eCom Logistics Podcast

Chris Sultemeier is an Operating Partner at NewRoad Capital Partners. Chris has over 30 years of experience in leadership and supply chain operations. Chris served as President & CEO of Walmart Transportation and EVP of Logistics at Walmart, where he was responsible for over-the-road trucking, global shipping and warehousing. In his time at Walmart, Chris developed an extensive network of industry executives across transportation, third-party warehouse distribution and fulfillment and retail companies. In 2007, he was awarded the prestigious Sam M. Walton Entrepreneur of the Year Award on Sustainability. Chris currently serves on the Board of Directors for Duke Realty and Logistics Innovation Technologies. Chris holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He was an Army Airborne Ranger and received his professional engineering license in Civil Engineering.HIGHLIGHTS[00:04:00] - Scaling Walmart’s logistics network from $20 billion to $500 billion.[00:17:00] - The role of AI and sustainability in transforming supply chain operations.[00:22:00] - Key leadership strategies for navigating supply chain growth and innovation.[00:28:00] - Doubling fleet efficiency through sustainable logistics initiatives.[00:35:00] - Practical applications of AI in improving logistics, from picking processes to reverse logistics. QUOTES:[00:28:00] - "Sustainability has to have an ROI. It can't be just a hobby; it has to pay back." – Chris Sultemeier[00:35:00] - "AI gets me excited when I see it used in ways that deliver real payback, like improving picks per hour by 40 to 45% in a fulfillment center." – Chris Sultemeier[00:22:00] - "Your career doesn’t just go upward. You need to move laterally, gain breadth of experience, and that makes you a better leader." – Chris Sultemeier[00:29:00] - "Efficiency in logistics is key to sustainability. It's about doing more with less, which is what leads to long-term success." – Ninaad Acharya[00:17:00] - "If you blend technology like AI with real industry experience, that's when logistics innovation happens. You can’t just Silicon Valley this thing." – Ninaad AcharyaFIND MORE ABOUT THE GUEST:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-sultemeier-263363120/New Road Capital Partners: https://newroadcp.com/

ABOUT THE GUEST:Bill Gibson is a seasoned executive in the technology and supply chain industries. He earned his MBA from the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Gibson’s career began in 1993 as an account executive at Manugistics, a leading supply chain software provider. Over the years, he has held significant positions, including Managing Partner at The Albermarle Group, a venture capital firm, and leadership roles at Grotech Ventures. Gibson is currently the CEO of Deposco, a cloud-based supply chain software company that offers solutions for retailers, distributors, and 3PLs. Under his leadership, Deposco has grown significantly and has been recognized multiple times, including making the Inc. 5000 list for several years. Notably, Gibson was honored as one of the Top 50 SaaS CEOs by The Software Report, highlighting his influence and success in the software as a service (SaaS) sector.HIGHLIGHTS:[00:03:00] Inception of Deposco and the gap in the market.[00:07:00] Evolution of e-commerce and 3PLs, noting how brands struggled with operational challenges.[00:19:00] The importance of real-time, cloud-based solutions for 3PLs.[00:28:00] Peak season preparation and the common pitfalls brands face during this time.[00:33:00] Importance of forward-looking planning vs. driving operations based on historical performance.QUOTES:[00:28:00] - "Mike Tyson had a quote at a point in time about ‘You got to plan until you get punched in the face,’ right? It's the same at peak seasons—it's the punch in the face for everybody every year." – Bill Gibson[00:31:00] - "How do you not have your real-time fulfillment system tied into your front-end commerce system? If you can’t supply the order, why are you booking the business?" – Bill Gibson[00:22:00] - "The future is about how we as practitioners make it easier, faster, and less expensive to achieve the outcomes. It’s not just about the software, it’s about aligning strategy and operations." – Bill Gibson[00:25:00] - "We’re co-creating. It’s not about the AI toolkit, it’s about how we apply AI to solve real problems in commerce." – Bill Gibson[00:36:00] – “In logistics, the digital and physical sides of the business need to be joined at the hip. When they’re not, you get failures that damage customer trust.” – Ninaad AcharyaFIND MORE ABOUT THE GUEST:LinkedIn: Bill GibsonWebsite: DeposcoTwitter: @Deposco 

