eCom Logistics Podcast

Edson Greenwood is a seasoned professional with a distinguished background in leadership and strategic management. Edson graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2003, where he developed a strong foundation in discipline and integrity. Following his military service, in 2012, he earned his MBA from NYU Stern School of Business. Edson has held key positions at prestigious organizations, including impactful roles at The Blackstone Group and Palantir Technologies, where he played pivotal roles in business operations and strategy. Currently Edson is the Chief Operating Officer at Anvyl Inc., a leading software startup. In this role, he leverages his extensive experience to oversee operational functions and drive the company's growth trajectory. Edson continues to make significant contributions to the corporate landscape, embodying the principles of dedication, innovation, and strategic vision. SHOW SUMMARY In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Dan Coll interviews Edson Greenwood, COO of Anvyl, at Manifest 2024 to discuss the current landscape of eCommerce logistics. They delve into emerging trends, challenges, and the evolving role of technology in supply chain management. From inventory management to supplier communications, they explore key areas of focus for businesses in 2024. HIGHLIGHTS [00:00:23] Trends in technology investment: 74% of respondents are likely to invest in technology in 2024, focusing on inventory management, supplier communications, and production management. [00:01:54] Shift towards offshoring and nearshoring: Companies are exploring production partners in South America, Mexico, and North America amid concerns and disruptions in traditional manufacturing hubs like China. [00:02:54] Importance of production management: As businesses grapple with supply chain complexities, there's a growing realization of the critical role of production management in ensuring overall operational success. [00:05:32] Challenges in technology adoption: Suppliers face hurdles in adopting new tools, emphasizing the need for user-friendly solutions that integrate seamlessly into existing workflows. [00:10:26] Market research insights: Survey results indicate a heightened focus on technology adoption, with inventory management emerging as a top priority for retail brands. QUOTES [00:00:23] "A lot of those responses were focused on three main areas, which were inventory management still, supplier communications, and production management." [00:02:54] "Everyone was focused on inventory or was focused on logistics and, understandably But I think there's been a lot of effort put into those areas that are now bringing people back to the point where, Hey, if there's problems with my orders, all this other stuff is gonna be wrong, too." Find out more about Edson Greenwood in the link below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edson-greenwood-415ba9b/ Anvyl Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@anvyl

Andreas Andrea is a seasoned supply chain and logistics professional with extensive experience in the industry. He began his career at McMaster-Carr Supply Company, an industrial supply company known for its efficient operations and same-day delivery capabilities. Andreas then worked at Vans, where he gained valuable experience in warehouse management and global supply chain operations. He later joined FabFitFun, an e-commerce company, where he played a crucial role in navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and implementing strategies to ensure smooth logistics operations. Currently, Andreas works at Murad, a skincare company in the Unilever Prestige group, where he oversees the logistics, warehousing, inventory, and order management teams. SHOW SUMMARY In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Andreas Andrea shares his journey in the supply chain and logistics industry, highlighting his experiences at various companies and the lessons he learned along the way. He discusses the importance of understanding the end-to-end supply chain and the role of technology in optimizing operations. Andreas also emphasizes the need for resilience and contingency planning in the face of carrier failures and the challenges posed by seasonal e-commerce shipping. He provides insights into his role at FabFitFun during the COVID-19 pandemic and the strategies implemented to diversify carriers and ensure successful peak season operations. Andreas concludes by discussing the significance of effective communication and collaboration between brands and 3PL partners. HIGHLIGHTS [00:00:00] Introduction to the podcast and guest, Andreas Andrea [00:08:33] Taking a risk on a small regional carrier that ultimately failed [00:10:19] Starting the direct import program at FabFitFun [00:13:25] Delays in delivery during winter 2020 due to carrier issues [00:15:41] Developed reporting to track carrier performance and hub backups [00:17:09] Successfully managed carrier failures during peak season [00:20:18] Bala Bangles experienced a surge in demand during COVID [00:32:04] Importance of assessing logistics partners in light of their failures QUOTES [00:00:26] "Logistics partners will always fail. That is a fact of life. Your carrier, your three tier. Any other partner that you're working with will always fail." [00:30:09] "Your carrier, your 3PL, and any other partner they are working with will always fail. Your job is to judge them and assess them in light of that failure." [00:34:47] "You have to really manage and let them know that failure happens and they have to be comfortable with the fact that there will be a failure." Find out more about Andreas Andrea in the link below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreasandrea/

Tom Schmitt is a seasoned executive renowned for his transformative leadership in the logistics and supply chain industry. As President, Chairman, and CEO of Forward Air Corporation, he propelled the company to new heights, steering a $2 billion premium expedited ground transportation firm listed on Nasdaq. With a focus on strategic growth and fostering a strong organizational culture, Tom left a lasting impact during his tenure from September 2018 to the present. Before Forward Air, he held influential positions at Schenker AG, where he achieved remarkable milestones in contract logistics. Beyond the logistics realm, Tom served as a Non-Executive Director at Ferguson plc and contributed to various board roles. Renowned for his global perspective and expertise in international expansion, Tom's leadership has been recognized with prestigious awards. His diverse career, including roles at Purolator and FedEx Corporation, reflects his commitment to excellence and innovation. A published author and respected speaker, Tom's strategic insights and civic engagement continue to shape industries and communities alike. SHOW SUMMARY In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Dan Coll and co-host Ninaad Acharya interview Tom Schmitt, a true legend in the logistics space. Tom shares his fascinating journey from Germany to leading some of the most recognizable companies in North America. He discusses the importance of values, confidence, and commitment in his upbringing and how they shaped his leadership style. Tom also emphasizes the significance of adding value, being clear in communication, and leaving a place better than you found it. He shares insights on the evolving principles of leadership and the importance of being adaptable and continuously learning. The episode concludes with Tom discussing the challenges faced by Forward Air, including the impact of COVID-19, a cyber attack, and an activist shareholder, and how the company overcame these obstacles. HIGHLIGHTS [00:03:30] Tom Schmitt shares his immigration story from Germany to the US [00:08:17] Tom's management experience at BP and lessons learned [00:15:06] The importance of embodying a culture and purpose in leadership. [00:16:11] Luck is when preparedness meets opportunity. [00:20:38] The value of not getting lost in multiple priorities and keeping the main thing. [00:23:39] The question "What would have to be true?" to challenge assumptions and explore possibilities. [00:37:40] Leadership failure due to putting an unqualified person in charge. [00:40:05] Challenges faced during the Omni logistics situation and cyber attack. QUOTES [00:08:41] "Position power is not what you should be leaning on. You should be leaning on adding value." [00:18:17] "When you make commitments, you do everything possible to keep those commitments." [00:23:39] "You need to be compelling, not complete." [00:28:32] "Leave a place better than you found it." Find out more about Tom Schmitt in the link below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tschmitt1965/

Kinta Gates is the Vice President of Supply Chain and Operations at Glossier Inc., where she leads the company's global operations and supply chain strategies. With a career spanning several key roles in the beauty and food industries, Kinta has established herself as a leader in operational excellence, strategic planning, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Before her tenure at Glossier, Kinta made significant contributions to Thrive Causemetics Inc. as a Senior Director, where she excelled in enhancing supply chain operations and implementing strategic DEI plans. Kinta's professional journey includes impactful positions at notable companies such as Mars. Her achievements include developing business-specific integrated planning processes, overseeing fulfillment network expansion projects, and leading supplier performance management. Kinta has been recognized for her leadership in DEI, being honored by the Positive Results Corporation and named one of the “50 Phenomenal Black Women Engineers” by the Los Angeles Council of Black Professional Engineers. SHOW SUMMARY In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Kinta Gates shares her journey in the logistics space and provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in the industry. She discusses the importance of leadership in supply chain, the impact of cost pressures on supply chain operations, and the role of technology, particularly AI, in optimizing supply chain processes. Kinta also offers advice for brands looking to expand into physical retail and emphasizes the need for collaboration and understanding across different functions within an organization. HIGHLIGHTS [00:03:06] Kinta's journey in the logistics space [00:11:08] The importance of practical experience in supply chain leadership [00:15:31] Chief supply chain officers being tapped for CEO positions [00:16:39] Supply chain becoming more recognized and appreciated [00:19:30] The tripled importance of supply chain in delivering customer value [00:21:29] The need for supply chain to be involved in decision-making and enhancing customer experience [00:23:04] The pressure on companies to optimize their supply chains [00:25:46] The excitement about AI and machine learning in supply chain [00:27:08] The goal of becoming responsive rather than reactive in supply chain [00:29:37] The need for supply chain professionals to educate others [00:32:56] The power of the human component in supply chain [00:38:08] Lessons learned and advice for brands expanding into physical retail QUOTES [00:00:25] "The human component of supply chain is just as powerful as any system or any process. That's the magic." [00:09:51] "There's so much value in knowing what that feels like from both sides. From being within the working team and being a functional leader of an organization." [00:21:29] "Leave space for it to absolutely rock your world. Leave space for this to absolutely disrupt your supply chain." Find out more about Kinta Gates in the link below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kintacgates/ TAGS Ninaad Acharya, Dan Coll, eCom Logistics Podcast, Fulfillment IQ, Kinta Gates, eCom Logistics Nation, eCommerce logistics insights, trends, successes, challenges, leaders, innovators, supply chain, operations, Glossier, global operations, supply chain strategies, beauty, food industries, operational excellence, strategic planning, DEI initiatives, Thrive Cosmetics, senior director, supply chain operations, strategic DEI plans, positive results corporation, 50 phenomenal black women engineers, LA council of black professional engineers, inventory analyst, Nortel network, co-op program, telecom, demand planning, forecast analyst, retail, inventory management, Mars, leadership, systems, technology, AI, machine learning, data, CFO, CCO, customer experience, physical retail expansion, lessons learned, advice, retail compliance, supply chain talent, LinkedIn, engage, connect, coffee, eCom Logistics Podcast, genuine insights, supply chain journey, 3PLs, VCs, 5 star rating, feedback, Fulfillment IQ, logistics, eCommerce, practical insights, Google

A supply chain and operations leader, Marcus Chung has worked at both large, established retailers and smaller startups. His experience spans brick-and-mortar stores, direct-to-consumer e-commerce and wholesale distribution. Marcus's career has focused on delivering value through strategic supply chain management. He has led global teams to drive exceptional product quality, cost and delivery results, while also engaging with the broader apparel industry to drive sustainability and protect garment workers' rights in the supply chain. Marcus earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from Wesleyan University and an MBA from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. He served as a Trustee for Wesleyan University and served two terms on the board of directors for Net Impact, a non-profit organization whose mission is to mobilize a new generation to use their careers to drive transformational change in their workplaces and the world. SHOW SUMMARY In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, join Dan Coll in this insightful episode as he sits down with Marcus Chung, COO of Coyuchi, a premium bedding and bath brand deeply committed to sustainability. Recorded at the Manifest conference in Las Vegas, Marcus shares Coyuchi's journey towards decarbonization and achieving net zero goals by 2050. From understanding the interconnected global supply chain to implementing innovative circular economy practices, this episode delves into the challenges and triumphs of making e-commerce logistics more sustainable HIGHLIGHTS [00:00:24] Consumers today are more globally aware and pose questions about brands' impact on the planet, driving a shift towards sustainability. [00:01:32] Marcus introduces Coyuchi, a brand focused on building an organic supply chain rooted in sustainability for over 30 years. [00:03:31] Marcus reflects on the evolution of sustainability in his 20-year career, from social responsibility to a broader focus on environmental impact. [00:05:27] The younger generation's increasing awareness of global supply chains influences their purchasing decisions, pushing brands towards sustainability. [00:09:13] Engaging manufacturers and suppliers in clean energy discussions as a meaningful way for brands to reduce their carbon footprint. [00:09:52] European brands are leading the sustainability agenda, while vendors worldwide are open to sustainability initiatives due to consumer expectations. [00:16:51] The economics of recycling and remanufacturing. [00:19:36] Marcus advises starting small and piloting sustainability initiatives, emphasizing the importance of intentional and measured efforts. QUOTES [00:04:38] "Consumers are more savvy... too many people really understand what meaningful action looks like." [00:08:35] "Collaboration with your suppliers, having the conversation, asking the questions... has a huge impact." [00:15:17] "We call it the Full Circle Blanket... using our own recycled product to make brand new Coyuchi product out of it." Find out more about Marcus Chung in the link below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusbchung/

Jeff Wolpov is senior vice president of e-commerce for Ryder E-commerce by Whiplash at Ryder System, Inc., a leading supply chain solutions, dedicated transportation, and commercial fleet management company. Jeff is responsible for leading the vision and strategy for Ryder’s e-commerce and omnichannel fulfillment solutions, driving business expansion, and achieving revenue growth. Most recently, Jeff was CEO of Whiplash—formerly Port Logistics Group—where he led the company to year-over-year revenue growth of nearly 30%. In January of 2022, Whiplash was acquired by Ryder System, Inc. Prior to that, Jeff was founder and CEO of Distribution Solutions, which he grew from a startup business to a $50M regional logistics firm that served as the platform company for Whiplash. SHOW SUMMARY In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Dan Coll is joined by Jeff Wolpov to share his fascinating journey from growing up in a warehouse to leading a company at the forefront of e-commerce logistics. Explore insights into the changing landscape of returns, the impact of evolving retail trends, and the significance of customer experience in today's market. HIGHLIGHTS [00:10:14] The story of the Whiplash acquisition and the evolution towards e-commerce focus. [00:12:30] The strategic partnership with Ryder and the transformation of the business. [00:17:52] The impact of COVID-19 on the distribution business and the shift to e-commerce dominance. [00:19:35] The importance of customer retention in today's market and the challenges of customer acquisition costs. [00:23:04] The definition of omnichannel as allowing customers to buy goods in various ways to meet their preferences. QUOTES [00:08:27] "The only thing that's constant is change. We've seen some incredible changes." [00:14:26] "Today, our supply chain business is a bigger entity than our truck leasing and maintenance business." [00:19:15] "Brand experience is much more than just packaging. It's the touch points, it's the visibility to the shipment, it's the tracking." Find out more about Jeff Wolpov in the link below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-wolpov-0bbb70173/

With over 20 years of experience in eCommerce technologies, Peter Sheldon is a recognized industry leader and former VP and Principal Analyst at Forrester Research. He has helped numerous eCommerce executives and brands to challenge their thinking and lead change in their digital transformation and commerce technology programs. As the SVP Strategy and Growth at Maergo, Peter sets the strategic vision and drives the market expansion for a first-of-its-kind parcel delivery platform, purpose-built for branded direct-to-consumer delivery. He leverages his deep expertise and network in eCommerce platforms, mobile commerce, content management, payment systems, and supply chain technologies to create innovative solutions and partnerships that disrupt the incumbent carriers and empower the largest and fastest growing brands to increase sales and customer satisfaction. Peter is passionate about delivering exceptional customer experiences and enabling the future of eCommerce. Harshida Acharya, Partner and CSO at Fulfillment IQ, has played a significant role in the company's multi-million-dollar growth. She is recognized as a top eCom Influencer by Shopify. Her expert insights have been published in Forbes, Industry Dive, and Supply Chain and Demand Executive, to name a few. Harshida wears multiple hats. She's also the creator and producer of the eCom Logistics Podcast, a podcast ranked amongst the top 5% globally and is one of the most shared business podcasts of all times. She is also actively involved in venture capital firms, serving as an investor, member, and advisor to emerging startups. Harshida's a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, actively fostering a community of women in supply chain and mentoring the next generation of professionals. Her efforts have earned her recognition, including the Women in Supply Chain 2023 Award. SHOW SUMMARY In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Dan Coll and Ninaad Acharya share their experiences and key takeaways from Manifest 2024, a premier e-commerce and logistics conference. During the conference, Ninaad is joined by Harshida and Peter to discuss the focus on the evolving landscape of returns, last-mile delivery challenges, and the transformative power of partnerships and emerging technologies in the e-commerce supply chain. HIGHLIGHTS [00:00:22] Partnering for Data Power: Explore the transformative potential of partnerships in the e-commerce space, emphasizing the sharing of data among vendors to drive efficiency and overcome challenges. [00:01:42] Manifest 2024 Highlights: A deep dive into the significance of Manifest 2024, discussing the unique mix of attendees, emerging companies, and the event's LinkedIn in real life (IRL) vibe. [00:05:19] E-commerce Market Opportunities: Insights into integration work as a growing opportunity in the market, with a focus on transportation, last-mile delivery, and the strategic placement of investment dollars. [00:08:43] Last Mile Evolution: Uncover the importance of last-mile delivery in the e-commerce landscape, exploring strategies to streamline and optimize this critical aspect of the supply chain. [00:11:29] AI and People in Harmony: Understand the role of AI in e-commerce while emphasizing the synergy between technology and human involvement, particularly in the context of automation and upskilling. [00:18:40] Data-Driven Returns Management: A closer look at leveraging data to tackle the challenges of returns, including bracketing and the potential for retailers to adjust return policies based on consumer behavior. [00:22:18] Resale and Circular Economy: Delve into the rising importance of the circular economy, resale markets, and how brands are actively participating in sustainable practices. [00:27:29] 2024 Tech Outlook: Explore the shifting dynamics in technology investments for 2024, with a focus on enhancing the consumer experience, accelerating shipping, and adapting to the changing economic landscape. QUOTES [00:05:52] "There's a big opportunity in the market for integration work, and a lot of conversation around all things integrations." [00:11:11] "As leaders focus on providing the right tools to your employees, it enriches the quality of their life and work." [00:18:40] "The data allows us to challenge the norms of, 'It's either free returns or it's not.'" [00:22:18] "The dynamics are changing so fast, between liquidation B2B, B2C, and things like resale." Find out more about Peter Sheldon in the link below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petersheldon/

