The Rise of CLG Transportation

In the unpredictable, always-on world of freight logistics, success often belongs to those willing to take risks, outwork the competition, and stay calm when the pressure mounts. For CLG Transportation co-founders Michael Durbin and Michael McQuary, that entrepreneurial journey began long before their first truck ever hit the road. Their paths crossed early in their logistics careers, carpooling to work and exchanging ideas during long commutes. Those conversations planted the seeds for what would eventually become CLG Transportation, an organization grounded in ambition, resilience, and a desire to reshape how transportation companies serve their customers.

The road to launching CLG was anything but conventional. Before they ever purchased a truck, the two found themselves running a small wholesale distribution operation across the Southeast; an unexpected pivot that tested their grit and forced them to adapt quickly. That experience, though far from what they originally envisioned, shaped their entrepreneurial mindset. As Durbin put it, “When you realize you do not have any other choice but to figure it out, fear disappears. The excitement of building something outweighed everything else.”

From that turning point, they leaned into what they knew: trucking and freight. They bought their first truck, hired their first driver, and in 2014 launched the asset-based division that would become the backbone of CLG Transportation.

A Journey from Grit and Risk-Taking

Both founders credit their entrepreneurial spirit to their upbringing. Durbin grew up watching his father run a dance studio and learning the power of hard work. McQuary’s father was a serial entrepreneur who exposed him to the realities, risks, and rewards of building a business. Those influences shaped their belief that entrepreneurship requires equal parts courage and naivety, a willingness to ignore the fear of failure and commit fully to the work ahead.

Their early years in business were defined not by perfect planning, but by long nights, relentless persistence, and the conviction that they could deliver a better experience than the companies they had worked for. McQuary describes the journey best: “You must be a little crazy to do this. But the dream of creating something of your own is worth every tough night.”

A People-First Philosophy

From day one, CLG’s success has been driven by its people. Both founders speak with deep admiration for their team whether it is their Chicago brokerage staff, their Jacksonville operations center, their remote employees, or their overseas support team that keeps the phones answered 24/7. Over the years, CLG has been built by individuals who bring grit, ownership, and pride to the work they do.

Key leaders such as Chris, their Director of Operations, and Kelley, their Director of Safety and HR, have become pillars of the organization. Durbin describes their impact as transformative. “People like Kelley, Chris, and Meredith have changed all our lives. They took on every challenge and helped us build the foundation we stand on today.”

That sense of shared purpose extends across CLG’s culture. Employees celebrate each other’s wins, lean in during busy seasons, and rally together when problems arise. Whether it is office traditions, late-night coverage, or camaraderie built during high-pressure weeks, the team’s unity has become a defining characteristic of the company.

Dedicated and Driven to Deliver

CLG’s mission is captured in a simple but enduring slogan: Dedicated and Driven to Deliver. Born during the founders’ early casket-delivery days, the phrase embodies the mindset that now shapes every part of the company proactive service, relentless execution, and complete ownership of customer outcomes.

In an industry where customer service often falls victim to automation and volume, CLG has positioned itself differently. The company does not merely move freight; it strives to become a true partner and advisor. Durbin frequently fields calls from customers making strategic supply chain decisions, from warehouse placement to network optimization. Those conversations are the result of trust built through years of delivering every promise and solving problems before customers see them.

One concept both founders emphasize is “proactive paranoia.” If there is a possibility something could go wrong, weather delays, early deliveries, appointment issues, they want to be the first to know about it and the first to present a solution. “We meet every potential negative with a positive,” McQuary explained. “If a problem appears, we show up with the fix already in hand.”

Innovating for Efficiency

CLG’s growth has been fueled by its willingness to evolve. Over the past several years, the founders have implemented new technology, improved internal processes, and built systems that reduce manual work and increase visibility. Their overseas operations team has become a vital part of that transformation, offering round-the-clock support that allows CLG’s U.S. staff to focus on higher-level problem solving.

McQuary, once overwhelmed by constant late-night driver calls, now proudly notes that their overnight call volume has dropped dramatically thanks to their support team. Only the most complex issues reach leadership proof that their systems are working exactly as intended.

Their approach to systems-building is simple: when a problem arises, fix it immediately, then rebuild the process to prevent it from recurring. It is a philosophy rooted in resilience, creativity, and an unwavering desire to serve customers better each day.

Community at the Core

As CLG has grown, the founders have made a point to expand their impact beyond the business. Their employees regularly participate in charity initiatives ranging from suicide prevention walks to holiday food and toy drives. By encouraging their team to engage with the community, the company has strengthened not only its culture but its sense of purpose.

CLG also maintains relationships with educational institutions, including the University of North Florida’s transportation and logistics program, to support industry growth and provide pathways for emerging talent.

Looking Ahead

CLG Transportation has achieved double-digit growth in nearly every year of its existence, including years of exceptional expansion and a strong rebound after the market contraction of 2023. The founders expect the years ahead to bring continued growth fueled by strategic customer relationships, operational improvements, and investments in technology that help their team work more effectively.

A planned office expansion in 2026 marks the next major milestone, a symbol of the company’s confidence in its future and its commitment to building a world-class logistics operation.

Industry Recognition and Milestones

CLG’s trajectory over the past decade has not only fueled expansion but has also drawn national attention. The company earned a place on the Inc. 5000 list in both 2021 and 2022, a testament to its sustained growth and the strength of its operational foundation during some of the most volatile years in modern transportation. That same year, CLG was honored as Blue Triton Brands’ Southeast Region New Carrier of the Year, recognition that underscored the team’s reliability, responsiveness, and ability to consistently deliver for one of the largest beverage suppliers in the world. These milestones serve as meaningful validation for the founders and their team; evidence that the long nights, evolving systems, and unwavering commitment to customers have positioned CLG as a standout performer in a fiercely competitive industry.

The Meaning of Being Honored by GrowFL

For Durbin and McQuary, being recognized as a GrowFL honoree represents more than external validation; it is a moment to pause and reflect on years of sacrifice and hard work. “Entrepreneurship is one of the most thankless jobs,” Durbin shared. “This kind of recognition fills your tank. It reminds you that you are doing what you are supposed to be doing.”

McQuary echoed the sentiment, describing the honor as confirmation that the challenges they survived and the principles, they held onto were worth it.

Wisdom for the Next Generation

Both founders offer candid advice for emerging entrepreneurs:

Be willing to be uncomfortable. Listen more than you speak. Take risks even when the path ahead is unclear. And above all, put in the work required to become the best at what you do. Success, they insist, is built through consistency, learning from failure, and never backing down when challenges arise.

As Durbin put it, echoing a phrase that has guided him for years: “Scared money doesn’t make money.”

About GrowFL’s Programs

GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch (FLCTW)

The Florida Companies to Watch program, hosted annually by GrowFL, celebrates top second-stage companies across the state for their impressive growth and entrepreneurial success. This prestigious program recognizes 50 standout businesses each year, chosen from hundreds of nominees. Honorees are celebrated for their innovation, economic impact on Florida’s economy, and the ability to scale effectively. Through FLCTW, GrowFL not only acknowledges these companies’ achievements but also brings them into a spotlight that enhances their visibility in the marketplace. The event offers an extraordinary opportunity for networking, sharing best practices, and gaining exposure to potential investors and partners, making it a cornerstone for fostering business growth and recognition within Florida’s vibrant business community.