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Link to episode page This week's Cyber Security Headlines – Week in Review is hosted by Rich Stroffolino with guest Nick Espinosa, host, The Deep Dive Radio Show Thanks to our show sponsor, Nudge Security Nudge Security discovers new apps, accounts, and data-sharing in real-time and helps guide employees toward secure behaviors. Instead of trying to control everything, we give IT and security teams the visibility and automation they need to secure the Workforce Edge. All links and the video of this episode can be found on CISO Series.com
Have you heard the news? Clean beauty is out. Dirty beauty is in. This week on Green Beauty Conversations, Lorraine Dallmeier, Chartered Environmentalist, Biologist and CEO of Formula Botanica, speaks with Stephen Smith, the regenerative entrepreneur behind Nuturn – a pioneering skincare ingredient complex that redefines what it means to be effective, ethical, and elemental. If you've ever questioned whether clean beauty has become too clinical, too sanitised, and too disconnected from nature, then this episode is for you. Free Resources Free formulation course | Green Beauty Conversations Podcast | Blog | YouTube Socials: Formula Botanica on Instagram | Lorraine Dallmeier on Instagram
You can give people all the resources and training in the world. You can even get them fired up about UX. But let's be real; there will always be times when they simply don't have the time, energy, or skills to do the work themselves.In the past, they'd come to you. And you'd do it for them. But we're trying to get you out of that cycle. If you're going to scale your impact, you can't be the one personally delivering on every single project.That's where a preferred supplier list comes in.Why a Supplier List Is a Strategic AssetIt's tempting to let stakeholders find their own vendors. After all, there's no shortage of freelancers or agencies out there. But this approach risks quality and consistency. Not all suppliers will meet your standards, and some may be overly influenced by the stakeholder who hired them.Instead, create a vetted list of suppliers you trust and make this list easier to use than finding vendors independently. Using your pre-approved list should feel like the obvious choice for everyone involved.When you create, maintain, and make accessible a trusted supplier list, you:Ensure quality: You've already vetted these suppliers. You know they care about user experience and meet your standards.Avoid procurement headaches: Pre-approved suppliers make life easier for your stakeholders. No need to jump through hoops every time they need outside help.Speed things up: With an established list, teams can move quickly. No more weeks spent gathering quotes or drafting RFPs.Keep costs predictable: Many preferred suppliers offer discounted or fixed pricing in return for ongoing work. That saves money and makes budgeting simpler.Expand your capabilities: You can include specialists; people with niche skills like accessibility, SEO, or advanced user research. That fills gaps you and your team may not be able to cover.Maintain strategic control: When you control the list, suppliers know they're accountable to you, not just the individual stakeholder hiring them. That means they'll come to you if something feels off, and they'll uphold your UX principles throughout the project.Make the right choice the easy choice: When your list is well-organized and readily available, teams naturally gravitate toward using it rather than spending time finding their own vendors.What to Look for in Preferred SuppliersIf you're going to stand behind these suppliers, choose carefully.They must get how you work. Your suppliers should follow your expectations and ways of working even when dealing with someone else in the organization.They need to be pre-approved. Work with your procurement team to get them set up in advance. If it's too hard to hire them, stakeholders will just bypass the list.They should understand the politics. A good supplier knows not to say yes to everything just to win favor. They keep you in the loop and help hold the line when a stakeholder pushes for something questionable.You Stay in the Driver's SeatA preferred supplier list doesn't remove you from the picture; it actually keeps you more involved. You're still part of the process, just from a higher level. You're the gatekeeper. The advisor. The one who shapes how UX is delivered, even when you're not the one doing the work.And that's exactly where you want to be.Your Next StepIf you don't already have a supplier list, start small. Identify 2 or 3 people or companies you've worked with before and trust. Add them to a shared Notion page or spreadsheet with their contact info, specialties, and any pre-negotiated rates.Even a rough list is better than leaving stakeholders to guess, or worse still, go their own way.
Let's be honest — square footage and brochure stats won't sell your services. If you've ever left a supplier meeting with a bunch of generic info and zero clarity on how to use it in your marketing… this episode is for you.In episode 2 of the Don't Market Like a Supplier series, we're talking about the five questions to ask your BDM (or supplier contact) that actually matter — and how their answers can shape your content, boost your bottom line, and keep your brand message clear.You'll learn:✅ What booking window data can teach you about your funnel✅ How to identify hidden add-ons to increase commissions✅ How to use supplier trends and spotlight promos to ride the wave✅ Why general info ≠ strong strategy✅ The difference between selling a trip vs. selling your serviceWhether you're new to working with BDMs or ready to level up your conversations, this one will change the way you prep for every supplier interaction moving forward.