Luca Niccolai, Italian origins, with 25 years of experience in fulfillment, transport and commercial developments. CEO of various European companies and entrepreneur, globe trotter for work and passion, 10 months ago he moved from Germany to Chicago to contribute to the strategic commercial development of Arvato in the Consumer Products sector: Fashion & Apparel, Beauty & Cosmetics, Luxury and Sport. SHOW SUMMARY In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Dan and Ninaad are joined by Luca Niccolai to share his insights on the challenges and strategies for European companies looking to enter the US market. He discusses the differences between the European and US supply chain strategies, the importance of system integration, and the expectations of clients in both markets. Luca also highlights the need for networking and partnerships to generate leads and the growing demand for real-time visibility in the supply chain. HIGHLIGHTS [00:01:57] Overview of Arvato Supply Chain Solutions [00:05:25] Luca's move to the US market and focus on consumer products [00:09:40] Challenges European companies face in the US market [00:11:50] Importance of preparing and finding the right logistics partner [00:13:12] Considerations for system integration and understanding the local market [00:15:00] Importance of partnering with a logistics company for IT integration [00:18:59] Differences in client expectations between European and North American markets [00:22:45] Interest in integrating operations with new sales channels like the Metaverse [00:25:34] Adaptation to the difference between just-in-time manufacturing in Europe and just-in-time delivery in the US [00:28:26] Approach to expanding sales in the US and comparison to European tactics QUOTES [00:11:43] “European companies need to prepare themselves in the right way before entering the US market.” [00:18:59] "US clients expect new solutions and are open to testing new technologies like artificial intelligence and robotics." Find out more about Luca Niccolai in the link below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luca-niccolai/

Sean Henry is the CEO and co-founder of Stord, a logistics and technology provider for high-growth, omnichannel brands like Athletic Greens, Seed Health, Native, Tula, and many more. Stord has been on the Inc 5000 list for three years in a row, and was valued at $1.3 billion at its most recent funding round. SHOW SUMMARY In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, we delve into the intricacies of eCommerce logistics with Sean Henry. From the fragmented nature of third-party logistics to the importance of integrated supply chain solutions, Sean shares insights garnered from his journey and highlights the critical role of sophisticated parcel TMCs in optimizing costs and speeds for brands of all sizes. HIGHLIGHTS [00:02:48] Unlocking Innovation - The Power of Young Entrepreneurs in Industries [00:08:08] Amazon-Like Experience - Integrating Digital and Logistics Coordination [00:09:36] Overcoming Fragmentation - Challenges in Achieving Optimal Logistics Efficiency [00:10:59] E-commerce Fulfillment Challenges - Navigating Shipping Speeds and Real-Time Tracking [00:13:30] Prime-Like Logistics - Coordinating Delivery Speeds Across Multiple Channels [00:19:15] Revenue Volatility - Sustainable Models for Logistics Success [00:29:16] Business Model Adaptability - Navigating Disruptions in Organizations [00:30:00] Evolution of "For People" Model - Technology's Role in Optimizing Warehouse Capacities [00:31:12] Software in Warehouse Operations - Shift towards High-Touch E-commerce Fulfillment QUOTES [00:20:38] "Quality of revenue is kind of point one and premise... if I can't point to why every dollar of my revenue is getting what that customer is getting from me that they can't get elsewhere and how they're getting a return on their investment, then it's fickle revenue." [00:37:18] "Logistics needs to go a little beyond and get into the commercial side of the universe... logistics has a direct implication for you to be able to make a good margin decision on that inventory." Find out more about Sean Henry in the link below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shenry96/

Hannah Kain, President and CEO of ALOM, a supply chain company she founded in 1997, oversees its global operations serving Fortune 500 customers in technology, automotive, life sciences, and regulated industries across 19 locations. Born in Denmark, Hannah has a diverse background, including teaching at Copenhagen Business School. She holds multiple board positions, including with the National Association of Manufacturers and WBENC, where she serves as 1st vice chair. Recognized for her leadership, Hannah has received various awards, including being named a 2023 SDCE Supply Chain Pro to Know and a 2021 WE USA Top WBE CEO. In 2020, she was featured in Business Insider's Top 100 People Transforming Business and received the SDCE Women Leaders in Supply Chain award, among other honors. SHOW SUMMARY In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Dan Coll and Ninaad Acharya interview Hannah Kain, the President and CEO of ALOM, a supply chain company. Hannah shares her journey of starting the business in the 90s and discusses the catalysts that drove her into the supply chain space. She emphasizes the importance of technology, quality, and sustainability in supply chain operations. Hannah also addresses the challenges faced by women in the industry and the need for ESG (environmental, social, and governance) reporting. She highlights the role of AI in supply chain and shares her insights on future trends and challenges. HIGHLIGHTS [00:02:55] Hannah's motivation for starting ALOM and her fascination with technology and manufacturing [00:08:09] The importance of technology, ESG, and quality in ALOM's approach [00:11:44] The origin of ALOM's diverse service offerings and their focus on customer needs [00:13:23] Discussion on the challenges and experiences of being a female founder in the 90s [00:23:18] Hannah emphasizes the importance of integrating sustainability into every decision [00:27:05] Hannah shares a story about addressing human trafficking in the supply chain [00:29:19] Importance of employee engagement and retention in creating a positive work environment [00:32:12] Hannah shares her approach to onboarding and reducing the time it takes for employees to become effective [00:34:00] Dan asks about the use of AI in supply chain and Hannah's perspective on its current and future applications [00:42:32] Challenges in the supply chain industry QUOTES [00:00:27] "Once you start measuring and actually have a system for capturing data, it's where you can really leverage and make a difference in those areas." [00:23:18] "I think it's key to get it into every decision being made and also to create that visibility over to customers." [00:34:00] "I think a lot of the issues we're having now will be solved by technology. And so I'm a big technology believer." Find out more about Hannah Kain in the link below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahkain/

Inna Kuznetsova, the CEO of ToolsGroup, is a seasoned leader in the realm of AI-powered solutions for supply chain management. With a career dedicated to integrating technology and innovation into the supply chain, Inna oversees ToolsGroup's cutting-edge solutions utilized by retailers, manufacturers, and distributors globally. Her impressive track record includes prior roles as the CEO of 1010data and key positions at INTTRA, CEVA Logistics, and IBM. As an independent director, Inna contributes her expertise to the board of Freightos, a publicly traded SaaS marketplace platform. A distinguished mathematician with MS and Ph.D. degrees from Moscow State University and an MBA from Columbia Business School, Inna is also a recognized author and speaker, having received the Women in Supply Chain Award for three consecutive years. SHOW SUMMARY In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Dan Coll and Ninaad Acharya interview Inna Kuznetsova, CEO of Tools Group, about the role of AI in demand planning and supply chain management. Inna shares her insights on how AI can improve demand forecasting, optimize inventory management, and enhance pricing and markdown strategies. She emphasizes the importance of leveraging data and implementing dynamic planning to navigate the complexities of today's supply chain landscape. Inna also discusses the challenges and opportunities for e-commerce brands in diversifying their sales channels and managing returns effectively. HIGHLIGHTS [00:00:00] Introduction to the podcast and guest's background [00:03:12] The impactful moments and philosophies in the guest's career [00:09:02] The role of AI in demand planning and supply chain [00:13:10] The use of probabilistic models in demand forecasting [00:14:19] The advantages of using artificial intelligence in forecasting and managing inventory [00:18:20] The role of AI in reducing the bullwhip effect during disruptions like COVID-19 [00:23:48] The role of AI in allocation planning and optimizing inventory distribution [00:25:05] Case study example of allocation planning for a retailer in a resort area [00:27:33] The benefits of fulfilling orders from stores and intelligent optimization of markdowns [00:31:24] Importance of dynamic fulfillment and holistic approach to e-commerce [00:40:43] The proliferation of shipping from store and its advantages/disadvantages [00:43:29] Rethinking shipment strategies and returns [00:44:17] Managing returns and decision-making [00:46:20] Implementing digital twin for intelligent returns QUOTES [00:11:44] "The reason why I was so attracted to ToolsGroup, why I left my previous role to jump into this current journey was because ToolsGroup was a pioneer in using machine learning in demand forecasting, which they started doing 15 years ago." [00:18:20] "With the help of machine learning, you can fulfill better from the stores. It's not just fulfillment from the warehouse. It'd be much more efficient fulfilling from a store where that item may be marked down by 50 percent tomorrow, even if it costs you a little bit more in shipping." [00:43:29] "Moving from static planning to dynamic planning and then to navigation through the supply chain is the future trend I'm most excited about. It will minimize the amount of unproductive work made by human beings and allow them to focus on more strategic discussions." Find out more about Inna Kuznetsova in the link below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ikuznetsova/

Krish Iyer is the Vice President of Strategic Partners and Industry Relations for Auctane, which includes ShipStation, ShippingEasy, ShipEngine and Stamps.com. A respected expert in e-commerce, Krish is often quoted in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Business Insider and the New York Times. An industry leader with over 20 years of experience, Krish brings perspectives from FedEx, Pitney Bowes, Neopost and Auctane. In addition, Krish serves as the Vice President of the Package Shippers Association (PSA), which serves as the voice of the package shipping industry. SHOW SUMMARY In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, we dive deep into the world of e-commerce logistics, discussing the intricate challenges and innovative solutions within the industry. Krish Iyer, Vice President of Strategic Partners and Industry Relations at Auctane, shares insights on returns, packaging inefficiencies, sustainability, and the future trends shaping the logistics landscape. HIGHLIGHTS [00:00:45] Implementing small yet impactful measures, like improving product photos, size charts, and detailed descriptions, significantly reduces returns at minimal cost. [00:06:34] The returns space lacks an overarching solution despite various innovations like in-person return options, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive end-to-end returns system. [00:18:53] The reluctance of carriers to efficiently handle residential pickups stems from historical perceptions of residential shipments, hindering effective return logistics. [00:20:16] Challenges in packaging efficiency persist with oversize boxes and minimal packaging, highlighting the need for proper package engineering aligned with buyer habits and profile. [00:29:25] The evolving trend focuses on integrating shipping and delivery intricacies with the shopping experience, emphasizing the significance of marrying shipping logistics with cart interactions for enhanced efficiency. QUOTES [00:11:04] "The best solutions for returns are free or low cost – get your product and listing right." [00:13:19] "The initiation process of the return itself is an issue, often overlooked in return discussions." [00:21:56] "You can't thwart human behavior or underestimate what humans will do in the packaging process." [00:28:59] "It starts with what the consumer is buying – packaging solutions should align with consumer habits." Find out more about Krish Iyer in the link below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/globalkrishna/

Benjamin Gordon, the founder and Managing Partner of Cambridge Capital, leverages his extensive career in building, advising, and investing in supply chain companies. With a remarkable track record, he has led investments in top-tier firms like XPO, Grand Junction, Bringg, and Liftit, among others. Prior to founding Cambridge Capital, Benjamin established BGSA Holdings as a global leader in M&A within the supply chain sector, overseeing transactions worth over $2 billion. His entrepreneurial journey includes founding 3PLex, a pioneering Internet solution for third-party logistics companies, which later got acquired by Maersk. Throughout his career, Benjamin has advised major industry players like UPS, DHL, Kuehne & Nagel, among others. He holds a Master's in Business Administration from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Arts from Yale College. Beyond his professional endeavors, Benjamin is an active civic leader dedicated to fostering community engagement, having founded GesherCity and contributed to various non-profit organizations and boards, showcasing his commitment to philanthropy and leadership. SHOW SUMMARY In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Benjamin discusses the challenges faced by the logistics industry in the past year, including the imbalance of supply and demand and the spike in interest rates. He believes that the industry is starting to recover and predicts that things will continue to improve in the next six months. He emphasizes the importance of financial prudence and laser focus in building successful companies. Benjamin also highlights the upcoming BGSA Supply Chain Conference, an exclusive event that brings together top leaders in the supply chain industry to discuss key issues and share insights. HIGHLIGHTS [00:02:05] Looking back at the past 12 months in the logistics industry [00:06:39] Signs that things are starting to get better in the industry [00:08:42] The impact of bankruptcies on correcting supply and demand imbalances [00:11:00] Positive outlook due to more favorable interest rates and inflation stabilization [00:13:28] Examples of companies with moats: Green Screens and ReverseLogix [00:19:13] Advice: Companies should focus on doing one thing extremely well [00:22:45] Examples of companies doing an outstanding job in their field: Green Screens and ReverseLogix [00:29:42] BGSA Supply Chain Conference aims to gather top industry leaders [00:33:35] Invitation-only event, but open to inquiries for invitations [00:38:51] The conference will take place in Palm Beach, Florida. QUOTES [00:03:38] "Too much capacity chasing too little demand is one of the consequences of the cyclical nature of the logistics industry." [00:19:53] "The most successful companies tend to be doing one thing extremely well." [00:22:35] "Focus on doing one thing really well and become a leader in that area." Find out more about Benjamin Gordon in the link below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bengordon18/

Pam Simon is a seasoned Entrepreneur, Business Connector, and Angel Investor boasting over two decades of expertise in event production, content creation, experiential marketing, and investment. Her tenure at Lab Ventures saw the acquisition of her Future of Event series by Connectiv in 2019, leading to the inception of Manifest, the inaugural global end-to-end supply chain event uniting prominent international corporations, investors, leaders, and innovators worldwide. As Manifest's Conference Chair and Executive Vice President of Programming, she orchestrates groundbreaking events. Pam's impact extends to Miami, where she helmed three pivotal vertical technology summits, cultivating emerging businesses and connecting finance professionals with enterprising opportunities. Her influence expands to Latin America through founding the Latam Founders Network (LFN), organizing the renowned Latam Founders Awards, and launching platforms like the Brainfood Monthly Speaker Series, facilitating investor-entrepreneur connections. A George Washington University graduate, Pam, beyond her ventures, treasures family time and indulges in silks performance when not immersed in her multifaceted endeavors. SHOW SUMMARY In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Pam Simon joins to discuss the trends and innovations in the logistics industry. She shares insights on the impact of AI and machine learning, the rise of drone delivery, and the importance of nearshoring and reshoring in supply chain strategies. Pam also highlights the key areas attracting significant investment in logistics technology and provides advice on how to make the most of conferences like Manifest. HIGHLIGHTS [00:03:11] Pam's background and the inspiration behind launching Manifest [00:05:13] Technological innovations in logistics, including robotics, AI, sustainability, and visibility [00:09:27] Focus on circular economy and re-commerce [00:14:56] Exploration of use cases for generative AI [00:17:54] Trend towards reshoring and nearshoring in the supply chain [00:20:27] Adoption of automation and the 3-2-1 cross-border strategy [00:22:01] Automation and robotics to assist with labor shortage [00:25:30] Challenges and opportunities in drone delivery [00:27:31] Intelligent infrastructure and sustainability in logistics [00:33:06] Conferences as a strategic place to meet investors QUOTES [00:23:49] "I think we are going to see, we already starting to see some, but we'll see more drones that can lift heavier loads." [00:31:38] "If you're going to something that you're interested in, guess what everyone else that's in that room is interested in solving the same problem that you are." [00:34:46] "All money is not made equal. You want to take money from strategics, of course." Find out more about Pam Simon in the link below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pgranoff4/

Remington Tonar is Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer at Cart.com, the leading provider of comprehensive omnichannel commerce and logistics solutions that enable B2C and B2B companies to sell and fulfill anywhere. He formerly served as a growth and innovation strategy consultant to Fortune 100 companies and fast-growing startups in industries ranging from NGOs and healthcare to infrastructure and energy. He has managed seed-stage VC funds, run startup incubators, and advised family offices. Remington holds a B.A. from Marquette University, an M.A. from Loyola University Chicago, an M.S. from New York University, and a Ph.D. from The University of Aberdeen. SHOW SUMMARY In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Remington shares his passion for working with high-growth startups and his journey from raising funds in the VC world to the world of commerce and logistics. He believes in the power of unifying digital and physical operations to create a seamless and efficient customer experience. Remington discusses the challenges faced by software-native companies in the fulfillment space and explains how cart.com is redefining unified commerce by integrating pre-purchase and post-purchase capabilities. He emphasizes the importance of real-time data and cross-functional insight in driving growth and making informed decisions. Remington also highlights the potential of B2B commerce and the need for strategic advice in the rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape. HIGHLIGHTS [00:03:33] Journey into Logistics [00:10:13] Complexity in Parcel Execution [00:12:44] Enterprise Solutions vs. Online Applications [00:19:03] Optimizing Transportation Spend [00:26:00] Expertise and Advising [00:32:04] Evolving Solutions for Growing Businesses [00:33:35] Investing in Scalable Solutions [00:35:28] Certified Solutions & Carrier Relationships [00:41:56] Carrier Diversification Mitigates Risks [00:47:57] Drone Integration in Logistics QUOTES [00:09:13] "Fulfillment operates like classical mechanics than quantum mechanics, right? There is no spooky action at a distance in fulfillment, right? You have to get up there and like move something." [00:28:16] "The whole perspective on, you know, where does the decision come from? Where does the data push from needs to be inverted. And it needs to actually start with the real consumer event, which is not the purchase. It's the consumer getting the product they ordered and opening the box and saying, yes, this is exactly what I ordered." [00:40:26] "You know, at some point there will be, you know, some type of alliance to your point of different players that band together and are actually able to pull that off." Find out more about Remington Tonar in the link below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/remingtontonar/

Bill Schroeder is President of the Transportation and Shipping Segment within FOG. His experience in supply chain technologies includes enterprise systems, integration, design thinking, and Agile methods for R&D. Prior to ProShip, Bill spent 21 years in logistics technology with the USPS and then FedEx Express, FDX Corp and FedEx Supply Chain, where he focused on innovation and optimization of technology processes, customer solutions and global renewal programs. As a USAF Veteran he is passionate about Veterans and the programs that assist our men and women when they return. SHOW SUMMARY In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Bill joins Dan Coll and Ninaad Acharya to unravel the intricacies of e-commerce logistics. With over two decades of expertise in logistics technology, Bill provides valuable insights into the challenges and nuances of this space. The conversation navigates through tailored parcel solutions, the evolution of carrier systems, and the potential integration of cutting-edge technologies like drones in shaping the future of logistics. They delve into the complexities of parcel execution, highlighting the varying needs between fulfillment houses and smaller e-commerce entities. They discuss the crucial role of multi-carrier shipping solutions and underscore the importance of optimizing transportation spend through expert negotiations and understanding logistics intricacies. Bill also explores the evolving landscape of warehouse management systems (WMS) in the context of e-commerce growth. From the challenges of scaling businesses to the significance of adopting scalable, carrier-approved software solutions, the discussion emphasizes the pivotal role of technology in meeting the demands of an evolving logistics landscape. Carrier diversification, certified solutions, and the potential integration of drone technology emerge as key considerations for companies aiming to future-proof their logistics strategies. HIGHLIGHTS [00:03:33] Journey into Logistics [00:10:13] Complexity in Parcel Execution [00:12:44] Enterprise Solutions vs. Online Applications [00:19:03] Optimizing Transportation Spend [00:26:00] Expertise and Advising [00:32:04] Evolving Solutions for Growing Businesses [00:33:35] Investing in Scalable Solutions [00:35:28] Certified Solutions & Carrier Relationships [00:41:56] Carrier Diversification Mitigates Risks [00:47:57] Drone Integration in Logistics QUOTES [00:21:04] "The most expensive solution you can possibly use is the free one from the carrier." [00:25:13] "You need someone really experienced to even start talking about it." [00:28:48] "There's so many places I'd advise looking on LinkedIn... just imagine what you get if you actually engage with them." [00:40:02] "I think we've re-normalized back to where we would have been organically, had there been no COVID." [00:42:26] "Having multiple carriers at your fingertips is a good thing, a risk mitigation strategy, or an opportunity taking strategy. It works both ways." [00:47:06] "Ultimately, in the end, though, drones are going to win that last mile." Find out more about Bill Schroeder in the link below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-schroeder1/

