal’s CEO of the Year.
Leadership Transition and New Ventures
In 2021, after successfully guiding Shipware through a substantial exit, Trevor transitioned the company into a new phase. Even after Shipware's acquisition, he continued to lead as CEO while also taking on the role of President of the larger platform, where he focused on mergers and acquisitions. Trevor effectively implemented a strong succession plan at the beginning of 2023, allowing him to pivot into an advisory and board member role, which enabled him to continue contributing to the company's legacy and operational success.
Post-exit, Trevor launched TKO Capital, aligning his investment strategies with a dual mission of achieving outsized financial returns alongside significant social impact. This approach emphasizes Trevor's commitment to building businesses that matter, not just in terms of profit but also in the positive change they bring to the community. TKO Capital provides more than just financial investment; it offers hands-on support to businesses seeking to enhance their operations and grow strategically, cementing Trevor's reputation as a dedicated mentor and investor.
Community Involvement and Philanthropy
Trevor’s passion for giving back extends far beyond mere business dealings. He actively participates in several charitable organizations, including serving on the board of Make-A-Wish, TerraMica, and PropelPotential. These organizations reflect Trevor's dedication to transforming lives and making a lasting impact both locally and globally. His extensive involvement in these charities underscores his belief in the power of purpose-driven initiatives and their ability to drive positive change.
Through his engagements, Trevor aims to inspire the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs to think not just about profit but about making a meaningful difference in their communities. His holistic view of success promotes the idea that businesses should be catalysts for social good, a philosophy that he cultivates within TKO Capital and beyond.
Highlights
Not all will agree w/ me. Unionized UPS employees are within strike-ing distance. 2 weeks out! UPS sent an email to their customers today preparing them for the potentiality. And yesterday, concerns amongst unionized UPS employees surfaced during the Q&A portion of a live webinar with Sean O’Brien, Pres of Teamsters (UPS Union) as their 97% approval vote to strike becomes a reality.
There’s been no progress since both sides walked away, lots of finger pointing though. If a deal is going to be reached by the Aug 1 deadline the union needs time to review, vote (although everyone will vote from home) and ratify the terms which essentially makes this week the final week for meaningful progress. Next week will have UPS scrambling to prep for a strike while their negotiation team will likely throw Hail-Marys to avoid the disaster.
No one wants a strike; except maybe O’Brien and company. He maintains that this is a “fight” and continues that the union is unwilling to bend. We all know that every good negotiation has compromise from both sides; the teamsters are displaying none. From day 1, the rhetoric from the teamsters have led me to believe that they might see this as something larger than a Teamsters v UPS disagreement; but rather a greater opportunity such as a recruitment campaign to attract other large workforces like the Amazon laborers. All indications continue to support this belief.
A strike is the strongest display of force in what the teamsters will categorize as a David v Goliath battle. Once terms are agreed to, no matter what they are, victory will be claimed and the teamsters will have their marketing fodder. A strike serves one group of people well and one group alone: the teamsters.
Meanwhile; customers, UPS employees (unionized and not) and their families, UPS stakeholders and shareholders, businesses of all sizes and their respective employees, and the US economy as a whole will all suffer. A strike is unnecessary and should be avoided at all reasonable and meaningful costs. Both sides need to get back to the negotiation table. ASAP!
