Keeping Count

In the podcast episode of Inventory Edge, our guest Paras Shah shares insights into the changing landscape of inventory management, featuring perspectives from industry leaders. Drawing from personal experiences in retail, the host reflects on growing up in Southern California, where his parents owned retail stores. This early exposure to the business world not only shaped their understanding of inventory management but also highlighted the importance of the human element in business.

Paras Shah shares his expertise on inventory management, highlighting the importance of a human-centered approach in leadership. As a transformative leader, he believes that successful operational change is driven by inspiring confidence and fostering collaboration among team members. His personal values play a significant role in shaping his leadership style, emphasizing the need for a supportive and engaging work environment.

Video Description: In this episode of The Inventory Edge, host Chase Carmichael sits down with Chip Carlson, a global leader in the automotive aftermarket, to explore the unique challenges and strategies behind auto parts inventory management. From the complexities of stocking over 200,000 SKUs to the race for rapid "hot-shot" deliveries, Chip shares insights on distribution networks, lifecycle management, and the critical balance between customer service and inventory accuracy. With decades of experience at companies like O'Reilly Auto Parts and CIMA International, Chip brings valuable perspectives on operational excellence, global growth strategies, and why the right part at the right time is the true driver of success in this industry.

Auto parts aren't impulse buys—they're emergency essentials. Our guest Chip Carlson explains why inventory in the auto parts world is different, and how the industry's ecosystem is shaped by urgency, not desire.

What happens when a store doesn't have everything in stock? Our guest Chip Carlson explains how product groups and retailers use connected store networks to fulfill orders fast—even if it means pulling inventory from another location.

Are small auto parts retailers being pushed out? Our guest Chip Carlson breaks down how independent stores are banding together to survive in an industry dominated by big box giants—and why buying power matters more than ever.

Video Description: In this episode, we sit down with Chip Carlson, a global leader with deep expertise in international marketing, operations, and business development. Now at the helm of strategy and market expansion at CEMA International LLC, Chip shares how he's helped companies thrive in the complex world of global commerce—especially within the automotive aftermarket. We explore his early impact at O'Reilly Auto Parts, where he played a key role in expanding into Latin America, and unpack the strategies that have helped him drive measurable growth across distribution, retail operations, and beyond. From navigating P&L management to mastering sales forecasting, Chip offers valuable insights into what it takes to lead successfully in today's interconnected markets. Tune in for a sharp look at global growth strategies, operational excellence, and how to build sustainable success across borders.

Adrian Thomas, the president and CEO of Datascan, shares his upbringing in a small town and the significant influence of his father, who instilled in him the values of integrity, accountability, and courage. He emphasizes that doing the right thing often requires stepping out of one's comfort zone, even if it goes unrecognized. At Datascan, he highlights the importance of making ethical choices for customers, colleagues, and oneself. Simple daily actions, like helping out at home, reflect the commitment to integrity in both personal and professional life. Ultimately, he encourages everyone to choose the path of integrity, especially when faced with difficult decisions.

The video emphasizes the importance of collaboration, accountability, and integrity within a team. It highlights how working together and supporting one another aligns with their common goals and drives impactful change. The focus on discipline, such as maintaining up-to-date documentation, is crucial for executing tasks with excellence. The message encourages a proactive mindset, where small actions contribute to doing the right thing, ultimately reinforcing their core values. Together, they strive to make a difference by embodying these principles.