Kelly is the Managing General Partner of Moonshots Capital, a VC fund investing heavily in early-stage technology companies, with a focus on those founded by veterans. Before Moonshots, he co-founded and led DuMont Project, a consultancy that accelerated direct-to-consumer brand growth, later acquired by Cart.com. Kelly also served as the CEO of Fastpoint Games, a leading developer of live data-driven games for Fortune 500 brands, which sold to WePlay. After winning Season 2 of NBC's The Apprentice, Kelly spent a year as an Executive Vice President in the Trump Organization, managing real estate projects. He is a renowned speaker on leadership, technology, and entrepreneurship. Kelly holds degrees from the US Military Academy, West Point, UCLA School of Law, and Anderson School at UCLA. He authored "Take Command: 10 Leadership Principles I Learned in the Military and Put to Work for Donald Trump," donating a percentage of the royalties to the USO. His philanthropic involvement includes roles as a national spokesperson for Big Brothers/Sisters and The National Guard Youth Challenge Program. Kelly is an investor, advisor, and/or board member for companies like Scopely, ID.me, Red 6, and several others. He resides with his wife Dawn and their twins, Grant and Grace. SHOW SUMMARY In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Kelly shares insights on eCommerce logistics, leadership, and venture capital. He emphasizes the importance of extraordinary leadership in startups and discusses the qualities he looks for in founders. Kelly also highlights the challenges and opportunities in the current VC landscape and provides advice on building effective boards. He shares his experience investing in cart.com and the key factors that attracted him to the company. Kelly concludes by discussing his book, "Take Command: 10 Leadership Principles I Learned in the Military and Put to Work for Donald Trump." HIGHLIGHTS [00:05:10] Moonshot Capital's focus on investing in extraordinary leadership. [00:08:36] Importance of chemistry and long-term commitment with founders. [00:09:44] Overview of the current VC landscape and increased competition. [00:11:18] Potential for companies to avoid additional financing rounds with proper planning. [00:13:11] Logistics industry challenges and need for leadership during tough times. [00:29:25] Cart.com's growth and success in under three years. [00:33:08] Kelly Perdew's book on military leadership principles. QUOTES [00:32:46] "Passion has to be for something other than, Oh, I just want to be a tech, you know, a tech CEO. It's got to typically be around the problem that they're solving for, whether it's from the industry, whether it's from something that personally happened to them, whether they worked in that industry and know that this problem is pain exists and they're the ones to solve it." [00:38:15] "Having that coachability where I know you are going to hear what I'm saying, and that I'm only saying it from a place of wanting you to succeed. And if that's there, and that's got a little bit to do with humility, thirst for knowledge, like a lot of things go into that coachability piece.” Find out more about Kelly Perdew in the link below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyperdew/ Leadership Prevails Blog: https://medium.com/leadership-prevails

As CEO of Radial North America, a bpost company, Laura Ritchey builds on her extensive experience and leadership, continuing her commitment to innovating and optimizing eCommerce solutions. Prior to this role, Laura served as Radial’s COO from 2021 to 2023, where she directed omnichannel, fulfillment, transportation, and customer care solutions with a strategic mindset and client-centric focus. Laura has more than 25 years of experience leading retail, manufacturing, distribution, and business operations with a successful track record of steering transformational initiatives developing high-performing teams and improved financial results. She began her career in finance, worked at L Brands as EVP Operations for Victoria’s Secret Beauty after multiple roles in senior leadership and then was Chief Operating Officer at FullBeauty Brands and Centric Brands. Laura holds a BA, MBA and JD from The Ohio State University and currently serves on the Board of Goodwill Manasota. SHOW SUMMARY In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, hosts Ninaad and Nenad are joined by Laura Ritchie. Laura, who brings a wealth of experience from the retail industry, discusses her journey from working with renowned brands to leading a 3PL company and the challenges and opportunities in this transition. The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of e-commerce logistics, the changing dynamics of customer expectations, and the role of 3PL partners in meeting these demands. They explore the concept of omni-channel fulfillment, the impact of emerging marketplaces like TikTok, and the delicate balance between speed, sustainability, and brand experience in shipping. Laura also sheds light on the integration of AI and machine learning in logistics, with a focus on forecasting and labor planning. She emphasizes the importance of automation as an enabler rather than a replacement for human expertise and how it contributes to delivering an ideal customer experience. HIGHLIGHTS [00:00:16] Customer Experience and Packaging: Laura Ritchey emphasizes the importance of packaging and presentation in creating brand loyalty. [00:01:15] Laura Ritchey's Background: She's introduced as the CEO of Radial with extensive experience in leadership and retail. [00:02:49] Transition from Retail to 3PL: Laura discusses her transition and the importance of a branded experience in 3PL. [00:03:26] Importance of Customer Expectations: Meeting expectations is key to building brand loyalty in 3PL. [00:07:47] Challenges in 3PL: Addressing challenges collaboratively is vital for success. [00:13:47] Omni-Channel Experience: Providing a consistent brand experience across various channels is a challenge. [00:22:31] Sustainable Choices: Focus on eco-friendly shipping and sustainable options. [00:27:22] AI and Machine Learning: AI is used for labor forecasting, employee training, and multilingual support. [00:31:24] Efficient Picking: Laura stresses the need for efficient picking and gradual robotic integration to manage high volumes. [00:46:50] Peak Season 2023: Laura foresees a peak season similar to the previous year, with consumer anticipation for discounts. QUOTES [00:03:26] "The 3PL switch wasn't as difficult as you might think, because what you're doing is delivering that same branded experience for your partners." [00:05:48] "You have to view your 3PLs as strategic partners, as an extension of your business, and it can't be a procurement exercise." [00:15:47] "At the end of the day, it's about less friction and making it convenient and fast." [00:23:46] "It's not so easy if your transportation management system is set up a certain way and it basically puts packages, and then you say, 'I want to slow it down.'" Find out more about Laura Ritchey in the link below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-ritchey-55836a8/ Radial:https://www.radial.com/?utm_campaign=2023-eCom-Logistics&utm_source=eComLogistics&utm_medium=Referral

Art Eldred is a seasoned Supply Chain Executive with over 20 years of expertise, specializing in eCommerce fulfillment solutions. He adeptly leads cross-functional teams, including consultants, mechanical, controls, and software engineers. Art's early career with a startup electromechanical software company provided invaluable insights into highly successful software organizations. His management approach emphasizes creativity while delivering robust solutions. His extensive knowledge of material handling technologies, coupled with software integration, leads to innovative, replicable solutions. Art serves as a trusted advisor to numerous supply chain C-level executives, offering insights on best practices, new technologies, and software integration. His designs are constantly recognized for their impact, often featured in industry publications and conferences, delivering speed, efficiency, and simplicity to his clients. SHOW SUMMARY In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Art Eldred, Vice President and Growth Officer at Vargo, discusses warehouse execution systems (WES). He explains that a WES is a system that executes tasks and flows within a fulfillment operation, managing the workflow and synchronizing and sequencing work tasks. Art emphasizes the importance of decoupling processes and leveraging technology to optimize workflows. He also highlights the need for clear definitions and understanding of WES, as many companies market solutions that are simply dashboarding systems. Art, Dan, and Ninaad discuss the evolution of automation in the industry, including the accessibility of technology and the emergence of robotic solutions. They stress the importance of aligning different departments within an organization and the value of integrating various technologies to achieve efficiency and productivity. HIGHLIGHTS [00:01:17] Art's background and professional journey in e-commerce fulfillment [00:03:11] Art's passion for bringing together software and hardware in logistics [00:08:55] Definition of a warehouse execution system (WES) [00:15:16] Successful implementation of a WES project [00:20:25] The trade-off between expediency and efficiency [00:25:06] When to consider implementing a warehouse execution system [00:30:01] The evolving role of automation in warehousing [00:34:07] Importance of integrating different capabilities and not leaving them in silos [00:36:06] Excitement about the accessibility of automation technology [00:40:13] The difference between a warehouse execution system (WES) and a warehouse management system (WMS) QUOTES [00:03:12] "My passion isn't one or the other, it's bringing it all together." - Art Eldred [00:04:51] "The warehouse execution system sits below the warehouse management system and it's managing the workflow." - Art Eldred [00:14:10] "The warehouse execution system can really unleash the capabilities of both the software element and the hardware and technology world." - Art Eldred Find out more about Art Eldred in the link below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arteldred/

As a serial entrepreneur, he has had 3 successful exits and a history of building great organizations. Prior to joining Ware2Go, Stephen was the President and CRO of Collective[i], a pioneer in AI and market leading platform for enterprise sales organizations. Previously he was GM and Vice President of Marketing Solutions at Ebay and was responsible for all of eBay Enterprise digital and agency business units and integrated 9 acquired companies into one global marketing solutions leader. He founded and is active with Goodness Now, a charitable organization that provides weekend meals to nutrition challenged elementary school children in Monmouth County, NJ. SHOW SUMMARY In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Dan Coll and Ninaad Acharya are joined by Steve Denton, CEO of Ware2Go, a UPS company with a focus on supply chain innovation. Together, they explore the rapidly changing landscape of e-commerce logistics and the emergence of 4PL and 5PL models. Steve shares insights from his extensive career, highlighting the importance of adapting to the evolving needs of merchants and consumers. The discussion delves into topics like personalization, technology, and inventory placement in the modern supply chain. Discover how the logistics industry is transforming to meet the demands of today's connected consumers and what it means for businesses of all sizes. Steve also discusses the evolving landscape of peak demand and consumer expectations in 2023. Steve highlights the importance of flexible and resilient supply chains and shares valuable insights on how retailers and merchants can prepare for the upcoming holiday season. From the impact of Prime Days to the significance of sustainability, Steve provides expert perspectives on what to expect during this year's peak and how to stay competitive in a rapidly changing commerce environment. HIGHLIGHTS [00:00:00] Logistics Evolution: Explore logistics' transformation from 3PL to 4PL and 5PL due to rapid commerce shifts. [00:10:33] Personalization's Significance: Personalization is vital in meeting connected consumer demands, backed by technology and flexible warehousing. [00:17:16] Headless Commerce Platforms: 5PLs act as headless commerce hubs, connecting merchants with optimized supply from various sources. [00:21:47] Strategic Inventory Placement: Strategic inventory placement across locations becomes crucial for efficient customer service. [00:23:08] API Integration: Emphasize API integration instead of building new WMS systems for adaptability and flexibility. [00:23:52] Accurate demand forecasting is essential; even the best inventory planning relies on it. [00:24:24] AI and machine learning greatly enhance demand forecasting, benefiting retailers of all sizes. [00:24:44] Integrating promotion schedules is critical for precise demand forecasting impacted by marketing activities. [00:25:16] Diversifying marketing channels, beyond Google and Amazon, can boost demand forecasting for mid-tier merchants. [00:25:38] Effective, non-condescending communication with merchants is vital for successful demand forecasting. [00:26:06] Tools like network view guide optimal inventory placement and replenishment strategies based on sales and regional demand. [00:27:29] Offering options and flexibility to accommodate individual merchant preferences improves business relationships. [00:32:17] E-commerce demands meeting consumer expectations for consistent, speedy, stable, and sustainable delivery times. QUOTES [00:13:07] Steve Denton: "We are not in the supply chain and logistics business. We are in the commerce business." [00:18:03] Steve Denton: "The days of taking the low hanging fruit of the slappers or the pick and stick are over. You better be able to do those things, and if you can do it with technology versus people, then you're going to be able to scale more." [00:17:16] Steve Denton: "A 5PL is really about meeting merchants and consumers where they want to be met with the right type of supply in the right locations for the right type of capabilities." [00:23:52] "You've got to start with demand planning, and like, look, not as a where-to-go plug, but we've been spending a ton of time with AI machine learning to help our clients do demand forecasting." [00:32:03] "Stability is required, sustainable. You've got to put that in there too. Absolutely. And then certainty." [00:48:44] "It's flexible resiliency that's required to meet today's commerce landscape." Find out more about Stephen in the link below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sdenton/

Blake Coram is a seasoned supply chain professional with expertise in requirements gathering, solution design, and fostering cross-functional collaboration. In his current role as Director of Product Management at Manhattan Associates since November 2020, he has played a pivotal role in designing and implementing Manhattan's Warehouse Management software, integrating with third-party systems, and enhancing various software modules. Blake's career highlights include leading design efforts for multiple clients, mentoring consultants, and contributing to internal initiatives. SHOW SUMMARY In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Dan Coll and Ninaad Acharya welcomes Blake Coram to share his journey from a consultant to product management at Manhattan, emphasizing the evolution of warehouse management solutions and the move towards unified supply chain solutions. They discuss topics like automation, robotics as a service, large language models, and digital twins, highlighting the exciting innovations shaping the future of supply chain and warehousing operations HIGHLIGHTS [00:01:20] Blake Coram's journey to product management at Manhattan Associates [00:03:45] Evolution of warehouse management solutions [00:05:30] The shift towards unified supply chain solutions [00:09:15] The role of automation in modern warehousing [00:11:40] Robotics as a Service (RaaS) and its benefits [00:15:20] The potential of large language models in supply chain operations [00:17:45] Digital twins for optimizing warehouse operations [00:20:10] Balancing automation with human involvement [00:22:30] Addressing concerns about automation and job displacement [00:25:15] The importance of adaptability in supply chain technology [00:28:00] The future of supply chain and warehousing QUOTES [00:06:53] Blake Coram: "It's no longer about siloed solutions; it's about integrated, unified supply chain solutions that adapt and execute efficiently." [00:09:47] Blake Coram: "Data is the lifeblood of modern supply chains. Real-time analytics enable smarter, more agile decisions in an ever-changing market." [00:15:28] Blake Coram: "Sustainability isn't just a buzzword anymore; it's a core driver in supply chain strategy. Companies that embrace eco-friendly practices will thrive." [00:22:02] Ninaad Acharya: "I think there's a world in the not too distant future where it's robots as a service. The man-machine execution within warehouses is becoming more prevalent." Find out more about Blake in the link below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-coram-1633b231/

Rick Watson, CEO and Founder of RMW Commerce Consulting, LLC., he’s an eCommerce veteran with over two decades of experience. He founded RMW Commerce Consulting and played a crucial role in creating the WHP+ platform. Rick also hosts "The Watson Weekly'' podcast and has appeared on various news programs and industry events like Shoptalk. Nate Skiver, Founder of LPF Spend Management, is a parcel transportation and eCommerce delivery expert with 20 years of experience. He previously worked for Abercrombie & Fitch and Gap Inc., managing global parcel programs. Nate is a thought leader in parcel and eCommerce delivery, contributing articles to PARCEL Magazine and being featured in publications like The Wall Street Journal and Business Insider. SHOW SUMMARY In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, hosts Dan Coll and Ninaad Acharya are joined by e-commerce veterans Rick Watson and Nate Skiver to provide valuable insights into the e-commerce peak season in 2023. The discussion covers various aspects, including capacity concerns in small parcel delivery, the influence of promotions and discounts on consumer spending, and the challenges of managing inventory and avoiding out-of-stocks during peak season. The guests emphasize the importance of preparation and scenario planning, sharing their own experiences and lessons learned from past peak seasons. They also discuss the evolving dynamics of peak season, with a shift towards earlier sales and the need for retailers to stay agile and responsive to changing consumer behaviors and economic conditions. Overall, this episode offers valuable advice and strategies for navigating the e-commerce peak season successfully in 2023 QUOTES [00:22:51] "Capacity itself, I don't see being a constraint or challenge. But allocating the volume and managing it between carriers might be kind of the other direction." - Nate Skiver [00:28:44] "Returns cost six to eight dollars. If you want to return to them directly now, um, you can't just drop it by the UPS store anymore." - Rick Watson [00:26:12] "The decisions were made six months ago, and I remember six months ago, even thinking about our own business, there was an environment of fear." - Ninaad Acharya [00:34:34] "If less than 50 percent of your digital orders are shipped from the store, then you should probably be very careful what you're offering." - Rick Watson Find out more about Rick and Nate in the link below: Rick’s LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ecommercestrategyconsulting/ Nate’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/levelplayingfield/

Mark Lavelle has over 20 years of experience growing businesses at the intersection of commerce, payments, and internet technology. He’s Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of Deep Lake Capital. Previously, Mark was SVP of Commerce at Adobe as a result of the $1.7B acquisition of Magento where he was CEO. Other senior leadership roles include eBay, PayPal and Bill Me Later. SHOW SUMMARY In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Mark Lavelle discusses the changing landscape of e-commerce logistics and the opportunities for disruption in the market. He emphasizes the importance of meeting customer expectations for fast and transparent delivery, and how companies can optimize their shipping processes to achieve this. Mark also highlights the potential impact of Amazon entering the small parcel delivery space and the need for consolidation in the final mile segment. He shares insights on Maergo's approach to solving the shipping problem and the benefits of their end-to-end solution. Mark concludes by discussing the future of e-commerce logistics and the need for sustainable business models in the industry. HIGHLIGHTS [00:01:28] Mark's background and his involvement with PayPal Mafia [00:05:32] The changing landscape of small parcel delivery [00:06:11] Opportunities for disruption in the market [00:08:00] Tackling the end-to-end problem in shipping [00:09:00] Defining the problem of growing consumer expectations for delivery [00:10:23] Solving the logistics challenge for small to medium-sized sellers [00:15:16] New entrants like DoorDash and Instacart change the delivery equation. [00:16:26] The control over the pre-click experience is valuable. [00:17:15] Shipping transparency and costs are crucial to consumers. [00:18:49] The gap in consumer expectations needs to be addressed. [00:27:14] Need for A/B testing to show the impact of faster delivery [00:28:29] Challenges of splitting inventory and the need for cost containment [00:30:07] Advantages of operating out of a single node for efficiency [00:38:02] Frustration with slow-moving warehouse systems [00:38:35] The need for multi-carrier systems to easily add new carriers [00:39:12] Amazon's announcement of charging a 2% cut for self-fulfilled orders [00:41:01] Amazon's focus on customer expectations and delivery promise [00:44:39] Lack of dominance in the logistics industry and opportunity for strategic VCs QUOTES [00:21:44] "You have to orient your supply chain and your parcel chain, and your consumer brand strategy really to meet their needs of up leveling expected delivery date, transparency around cost, and transparency around every stage of delivery." - Mark Lavelle [00:22:55] "If you want it expedited, there's going to be a way, it's going to be this. It builds more trust than waiting until the end of the process and having the customer abandoned." Find out more about Mark Lavelle in the link below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mklave/