ABOUT THE GUEST:Bill Catania is a seasoned entrepreneur and the Founder and CEO of OneRail, an omni-channel fulfillment platform that connects businesses with a vast network of 12 million drivers, optimizing last-mile logistics. Bill's impressive career spans multiple industries, with a focus on leveraging technology to solve complex business problems. He is recognized as a thought leader in logistics technology, having received numerous accolades, including being named a "Game Changer" by the Orlando Business Journal and winning the Supply Chain Leaders in Action Pitch Tank contest. Bill's previous ventures include MDOT, a pioneering enterprise software company that helped transform digital coupon redemption.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:[00:04:00] – Bill’s early entrepreneurial ventures and the start of his career in enterprise software.[00:07:30] – The pivot moment for OneRail: transitioning from a tech-connected courier to an aggregated network platform.[00:16:00] – The complexities of aggregating courier networks and matching supply with demand in real-time.[00:20:30] – How AI and machine learning helped OneRail scale operations and manage thousands of deliveries daily.[00:28:00] – The acquisition of OrderBot and the future of OneRail’s dynamic fulfillment capabilities.[00:31:30] – Bill’s advice on raising capital and scaling logistics businesses through data optimization.QUOTES:[00:07:00 - 00:07:24] - "The logistics triangle is really about inventory, transportation, and consumer — and these three things must talk in real time to create a seamless delivery experience." – Bill Catania[00:16:48 - 00:17:31] - "The key to optimizing logistics is building density. With high-volume partners, you get density, and density leads to better optimization and economic advantage." – Bill Catania[00:11:00 - 00:11:30] - "If you think you have a good idea, just jump in and do it. The fact is, whatever you build initially isn't what will take you to the rocket ship — it will evolve. Avoid analysis paralysis and act." – Ninaad Acharya[00:22:34 - 00:22:59] - "We always work at the SKU level because inventory, transportation, and consumer data have to align in real time. Knowing item specifics allows us to optimize the entire fulfillment process." – Bill Catania[00:29:00 - 00:29:30] - "To achieve the 'Amazon experience,' you need real-time decision-making between transportation and fulfillment while the customer is still on the product page. It’s about aligning inventory and transportation seamlessly." – Ninaad Acharya[00:14:00 - 00:14:29] - "You don’t quit. You pivot, you tweak, and figure out where you can add value. In logistics, finding where you can provide the most value is what keeps you moving forward." – Bill CataniaFIND MORE ABOUT THE GUEST:LinkedIn: Bill CataniaWebsite: OneRailTwitter: @OneRailTech

ABOUT THE GUEST:Ryan Kelly is the Vice President of Commercialization at FedEx, where he leads the company's e-commerce and digital strategies. With over 25 years of experience spanning investment banking, corporate strategy, and logistics, Ryan has helped shape the future of global supply chains. His work at FedEx focuses on developing innovative products and solutions, establishing strategic alliances, and commercializing digital platforms. Previously, Ryan played a pivotal role in Genco's acquisition by FedEx and led corporate development initiatives at ATC. He is a recognized thought leader in logistics and supply chain innovation.HIGHLIGHTS:[00:02:03] From Investment Banking to Logistics Leadership[00:04:00] Commercializing Digital Solutions: Navigating Ecosystem Integration[00:07:00] Technology Gaps: Challenges and Opportunities in E-Commerce Platforms[00:11:00] Sustainability in Supply Chain: Reducing Waste and Emissions[00:21:00] Returns Management: Addressing Fraud and Optimizing Policies[00:34:00] Supply Chain Strategy: Efficient Fulfillment and Inventory ManagementQUOTES:[00:07:00] - "Many third-party solutions overlook fundamental logistics signals, creating misinterpretations that can harm delivery performance." - Ryan Kelly[00:11:22] - "Sustainability is about more than just emissions; it's about reducing waste and improving overall supply chain efficiency." - Ryan Kelly[00:19:46] - "Peer-to-peer delivery solutions are often the most unsustainable, while route-based networks add efficiency most people don’t consider." - Ryan Kelly[00:21:14] - "There’s a growing need for industry-wide data sharing to prevent returns abuse and catch fraud early, similar to what financial institutions do." - Ninaad Acharya[00:30:17] - "A strong returns policy isn’t just a logistics decision—it’s a marketing tool that reduces risk for the customer and enhances their buying experience." - Ryan Kelly[00:38:53] - "Brands need to consider the whole picture, not just shipping costs—fulfilling from the right location can prove far more cost-effective in the long run." - Dan CollFIND MORE ABOUT THE GUEST:LinkedIn: Ryan KellyWebsite: FedEx

ABOUT THE GUEST:Mark Ang is the CEO and Co-Founder of GoBolt, a technology company building the largest sustainable supply chain network. GoBolt provides a planet positive approach to logistics. The company is committed to providing carbon-neutral deliveries, setting the bar for a more viable future.HIGHLIGHTS:[00:07:54] - EV Fleet Optimization: Overcoming challenges of downtime and reliability with custom algorithms.[00:10:18] - AI in Logistics: Using machine learning to optimize driver behavior and extend vehicle range.[00:12:27] - Dynamic Mobile Hubs: How flexible delivery models reduce costs and increase efficiency.[00:16:53] - Custom Tech Solutions: The pros and cons of building in-house logistics software versus off-the-shelf tools.[00:24:30] - Scalability: Key strategies to scale green logistics while keeping costs down. QUOTES:[00:07:54] - "When we made the pivot to electric vehicles in 2019, there was no viable commercial EV on the road. We had to become guinea pigs for startups." – Mark Ang[00:10:00] - "Running an electric fleet like a diesel truck is destined to fail. You need custom learning models to optimize how EVs perform under real-world conditions." – Mark Ang[00:12:27] - "The idea of dynamic mobile hubs, where you drop a truck with pre-sorted EV bikes or vehicles, is game-changing. It's a strategic move that allows for flexibility in urban deliveries." – Ninaad Acharya[00:16:53] - "If you ask for something new, chances are a lot of things are already addressed on the roadmap, but you need to find that right solution for yourself.” - Ninaad Acharya[00:25:30] - "Sustainability in logistics isn't just about marketing—it requires deep investments and the right people to lead." – Mark AngFIND MORE ABOUT THE GUEST:LinkedIn: Mark AngCompany Website: GoBolt 

