The Rural Dispatch
Welcome to The Rural Dispatch, the podcast that delivers honest conversations from the fields, the highways, and the home front.
I'm your host, Aly Behrens - headquartered in rural Iowa, I help run a trucking company that specializes in hauling livestock nationwide.
I was born and raised in small-town-Iowa and I’m passionate about rural communities and the people who help them thrive. Since becoming a mom, I’ve taken a step away from my own career in finance and into a behind the scenes role in our second-generation family business. I’m proud to help continue the legacy of hard work and dedication that built this business. I’m building a life with a multi-faceted business owner who also holds the title of truck driver, cattle feeder and dispatcher, all while we both work together to manage office operations, oversee business development, and bring the next generation along to show them the ropes, just like their grandpa did with their dad.
If you’re anything like us, you wear a lot of hats in your operation. This podcast is for people like you: hardworking men and women in the rural trucking, livestock and business communities who are juggling all the things every day. Whether it’s running loads, managing a herd, staying compliant, or handling the bookkeeping, we know the challenges you face because we’ve lived them.
In our weekly episodes, I’ll bring you a mix of my own experiences as I navigate the ins and outs of these industries, stories with my better half, Smoke about the lessons we’ve learned throughout our time in this business, and interviews with experts who tackle the pain points we all probably face at one time or another. From trucking to livestock production to rural entrepreneurship, this show is here to equip you with the tools, resources and a supportive community to help you thrive.
Whether you’re in the cab of a truck, out checking cattle, or sitting at your kitchen table, we hope you’ll tune in and find value in conversations that speak your language. No matter your role in the industry, there’s something for everyone here.
Buckle up, friends, there's lots to come. If you enjoy an episode, it would mean the world to us if you would share it with a friend. Keep up with us between episodes on our socials, at Behrens and Co., or subscribe to our email list on our website to receive new episodes directly to your inbox every Wednesday. Thanks for being here. We'll talk soon.
The Rural Dispatch
Master of Trades: Mark Toms on Trucking, Coyotes, and Hard Work
In this episode of The Rural Dispatch, I’m joined Smoke and guest Mark Toms—a man of many talents and endless stories. Mark takes us on a journey through his career, starting with how he got into the trucking industry and the unique challenges of pulling a tanker compared to hauling livestock.
We also dive into his passion for protecting livestock from predators, specifically his experience as an avid coyote hunter. Mark shares his knowledge about keeping livestock safe and why this role is so important for rural communities.
But Mark’s story doesn’t stop at trucking. He also runs a truck and tank wash and has built a side hustle in drywalling that has grown into an impressive business. We chat about how he got his start in this industry, how it’s evolved over the years, and how he juggles it all.
The episode wraps up with a meaningful discussion on work ethic—what it takes to succeed in multiple industries and how grit and determination have been central to Mark’s journey.
Tune in for an inspiring and engaging conversation about rural life, hard work, and making the most out of every opportunity.
Our hat giveaway ends March 31, 2025. Leave a rating and review to be entered for your chance to win!
Resources & Links:
Follow Mark on Facebook
High-Quality Hunting & Outdoor Gear Company – Life is Now Outdoors LLC
This episode is sponsored by Jefferson Monument Works in Jefferson, Iowa.
Crafting custom granite memorials, markers, vases, and more — all designed and engraved in-house with care and craftsmanship since 1947.
Learn more at jeffersonmonumentworks.com or call 515-386-2652.
Because some stories are meant to be set in stone.
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