Ninaad Acharya, Co-founder and CEO of Fulfillment IQ, is a dynamic supply chain leader with 20 years of experience in digital transformation. He's driven by simplicity and effectiveness, having spearheaded disruptive tech solutions for Fortune 50 firms, retailers, 3PLs, and eCommerce brands, including Nordstrom and FedEx. Ninaad accelerates supply chain startups to market, saving costs and enabling $500M in capital automation and 135+ warehouse tech projects. His dedicated team counters rising costs and fosters tech-enabled supply chain solutions, helping companies reach their supply chain's full potential. Dan Coll, partner and Chief Revenue Officer at Fulfillment IQ and an award-winning supply chain leader, is well-known in the industry for creating winning e-commerce strategies and solutions for global e-commerce brands, retailers, 3PLs and many emerging companies (including unicorns). He has dedicated over 20 years of his life to fixing eCommerce fulfillment problems by driving notable results through the sheer power of his knowledge, network and expertise. Currently, Dan leverages his previous experience of leading the largest 3PL’s in North America to help 3PL’s, eCommerce and retail companies grow. Harshida Acharya, Partner and Chief Marketing Officer at Fulfillment IQ. She’s a full-funnel marketer with hands-on experience in brand & performance marketing for hyper-growth tech startups, enterprise brands and supply chain and logistics companies. She’s also the creator and producer of the hit eCom Logistics Podcast. With almost 15 years of experience in the space, Harshida has led successful go-to-market campaigns for supply chain and logistics firms by flipping the industry mindset to focus on valuable content creation, demand generation, and building long term relationships. SHOW SUMMARY In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, hosts Dan Coll and Ninaad Acharya are joined by Harshida Acharya, the CMO and Partner of Fulfillment IQ, to reflect on their one-year journey of hosting the Ecom Logistics podcast. They discuss the growth and evolution of the supply chain tech market, the current state of affairs, and the impact of the pandemic on the industry. They also highlight the importance of proactive planning and strategic initiatives for the future. The hosts emphasize the need for brands and 3PLs to invest in supply chain software, integrate systems, and adapt to changing consumer expectations. They express optimism for the upcoming peak season and provide advice for organizations to stay ahead in the ever-evolving supply chain landscape. HIGHLIGHTS [00:01:15] Reflection on the podcast's one-year journey [00:04:15] Importance of community feedback and engagement [00:08:03] Discussion on the current state of the supply chain tech market [00:11:20] Enterprise players' increased investment in supply chain software [00:13:23] Importance of proactive planning for 2024 [00:20:37] Growing focus on integrations in the supply chain space [00:23:00] Trends in supply chain software investment and automation projects [00:30:11] Importance of choosing the right technology for scaling [00:39:14] Optimistic outlook for peak season and advice for 3PLs and brands QUOTES [00:26:44] “A lot of different systems play. But at the end of the day, the ‘why’ is because the consumer expectation continues to shift. And we thought maybe the Amazon prime two day experience was going to maybe go away or stay or stick or whatever, but it's here to stay. So consumers are still looking for their goods at a very low cost or free and fast.” - Dan Coll [00:33:30] “The tech that helped you scale up to $10 million in revenue is not the same tech that's gonna help you get to a hundred. You're gonna have to make some adjustments and you're gonna have to prepare yourself and prepare to kind of meet that kind of scale.” - Harshida Acharya [00:38:25] “Find great partners, find great tools. It's gonna help you in the long run. Don't write code for the sake of writing code.” - Ninaad Acharya Connect and find out more about us through the links below. Dan Coll’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcoll/ Ninaad’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninaad/ Harshida’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harshida/

Jorrit Steinz is the Founder of ChanngelEngine.com, a platform that helps stores, brands, and distributors find millions of new customers by connecting them to marketplaces globally. He has been active in eCommerce for almost 20 years building expertise in areas such as B2C, B2B, and D2C eCommerce, marketplaces, SaaS, and international platform strategies. He is a public speaker at various events and an adviser on the rapid changes in the global retail landscape for brands, distributors, and large retailers. SHOW SUMMARY In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Jorrit Steinz, CEO and founder of ChannelEngine, shares his insights on the state of multi-channel eCommerce and the opportunities for brands and retailers to expand into new markets. He discusses the shift from channel conflict to channel expansion, the rise of direct-to-consumer sales for brands, and the importance of connecting to marketplaces to stay competitive. Jorrit also highlights the cultural nuances and logistics challenges of expanding internationally and emphasizes the need for brands to partner with logistics providers and agencies to navigate these complexities. HIGHLIGHTS [00:02:14] Guest's journey in eCommerce and the founding of ChannelEngine [00:08:01] The current state of multi-channel eCommerce and international expansion [00:11:24] Importance of connecting to marketplaces and the concept of the buy box [00:19:44] The impact of delays in the one P model and the need for a three P contingency plan [00:24:28] Cultural nuances and advice for expanding into international markets [00:30:11] The balance between sales-driven goals and product-centric objectives [00:34:59] The importance of building a strong logistics infrastructure [00:38:14] The growth of ChannelEngine and the focus on product development [00:44:30] Where to learn more about ChannelEngine and connect with the guest QUOTES [00:10:48] "If you're not ready as a brand, you're just clearly missing out on revenue if you don't connect to these marketplaces." - Jorrit Steinz [00:17:53] "Winning the buy box is based on seller performance and price optimization. It's crucial to have the right technology and automation to compete effectively." - Jorrit Steinz [00:37:11] "Don't try to do everything yourself if you're a brand or retailer. Leverage the expertise of partners and focus on your core competencies." - Jorrit Steinz Find out more about Jorrit Steinz in the link below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorritsteinz/

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Udai Tennati discusses the evolution of warehouse management systems (WMS) and the shift towards cloud-based solutions. He explains how technology has advanced from mainframe systems to distributed architectures and now to cloud-native applications. Udai emphasizes the importance of being API-savvy and highlights the benefits of using cloud-based WMS, such as increased scalability, reliability, and security. He also shares insights on when it is the right time to engage with a tier one WMS solution and the role of professional services in the implementation process. Udai concludes by discussing the future of WMS, including the use of AI and natural language processing to simplify user interfaces and provide real-time insights. ABOUT UDAI Udai Tennati is a supply chain software applications expert with an impressive track record spanning over 20 years. He has dedicated his career to enhancing end-user experiences, making supply chain processes smoother and more efficient. Udai's leadership skills have been honed through his 23-year journey at Manhattan Associates, where he held pivotal roles, including Vice President, Technical. In this position, he led global teams and was responsible for delivering essential product suites such as Distribution Management and Enterprise Order Management. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Udai is also passionate about making a positive impact on the community. He played a key role in establishing the Atlanta Chapter of Asha for Education and actively contributed to research as a Research Associate at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. HIGHLIGHTS [00:00:00] Introduction to the podcast and guest, Udai Tennati [00:02:25] Evolution of WMS technology from mainframe to cloud-based [00:04:56] Factors to consider when choosing a WMS solution [00:09:02] Importance of being API-savvy in using cloud-based applications [00:12:55] Shift in resource allocation for WMS implementation [00:16:03] The future of WMS and the role of AI [00:19:10] Simplification of user interface and access to information [00:22:07] The role of professional services in WMS implementation [00:26:12] The impact of cloud technology on WMS implementation time [00:42:13] Exciting developments in WMS, such as AI and digital twins QUOTES [00:10:42] “The leap of faith there was not that large. Because most technologists, most consumers of software saw that hey, this thing actually scales and the response times are really great and it's highly resilient.” - Udai Tennati [00:29:33] “It's not really the size of your network, because you may have a very simple box in box outflow. Big boxes coming in, big boxes going out. You may have 50 such buildings spread all over the country or many countries, but the flow is fairly simplistic” - Udai Tennati Find out more about Will Udai in the link below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/utennati/

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Will Lovatt discusses the challenges and opportunities in the European eCommerce logistics landscape compared to the North American market. He highlights the fragmented nature of the European market due to different languages, legal jurisdictions, and tax regimes. Will also emphasizes the importance of understanding consumer expectations in the UK, such as fast and reliable delivery, sustainability, and the rise of pickup spots and lockers. He also touches on the adoption of automation in European warehouses and the impact of Brexit on supply chain operations. ABOUT WILL Will Lovatt is the General Manager and Vice President of Deposc. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Will has worked with companies like IBM, JDA, and Llamasoft. He specializes in helping direct-to-consumer supply chains optimize their operations and navigate the complexities of the European market. Currently working with some of the world's most demanding, innovative and fast-growing direct-to-consumer supply chains to improve their responsiveness and efficiency. Deposco native web SaaS solutions power the supply chains of Consumer Packaged goods, 3PLs, and a wide spectrum of eCommerce operations. HIGHLIGHTS [00:02:13] Will Lovatt's background and experience in the logistics industry [00:05:02] The evolution of supply chain and the need for flexible and dynamic solutions [00:08:03] The accessibility of enterprise-level solutions for mid-market brands [00:10:18] The challenges and complexities of expanding into the European market [00:15:07] The differences in consumer expectations between the UK and the US [00:18:34] Considerations for brands entering the UK or European market [00:21:53] The importance of location and planning laws in setting up a warehouse [00:23:24] The adoption of pickup spots and lockers in the UK [00:26:09] The importance of reliability in meeting customer expectations [00:29:04] The adoption of automation in the UK and Europe [00:32:50] The importance of having a holistic omni-channel strategy [00:40:31] How to learn more about DePosco and connect with Will Lovatt QUOTES [00:25:49] “Customers are openly comparing. And if you have a look at forums, they're talking about the courier that we have. Either failed them or satisfied their order openly.” - Will Lovatt [00:22:26] “I guess the point is that the country governments have got a role to play in either being attractive to eCommerce operators or not. Um, and whether they realize that or not, that they're making some small decisions, which are, which are pushing. Boundaries one way or the other and or the preference for one side of a boundary or the other.” - Will Lovatt Find out more about Will Lovatt in the link below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willlovatt/?originalSubdomain=uk

In this episode, Corey Apirian, Founder and CEO of DaVinci Micro Fulfillment, discusses his experience in the supply chain industry, starting with his major in supply chain management at Syracuse University. He then shares his experience working for a wholesale distributor, where he learned inventory and receiving. Corey talks about his experience starting a multi-million dollar business with Amazon's drop-ship program and how he helped brands build their online strategies through a wholesaler. The episode is filled with insights on micro-fulfillment, Amazon's regional fulfillment model, and the benefits of micro-fulfillment for small and medium-sized businesses. ABOUT COREY As an accomplished Supply Chain and Operations Leader with more than 15 years of senior management experience, Corey finds that his successes have been achieved by effectively developing and executing strategies to drive significant growth, savings, and exceptional service. He specializes in eCommerce and channel merchandising, aligning operational initiatives with corporate objectives, and building and leading high performing teams that succeed through a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and engagement. He is also proficient in product development and management, conducting successful contract negotiations, implementing continuous improvements and emerging technologies, and cultivating key relationships and partnerships. HIGHLIGHTS (00:02:14) Corey's Background (00:03:39) Starting a Multi-Million Dollar Business with Amazon's Drop-Ship Program (00:15:08) The Benefits of Micro-Fulfillment (00:15:10) The Importance of Understanding Your Assortment and Selling Strategy (00:35:11) The Potential for Automation in Sortation (00:36:14) Micro-Fulfillment vs. Quick/Fast Commerce (00:40:35) Ideal Inventory Turns for Micro-Fulfillment (00:40:38) Inventory Control and Dead Inventory (00:41:11) The Importance of Merchandising and Automation for Micro-Fulfillment (00:42:15) Finding a Good Partner for Micro-Fulfillment QUOTES (00:17:21) Explanation of direct fulfillment and earning and maintaining metrics for prime eligibility. - Corey: “You have to ship on time so that those goods not only have to be manifested on time, but they have to be scanned into the carrier network on time. They have to be delivering at the same time that Amazon told the customer that it's delivering and that has to be accurate. Right? There's like really four levels of metric. To maintain what they call a GD, Guaranteed Delivery status. And in many cases, it requires up to a six hour cycle time on orders.” (00:32:08) The disruption and innovation in last mile delivery and the potential for consolidation. - Corey: “Not to disrespect UPS, FedEx and the post office, because what they have built is just incredible over the past couple of decades. And they're the pioneers, right? And maybe on some level dealing with an innovator's dilemma, they drive down the last block to go deliver packages, but they're not a last mile carrier in the sense of that of that word, this point to point delivery and this quality delivery and the cost of that delivery, I think that's the unlock that they're trying to bring.” Find out more about Corey in the link below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-apirian/

In this episode, Simon Kalouche, founder and CEO of Nimble, joins the hosts to discuss the future of ecommerce logistics and the role of automation and robotics. Simon emphasizes the importance of automating core warehouse processes while acknowledging the challenges of handling edge cases. He shares his background in robotics and the application of deep learning in the field. Simon also highlights the potential of gecko adhesive technology for gripping and handling objects in logistics. The conversation explores the need for warehouses designed for robots and the vision of creating fully autonomous warehouses. Simon concludes by emphasizing the value of human involvement in the evolving landscape of ecommerce logistics. ABOUT SIMON Simon founded Nimble in 2017 after dropping out of his PhD at Stanford. He's spent the last 5 years inventing and scaling intelligent next-gen autonomous logistics systems. Previously Simon led development of dynamic legged robots for the Department of Defense while completing his masters in robotics at Carnegie Mellon, International Space Station robots for NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab and autonomous off-road vehicles for the Air Force Research Lab. HIGHLIGHTS If you try to automate all the one-offs, your warehouse will end up costing way too much. There's always edge cases and one-off things you have to solve for in logistics. Deep Imitation Learning allows robots to learn tasks through human demonstration. Designing warehouses conducive to robots opens up new possibilities for automation. The future of ecommerce logistics lies in a balance between automation and human involvement. QUOTES Real-World Automation Strategist, Variability Management Specialist. Simon: “I saw an opportunity to deploy this in the real world. There are so many monotonous, repetitive tasks out in the real world that are, you know, that are very repetitive, but yet too hard to automate because there's a lot of variability involved. And eCommerce to film is a classic example, right? If you think about a warehouse. You know, all day long is picking and packing and picking and packing. Uh, but the part that makes that task hard to automate is that you could be picking and packing 10 million or 20 million different objects, right? And every object has a different size and shape and weight and texture and stiffness and something you're fragile.” Labor Optimization, Warehouse Automation. Simon: “Running a warehouse today is very hard because of the labor problem, right? The, it's, it's very hard to find, to recruit, to train and to retain hundreds or thousands of people. Um, and, and that is what makes a warehouse very challenging to operate. And then when you wanna run a network of warehouses, you're multiplying that challenge by. You know, by the number of nodes in, in your network by three nodes, four nodes, five nodes, you know, whatever it might be. And so that, you know, you're quickly managing thousands of people. It takes a lot of money and, and effort and overhead to manage all of that. If you can automate the warehouses and reduce the amount of labor that's needed, um, you know, by an order of magnitude, warehouses all of a sudden don't become, you know, rocket science, uh, to run, you know, if the robots are working and the, you know, the system is highly automated. You know, the, the warehouse is not that hard to run” Find out more about Simon in the link below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-kalouche-98883343/

For this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome Joe Gullo, Vice President of Supply Chain & Logistics at Thursday Boot Company. With a few 3PLs getting gobbled up, does that really mean certain issues or will it make the industry stronger? Joe shares his insights not only in fulfillment and consolidation in 3PLs but also in making sure you keep your customers happy. ABOUT JOE Joe Gullo is a startup supply chain executive who specializes in e-commerce logistics at the intersection of tech and ops. His experience includes working with companies such as Jet.com, Walmart, Revzilla, Glossier, and Thursday Boots. Lately Joe has been focused on enhancing workday experiences for users and finding practical solutions to challenges faced across the D2C landscape.