ABOUT THE GUESTJonathan Poma is the Co-founder and Executive Director of the Board of Loop, a leading returns management platform for Shopify merchants. With over 13 years of experience in e-commerce, Jonathan has a deep understanding of the complexities of returns and reverse logistics. Under his leadership, Loop facilitates 2.5 million returns monthly and works with over 4,000 merchants, helping them optimize their reverse logistics and boost profitability. Jonathan has been instrumental in building Loop from a simple project for Chubbies into a major player in the Shopify ecosystem, handling returns for some of the world’s fastest-growing brands.HIGHLIGHTS[00:03:00] From Idea to Reality: The Birth of Loop Returns[00:07:30] The Importance of Returns in E-Commerce[00:17:30] The Shift to Paid Returns: Why 72% of Merchants Now Charge[00:22:00] Rethinking Reverse Logistics: A New Frontier[00:29:00] Data and Personalization in ReturnsQUOTES[00:01:30]  "Let’s start with solving problems and then figure out how to make money, not try to make money and figure out if there’s a problem to solve." -  Jonathan Poma[00:07:00] "When capital was cheap, returns didn’t seem like a big deal, but now, optimizing reverse logistics can make or break profitability." -  Jonathan Poma[00:08:30] "Returns are the last rock to turn over in finding profits in e-commerce today." - Jonathan Poma[00:11:30] "Amazon has mastered returns because they know everything about every customer—they hold accountability like no one else." - Jonathan Poma[00:14:30] "It now comes down to personalization. There is a difference between a top buyer, but is that top buyer also the top returner? There’s a correlation between the two." -  Ninaad Acharya[00:17:00] "Free returns aren’t sustainable for most brands anymore, and that’s a massive shift we’re seeing across e-commerce." - Jonathan Poma[00:20:00] "Logistics is somehow driven by commerce's decisions rather than working hand in hand... I want to see the world actually change where commerce and logistics get much closer from a data perspective."  - Ninaad AcharyaFIND MORE ABOUT OUR GUESTWebsite: Loop ReturnsLinkedIn: Jonathan PomaTwitter: @PomaJP

ABOUT THE GUEST:Kyle Bertin is the co-founder and CEO of Two Boxes. Prior to founding Two Boxes in 2022, Kyle held senior roles at Outrider, Flexport, DeepScale (acquired by Tesla), and Deloitte. His extensive experience in logistics and strategy, combined with a passion for operational efficiency, has positioned Kyle as an innovator in the supply chain and returns management space. Kyle holds a BA in Economics from Northwestern University and an MBA from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business.HIGHLIGHTS:[00:01:50] – Kyle’s journey and the founding of Two Boxes.[00:04:20] – The rising complexity of returns in e-commerce.[00:05:30] – The explosion of online returns.[00:06:50] – Automation and smart systems to streamline returns processes in warehouses.[00:20:00] – Challenge of fraud in returns and how technology can help mitigate this growing issue.[00:26:00] – Collaboration between brands, 3PLs, and logistics tech providers to combat returns fraud.QUOTES:[00:05:10] – "It's never been easier for a consumer to return an item, but it's never been harder for a warehouse to handle those returns." – Kyle Bertin[00:06:00] – "Online return volumes in the U.S. have increased eightfold in just five years, creating huge challenges for warehouses and 3PLs." – Kyle Bertin[00:15:26] – "In an e-commerce warehouse, thousands of people interact with screen flows daily, yet no one cared about the user experience. Just improving that one aspect can massively boost efficiency." – Ninaad Acharya[00:23:50] – "Roughly 10 to 15% of returns we see have clear evidence of fraud or abuse, from empty boxes to swapped items." – Kyle Bertin[00:28:00] – "The future of reverse logistics is collaboration—logistics providers, retailers, and tech companies need to work together to reduce fraud and improve efficiency." – Kyle BertinFind More About the GuestWebsite: Two BoxesLinkedIn: Kyle Bertin on LinkedInTwo Boxes LinkedIn: Two Boxes LinkedIn Page

