We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ronald Akbar. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ronald below.

Ronald, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

One of the biggest risks I took was leaving a stable job in healthcare to start my own transportation business. It was a leap into the unknown, fueled by passion but riddled with uncertainty.

The Backstory:

For years, I worked in the healthcare field—a career that offered steady income, benefits, and job security. But deep down, I always had a love for vehicles and driving. A family friend who owned a semi-truck had once sparked my interest in transportation, and the thought of running my own business never left my mind.

Then came the moment when I had to decide: stay comfortable or take the leap? The thought of leaving behind a secure paycheck and benefits was terrifying. I had bills to pay, responsibilities to manage, and no clear roadmap ahead. But I also knew that if I didn’t take the risk, I’d always wonder “What if?”

Taking the Leap:

In 2022, I finally made the decision—I left my healthcare job and became an independent contractor for a third-party broker in Vandalia, OH. This was my first real step into the transportation world. Instead of earning a salary, I was now in charge of my own income, finding work, and managing expenses.

To start, I invested in a cargo van—a major financial risk. This wasn’t just a casual side hustle; it was real money on the line. I drained a portion of my savings and took on financial responsibility that, if it failed, could have set me back significantly. Unlike a regular job, there were no guarantees. If I didn’t get deliveries, I didn’t get paid.

The Struggles & Uncertainties:

At first, the uncertainty was overwhelming.

Some weeks were great; others were painfully slow.
Gas prices, maintenance costs, and unexpected repairs ate into my profits.
I had to learn everything from scratch—how to manage logistics, secure contracts, and keep the business running.
There were moments of doubt where I asked myself, “Did I make a huge mistake?” I saw peers with steady jobs climbing their career ladders while I was hustling daily, unsure of what each week would bring.

How It Turned Out:

Despite the struggles, I stayed persistent. I learned to navigate the transportation industry, built relationships, and slowly started growing. That single cargo van turned into D-Line Courier Service, a business that’s still growing and evolving.

The risk I took led to something greater than I imagined. It wasn’t just about starting a business—it was about betting on myself, embracing uncertainty, and pushing through discomfort to build something of my own. The financial strain, sleepless nights, and personal sacrifices were all part of the journey.

The Lesson:

Taking a risk doesn’t mean you won’t feel fear—it means you act despite it. The biggest lesson I learned is that calculated risks lead to growth. If I hadn’t taken that step, I would still be in a job I didn’t love, wondering “What if?”

Now, I get to share my journey with others who are considering taking their own leaps of faith. And if my story proves anything, it’s this: betting on yourself is always worth it!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

D-Line Courier Service, was founded in November 2022. The business journey began when I transitioned from working for a healthcare provider to becoming an independent contractor for a third-party broker in Vandalia, OH. I decided to bet on myself, and to take advantage of a growing industry with plenty of growth potential. I purchased a cargo van to make deliveries, with the goal of building a fleet and establishing my own niche. My inspiration came from a family friend who owned a semi-truck when I was a kid, which sparked my love for vehicles and driving.

D-Line focuses on providing same day, cost-effective, delivery solutions for business and individuals. We attempt to make the every day product flow from B2B and B2C customers, move as easy and effective as possible. While I continue to partner with the broker company, D-Line is my own, and every mile feels like a step closer to the vision I had as a young child.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

For many, the open road symbolizes freedom. For me, that freedom became real two years ago when I transitioned from my role in healthcare to pursue a dream I had long envisioned—owning my own transportation business.

The journey wasn’t without risk. Initially, funding my business venture required a leap of faith. With limited capital, I had to be strategic about every dollar spent. I started small, using my personal savings to purchase my first cargo van. Instead of immediately hiring a team or expanding too quickly, I focused on making deliveries for a third-party broker house in Vandalia, OH. This partnership allowed me to generate steady income while learning the ins and outs of the industry. I also began a mentor relationship within the Urban League, which allowed me to become eligible for a $5000 small business grant. Together with these funds and the capitol I used from my personal savings, I now operate as my own business. The road ahead is filled with opportunities, and with each delivery, I’m building the future I once only dreamed of.

How did you build your audience on social media?

For many, the open road symbolizes freedom. For me, that freedom became real two years ago when I transitioned from my role in healthcare to pursue my dream of owning a transportation business. But in today’s world, running a successful business isn’t just about moving freight efficiently—it’s also about being visible, accessible, and connected.

Building an Online and Social Media Presence
When I founded D-Line Courier Service in November 2022, I knew that having an online presence would be just as important as having a reliable vehicle fleet. Word of mouth and broker partnerships helped me establish a foundation, but I wanted to reach beyond my immediate network and position D-Line as a trusted brand in the transportation and logistics industry.

I started by building a website that highlighted my services, service areas, and company mission. The goal was to create a space where potential clients could learn about D-Line, request quotes, and contact me directly. A professional yet straightforward design helped make it easy to navigate, while testimonials from satisfied customers added credibility.

But in today’s fast-paced digital world, social media plays a crucial role in brand awareness. I created business profiles on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, using these platforms to:

Showcase my journey – Sharing my transition from an independent contractor to a business owner helped others relate to my story.
Highlight services and availability – Regular posts about delivery capabilities, service areas, and company updates ensured potential customers knew how to work with D-Line.
Engage with my audience – Responding to inquiries, sharing behind-the-scenes content, and celebrating milestones helped humanize the brand.
Network with industry professionals – LinkedIn became a key platform for connecting with other business owners, potential clients, and logistics professionals.
Additionally, I leveraged Google My Business to improve local search visibility, making it easier for companies and individuals in need of transportation services to find me online.

By strategically using digital marketing, I’ve been able to expand D-Line Courier Service’s reach beyond Ohio, attract new business opportunities, and establish a strong foundation for future growth. The road ahead is still long, but one thing is certain: building an online presence has been just as crucial as building my fleet.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dlinecourierservice.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d_linecs
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564481624272#
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronald-akbar-b1278652
• Twitter: D-Line @MrBiGG27
• Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/biz_info/VCrBctN1U3vnuOCs9FkoEA

Image Credits

Ricardo Alexander- Business mentor