For this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome Andreu Marco, Former Global SVP of Supply Chain at Burberry. Transforming luxury brands with the approach of innovation in tech and strategy can mean a world of difference, especially in today's time. Andreu shares his insights on the importance of customer centricity and how this can propel your performance overall. ABOUT ANDREU Andreu Marco has Over 25 years of End to End Retail SC experience with leading Luxury, fashion, retail, and FMCG brands (Burberry, Inditex, Firmenich etc.). He has been one of the first leaders in Retail to move towards Omni Channel solutions, achieving the big success we all saw in Burberry, which became number one company in its sector in Supply Chain, Technology and digitalizations during the years he was leading its Supply Chain-omni channel operations. Andreu has operated in all key markets, with special focus on China, Europe, and USA, and also in all retail, digital, B2B, B2C, and B2B2C channels. His passion is digitalization, strategy, customer centricity, and building very strong, performing teams. Andreu lives between Barcelona and London, where he is currently COO for a big international omni channel brand. HIGHLIGHTS 03:31 Supply chain needs to be a servant to the consumer 08:10 The luxury war, is one of the most inefficient supply chains areas 15:02 How Andreu managed to put the customer at the center 23:24 Tackling challenges in the omni channel 30:05 What to do when the margin is really low and consumers needs their product in 2 hours 35:57 Andreu's approach to tech and IT in the logistics space QUOTES 11:14 Eliminate friction so the customer has access to the product - Andreu: "The decision is inventory belongs to the customer. We put the customer at the center and that means that we have to change the dynamics of the company, which for 150 years were built around building channels, wholesale, retail, travel, and e-commerce. And we kind of eliminated all these artificial barriers that the company built during many years." 17:39 Going from 36 distribution centers to 2 globally - Andreu: "We were dramatically reducing our inventory and our working capital while we were increasing sales. How did we achieve that? We were putting all the inventory that we had in the company, including vendors, goods in transit, the stores, including B2B2C partners. We were putting all of this inventory at the service of customers" Find out more about Andreu in the link below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreu-marco-82835817/

For this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome Brittain Ladd, Strategy Advisor Shatranj Capital Partners. Amazon is technically one of the biggest players in the ecommerce space, so you would not expect them to make pretty crucial mistakes when it comes to online grocery retail. Aside from explaining why this is the case, Brittain takes us through a master class of online retail overall in today's episode! ABOUT BRITTAIN Brittain has 20 years of experience in supply chain management and logistics. He has lived and worked in China, India, Africa, Saudi Arabia, Europe, and the United States. Brittain is a global strategy and supply chain consultant and a writer for Forbes and his own website, brittainladd.com. Brittain is also recognized as being one of the most accurate analysts in business. He successfully predicted multiple major acquisitions more than a year in advance of them occurring including Amazon’s acquisition of Whole Foods, Microsoft and Walmart partnering to bid on TikTok, and most recently, Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Brittain is frequently quoted in the press and often appears on major news networks like CNN, Fox Business, and the BBC. HIGHLIGHTS 01:18 How Amazon is playing the grocery space 08:22 The ROI of a good micro-fulfillment system 14:39 How Target potentially playing in the next years 19:28 Brittain's experience with ecommerce in India 24:40 What is the ONDC 28:08 How India would look to the future QUOTES 04:22 The math in groceries works differently - Brittain: "Unlike other businesses where you can scale and you can lower costs the more scale that you have, it doesn't work like that in groceries. For simple math, if it cost me $10 to fulfill one online order, it's still gonna cost me $10 to fulfill a thousand online orders." 22:47 Mom-and-pop stores at the center of India's retail - Brittain: "For those of you who don't know, what makes India so fascinating is they have what's called the kiranas, these little tiny mom-and-pop shops that have been in those families for generations. And there are literally millions of these kiranas throughout India. And so instead of trying to put them out of business, which at one point Amazon was trying, and it was a terrible decision, Flipkart, Walmart, and now Amazon are saying, well, how do we make friends with the kiranas." Find out more about Brittain in the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittainladd/ Website: https://brittainladd.com/ Check out our first conversation with Brittain: How to Revamp eCommerce Fulfillment Through Partnerships

For this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome Erin Van Zeeland, Chief Commercial Officer and Group SVP/GM of Logistics at Schneider. A lot has changed for providers of transportation and logistics services over the pandemic. Erin shares her insights on sustainability in the trucking and distribution management industries and how much the space has been evolving over time. ABOUT ERIN Erin Van Zeeland is the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Logistics at Schneider, a premier provider of transportation, intermodal, and logistics services. In this position, she is accountable for the strategy, execution, and growth/profitability of Schneider’s fastest-growing segment including brokerage, supply chain and distribution management, and the power-only service offerings. Additionally, Van Zeeland is the company’s Chief Commercial Officer. In this capacity, she is responsible for the commercial strategy and the development of the organization which includes activities relating to marketing, sales, sales force effectiveness, product development, and service that drives business growth and expanded market share. Van Zeeland started her career at Schneider in 1993 and has subsequently held several leadership roles in a variety of positions with increasing responsibility for customer growth and business expansion throughout operations, tech, business transformation, human resources, enterprise/global customer engagement, and logistics. Van Zeeland holds a bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University and an MBA from Silver Lake College in Manitowoc, Wis. She also received a Corporate Governance certificate from the Harvard Business School Van Zeeland was the recipient of Supply & Demand Chain Executive’s first-ever Women in Supply Chain Award. Van Zeeland currently serves on the board of directors for the United Way – Green Bay. She also co-leads the Schneider Women’s Network and various other women in leadership and business programs. HIGHLIGHTS 03:44 How Erin's journey in Scheider started 13:29 Sustainability in trucking operations 19:54 Production costs of green products versus non-green products 27:42 How the autonomous truck industry is reshaping 33:29 Erin on the importance of relationships in the industry 38:54 Erin's advice for people looking to get into logistics QUOTES 19:24 We're leaning more and more into enviroment-friendly products - Erin: "They will have laundry detergent on the shelf right next to each, other one that's green one that's not green, it will be priced differentially. And they are seeing more and more of us as consumers going for the green option, the better option for the environment. And so it's good for business, people want to feel good about what they're buying and spending money on and they can prove it down to the details of their operation. So they're investing more there." 33:36 The importance of connection in the industry - Erin: "The kind of work that we do with customers has changed as you have AI automation, kind of API connections with customers, there's a lot less rub or rigor between the way that our systems work together and communicate information, we now have direct lines of communication to many shippers right into their TMS or WMS so that you don't need that much friction." Find out more about Erin in the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-van-zeeland-a567317/ Website: https://schneider.com

For this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome Kevin Lawton, Founder of The New Warehouse. Today, he talks about the innovations that are starting to take over warehousing operations today. Kevin shares how he started his podcast and how the warehousing space has changed over time with the emergence of technology. From AI and computer vision being utilized in training to more practical applications on the job. He also discusses how he got into the micro-fulfillment space and what he expects moving forward. ABOUT KEVIN Kevin has been involved in the distribution industry for 11 years, primarily focusing on inventory control. He started The New Warehouse Podcast in 2019 with over 350 episodes published. He is also an adjunct professor in supply chain at Rider University. He has grown The New Warehouse into a 3PL services business with a recently opened Micro-fulfillment center in Philadelphia. HIGHLIGHTS 02:28 How Kevin started The New Warehouse podcast 11:22 Understanding demographic replacement today 15:55 Using technology for warehouse training and operations 26:52 What excites Kevin about the micro-fulfillment space 35:45 Observable changes in micro-fulfillment over the years QUOTES 21:10 Using virtual reality for warehouse training - Kevin: "I love the training stuff just with the safety aspect overall. Training in the warehouse should be the same every time. I think programs like that allow you to do that same type of training every time. 24:07 Any tools that help understand what's happening in the warehouse are extremely impactful - Kevin: "When you think about reducing staff by bringing in automation and robotics and just having member shortages in general with less people wanting to work in warehouses. Think about 4-5 managers having to cover half a million square feet, you can't be everywhere at the same time. Find out more about Kevin in the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinclawton/ Website: https://www.thenewwarehouse.com/

For this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome Mark Delaney, Vice President of Global Industry Strategy at FourKites. Making sure that customers' expectations are met every time they come to your store is much harder than it sounds. Mark talks about the overall value of visibility not only for customer experience but for more efficient processes on the business side. ABOUT MARK Mark Delaney is currently VP Industry Strategy at FourKites. In this role, he engages with retailers’ C-level leaders and their teams to understand and address industry-specific workflows and use cases. He serves as an SME to help drive the product roadmap and support our global sales teams. He keeps a strong pulse on industry trends and frequently solicits customer and partner’s feedback on the technology investments that they are making to help inform and advance FourKite’s innovation with a customer-first mindset. He represents FourKites at industry events and briefings. Prior to FourKites, Mark was a Retail Industry Principal at Zebra Technologies where he led customer briefings, met with the press and analysts and worked with their Ventures organization evaluating potential investments. Mark has more than 20 years of experience in the retail industry and has worked with most large retailers globally. Before joining Zebra, Mark held leadership roles at Nielsen and General Mills and owned his own retail technology and analytics consulting firm. Mark holds a BS in Marketing from SUNY Oswego and serves on several boards in his community. He is also the mayor of a village on the north shore of Long Island where he and his family live. HIGHLIGHTS 01:40 Mark's 20-year journey in the logistics space. 04:16 Is same-day or two-day delivery really necessary? 10:09 Driving value and achieving the experience that customers demand. 17:16 There's a lot more willingness to share data now. 21:46 Employee satisfaction is now top of mind for many. 26:25 What's happening in the robotics space? 31:31 The role of labor market push in bringing in automation QUOTES 13:41 Visibility and transparency help you make sure consumer expectations are met - Mark: "You need to have that level of accuracy at the store because otherwise, you have a consumer who now jumped in their car, drove 10 minutes away, walked in the store, now you've given them a terrible experience. Now because that loyalty's been shattered, there's a very good chance they're going to go across the street to your competitor." 21:56 The importance of listening to consumers and customers - Mark: "One other area that's top of mind with our customers these days is employee satisfaction. Because it's very expensive to lose a good employee, especially someone who's been there for a period of time and you've invested in all that training. For them to be mired down by spreadsheets and phone calls and all that, if you can give them that visibility and confidence that they're communicating something that's accurate, they feel better as associates." Find out more about Mark in the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markjdelaney001/ Website: https://www.fourkites.com/

For this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome Sucharita Kodali, Vice President and Principal Analyst at Forrester Research. Today, she shares a wealth of knowledge on retail and the consumer goods space. We go through topics including trends in the ecommerce and retail world today, strategies for retention and improvement, and the potential of technology in the space. ABOUT SUCHARITA Sucharita serves digital business strategy professionals. She is an expert in e-commerce, omnichannel commerce, consumer behavior, and trends in the retail and consumer goods space. She is also an authority on technology developments that affect the online commerce industry and vendors that facilitate online marketing and merchandising. In her research, Sucharita covers areas such as e-commerce trends and global, regulatory, and technology issues shaping commerce. She is the author of Forrester’s “The World’s Most Future-Proofed Brands” report, which reviews global consumer-facing brand manufacturers. She is often the keynote speaker at retailer conferences around the world and is frequently featured in national media such as NPR, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Bloomberg Businessweek, The Information, and more. Prior to Forrester, Sucharita was the director of marketing at Saks Fifth Avenue, where she managed the customer acquisition, retention, and market research efforts for the $2 billion luxury retailer's online channel. Prior to Saks, she held management positions at Toys R Us, where she was a merchant in the Babies R Us division and a store manager in one of the company's largest toy stores. She also worked for the Walt Disney Company, where she was part of the strategic planning team. Sucharita holds a BA in economics from Harvard University and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. HIGHLIGHTS 02:18 How Sucharita's journey in retail started 09:10 The boom in online commerce during the pandemic 14:51 The bullwhip effect in retail supply chain recently 21:05 Can we expect more automation and robotics in warehousing? 27:07 Don't try to match what Amazon is doing 34:24 Will there be conflict in CPG when working with consumers and being a direct-to-consumer brand? QUOTES 16:58 Don't diversify only when there are issues - Sucharita: "One of the things we learned from the pandemic was that maybe we are too concentrated with our supply chains in Asia, particularly in China, then you add on some of the geopolitical issues. I think companies are gradually recognizing that maybe they do need to diversify their supply chains. But it's a painful decision to have to make because then you have to increase the costs of your inputs." 27:07 Look inward instead of trying to compete with top players like Amazon - Sucharita: "I think that the companies that created a lot of the frenzy around shipping were the ones that fundamentally didn't really have differentiated offerings. They were selling the same things Amazon is selling and net-net all being equal, if you are slower than Amazon, you have the same products, and you're not even pricing better, you really don't have a choice but to either lower your prices or increase your speed of shipping." Find out more about Sucharita in the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sucharitamulpuru/ Website: https://www.forrester.com/bold

For this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome Scott Weiss, Vice President Technical Sales-Warehousing and Distribution Services at Maersk North America. Today, he shares his thoughts on why many brands and 3PL relationships end up falling apart and how to approach issues that arise within the partnership. ABOUT SCOTT Scott Weiss has over 25 years of 3PL warehouse and distribution leadership experience. As Vice President of Technical Sales, Scott oversees the Warehouse and Distribution sales for Maersk North America. Founded in 1904, A.P. Moller - Maersk is an integrated, asset-based logistics company working to connect and simplify its customers’ supply chains from factory to door. As the global leader in logistics services, the company operates in 130 countries and employs more than 100,000 people worldwide with 550 global warehouses. Maersk is one of the leading omni-channel logistics providers in North America that operates over 7,000 trucks, 158 warehouses, and 26 million square feet of warehouse space with an extensive list of e-commerce, wholesale, and retail companies ranging from start-up to CPG Fortune 500 companies. Scott holds an M.B.A. degree in Management from California State University, Fullerton; a B.S. Degree with a triple concentration in Finance, Banking, and Real Estate from San Francisco State University; and Global Logistics Specialist (GLS) designation from California State University, Long Beach. He resides in Malibu, CA. HIGHLIGHTS 01:31 Majority of brand-3PL relationships end in a divorce 07:00 3PLs are at a good position to be supply chain advisors for midmarket brands 09:49 What clients ask for when it comes to helping with sourcing a product 13:01 Pros and cons of a single node network 15:42 Are customers asking for automation and robotics? QUOTES 10:35 What to consider from sourcing the product to delivery - Scott: "You need to look at the whole picture. Inbound, real estate, labor, and outbound, before you can give them the answer. So with global supply chain, looking at that whole piece of a puzzle is the only way you're going to give the best possible answer and recommendations." 16:37 Protect your workforce - Scott: "Employee retention, I've seen a big increase for companies that have their own warehousing 3PLs. The value of treating an employee and taking care of them has never been higher. That's one thing that came out of COVID that companies frankly did not pay as much attention to before." Find out more about Scott in the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottweisslogistics/ Website: https://www.maersk.com/

For this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome Josh Jewett, Operating Partner at NewRoad Capital Partners. Today, he shares his time and experience in working with enterprises and exploring opportunities in supply chain and operations using the technological advancements of today. He also shares his thoughts on professional services and how they interact with logistics overall. ABOUT JOSH Josh Jewett is an operating partner at NewRoad Capital Partners, a private equity firm investing in opportunities in Supply Chain, Logistics, Retail, and Consumer Packaged Goods sectors in the lower middle market. He leverages his executive experience driving value for two large retail enterprises to improve the performance of his firm’s portfolio companies and the return for his firm’s investors. Before his current roles, Josh was CIO at Dollar Tree, Inc. and its subsidiary, Family Dollar, Inc., from 2002 to 2020. Following the close of the $11B acquisition of Family Dollar in 2015, Josh led the effort to create IT as a shared service for all Dollar Tree banners. In his role at Dollar Tree, Josh also partnered with fellow senior executives to drive several major corporate initiatives in supply chain and logistics, customer engagement, human capital management, and back office operations by leveraging a variety of advanced technological solutions to capitalize on the scale of the new $24B retail organization. Josh’s leadership and expertise has been recognized by multiple regional and national industry organizations. Most notably, he was named CIO of the Year, “Strategic Impact” by RIS News in 2013. He was also chosen as CIO of the Year later that same year by the Charlotte Business Journal. HIGHLIGHTS 01:01 What brought Josh into the private equity world and taking a mentorship role 05:51 Understanding a company as an enterprise-class buyer 09:17 Is there ever a world where professional services and logistics do not exist 13:03 Buy vs build from the technology standpoint 16:22 Generative AI and the impact of similar technology QUOTES 06:40 It can be natural to become an enterprise-class buyer - Josh: "There's much more to it than just a great product. You have to have a great team, you have to have momentum in the marketplace, you have to have added competition and all that. But invariably that's the first thing I look at is what's the business problem it's trying to solve and do I believe that this is a good way to solve that problem" 10:15 Few organizations have the bench strength to implement a new product - Josh: "There's always a burn-in and optimization phase with a new platform. If you don't have skills or the resources to do that, there's no way to get around professional services supplementing your activity." Find out more about Josh in the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshjewett-cio/ Website: https://newroadcp.com/

For this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome Patrick Nikoletich and Nima Elyassi-Rad, the CTO and the Vice President of Global Business Development of Shippo respectively. We sit with the amazing duo to talk about understanding fulfillment from different perspectives, creating a great delivery experience, and the innovations shaping the space for businesses and consumers alike. ABOUT PATRICK AND NIMA Patrick is a technology executive and founder. He currently serves as the Chief Technology Officer at Shippo managing both product and engineering organizations. Previously, he served as the VP of Product at Truveta focused on developing AI/ML applications to improve the outcomes of patients receiving treatments, at Microsoft in Azure and AI & Research divisions as an engineering and program manager, and working for and leading small businesses developing applications with larger enterprises. In his spare time he enjoys skiing, riding motorcyles and hiking in the Pacific Northwest with his wife and two dogs. Nima, on the other hand, is a technology executive, investor, and founder. He currently serves as the VP of Business Development at Shippo. Previously, he started a soccer brand, spent time as a VC, knows how to sling pizza, and put in time on the 1st and 2s as a Hip Hop radio DJ. HIGHLIGHTS 02:25 Logistics from a cost and customer experience perspective 09:25 You don't need to have an Amazon-like delivery experience especially early on. 15:14 Many copycat brands will start going away. 21:13 Innovations and their practical applications in the eCom space today. QUOTES 03:53 Any warehouse shipper has to consider someone to be their infrastructure - Nima: "Tech forward folks don't like it, you come for the integration and you stay for the switching cost because it's too expensive to rip something out. But in reality, things are breaking down. So when you are picking a new partner, I think it's important to really vet them to understand are they enterprise-ready and what that readiness means for your organization." 23:12 AI and ML applications have been "invading" everyone's lives for many years - Patrick: "The thing that you have to recognize is that 85-90% of ideas around AI and ML applications will probably fail, they won't return any meaningful value and won't be used as something stand-alone that can drive growth and revenue for your business but really the power is in how they augment capabilities." Find out more about amazing guests in the links below: About Patrick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-nikoletich-99a42918/ About Nima: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nima3rad/ Website: https://goshippo.com/