ABOUT THE GUESTAmena Ali is the CEO of Optoro, a leader in reverse logistics technology. With a career that spans over 25 years, she has held pivotal roles in companies like MCI, Bain & Company, and several software firms. At Optoro, Amena leads the charge in tackling the multi-billion-dollar returns problem, working with major retailers such as Gap and Best Buy. Her expertise in product marketing, finance, and business development makes her a thought leader in logistics innovation, helping retailers and brands optimize their return management systems for better customer experiences and sustainability.HIGHLIGHTS[00:01:30] – Growing returns problem and its environmental impact.[00:02:30] – The surge in return rates since the pandemic and the need for retailers to adapt.[00:04:00] – Amena's career journey.[00:08:47] – Returns Management System (RMS).[00:14:58] – The "art and science of dispositioning".[00:27:30] – The role of AI, robotics, and data science in reducing return processing costs.[00:36:30] – Addressing fraud and authenticity with data capture and blockchain technology.QUOTES:[00:01:31] – "The trends are pretty stark since the pandemic. Returns are up 3.5x, with rates as high as 30% for some goods. It’s a monumental problem that’s not going away." – Amena Ali[00:02:30] – "We need to come up with a win-win-win solution: a win for shoppers, retailers, and the environment." – Amena Ali[00:06:09] – "Work-life balance isn’t the goal anymore; it’s about finding a sustainable work-life integration." – Amena Ali[00:14:58] – "Returns are two to three times more labor-intensive than forward logistics. The longer it takes to process, the more you lose in recovery." – Amena Ali[00:36:37] – "You need data to spot who’s a trustworthy shopper and who isn’t." – Amena Ali FIND MORE ABOUT THE GUEST:Website: OptoroLinkedIn: Amena AliWhite Paper: WMS vs RMS: A Guide to Return Management

ABOUT THE GUESTSAmena Ali, CEO of Optoro, has 15+ years of experience in returns and reverse logistics. Optoro provides a complete returns management platform, helping major brands manage returns more efficiently, focusing on sustainability and circularity.Jonathan Poma, Co-founder and Executive Director of the Board of Loop, leads a platform that handles return management for Shopify merchants, processing millions of returns every month and routing products back into resale channels.Gayle Tait, Former CEO of Trove, drives innovation in the resale space by enabling brands to power trade-in and resale programs, helping them recapture value from returned items and reduce environmental impact.Kyle Bertin, Co-founder and CEO of Two Boxes, focuses on improving return processing in warehouses through advanced, agnostic technology, optimizing efficiency and sustainability for brands across North America.Julian Mitchell, Co-founder and CIO of G2 Reverse Logistics, brings a deep focus on using data analytics and AI to help brands optimize returns processes, reduce costs, and re-commerce products.HIGHLIGHTS[00:06:00] The revenue potential of resale programs.[00:12:00] The multi-layered nature of reverse logistics.[00:24:00] The importance of data-driven decision-making.[00:32:00] The growing challenge of returns fraud in ecommerce.[00:41:00] The hidden costs of “free” returns for retailers.QUOTES:[00:07:00] – "Recommerce captures new customers by reselling returned items at a lower price, adding value for brands." – Gayle Tait[00:25:00] – "We need a flexible platform that integrates across WMS, TMS, and other logistics systems to truly optimize reverse logistics." – Amena Ali[00:32:00] – "Returns fraud and returns abuse is like a hundred-billion-dollar problem in the US." – Jonathan Poma[00:33:00] – "Automation creates new fraud vectors, but we can use AI and data analytics to predict and prevent these frauds." – Jonathan Poma[00:40:00] – "There are bad actors not just on the consumer side, but within warehouses, and brands need more data to detect and prevent fraud at every level." – Kyle BertinFind More About the Guest Panelists:Amena AliLinkedIn: Amena AliWebsite: Optoro.comJonathan PomaLinkedIn: Jonathan PomaWebsite: LoopReturns.comGayle TaitLinkedIn: Gayle TaitWebsite: Trove.comKyle BertinLinkedIn: Kyle BertinWebsite: TwoBoxes.comJulian MitchellLinkedIn: Julian MitchellWebsite: G2RL.com

ABOUT THE GUESTBill Mahoney is a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience in the logistics and supply chain industry. As Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Bill has been instrumental in guiding strategic growth and fostering innovation in complex supply chain environments. His expertise spans from operations management to strategic planning, making him a valuable resource for insights into leadership and business development in the logistics sector.HIGHLIGHTS[00:00:58] - Bill’s Journey in Supply Chain[00:03:58] - The Importance of Flexibility[00:05:30] - Generational Leadership[00:08:12] - Navigating Growth Challenges[00:13:45] - Cyclical Nature of Supply Chain StrategiesQUOTES[00:09:00] - "Everybody wants growth until they realize it broke. The key is to be okay with change and ready to evolve as your needs evolve." - Bill Mahoney[00:11:41] - "When you're with a growing company, it's still not enough—there's always something more to do, more to improve." - Bill Mahoney[00:08:43] - "It's about leveraging infrastructure and technology to help mid-market companies grow without making the full investment on their own." - Dan[00:14:00] - "Everyone was focused on diversification during the pandemic, but now we see a return to the basics. It’s all cyclical." - Ninaad Acharya[00:12:30] - "Your core business is running a brand. Find the right partner who can handle the logistics so you can focus on what you do best." - Ninaad AcharyaFIND MORE ABOUT THE GUESTLinkedIn: Bill Mahoney on LinkedInTwitter (X): Follow Bill for more insights on Twitter.