For this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome Prashant Shah, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Swag Up at Prologis Ventures. Today, he shares his from being part of the Marine Corps to now leading businesses in the supply chain side. Prashant talks about what he learned in the military that has transitioned through the supply chain and logistics side of his career today. He also shares insights on driving growth while also making sure to reduce costs at the same time. ABOUT PRASHANT Prashant Shah, who joined SwagUp in 2021 runs Supply Chain as the Chief Supply Chain Officer, based in Piscataway, New Jersey. Prashant joins SwagUp with 17 years of senior level management experience in Supply Chain. He was born and raised in India, and came to the USA in 2001. He started his studies in engineering but quickly found his way into the United States Marine Corps office a day after 9/11 to serve his country against terrorism. He served 8 years in the Marines and was medically discharged due to injuries in the war in Afghanistan and Iraq. After his medical discharge from the Marines in 2009, he returned to New Jersey and started working in Target as an unloader in the overnight shift while trying to finish his Bachelor's in Criminal Justice. In 2010, after graduating, he became a Sales-floor Executive at Target which led to his promotion to Sr. Logistic Executive in Jersey City, New Jersey Target location. Following from Target, he soon landed a role at the largest Macy’s Distribution Center and moved up the rank of Director of the Distribution Center in a unionized environment and successfully led 200+ members to the best-engaged building in the country. This was when Prashant tasted the success of being a leader in the distribution and logistics role and found his real passion in the supply chain world. From this moment, the sky was the limit and he worked in Bed Bath and Beyond, Drive Medical and Lasership as Head of Supply Chain. In his current role in SwagUp, his vision while it aligns with CEO and Founder of SwagUp, Michael Martocci, is to become a $1Billon company within 5 years. HIGHLIGHTS 01:21 Prashant's journey with the Marines 04:50 How does the warehouse get set up from the technology side 09:56 Spending time in Casper and addressing the impactful issues in the bottom line 19:29 Helping fuel growth while also reducing costs 23:06 SwagUp and disrupting and industry through digitization 28:11 Technology to be excited about in supply chain today today QUOTES The human nature of camaraderie will show regardless of industry - Prashant: "Military is also just like any other organization made of individuals form different cultures, backgrounds, ethnicities, and so for. That really preps them for the camaraderie piece because you're literally having your life put in somebody's hands and you have each other's back." Going from zero to ninety-nine is tremendous, especially with personnel - Prashant: "If we want to get to 99-100%, then I will need additional individuals. But who is going to volunteer to go to Afghanistan and stay with me for 6 months? So getting to the preparation, we need to be 100% so that way we don't need additional personnel so they can be used somewhere else. The mindset is we don't have anybody, that's all you have. Whatever you see, that's it." Find out more about Prashant in the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prashant-shah-mba/ Website: https://www.swagup.com/

For this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome William O’Donnell, Managing Director at Prologis Ventures. Today, he shares his expertise in supply chain technology and real estate and adjusting to the changes in these spaces. William gives a few insights on the Silicon Vally Bank failure before diving deep into supply chain logistics technology. How it's slowly becoming a C-suite priority, learning from and adjusting to adjacent industries, and what it could like for the rest of the year. ABOUT WILLIAM William O’Donnell is the Managing Director of Prologis Ventures, the innovation platform and venture capital arm of Prologis. With over 24 years of experience in both real estate and technology he heads this new group’s efforts to invest in cutting-edge technology for supply chain logistics and real estate. Mr. O’Donnell joined legacy AMB in 2003 and established a successful track record of building and acquiring investment platforms and companies globally. In addition, he has private equity fund management expertise including capital raising, joint venture negotiation, asset management, work-outs, debt structuring and disposition. Mr. O’Donnell also has acquisition and development experience throughout Asia, Europe, and North America. Prior to joining AMB, Mr. O’Donnell was Director of Acquisition Solutions at Acxiom Impact a leading digital marketing company, and a management consultant at Cambridge Technology Partners. Mr. O’Donnell received his Bachelors of Arts in English and Spanish from Duke University. HIGHLIGHTS 01:34 The impact of the Silicon Valley Bank failure 09:23 Things to be excited for in the supply chain tech space 17:03 Look at adjacent areas to learn from 23:30 Myth or Truth: Professional services revenue has a negative impact on valuation 29:00 What the rest of 2023 looks like from the supply chain perspective 34:23 Will there be a slowdown in 3PL logistics valuation? QUOTES 10:21 Supply chain is an incredibly complex system - Will: "There's a lot of opportunities for improvement. Innovation occurs when you remove constraints and suddenly new white space and opportunities open up. A lot of times it's changing a business model." 25:16 There has to be development because B2B SaaS is always challenging - Will: "It is important that if you do have integration or you're doing development to be able to recoup the cost. The challenge you want to avoid is building bespoke products for a party of one." Find out more about Will in the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-o-donnell-85b25120/ Website: https://www.prologis.com/

In today's episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome Supriya Iyer, Director of Google Global Networking Supply Chain & Commercial Operations at Google. For this part of our Women in Supply Chain, Retail, and Ecommerce series, we dive into the power of value chain, establishing reliable partnerships, and operating network at scale. Supriya talks about the need for transparency and establishing connections, especially with today's global ecosystem in supply chain. She shares her insights on the Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and other innovative solutions in the industry today. ABOUT SUPRIYA Supriya leads Supply Chain and Commercial Operations for Google’s Global Networking division, with a focus on predictable materials supply and operations to operate the network at scale. She is a business leader with 20+ years of experience in transforming value chains and growing small teams into mature organizations to deliver high-quality products and services. Supriya also enjoys fast-paced and dynamic environments and has lots of experience in balancing this with fostering a people-first culture and stakeholder engagement. Previously, she has held global leadership positions at VMWare, GE, and Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI). She embraces the values of integrity, inclusion, belonging and leading with empathy. Supriya is passionate about bringing and growing diverse talent into Google in both technical and business roles. Supriya holds a Master's degree in Computer Science and a Master’s degree in Mathematics. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, cooking, and traveling. HIGHLIGHTS 01:55 How Supriya's journey in supply chain and logistics started 09:54 There are specialized lines of GCP solutions that are centered on supply chain 17:06 Utilizing AI/ML in today's world 26:12 Tackling partnerships in the supply chain ecosystem 34:55 Leaning into sustainability at a global scale QUOTES 12:10 Know when GCP can come into place - Supriya: "So there is a maturity before you are able to truly leverage AI/ML. So I just want to focus about, know your data, know what you need to run your business, make sure that data health is in a good place, and then you can leverage AI and ML, right?" 33:00 Leverage third-party solutions if they make sense - Supriya: "You don't have to be vertically integrated, you can rely on partnerships. Not in every location, I do not want to manage our own warehouses and do all of that. So there are great partners who specialize in this. So who has the latest when it comes to technology? Who has the best practices and the best people who do it day in and day out?" Find out more about Supriya in the link below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/supriyaiyer/

In today's episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome Alicemarie Geoffrion, President of Packaging for DHL Supply Chain in North America. For this part of our Women in Supply Chain, Retail, and Ecommerce series, we dive into packaging operations and what has changed for the packaging space over the last few years. Alicemarie talks about the different innovations and practices that are now shaping packaging operations today. She shares her insights on the automation and technology trends being used in the space and improving sustainability processes all throughout. ABOUT ALICEMARIE Alicemarie Geoffrion is President of Packaging for DHL Supply Chain in North America where she is responsible for growing end-to-end packaging operations to drive innovations, create efficiencies, and realize savings for customers. She is also a member of the DHL Supply Chain North America Board. In her role, Alicemarie leads a team focused on helping customers increase return on their packaging investment through a holistic, integrated approach that has been proven to lower total costs, increase agility needed to meet changing demands, support late-stage customization, and enhance sustainability through continuous innovation. Before stepping into her current role, Alicemarie worked in DHL’s Strategy group where she developed sector and product-specific strategies to drive top and bottom-line growth for all North American Operations. She was also the Head of Global Solutions for DHL’s former Williams Lea Tag division. Prior to joining DHL Supply Chain, Alicemarie held positions as a management consultant, she led multiple strategy and operations projects for customers across industries and served as Vice President of eCommerce/Business Solutions for a Merchandising Fulfillment organization. Alicemarie earned both a bachelor’s degree in Management Science and an MBA from Case Western Reserve University. HIGHLIGHTS 05:46 How has packaging evolved over 20 years? 13:04 Brands now navigate packaging differently in this omnichannel era 18:48 Innovation in packaging specifically in terms of labor 27:00 Trends in the packaging space outside of automation and technology 33:54 High expectations for sustainability agendas QUOTES 14:10 Flexibility is essential in the omnichannel world today - Alicemarie: "You have to be flexible to understand what it is that the customer wants and you have to have the right processes and the right equipment in place to allow you to make those changes very quickly." 22:27 Turning to automation for more efficiency and productivity - Alicemarie: "Although we still always need labor, we need to start to balance it differently so that we can leverage the automation and the technology more so that we don't ever get to a point where we have to say to a customer well we don't have the capacity because we didn't get the labor." Find out more about Alicemarie in the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicemarie-geoffrion/ Website: https://www.dhl.com/us-en/home/supply-chain/solutions/packaging.html

In today's episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome Melissa Minkow, Director of Retail Strategy at CI&T. For this part of our Women in Supply Chain, Retail, and Ecommerce series, we talk about the role of consumer insights when it comes to success in retail. Melissa shares her early experience with Target Canada and how doing retail coverage at a global research company essentially widened her perspective on retail and commerce overall. She also dives deep into the various models we are seeing today that significantly affect not only the businesses but also the consumers directly. ABOUT MELISSA Melissa Minkow is the Director of Retail Strategy at CI&T, a global digital solutions provider for some of the world's largest retailers and companies. Previously, she was a senior principal advisor focusing on omni-channel retail, e-commerce, and social commerce at global research and advisory company, Gartner and was a business analyst in merchandising strategy at Target. At CI&T, Melissa is responsible for synthesizing strategy, insights and data to help identify actionable retail services trends and lead strategic sales and client engagements. She is a RETHINK Retail Top Influencer, a RetailWire BrainTrust Expert, and a retail futurist whose methodology is rooted in cross-industry consumer insights and innovation. HIGHLIGHTS 04:18 What happened with Target Canada? 09:46 Understanding the model that Shein created 16:26 Identifying what is important to the midmarket 25:18 The importance of one-to-one creation models 29:26 Taking a "less is more" approach to combat expenses in retail QUOTES 20:07 Start shaping demand as a retailer- Melissa: "So many retail models can be aggregated over time. You'll see maybe there are some types of products in particular that need to be delivered before Wednesday but there are other types of products that people just aren't ordering over the weekend. There's so much advancement that could still happen with demand forecasting that trickles into logistics." 27:03 We need to recognize the fragmentation of interests for consumers - Melissa: "There are so many diverging interests when it comes to both wants and needs at a product level. Retailers that are able to cater to an individual will see repeat business in that way. That's ultimately what personalization is." Find out more about Melissa in the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-minkow/ Website: https://ciandt.com/us/en-us/our-work/retail-and-commerce

This episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast is the first in our series, Women in Supply Chain, Retail, and Ecommerce running for the month of March. Today, we welcome Stephanie Cannon, SVP Operations Excellence and Collaborative Innovation at Pitney Bowes. Stephanie talks about her leadership role at Pitney Bowes and her experience in handling multiple functions including automation and systems innovation, ops excellence, workforce optimization, and more. She also discusses how they integrate automation in daily processes for more productivity and better results. ABOUT STEPHANIE Stephanie oversees the Operations Excellence and Collaborative Innovation Group for Global Ecommerce at Pitney Bowes Inc. to accelerate network modernization and expansion and support operational excellence and long-term growth. Her prior roles include Vice President of Operations Practices and Innovation, Senior Director of Automation and Systems Innovation, Director of Operations for Fulfillment Services, and leader of the Industrial Engineering Group for Fulfillment Services. She previously consulted for West Monroe Partners, serving as an SME in operations and engineering strategies and creating operational assessments to provide unique solutions to customers. Stephanie started her career at UPS, rotating through various roles during her tenure in hub, package, and transportation. HIGHLIGHTS 02:01 How Stephanie started in supply chain and logistics 07:16 Handling multiple functions at the same time 14:17 Cutting through the noise when it comes to innovation and automation 26:51 The impact of automation on the workforce 33:03 Can we apply gamification in the innovation standpoint? QUOTES 16:04 The ecommerce world is ever-changing - Stephanie: "Flexibility has actually become one of the most important things because you don't want to buy just this traditional automation that isn't viable to use in two years because your profiles have changed." 25:27 Refine ideas for operational optimization in the real world - Stephanie: "When I partner with these people, it's really critical that I help them bridge how do we solve a real-world problem but also how is it commercialized in the long-term. " Find out more about Stephanie in the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-cannon-68b15196/ About Pitney Bowes: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pitney-bowes/

For this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome Ben Emmrich, Co-Founder and CEO of Tusk Logistics. Today, he talks about how delivery providers can provide the most value not only for their own service but also for their shippers. Ben shares his experiences and insights in the small parcel industry and the philosophy behind Tusk. He discusses the importance of carrier diversification and the strategic roles that regional and national carriers have been playing for the last 10 or so years. ABOUT BEN Co-Founder and CEO of Tusk. Ben has spent his career at the overlap of small parcel shipping and ecommerce and led operations and strategic partnerships at Google Shopping and Shippo before building Tusk. Having seen the small parcel industry from many angles — as an operator, software provider and start-up — Ben is a firm believer that any small parcel delivery provider’s sole focus should be on making a meaningful, honest impact for its shippers and that volume follows value. HIGHLIGHTS 01:36 Accidental business? The funny story behind Ben's Dry Ice 07:12 How Tusk came about 09:49 Are regional carriers transitioning to a different model? 13:50 How UPS nailed the strategy of utilizing Amazon 20:40 Carrier diversification is the correct way 25:58 Addressing fears of not having enough volume as a brand 30:32 The strategic roles of national carriers QUOTES 20:59 Carrier diversification is important but there needs to be adjustments - Ben: "We are too much of a professorial industry. Where experts tell an operator what they should do. Like, 'hey, you should diversify', you should-you should, you could-you could, it's very advice-based." 27:19 Regional carriers make incredible partners - Ben: "They do right by their shippers and I would encourage every shipper out there to call a regional. The reason being is, because their op is smaller their operation is often more flexible. For example, if you have 25 pieces bound for a regional's footprint, they might give you a discounted pick-up fee or waive your pick-up fee because they already have trucks on your block. So, why not?" Find out more about Ben in the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benemmrich/ Website: https://www.tusklogistics.com/ Email: ben@tusklogistics.com

For this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome Sandra MacQuillan, Chief Supply Chain Officer of Mondelēz International. Today, she shares her experience in supply chain leadership and provides meaningful insights to excel in this field. She talks about how it was leading Mondelēz at the beginning and during the pandemic and the regional differences between Asia, Europe, North America, and Latin America when it came to innovation in supply chain efforts. Sandra also shares advice on building teams for maximum growth and how to go about as a new leader in supply chain. ABOUT SANDRA Sandra MacQuillan is Chief Supply Chain Officer for Mondelēz International, a global company leading the future of snacking with 2019 net revenues of approximately $28.7 billion. In this role, Sandra leads all aspects of the organization’s global supply chain including Procurement, Manufacturing, Logistics, Engineering, Sustainability, and Safety. Sandra is passionate about the role the supply chain plays in leveraging deep understanding and partnership to drive value to the business. Sandra joined the company in June 2019 from Kimberly-Clark where she was their first-ever Supply Chain Officer. She built their Supply Chain and Supply Chain Leadership team and under her leadership, this work resulted in best-in-class performance in cost-savings and step-changes in cash, customer service, quality, safety, and sustainability. Before her time at Kimberly-Clark, Sandra worked at Mars Incorporated for more than 20 years, holding supply chain positions of increasing responsibility worldwide. In her last role at Mars, she served as Global Vice President of Supply Chain for its $15Bn Global Petcare business. Sandra has extensive international experience and has lived and worked in North America, Europe, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. She is on the Board for Trimble, serves on the SCM World’s Executive Advisory Board, and is a Trustee for Atlanta International School, Atlanta, Georgia. Sandra is a chartered mechanical engineer and was elected a Fellow of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers in 2011. She was appointed a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in recognition of her work in encouraging young students, particularly women, into engineering. HIGHLIGHTS 02:31 How Sandra led as the first-ever Chief Supply Chain Officer of Kimberly-Clark 09:33 Must-have attributes when building a team for supply chain 13:29 The top priorities leading Mondelēz at the start of the pandemic 23:26 On moving to digital 27:54 Comparing regional innovation and sustainability 36:51 What we can expect with automation in the CPG QUOTES 04:28 Sandra's advice for future supply chain leadership: "Don't lose sight of what supply chain is, is what I would say at the start. There are key principles that we have in supply chain around who we are and what we are. They apply anywhere. So if anybody tells you, you have to rethink everything, that's not true. There's core, basic fundamentals, service quality, safety, and all these kinds of things. 29:13 We should connect together where we can - Sandra: "If they've not had recognition, they feel the need to be seen, so it has to be theirs. And as opposed to when we get to, hopefully at some point when business and the corporate world gets to the place where we're gonna share with each other for the better of everything. It sounds a bit naive, but I do believe that's what we should be doing corporately." Find out more about Sandra in the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandramacquillan/

For this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome Essa Al-Saleh, CEO and Board Member of Volta Trucks. Today, Essa shares his experience as a leader in the logistics space and how he used this background to innovate in the electric fleet market. He talks about building a culture as a leader that encourages creativity and drive especially during challenging moments like economic crises. He also tackles how fleet owners and operators can smoothly transition to the electric models from the traditional combustion engine systems. Essa recognizes how much of a challenge this change can be but also discusses the overall benefit of the sustainable truck for urban distribution. ABOUT ESSA Essa Al-Saleh is the CEO and a Board Member of Swedish electric-vehicle manufacturer Volta Trucks, an electric commercial vehicle company that is leading the transition from the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) ecosystem to a safe and sustainable truck for urban distribution. Volta Trucks is driving the transition with its re-imagined, superior product and its “Truck as a Service” solution which seeks to de-risk the transition for fleet operators. He previously spent more than two decades at Agility Global Integrated Logistics in Baar, Switzerland, where he was appointed president and CEO in 2007. During his time at Agility, he transformed the company from a 300-person, single-country operation into one of the top ten global logistics businesses, operating in over 100 countries, employing more than 18,000 people, and with over $4 billion in revenues. HIGHLIGHTS 03:05 Essa's journey with Agility Global Integrated Logistics 06:28 Advice for leaders in logistics when dealing with crisis moments 11:34 On building culture and "punching above your weight" 21:22 What the banning of diesel engine trucks in Paris would mean for fleet operators 26:55 Opportunities in the North American market 34:03 Understanding the challenge of transitioning to an electric fleet QUOTES 13:46 The elements that allow you to "punch above your weight" - Essa: "We want everybody in the organization and find ways to make everybody in the organization feel empowered to make the right decision, not be afraid to make the decision, and if they do make a mistake they own up to that mistake and learn from it. That's an empowerment opportunity." 38:56 Utilizing fleet management services in their platform - Ninaad: "Most of what we have seen up until now is there is a truck mount solution that is running a Zebra Terminal Insight in there using LTE or 5G, communicating through a software that does not really communicate with the truck other than the GPS information. Now, the truck itself starts becoming a device that gives you the information in real-time." Find out more about Essa in the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/essa-al-saleh-122b821/ Website: https://voltatrucks.com/

Dan Coll and Ninaad Acharya welcome Mike Simpson, Vice President of E-Commerce at NFI, joined for this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast. They discussed Mike's impressive career, which began with him serving in the Army and went on to include him becoming President of Retail and E-Commerce for Jenko, which was later acquired by FedEx and is now known as FedEx Supply Chain. Mike is now the executive sponsor for NFI Veterans Committee and is leading FedEx's expansion in the E-Commerce fulfillment space. The three start off their conversation about the peak season, which had just ended. Mike shared his insights on the importance of automation and scalability in this new era of eCommerce, and why it's important to find the right balance between labor and technology. He also discussed the need to invest in people and facilities to ensure success in a market that is growing rapidly and becoming increasingly competitive. Learn more from Mike in this latest episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast. ABOUT MIKE Michael Simpson is the Vice President of eCommerce at NFI. He graduated from the University of Connecticut and was an Officer in the US Army stationed in Louisiana prior to moving to Texas to start his supply chain career. Has spent over 20 years in supply chain leadership roles, mostly in the Retail and eCommerce industry. Vast experience in eCommerce, forward, reverse, repair, inventory management, value-added services, quality control, customer service, team development, and many other areas to support growing businesses. Exec sponsor for Veterans committee at NFI. Supports attracting veterans to NFI, and then supporting, retaining, and developing Veterans that join NFI, as well as supporting the local Veterans community. HIGHLIGHTS 03:02 Key takeaways from peak season 09:30 How the housing crisis will impact the industry in 2020 15:21 How to attract and retain employees 21:38 The biggest return for the company 26:56 The fundamental basis of automation is no longer efficiency 29:09 What is the progression of automation in retail 34:38 Understanding Scalability 44:31 NFI’s strategy for expanding into major markets QUOTES 39:51 Deeper understanding of scalability’s definition - DAN: "Scalability isn't just I went from 100 orders a day to 5000 orders a day Scalability means I might have gotten into different sales channels. And maybe I was digital, native, and all direct to consumer. Now I'm heavily involved in marketplace and Amazon, I'm also doing some retail distribution and drop shipping." 43:46 Use niche tools to prevent supplier misses - MIKE: "What we've done is we've taken that time to really listen to the customer, the voice of the customer piece that you had mentioned, Dan, a big component of that was making sure we knew what the market wanted and needed, and how do we modify and enhance our offerings and NFI." Find out more about Mike in the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-simpson-mba/ Website: https://www.nfiindustries.com/

For this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome Sarah Scudder, Chief Marketing Officer of SourceDay and host of the What the Duck podcast. Today, Sarah digs into building partnerships between suppliers and procurement organizations. She discusses how the sheer volume of orders makes first-mile critical in the operations of manufacturers and the role of technology in automating manual processes. Sarah also gives actionable tips on how to build partnerships, from hiring the right talent to making it easy for suppliers to work with procurement to reevaluating payment terms to become more attractive as a partner. Sarah also talks about how midmarket companies and suppliers can utilize a tech stack to reduce risk. By utilizing niche software, the back and forth that happens with line item changes can be tracked to avoid supplier misses. Finally, Sarah gives advice to brands with seasonal products and how they can plan for 2023 and beyond. ABOUT SARAH Sarah Scudder is a self-proclaimed manufacturing supply chain nerd. She is a sustainability nut and loves all things Bradley Cooper. In fact, she has been trying to get a dinner date with him for over two years. The struggle is real. She is good at loading the dishwasher but can’t keep potted plants alive. Green is her favorite color. Sarah hosts the direct materials podcast What the Duck?! and a monthly Voice of Supply Chain show that features people in supply chain doing extraordinary things. She also hosts monthly Manufacturing Woes and Women In ERP shows and enjoys speaking about marketing and supply chain-related topics. Follow her hashtags #ManufacturingMaven and #WomenInERP to get daily manufacturing and direct materials supply chain news. HIGHLIGHTS 02:48 Sarah’s journey from student leader to CMO 10:04 Midmarket companies: Avoid costly mistakes by automating manual processes of first-mile delivery 19:52 Become a partner and build collaborative working relationships 27:36 A single solution will not address every PO problem; use niche tools 36:29 Brands must assess their supplier base in 2023 QUOTES 26:31 Price should no longer be a top consideration in selecting suppliers - Sarah: "The days of trying to save a penny here and then on price are, just in my opinion, gone. And if I were running a procurement organization, I don't even think costs would be in my top three focus areas. Now, of course, do you need to make sure that what you're buying is market competitive? Absolutely. But I think there are many more priorities than looking at price. And one of the main ones is supply. And if you can't get supply, no matter how much it costs, it does you no good because you're not gonna have anything to manufacture." 30:54 Use niche tools to prevent supplier misses - Sarah: "When a company is issuing a purchase order, 52% of the time, our research has shown from the usage of our platform that line items change. So if I'm issuing a purchase order with a hundred line items, we're saying that on average, 52 of those hundred line items are going to have have changes, and that means then, significant back and forth via email and spreadsheet with your supplier, and then we go back to that risk." 37:55 Brands with seasonal products must assess their supplier base - Sarah: "One of the most important things you can do to prepare is one, do a full assessment of your supplier base. Who are your suppliers? What is their availability? What sort of relationship do you have with those suppliers? Anything that's questionable or a red flag, I would go immediately start sourcing alternative suppliers to make sure you can have supply." Find out more about Sarah in the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manufacturingmaven/ Website: https://sourceday.com/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-the-duck/id1606314974

For this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome Dusty Holcomb, CEO of Red Stag Fulfillment. Today, Dusty drills into everything about increasing client value. He talks about how he quickly found a common mission with Red Stag in being people-focused, client-centric, and having a get-stuff-done mindset. Dusty discusses how being people-first is also a strategy for a business's longevity and becoming a 3PL partner that people want to work with. He then focuses on creating a customer experience by doubling down on areas of expertise and gives technical and financial considerations if you are planning on going big and bulky. ABOUT DUSTY Dusty Holcomb, an exemplary executive with a 20+ year senior leadership career, is passionate about building innovative and high-performance leadership teams. He is known for solving complex competitive challenges and being able to “connect the dots” between what currently exists and what can and should exist in the future. He has leveraged these skills to reimagine products, services, and systems utilizing his extensive expertise in leadership, technology, and logistics. Dusty is known for his deep belief in the value of creating a differentiated customer experience as the primary driver of predictable recurring revenue growth. As the CEO of Red Stag Fulfillment, a rapidly growing third-party ecommerce fulfillment and logistics services provider, Dusty has a breadth of experience in logistics, strategic governance, and the navigation of dynamic and fast-moving industries. Throughout his extensive career, Dusty held numerous roles at AAA, a multi-billion-dollar organization, including VP Operations, CMO, President, Head of Innovation, and more. Dusty is Board experienced, currently serving as an Independent Director and compensation committee member for HeroWear Exo, an innovative wearable technologies company. Additionally, he has given back to six different non-profit organizations during his career. He enjoys educating CEOs and leaders on the value of building exceptional and intentional customer experiences as a speaker. He is available for select private or public company engagements. Dusty earned a BBA in Business Administration from Columbus State University, and later completed the MBA program at Auburn University. He also completed the Advanced Management program at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University. Dusty is an active member of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD). He resides with his family in Knoxville, TN, is an avid sportsman, triathlete, and 5-time Ironman Finisher. HIGHLIGHTS 03:45 Joining Red Stag due to a desire to create client value 09:51 Be forward-thinking and see through a client-centric lens 14:25 What makes a good 3PL partner 19:11 A culture that people come first 28:39 Do big and bulky if inventory load balance is your expertise QUOTES 15:18 Create client value by removing the logistical hassle from customers - Dusty: "I think it really comes down to a mutual alignment of what value creation is. And so what I mean by that is I think a brand has to understand what their core competencies are, and they have to understand the value that they are creating for their customer. And what is debiting that value? So our mission statement as an organization is to do the heavy lifting of e-commerce so our clients can focus on what they do best." 26:10 Your core values will enable technical competencies - Dusty: "There are certain core values that are absolute buzz saws. And if you run into that one, it's a buzz saw. You're not gonna make it here if you just don't believe that. So looking for people that are core-value-focused, are people-focused, they understand that what we do is done through the hard work of people, who have a get-stuff-done bias or just GSD, it was get it done, and are client-centric. So it was kind of four big buckets of things that I'm looking for that transcends or enables technical competency." Find out more about Dusty in the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustyholcomb/ Website: https://redstagfulfillment.com/

For this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome Maia Benson, Partner and Managing Director at Forum Ventures. Today, she shares her journey as an entrepreneur and the different levels of investment Forum offers to founders. She discusses her insights on how Shopify became the catalyst for reaching new markets in fast-growing segments, as well as the prospect of new tech helping create a new and affordable delivery promise that drives conversion. Maia also digs into the unit economics of parcels and the challenges of bringing them down. Maia then discusses Amazon's unique DNA, the obstacles that software-only solutions encounter today, and how focusing on creating a great product should be every SaaS company's first principle, especially with the recent double-digit layoffs in the tech world. ABOUT MAIA Maia Benson is a Partner and Managing Director at Forum Ventures where she invests in and works with early-stage B2B SaaS founders from inception to scale. She has spent over 20 years founding, building, and scaling award-winning SaaS products and platforms for entrepreneurs and SMBs at places like LexisNexis, Pitney Bowes (SendPro platform/apps) and most recently at Shopify. For over 5 years, she helped found, launch, and scale their shipping and fulfillment products from inception to 60%+ merchant adoption and $Bs of transportation spend. In addition to her venture work at Forum Ventures, Maia continues to angel invest and advise next-gen ecommerce and logistics tech founders. HIGHLIGHTS 04:01 Starting entrepreneurship in SEO and eventually joining Forum Ventures 08:46 Providing a spectrum of funding options and partnering with friends for success 17:11 Shopify drove demand for tools that integrate legacy pieces in an evolving market 22:25 Tech innovations challenge the idea that owned infrastructure is better 31:49 With recent layoffs, companies should focus on building great product for and with customers QUOTES 15:30 Asking for help and partnering are especially important in the logistics space - Maia: "I think founders with a DNA of asking for help are naturally outsize winners, period hard stop. And the advisors they can attract to support them in the journey and to unlock opportunities faster for them is really a reflection of them fundamentally understanding that DNA." 24:40 Today's environment is characterized by innovation and creating optionality - Maia: "We are in a state of innovation and fragmentation right now that is making the what, so the what strategy of I need a great, affordable delivery promise, that's what I need, I need a delivery promise that drives conversion that I can afford at a unit economic level, period hard stop." "Does that mean it's a space race to 1 or 2 day for everyone? No, that's not what it means. But that is the end state and there has been so much exciting innovation and then the birth of so many different companies to empower that, that we're now looking at a how that has optionality." Find out more about Maia in the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maiabenson/ Website: https://www.forumvc.com/

For this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome Steven Ciemcioch, President of Warehouse Anywhere. He discusses how they created a preferred partner network of other mid-sized to large independent storage operators. This network allowed them to source storage for their customers from 12,000 different locations. In order to make this process more efficient, they also developed RFID technology to help manage the process and provide real-time updates on inventory. Steven, along with Dan and Ninaad, also discusses the Amazon Effect, how consumer expectations have changed due to this, what brands and logistics companies must do to keep up, and the various factors that influence if and when they should match this speed of fulfillment. ABOUT STEVEN Steven Ciemcioch was named President of Warehouse Anywhere, a Life Storage Company, in 2018 and previously served as Corporate Alliance Manager in which he developed and headed the corporate sales division at Life Storage. He has extensive experience in building and scaling businesses in a high-growth environment. He has leadership experience across a diverse set of disciplines including sales and marketing, customer service, operations, supply chain, real estate, and finance. HIGHLIGHTS 01:35 Growing Life Storage and creating a national self-storage aggregating network through Warehouse Anywhere 13:42 Executing same-day delivery by deploying top 5% SKUs in MFCs 21:26 The Amazon effect and when customers are willing to wait for their purchases 35:19 Last mile for retail and utilizing the gig economy for fulfillment QUOTES 30:54 The Amazon Effect is most apparent in general merchandise - Ninaad: "If you're a general merchandise and that stuff exists on walmart.com, amazon.com, and you have these sites and marketplaces that are giving you the next-day, 2-day delivery experiences, consumers will pay couple of extra dollars and get it with that options." 31:48 MFCs maintain a boutique feel that is lost in Amazon Effect - Steven: "One thing I like about the MFC model, and you guys can appreciate this is, in our smaller centers, it allows a little bit of a more boutique-y feel and right now we're handling a lot of various products in the MFCs from our large fulfillment center. A lot of apparel like Ninaad talked about but I see the MFCs evolving more into that health and beauty, that craft beer space, especially we talk about dense marketplace. People sitting around in a large city, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, big demand weeknights and weekends where they just want something and they just want it quick." Find out more about Steven in the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-ciemcioch-38278773/ Website: https://www.warehouseanywhere.com/

For this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome George Wojciechowski, the CEO of Manifest, an e-commerce fulfillment provider. He is on a mission to tackle the sustainability problems of e-commerce logistics while simultaneously providing brands and merchants with a better fulfillment experience. George talks about his professional journey starting in finance and then starting ShipBob to cater to a new segment of online merchants. In 2021, George founded Manifest which is committed to finding sustainable alternatives to fulfillment. He shares their green initiatives and how they are disrupting fulfillment with the end goal of protecting the environment that we collectively share. ABOUT GEORGE Prior to launching Manifest, George cofounded ShipBob, a predominant name in the global e-commerce fulfillment space. Before ShipBob, George worked as a trader at Goldman Sachs. George attended DePaul University. HIGHLIGHTS Founding ShipBob to cater to the emerging market of online merchants 27:45 we're going to - Manifest was started to tackle the environmental issue of fulfillment 32:34 what does sustainable ... - Sustainable fulfillment is a need that must be addressed today 41:25 so you mentioned - Finding alternatives to unsustainable packaging QUOTES 47:50 Sustainable packaging is actually not more expensive to manufacture - George: "A lot of the packaging companies told me that it's actually not more money to produce the sustainable packaging but because everyone just asks for the same things that they've always asked for, the manufacturing is more expensive. It's cheaper for the traditional goods because it's just manufactured in much higher volume." 52:56 Common sense and innovation will create the disruption needed for sustainable fulfillment - George: "We can talk about sustainability, we can talk about environmentally friendly, we can talk about regenerative, but nothing beats common sense and figuring out ways how to keep up with mass fulfillment, high-velocity fulfillment, but also do it in a way that is packaging efficiency is going to move mountains in terms of how sustainable we are as an industry." Find out more about George in the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-wojciechowski-870b814/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wojskig Website: https://manifest.eco/ Email: george@manifest.eco

For this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome Alok Ahuja, CEO and Co-Founder of Trexity. Being the true last mile partner where orders are delivered the same day they pick it up has been the goal of Alok's company. They wanted to be hyperlocal and empower local SMBs to be able to compete with the Amazons of the world. Alok digs into why different last-mile solutions exist to address the needs of different types of buyers. He also explains that, given their low barrier for entry, that local shops can be given a low risk alternative to see how they can offer a comparable solution to Amazon and grow their business. ABOUT ALOK Alok has over 15 years in software, technology and e-commerce. Along with his co-founders, Alok has created a platform, in Trexity, that makes it possible for any small business to deliver quickly and locally. Alok is a serial entrepreneur who encourages and supports like-minded individuals to succeed in their business. Alok began imagining a platform that could make it possible for any small business to deliver local and fast, and one that is fair and takes advantage of neither merchants nor couriers. He believes that filling this need will help disrupt our over-reliance on faraway e-commerce giants and help small businesses stay in business. HIGHLIGHTS 01:20 Alok's early exposure to business and his passion for technology 06:01 Perfecting last-mile, hyperlocal delivery for SMBs 12:38 The future of last-mile delivery: Owned Infrastructure vs. the Gig Economy QUOTES 07:50 Perfecting hyperlocal delivery opened up national markets for Trexity - Alok: "We started out empowering your favorite store on your favorite street of your favorite neighborhood. The local mom and pop. And on of the things that was really important to us when we started out, we said, let's be the true last mile partner. The same day we pick it up, it's the same day we're going to drop it off, as fast as our merchants are willing to fulfill it, it's as fast as we will deliver it. And let this be the one thing that we do so perfectly well that no one else can touch us on it." 13:25 Owned-infrastructure and gig economy have their own pros and cons - Alok: "It's not one or the other. Both of those FedEx models exist for a reason because there's an addressable market for both of them. And I don't think it has to be warehousing or direct from merchant. It doesn't have to be one or the other. And what I do love about some of the bigger brands that we work with, some of our national brands is they do a combination of both and it's because they're catering to different personas of customers and users." Find out more about Alok in the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alokahuja/ Website: https://trexity.com/

For this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome Brittain Ladd, Strategy Advisor Shatranj Capital Partners. Brittain's no-holds-barred insights on management and logistics have not only captured people's attention, but they have also even proven to be accurate given how many of his predictions have come true. He discusses some of the biggest companies in the world like Amazon, Twitter, and TikTok, and gives hot takes on what they are doing wrong and how they can make it right. He comments on the recent layoffs at Amazon and how he believes it is only the beginning and a symptom of a much larger shift that will affect entire industries worldwide. Brittain then digs into how partnerships can change e-commerce by providing social commerce platforms the established fulfillment infrastructure they need to deliver goods to the consumer. He also discusses in great detail the flaws of the quick commerce model and how fulfillment should be a question of accurate delivery versus quick delivery. ABOUT BRITTAIN Brittain has 20 years of experience in supply chain management and logistics. He has lived and worked in China, India, Africa, Saudi Arabia, Europe, and the United States. Brittain is a global strategy and supply chain consultant and a writer for Forbes and his own website, brittainladd.com. Brittain is also recognized as being one of the most accurate analysts in business. He successfully predicted multiple major acquisitions more than a year in advance of them occurring, including Amazon’s acquisition of Whole Foods, Microsoft and Walmart partnering to bid on TikTok, and most recently, Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Brittain is frequently quoted in the press and often appears on major news networks like CNN, Fox Business, and the BBC. HIGHLIGHTS - 01:37 i get a lot - Posting thought-provoking ideas and predictions on social media - 08:52 what type of - Amazon's mistake and getting down to its optimal fighting weight - 18:47 let's talk about - Twitter can change e-commerce with shoppable videos - 25:43 I've had people - Instead of creating their own fulfillment, TiktTok should partner with Amazon/Walmart/Target/Shopify - 35:42 i'd love to - Quick commerce is a failure: Fast delivery vs accurate delivery QUOTES 23:51 Shoppable videos can save Twitter - Brittain: "I believe the way that Elon Musk saves Twitter and makes Twitter completely different is through shippable videos and, I think, absolutely, that what Elon Mush should be doing is we need short-form videos, shoppable videos, and for every shoppable video we put on Twitter, we take 12% of all sales, and I think the goal should be for every shoppable video that Elon Musk puts on Twitter, that it generates 100 to 250 million in sales." 25:50 TikTok should acquire Shopify for its fulfillment infrastructure - Brittain: "I think, number one, TikTok needs to do something above and beyond than just opening up their own fulfillment centers. I think what TikTok needs to do is, again, change how commerce is done on the platform. So I think what would be very interesting is if TikTok acquires Shopify, so where now I have Shopify, I have a Shopify storefront on TikTok, and so then what happens is I immediately see a video come across but it's a video from a storefront, and without having to go to a website, I see it, I buy it. And that's how I refer to what I think is the next big thing in commerce. I say see, buy. I see it, I buy it. I'm not going to websites." Find out more about Brittain in the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittainladd/ Website: https://brittainladd.com/ Email: bcladd48@gmail.com