ABOUT THE GUESTRavi Maganti is the Director of Technical Services at Manhattan Associates, where he has played a pivotal role in developing and managing the Manhattan Active Metro platform. With over 20 years of experience at Manhattan Associates, Ravi has been instrumental in driving innovation in warehouse management systems (WMS) and cloud-based logistics solutions. His expertise lies in creating open and extensible platforms that empower customers to customize their logistics systems to meet unique business needs. Ravi's leadership and vision have been crucial in the development of cutting-edge AI tools that are transforming the logistics industry.HIGHLIGHTS[00:02:30] – Discussion on the shift from configurable to extensible systems in warehouse management.[00:06:17] – Overview of Maven and Assist: AI-driven tools for enhancing customer service and operational efficiency.[00:09:58] – The impact of AI on speeding up warehouse management system (WMS) configuration.[00:16:18] – Challenges in AI implementation, including dealing with AI hallucinations and ensuring security. QUOTES[00:09:58] – “The future of AI in logistics is about speed and efficiency—doing what we already do, but much faster.” - Ravi Maganti[00:11:25] – “Imagine your AI system creating configurations for you in seconds, saving hours of manual work.” - Ravi Maganti[00:17:15] – “Mitigating AI hallucinations is crucial to ensuring reliable outcomes in logistics operations.” - Ravi Maganti FIND MORE ABOUT THE GUESTLinkedIn: Ravi MagantiManhattan Associates Website: www.manh.com

ABOUT THE GUESTSScott Fenwick is a seasoned expert in supply chain planning with nearly 30 years of experience. He currently leads product strategy at Manhattan Associates, where he has been instrumental in driving technological advancements in supply chain solutions. Scott’s extensive background in software development and leadership roles across various facets of supply chain management makes him a key figure in the industry.Ryan Gifford serves as a Senior Director at Manhattan Associates, specializing in forecasting, replenishment, and allocation. With a strong foundation in category management and software development, Ryan has played a pivotal role in advancing Manhattan’s supply chain solutions over the past six years. His expertise spans both retail and logistics, making him a vital contributor to Manhattan Active's latest innovations.HIGHLIGHTS[00:03:00] - Introduction of Manhattan Active Supply Chain Planning and its unified platform.[00:05:16] - Shift from batch jobs to real-time processing in supply chain management.[00:06:36] - Impact of AI and machine learning on decision-making.[00:09:07] - Gen AI's role in enhancing user interaction with supply chain systems.[00:12:39] - Benefits of integrating planning and execution on one platform.[00:20:19] - Future trends in supply chain management, emphasizing faster access to data and decision-making.QUOTES[00:05:16] - "Bye-bye, batch jobs! We’re moving to real-time systems, reacting dynamically to changes throughout the day." — Scott Fenwick[00:06:36] - "AI and machine learning enable us to leverage data in ways that were nearly impossible just a few years ago, driving better decisions at scale." — Ryan Gifford[00:09:07] - "Gen AI will fundamentally change how users interact with supply chain systems, making it possible to have natural language conversations with your data." — Scott Fenwick[00:13:19] - "With real-time information, we’re not just responding faster; we’re making more meaningful decisions that impact the entire day’s operations." — Ryan Gifford[00:20:19] - "The faster we can see data, the quicker we can respond to it, enabling teams to work smarter and faster." — Ryan Gifford[00:23:03] - "We see a big organizational change coming, where silos are reduced, and decisions are better coordinated between planning and execution." — Scott FenwickFIND MORE ABOUT THE GUESTSScott Fenwick: LinkedInRyan Gifford: LinkedInManhattan Associates Website: Manhattan Active Supply Chain Planning

ABOUT THE GUESTTom Griffin is the President of Passport, a leading provider of international shipping and eCommerce solutions. With a career spanning over 20 years, Tom has held pivotal roles in some of the most innovative companies in the eCommerce and logistics industries. He began his journey at Yantra, a pioneer in distributed order management systems, before joining Demandware, where he played a crucial role in the company’s rise as a leading SaaS eCommerce platform, culminating in its acquisition by Salesforce. At Passport, Tom leverages his extensive experience to help brands navigate the challenges of cross-border commerce, enabling them to expand their global footprint efficiently.HIGHLIGHTS[00:00:31] – Importance of meeting delivery expectations to drive customer retention and lifetime value.[00:06:02] – The shift from outsourcing eCommerce operations to managing them in-house.[00:09:25] – Expanding into new countries to double your addressable market while managing customer acquisition costs.[00:13:00] – Challenges and benefits of stocking inventory locally versus shipping internationally.[00:17:14] – Transparency in shipping costs and delivery times as key to preventing cart abandonment. QUOTES[00:18:21] “The key to success in cross-border eCommerce is not just about logistics but creating a seamless, localized experience for the customer from the moment they land on your site.” – Tom Griffin[00:24:50] “For brands, international expansion can be simpler and more cost-effective than they might think, thanks to advancements in technology and strategic partnerships.” – Tom Griffin[00:16:54] “The biggest driver of cart abandonment is surprise—whether it's unexpected taxes, duties, or unclear shipping costs. Eliminating these surprises is essential.” – Tom GriffinFind More About the Guest:LinkedIn: Tom Griffin on LinkedInCompany Website: Passport Shipping