For this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome Brian Glick, Founder and CEO of Chain.io. He digs into the complexity of global B2B market logistics and how it can be difficult for new players to enter due to EDI and compliance issues. Brian also dives into the differences between fulfilling an order in the US and fulfilling orders in Southeast Asia where more than 100 parties are involved—and these parties change with every transaction. He gives advice on how midmarket brands are best matched with midmarket service providers, as well as how to peel apart the different services to optimize payment terms or routing, an uncomfortable yet necessary process as the company grows. ABOUT BRIAN As founder and CEO of Chain.io, Brian Glick has made a career of simplifying complex supply chain and trade compliance IT challenges. Whether analyzing complex coding issues or rationalizing the compliance impacts of a vendor direct drop ship program, Brian brings a rare combination of executive perspective and deep technical knowledge to today’s supply chain challenges. From the early days of web-based visibility platforms and into today’s connected ecosystem, Brian has been an active leader in each phase of the connected supply chain evolution. With a focus on retail and apparel supply chains, Brian has brought his expertise to bear as an IT leader both within logistics service providers and through independent software companies. HIGHLIGHTS 06:08 The complexity of global B2B logistics and tiers of fulfillment 11:19 Defining First Mile, Middle Mile, Last Mile Logistics 13:36 The challenge of setting standards and pushing for innovation in 3PLs 24:34 Choose the right investors for your supply chain tech company QUOTES 10:21 Midmarket companies are best served by midmarket service providers - Brian: "The companies that are more midmarket that you have to do some research and find often will give you an account manager. You'll be a big enough account to them that they will treat you well and help you, when all of this chaos is going on, help you understand, take the time with you that the biggest guys can't." 25:58 Supply chain companies must establish trust with brands - Brian: "Supply chain is a very trust-based industry, whether if you're a service provider or software that supports a service provider, people are putting their brand in your hands. It's not a consumer app that if you screw up... If you screw up Twitter tomorrow, just stop using Twitter. If you screw up the thing that delivers my product to Macy's, I got a problem. So you need investors who understand that." Find out more about Brian in the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briansglick/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bglick Website: https://chain.io/

For this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome Steve Bozicevic, Sr. Director of New Product Development and GM of Flow Direct, Flexport. Cross-border shipping has evolved in the years since COVID began. From prioritizing speed and reliability, ecommerce brands now focus instead on managing costs and cashflow. Steven discusses how they serve the SMB market and help them grow by keeping customers happy. He also digs into managing inflation during times of uncertainty and what the future holds for the logistics industry, and in Toronto in particular where Ninaad and Steve are currently based. ABOUT STEVE Steve Bozicevic has been in the cross-border ecommerce and logistics technology industry since 2000. Mr. Bozicevic started his career at Borderfree.com as a software developer, then moved on to product management until 2010 when he joined Pitney Bowes and formed the Global Ecommerce division, where as Vice President of Product Management, he developed products and technology that launched and powered Ebay's Global Shipping Program. In 2016, Steve joined Amazon as the first member of the Amazon Global Logistics organization where he spent nearly six years building global trade-related technology, products and operations to facilitate B2C exports and B2B imports for Retail and FBA. In 2021, Mr. Bozicevic joined Flexport as Sr. Director of New Product Development. In this role, Steve is also General Manager of Flexport Flow Direct, an ocean freight shipping product for ecommerce SMBs; and is responsible for ecommerce platform and marketplace integrations, including the partnership with Shopify. HIGHLIGHTS 03:20 Steve's journey in cross-border shipping and building technologies 08:50 Flow Direct offers speed and reliability in international shipping for SMBs 14:48 Tips to manage cash flow and costs in Q4 25:23 A growing talent pool for supply chain in Toronto QUOTES 12:24 COVID transformed business' priorities to speed and reliability - Steve: "Speed was important, but reliability was more important. Knowing when it's going to get there allows the customer to plan ahead on their supply chain and say, If I know it's going to be 20 days or 40 days or 60 days, it's reliable, I can manage my POs, I can manage my cash flow according to reliability." 15:51 Manage cash flow with just-in-time fulfillment - Steven: "Cash is important and how do you best manage your cash flow? In my opinion, similarly to how manufacturing supply chains moved to just-in-time production, I think just-in-time fulfillment is a similar kind of approach. Ordering smaller quantities more frequently, being more reactive to demand trends, making sure that you always got something in transit." Find out more about Steve in the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sbozicevic/ Website: https://www.flexport.com/

For this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome Edward Hertzman, Executive Vice President of Fairchild Media and Founder and President of Sourcing Journal. Edward shares the trends in supply chain he is observing today post-COVID and beyond. From the way Amazon changed logistics forever and its effects in consumer expectations as a result, to the importance of remaining agile and how to do it, Edward takes a deep dive into how global supply chains will look like in the near future and how to maintain inventory to scale. ABOUT EDWARD Edward Hertzman received a degree in economics from NYU and spent more than a decade working as a top executive for major sourcing companies all over the world, including Synergies Worldwide and Pearl Global. Hertzman sits on the Board for Delivering Good, a charitable organization that channels the resources of the fashion industry to those in need. In 2009, in response to a need in the industry, he founded Sourcing Journal Online. With more than 75,000 subscribers, Sourcing Journal Online is the largest trade journal devoted to the sourcing apparel and textile industry supply chain in the world. In August 2020, he was promoted to executive vice president of Fairchild Media, tasked with growing the businesses of all Fairchild Media titles in his new position, while continuing to lead the day-to-day operations at Sourcing Journal. He will also oversee the growth of Fairchild Media’s strategic content studio, bolstering the creation of engaging, interactive content to help industry partners stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape. HIGHLIGHTS 07:07 DTC is dying and mergers are set to happen 13:08 Surviving devaluation and managing inventory for what's to come 20:23 Keeping sourcing lean and agile in fashion 25:23 Nearshoring and diversifying manufacturing and sourcing capabilities 30:22 Regulations and sharing the responsibility of sustainability in supply chain management QUOTES 14:27 On pushing back on the growth-at-all-costs mindset, Edward says, "Just don't acquire customers saying, Oh, the lifetime value is X and never really realize that. Don't buy inventory without testing the product. Find retail partners that are gonna support you, not just be transactional." 31:09 As regulations will push for tangible sustainability measures from retail, Edward says, "I think there's only two ways to incentivize people or two ways to get people to change. One is through incentive and one is through repercussions. And what I mean by that is either you're gonna pay me more to do something or you're gonna punish me for not doing it." 39:48 To survive the recession, Edward suggests, "I think that if people don't think short term, the same way I say don't buy a million T-shirts when you really only need five. Don't just start laying off to make the quarter. It's very hard to find talent in this space. Don't stop investing in technology to make the quarter because you're gonna need that technology." Find out more about Edward and Sourcing Journal in the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-hertzman-2401b38/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EdwardHertzman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edwardhertzman/ Website: https://sourcingjournal.com/

For this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome James Malley, the "Cartonization Magnate" and Founder and CEO of Paccurate. Reducing the amount of air in packages is not just good for profits, it’s critical for the environment too. James discusses the complex but critical question of how to reduce air in packages with cartonization. He digs into the low-hanging fruit that companies can initiate to begin cartonization, as well as raises awareness of the gravity of the waste issue worldwide. HIGHLIGHTS 02:58 Cartonization: Packing mistakes and the factors that drive them 14:59 Amazon packing practices are practical but waste is a major issue 18:59 Cartonizing realizes hidden savings per square foot 28:47 Lead the shift because the waste problem needs to be resolved QUOTES 19:36 Bad cartonization is still better than no cartonization - James: "The good news is there's a ton of low-hanging fruit, so if you don't have any cartonization, use bad cartonization. It'll get you at least some of the way there to get you started and help you keep your margins intact." 27:04 The data proves that the waste problem is much more significant - James: "My team is very motivated by this idea that we could put a dent in some of the waste in supply chain. And I think it's kind of a rude awakening, a little bit, when you start digging into the data of how bad things actually are. From a packaging standpoint, we're like oh, we'll do paper fill and cardboard's better than plastic, and truth is it is but not by as much as we would hope." Find out more about James in the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmalley/ Website: https://paccurate.io/

For this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome Erhan Musaoglu, Founder and CEO of Logiwa. Seeing a need, Erhan developed their own high-volume online order fulfillment execution system that functions much more holistically than just a WMS. Any e-commerce business needs even the barest fulfillment execution system to realize greater productivity in its warehouses and be able to ship orders quickly and efficiently. Erhan also discusses market trends like product returns and the current climate with tight delivery windows. HIGHLIGHTS 05:24 the day you landed - Moving to the US and building a leading WMS 09:27 i used to implement - Differences between WMS and order fulfillment solution 16:07 first of all - Warehousing and WMS are crucial for an e-commerce business's success 21:20 you don't need - Facilitate quicker UPH with an inexpensive fulfillment execution system 28:28 we constantly - Trends in the market: Adapting to unique workflows, package optimization, and labor 34:12 how do you - Multiskew management in a warehouse QUOTES 05:50 On moving to the US and focusing on online order fulfillment - Erhan: “You cannot do everything perfect. You have to select one vertical, you have to select one solution, and you have to stick with it. And you have to make it better than anyone else." 14:46 Implement a good warehousing and fulfillment system - Ninaad: "Just because you have a warehouse management system does not translate into it being a good fulfillment system. They are 2 different universes. I would go to say that a fulfillment system is just as far apart from a traditional warehousing system as a store operations system is from a distribution center." 18:04 Warehousing is the top consideration of e-commerce businesses - Erhan: “Warehouse is the most crucial element for an online business. Otherwise, you are going to fail. If you cannot pick, if you cannot pack, and if you cannot ship faster, you're going to fail." Find out more about Erhan in the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erhanmusaoglu/ Website: https://www.logiwa.com/

For this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome Chad Rubin, Founder and CEO of Profasee. As one of the pioneering Amazon sellers, Chad has kept up with the updates over the years and now offers a dynamic pricing platform to enable Amazon brands to predict the perfect price at each precise moment. Chad dives into how data science is the competitive advantage brands need to profit on Amazon. He highlights that brands should embrace Amazon as it simply is the best place to meet buyers where they are buying. Finally, Chad discusses how Shopify and Amazon can coexist and how AWD is changing the 3PL game. HIGHLIGHTS 04:08 Solving problems: Find friction first then refine the solution 10:40 Selling on Amazon is profitable with data science as a competitive advantage 24:31 Brands should meet buyers where they buy, which is Amazon 30:39 Fix the pricing of AWD and it will dominate the market 40:34 Shopify and Amazon can coexist in the same space QUOTES 19:35 Data science is the competitive advantage for selling on Amazon - Chad: “The strong will survive and one of the ways of being strong is actually getting an edge. And that edge right now, the only edge that they're gonna be able to get, because if Thrasio has 20,000 SKUs to manage, they need data science.” 26:53 Offer Amazon exclusives for social proof - Chad: “People go on Amazon, a lot of times they never leave Amazon. So perhaps it's important you have your exclusives, let's just say your Caraway and you're selling pots and pans in Shopify.” “And you have some really beautiful, elegant product. Well, put your hero SKU or your economy SKU on Amazon because then you get social proof and you have your other color variations maybe off Amazon.” 45:20 Shopify and Amazon can coexist to address different segments of the market - Chad: "I believe that you can coexist in the world and be on Amazon and have your own storefront simultaneously and add different value. And, certainly, you can do a lot more experimentation with your own Shopify site. But I don't think that they're mutually exclusive anymore." Find out more about Chad in the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itschadrubin/ Website: https://profasee.com/ Email: chad@profasee.com

For this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome Ben Gordon, Managing Partner and CEO of Cambridge Capital. A rich history in the logistics industry made way for Ben to start his private equity firm that invests in the supply chain sector. He shares the many nuggets of wisdom he has learned over the years, first as a founder, and second as an investor. Ben also discusses the soft skills founders need to be successful, including humility, a genuine desire to listen, and the ability to listen to their market. HIGHLIGHTS 02:29 Learning about logistics and starting an advisory business 09:09 The top 3 advice for founders 24:54 Pivoting: The micro fulfillment space & robotic automation investment 34:30 Investing in cold storage and reverse logistics 39:12 As an entrepreneur and investor: Be on point and have a genuine desire to listen QUOTES 11:18 Listen to the market and learn to pivot - Ben: "The number one key for a successful entrepreneur, not just to raise money but to build a business, is put yourself in the shoes of the market. And the market could be different. It could be what does the customer think, what does the investor think, what does the strategic partner think?" 40:13 Sell with story and substance - Ben: "If you're an entrepreneur looking to raise money, I think number one, gotta have a clear pitch, gotta be able to tell the story elevator-style, 30 seconds, a lot of entrepreneurs, the story takes too long and you lose the audience's attention. You've got to be able to have the hook in 30 seconds. And that's one.” "Two, it's not just the story. There's also the substance which is a proof-point of success. I've got a lot of decks and, generally speaking, the ones that I'm the most interested in are ones where the deck shows a simple statement of what's the problem, what's their solution, customer case study, and clear results." Find out more about Ben in the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bengordon18/ Website: https://cambridgecapital.com/ Email: ben@cambridgecapital.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/benjaminhgordon

For this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome Radu Palamariu, Managing Director of Europe and Asia Pacific at Alcott Global Founder. He is also the host of the Leaders in Supply Chain and Logistics podcast.  Radu shares many valuable insights into logistics and shaping leadership within a company's supply chain talent. He discusses the characteristics that attribute to quality logistics leadership, how to leverage this, and understanding the impact of diversity in this environment as well. HIGHLIGHTS 07:06 Why Chief Supply Chain Officers (CSCOs) make great CEOs 21:45 Key characteristics to look for in quality logistics leadership talent 31:00 Diversity in supply chain leadership QUOTES 09:12 Why those with supply chain backgrounds make it to CEO positions - Radu: "The density of people that come from an operations and supply chain background that will make it to CEO is going to be higher. Because now they are making it to the board conversations and, of course, the board makes the decision of who is the next CEO it's just a normal transition" 12:14 Amazon's growth through supply chain - Radu: "Ultimately, Amazon built a logistics machine. They win on logistics, they win on supply chain. Of course, they are an e-commerce market place ultimately that's where they win." 26:51 Insights on finding value when hiring somebody - Radu: Look for the mindset, look for the attitude, and also place bets on people. I think drive, motivation, and willingness to make it work are much more important than actual expertise on a lot of things." Find out more about Radu and check out his book in the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/radupalamariu/ Book: https://sourcetosold.com/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-in-supply-chain-and-logistics/id1263842780

For this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome Rick Watson, Founder and CEO of RMW Commerce Consulting, as well as the host of his own podcast called The Watson Weekly. Rick gives an insider's look into CommerceHub's acquisition of ChannelAdvisor and shares rich insights on Amazon's new service called Amazon Warehousing and Distribution (AWD). He digs into its ripple effect on 3PL and how this service challenges competitors like Shopify and their own sellers' entire supply chains. HIGHLIGHTS 04:00 CommerceHub acquires ChannelAdvisor 09:09 AWD: Taking on 3PL and revitalizing Buy with Prime 21:02 Shopify: Prioritizing brand experience and building long-term logistical infrastructure QUOTES 12:24 Reducing friction in FBA - Rick: "Amazon thinks in terms of kaizen, like continuous improvement, and if there's any little friction between those things, Amazon is going to try to eliminate it as long as it has the eventual goal of making sure that this item is in stock just 5% more than their competition, then Amazon wins because Amazon is caring about that 5% that they're losing through the replenishment process." 17:17 Amazon enters markets with Prime as their leverage - Rick: "Do we want to fight UPS and Fedex at their strength? Does that make any sense? Let's go where we have some leverage. What is the biggest leverage of Amazon? Prime." 32:19 Shopify creates a brand experience unlike Amazon - Rick: To Amazon, a brand is a vendor. The customer is the customer. And so that is really the single point of differentiation that Shopify can hang their hat on, which I think works for a large percentage of the market, especially for the big guys. Find out more about Rick Watson in the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickwatsonecommerce/ Website: https://www.rmwcommerce.com/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-watson-weekly-your-essential-ecommerce-digest/id1577388393

For this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcomed Andrew Sutton, Director of Fulfillment Logistics at Dr. Squatch. Based in California, Andrew brings a unique perspective from the client side with over a decade of effectively managing 3PL relationships for digitally native brands. We are excited to have him on the podcast.

This week on the eCom Logistics Podcast: Nate Skiver, the founder of LPF Spend Management, shares his passion for parcel management and his strategies to help brands elevate their position in the market. Why is this important? Brands can customize and design solutions specific to their network needs instead of conforming to the national provider network, which can be less flexible. Nate Skiver is a well-known authority and influencer in the space of small parcel transportation and is actively sharing valuable insights on LinkedIn.

This week on eCom Logistics: Shekar Natarajan, EVP of American Eagle Outfitters, is reshaping the supply chain and logistics worldview. A Harvard Business School alum with an industrial engineering background, Shekhar has close to 20 years of career experience working at fortune 100 companies like Coke, Pepsi, Walmart, Target, and Disney. Listen to this episode to discover Shekhar's humble beginnings, vision, and how we can contribute to his unwavering mission of regenerating supply chain and logistics for a brighter tomorrow. In this interview with Shekar, Dan and Ninaad get into the weeds and discuss how mid-market eCommerce brands can leverage shared supply chains for their benefit.

Launching soon! Learn how to level up your eCommerce logistics operations from expert guests who know what it takes to win in today's competitive market.