ABOUT THE GUESTChris Lingamfelter is a seasoned leader with a wealth of experience in the supply chain and logistics sector. He has played pivotal roles in companies like Third Wave Automation, 6 River Systems, and SencorpWhite, where he has driven growth and spearheaded new ventures. At Robot Advisors, Chris leverages his extensive background in warehouse automation, distribution management, and international expansion to deliver innovative solutions. His expertise in robotics and eCommerce fulfillment positions him as a thought leader in the industry.HIGHLIGHTS[00:01:38] Chris’ Career Journey and Transition to the Robotics Industry[00:05:04] Founding Robot Advisors[00:08:45] State of Warehouse Automation[00:10:18] Importance of Choosing the Right Technology[00:15:13] U.S. vs. European Approaches to Warehouse Automation[00:17:02] Competitive Landscape and Business Models in RoboticsQUOTES:[00:07:25] "88% of warehouses are still very manual without any automation." - Dan Coll[00:07:56] "It's fascinating because we have access to a lot of capital here, but in Europe they have a lot of access to government and college, and university grants." - Chris Lingamfelter[00:10:18] "It's crucial to align technology with business objectives to avoid costly mistakes." - Chris Lingamfelter[00:16:10] "There's a balance where you've got to say, okay, it's time to snap the tape and let it go. We need to start getting real customer feedback." - Chris Lingamfelter[00:15:54] "Within the United States, we have the willingness to try new things more often, and that's why I think there are so many pilots happening." - Ninaad Acharya[00:18:23] "You’ve got to prove out the ROI, the business case, and get the CFO on board to move forward with these projects." - Dan CollFind out more about Chris Lingamfelter in the links below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislingamfelter/https://www.robotadvisorygroup.com/This episode is sponsored by G&P Construction. If you're in need of top notch, all-inclusive Material handling solutions for logistics and commercial real estate, look no further than G&P Construction. Be sure to visit www.gandpconstruction.com to discover your one-stop shop for turnkey MHE integrations.

ABOUT THE GUEST(S)Jacob Tippie is a warehouse solutions expert with a focus on optimizing cubed space through turnkey solutions. As the Vice President of Sales at G&P Construction, he leads a team in delivering comprehensive services, including storage systems, automation, and lift equipment. With over seven years of experience in sales, project management, and business development, Jacob is dedicated to solving modern warehouse challenges and ensuring exceptional customer service. Tim Harrison is an automation engineer turned sales leader. He’s designed assembly lines, industrial equipment, and even built a company that sold, implemented, and serviced ASRS in the Midwest. He’s leveraged his strong software, mechanical, and electrical acumen on 100’s of projects at SpaceX, Quest Labs, Zimmer, Geisinger Medical Center, and many more world class companies. Currently, Tim is the Chief Executive Officer at G&P Construction.HIGHLIGHTS[00:01:01] Jacob's Journey with G&P Construction[00:01:45] Tim's Background in Automation[00:02:43] The Story Behind Joining G&P Construction[00:06:15] Expanding into Automation[00:13:20] Consultative Approach to Client Needs[00:20:51] Market Trends and Future OutlookQUOTES[00:07:13] "If we're going to do it, we're going to do it right. We're going to put a lot of effort into it, a lot of investments on the cash side."[00:13:52] "The best time to get in on these projects is before somebody's come in there already and put a proposal in front of them."[00:15:49] "Let's try to find some value there and focus on your business."Find out more about Jacob Tippie and Tim Harrison in the links below.https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-tippie-051ba8ab/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-harrison-3b31a55/This episode is sponsored by G&P Construction. If you're in need of top notch, all-inclusive Material handling solutions for logistics and commercial real estate, look no further than G&P Construction. Be sure to visit www.gandpconstruction.com to discover your one-stop shop for turnkey MHE integrations. 

ABOUT THE GUEST(S)  Jon Schechter started with AutoStore in July 2020 and is responsible for driving market awareness focused on retail in North America. As a Business Development Manager, he partners with customers in their fulfillment journey to identify whether AutoStore is the right fit for them. Jon has been designing robotic-based fulfillment centers since 2008 with prior experience at Kiva Systems, Amazon, and RightHand Robotics. Jon studied Mechanical Engineering at MIT and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School.   HIGHLIGHTS[00:01:06] Jon's Journey in Warehouse Robotics[00:02:56] Early Stages of Automation[00:07:55] 3PLs and Automation Investments[00:14:28] The Importance of WMS in Automation[00:18:10] Understanding Bin Digging in ASRS QUOTES[00:06:53] "You can't build automation on top of no WMS."[00:08:54] "3PLs can be successful by partnering with customers to co-invest in automation."[00:10:46] "With labor environments today, I don't think you have a choice but to develop and invest in your own 3PLs."[00:11:26] "Employees don't want to push a cart. They don't want to walk down 10 miles a day to do their pick, pack and ship."[00:14:51] "It's not like you can go buy one of those things and bring it home and turn it on."[00:15:53] "You can't have a really well utilized automation system without a strong WMS underlying it." Find out more about Jon Schechter in the links below.https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonhschechter/This episode is sponsored by G&P Construction. If you're in need of top notch, all-inclusive Material handling solutions for logistics and commercial real estate, look no further than G&P Construction. Be sure to visit www.gandpconstruction.com to discover your one-stop shop for turnkey MHE integrations.

ABOUT THE GUEST(S)Guy Courtin is a seasoned supply chain expert with decades of experience in the technology and supply chain space. Currently serving as Tecsys'  Vice President of Industry and Global Alliances, he has held leadership roles at 6 River Systems (a Shopify company), Infor Retail, and i2 Technologies (now Blue Yonder). He has likewise served as an industry analyst at Constellation Research, SCM World (Now Gartner), and Forrester Research. Guy holds an MBA in Management from the Olin Graduate School of Business, a Master's in International Relations from Loyola University Chicago, and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the College of the Holy Cross. HIGHLIGHTS[00:00:48] Guy's Journey in Supply Chain[00:02:58] Challenges in E-commerce Fulfillment[00:04:55] Inventory Management Strategies[00:11:26] Change Management in Warehousing[00:14:50] Healthcare Ground Game[00:18:45] Future of Healthcare FulfillmentQUOTES[00:09:58] "Everyone thinks they have a secret sauce. There is no secret sauce. It's just ketchup." - Ninaad Acharya[00:13:45] "Change management is, I think, one of the hardest things we've seen in warehousing, in supply chain." - Guy Courtin[00:16:01] "The ground game, which is not as sexy, is still, I think, as important as this other digital strategy." - Guy Courtin[00:18:52] "The challenge, the reason why some companies do that is they just don't have the right systems to do virtual segregation." - Ninaad AcharyaFind out more about Guy Courtin in the links below.https://www.linkedin.com/in/guycourtin/This episode is sponsored by G&P Construction. If you're in need of top notch, all-inclusive Material handling solutions for logistics and commercial real estate, look no further than G&P Construction. Be sure to visit www.gandpconstruction.com to discover your one-stop shop for turnkey MHE integrations. 

ABOUT THE GUESTSteve Pickfield is a dynamic leader with a proven track record of building high-performance sales teams and driving business success. Currently the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at PSI Engineering in Toronto, Steve has led commercial strategy and operations since 2018, achieving significant growth. As Executive Vice-President of National Sales at T. Litzen/Skyline Sports since 2017, he fosters a collaborative atmosphere for a national sales team. During his 27-year tenure at Vickers-Warnick Ltd, he held roles from Outside Sales Representative to President, managing major acquisitions and business transformations. Known for his exceptional interpersonal skills, Steve excels in navigating businesses through rapid change, strategic planning, high-level negotiations, and financial management, building strong relationships with key stakeholders.  HIGHLIGHTS[00:01:34] Steve's Background and Journey: Steve shares his journey in automation and his role at PSI Engineering.[00:03:53] Understanding SLAM: Explaining the term SLAM (Scan, Label, Apply, and Manifest) and its importance in e-commerce.[00:05:40] Evolution and Importance of SLAM: Discussion on the development of the SLAM industry group within MHI and its significance.[00:08:06] ROI and Volume Considerations: When and why companies should consider automating their SLAM area.[00:12:06] Solving Bottlenecks: How automation helps in addressing bottlenecks created by upstream processes.[00:13:18] Image Capture Technology: The role of image capture in verifying shipments and reducing errors.[00:19:51] Starting the Journey: Advice for companies looking to optimize their SLAM area.QUOTES[00:00:25] "A lot of people have invested into that automatic storage and retrieval, AMRs, and all that. The kind of fancy stuff, the auto stores, it is created that bottleneck."[00:03:53] "It stands for Scan, Label, Apply, and Manifest. It doesn't encompass everything that happens in that last hundred feet, but it certainly does."[00:12:06] "If you look at an e-commerce direct-to-consumer fulfillment facility, most likely 80% of your labor cost is going to be in that pick and pack, and 20% will be in the last hundred feet."[00:13:18] "We worked with them and created some technology around that. So, that we would be taking a picture of that box with the cell phone in and it really solved that problem."[00:19:51] "It does start with an assessment, and assessing, what areas, where is your true bottlenecks, where is most of your costs going, where are your error."Find out more about Steve Pickfield in the links below.https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenpickfield/This episode is sponsored by G&P Construction. If you're in need of top notch, all-inclusive Material handling solutions for logistics and commercial real estate, look no further than G&P Construction. Be sure to visit www.gandpconstruction.com to discover your one-stop shop for turnkey MHE integrations.

ABOUT THE GUESTAnn Marie Jonkman, Vice Presidnet Industry Strategies at Blue Yonder, advises Logistics Service Providers (LSPs) on leveraging technology and best practices to enhance their business strategies. With over 20 years of experience in continuous improvement and consulting, particularly in distribution, e-commerce, and transportation, she brings a unique blend of operational insight and software expertise. Collaborating closely with product development teams, Ann Marie ensures alignment with customer needs and drives innovation to deliver tangible results. Prior to Blue Yonder, she held positions at leading organizations like XPO Logistics and Radial. Ann Marie holds degrees in Political Science and History, with ongoing education in Business Technology Design and strategic communication from esteemed institutions like Lewis University, Tuck School of Business, and Dartmouth. Based in Chicago, she devotes her personal time to supporting animal rescue initiatives and enjoys golfing and football.HIGHLIGHTS[00:03:29] Exploring the Post-2023 Logistics Landscape[00:07:06] The Evolution of Software in Logistics[00:13:16] The Future of Warehouse Operations and Technology[00:17:59] Exploring the Impact of AI in Logistics[00:20:02] The Power of Generative AI and Machine Learning[00:23:16] Empowering the Mid-Market with AI Technology[00:27:03] Human-Centric Approach to Technological Adoption[00:29:14] The Future of Work: Automation, AI, and User ExperienceQUOTES[00:01:17] "Technology should deploy that. It should enable it for people and it should be easy."[00:05:51] "People are very mindful where they put their money, but it's open. I feel the change."[00:12:49] "It's really being a partner because if we all haven't noticed, this tech is changing fast."[00:17:50] "That billing piece is just, from a 3PL perspective, you're right. It's a small army of people."[00:20:13] "It's more so enabling that to your point to where we truly capture what's happening."Find out more about Ann Marie Jonkman and her company in the link below: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajsupplychainleader/This episode is sponsored by G&P Construction. If you're in need of top notch, all-inclusive Material handling solutions for logistics and commercial real estate, look no further than G&P Construction. Be sure to visit www.gandpconstruction.com to discover your one-stop shop for turnkey MHE integrations.

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, recorded live from MODEX 2024 in Atlanta, hosts Ninaad Acharya and Dan Coll interview Keith Moore, CEO of AutoScheduler. Keith shares his journey from a supply chain background to launching AutoScheduler, a company specializing in warehouse distribution orchestration and optimization. The conversation covers the evolution of supply chain technology, from early machine learning applications to the current push for robotics and automation. Keith discusses the challenges of integrating AutoScheduler with existing WMS and WES systems, the importance of data quality, and the future of human-robotic symbiotic relationships in distribution organizations.  ABOUT KEITHKeith Moore is the Chief Executive Officer for AutoScheduler.AI. As a supply chain “Pro to Know”, Keith works with Consumer Goods, Beverage, and Distribution companies to drive efficiency in distribution centers. As the CEO, Moore’s focus is in creating the future with the prescriptive warehouse. Moore was voted by Hart Energy Magazine as an Energy Innovator of the Year in 2020, was selected as a Pi Kappa Phi 30 under 30 member, and holds multiple patents in the fields of neural architecture search and supply chain planning. Moore attended the University of Tennessee, where he received a bachelor of science in Mechanical Engineering.HIGHLIGHTS  [00:02:00] Keith Moore's Journey in Supply Chain and Tech  [00:04:23] The Birth and Growth of AutoScheduler  [00:04:49] How To Optimize Warehouse Operations  [00:09:00] Challenges and Solutions in Warehouse Management  [00:23:56] The Future of Robotics in Distribution  QUOTES  [00:00:27] Keith Moore on Warehouse Nodes: "It's all about supporting universal inventory flow through a facility... everything in and everything out the rest of the supply chain decides."  [00:10:31] Keith Moore on Technology Integration: "Generally what we do in our sales process now... is you'd be super upfront with exactly what needs to happen."  [00:14:41] Keith Moore on Real-Time Decision Making: "What optimization should decide is exactly what processes do you need to do in the inside of that circle to make sure that you're supporting that overall flow."  [00:19:36] Keith Moore on Continuous Adaptation: "Every plan you create is broken the second you create it because nobody follows a plan perfectly... you need to be able to adapt that plan."  Find out more about Keith Moore in the links below.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithdmoore13/  This episode is sponsored by G&P Construction. If you're in need of top notch, all-inclusive Material handling solutions for logistics and commercial real estate, look no further than G&P Construction. Be sure to visit https://www.gandpconstruction.com to discover your one-stop shop for turnkey MHE integrations.