The weekly news analysis from I Hate Politics: One Big Beautiful Act impacts with MD Delegate Marc Korman and MD Health Care for All Executive Director Vincent DeMarco: “Could have been worse!” Fall General Assembly Special Session now unlikely. Montgomery County Council considers pilot to become a retail energy supplier to residents. MD Delegate Lorig Charkoudian explains the concept. MoCo Council will vote on a law to allow duplexes/triplexes in single-family-zoned areas. Trayon White wins the DC Ward 8 Special Elections despite pending bribery charges. Analysis from once-Ward 8 candidate Markus Batchelor. Music by Washington DC art-pop rock band, Catscan!
In this episode, I continue my coverage of the THRIVE 25 Conference with a series of interviews from the trade show floor. I spoke with leading suppliers whose products and innovations are helping shape the future of Passive House construction in Australasia. From high-performance windows to advanced ventilation systems, each guest shares their unique contribution to better building. https://www.passivhausassociation.com.au/ 1. Scott Hogan – DEHUM Scott discusses DEHUM's advanced humidity control systems and their role in maintaining optimal indoor environments for Passive House projects. https://dehum.com.au 2. Mark Ristevski – XTour3D Mark introduces XTour3D's cutting-edge 3D scanning solutions for construction, bringing ‘digital twin' technology to the residential market. https://xtour.com.au/ 3. Mike Ward – Australian Glass Group Mike shares insights into high-performance glazing solutions and the importance of energy-efficient glass in Passive House design. https://agg.com.au/ 4. Mark Heyman – Rotho Blaas Mark highlights Rotho Blaas' construction systems, including airtightness and waterproofing. https://www.rothoblaas.com/ 5. Ashley Griffs – BINQ Windows Ashley showcases BINQ's locally manufactured timber, alu-clad, and uPVC windows that meet Passive House standards for thermal performance and security. https://www.binq.com.au/ 6. Adam Socha – Kinzel Industries & Aluplast Adam talks about Kinzel's partnership with Aluplast, delivering innovative uPVC window systems with exceptional energy efficiency and design flexibility. https://www.aluplast.net/eng-int/company/ 7. James Hazelwood – Hygge Windows James presents Hygge Windows' approach to combining aesthetics and performance in window design, tailored for sustainable living. https://hyggewindows.com.au/ 8. Harley Truong – Logikhaus Harley explains Logikhaus' commitment to Passive House certified windows and doors, and their role in delivering high-performance building envelopes. Plus a summary of Harley's conference presentation, proposing how we might report and communicate better about Passive House benefits. https://www.logikhaus.com.au/ Once again, a big thank you to Andy Marlow and Taline Edwards at Envirotecture for making this possible.
This season, we're bringing you a series of mini video podcasts spotlighting the key suppliers to the upholstery trade. Each episode gives you insider info on the latest tools, materials, and innovations to help keep your workshop running smoothly and efficiently.This month, we're chatting with Mirka, makers of high-performance sanding solutions with a difference. Tune in to hear what sets their kit apart (you might also see us trying the tools out
Stephen Grootes speaks to Michael Merchant, key investigator from Open Secrets, about Transnet's recent court victory to stop a Chinese train supplier from selling parts, seeking insights into the backstory behind this development and its potential implications for Transnet's operations, logistics in South Africa, and the broader context of international business dealings in the country's critical infrastructure sectors. The Money Show is a podcast hosted by well-known journalist and radio presenter, Stephen Grootes. He explores the latest economic trends, business developments, investment opportunities, and personal finance strategies. Each episode features engaging conversations with top newsmakers, industry experts, financial advisors, entrepreneurs, and politicians, offering you thought-provoking insights to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape. Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Money Show Listen live Primedia+ weekdays from 18:00 and 20:00 (SA Time) to The Money Show with Stephen Grootes broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/7QpH0jY or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/PlhvUVe Subscribe to The Money Show Daily Newsletter and the Weekly Business Wrap here https://buff.ly/v5mfetc The Money Show is brought to you by Absa Follow us on social media 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/Radio702 CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of the Share PLM Podcast, we are joined by Thomas Winden and Kerstin Roulet from T-Systems. Thomas Winden works as Tribe Lead Emerging Business & Innovation at T-Systems. He joined the company in 2012 after eight years in consulting and has since focused on PLM, Agile methodologies, and business development. Since 2022, he has led PLM strategy, partnerships, and portfolio management.Kerstin Roulet is a Change Consultant at T-Systems with a background in PLM and IT. Since joining in 2012, she has specialized in Agile transformation and cultural change, leading initiatives to enhance communication, collaboration, and team dynamics within PLM projects.The conversation explores how T-Systems integrates human-centric methodologies into its PLM projects, emphasizing collaboration, communication, and cultural change as essential elements of success. The company prioritizes helping clients take ownership of their transformation journeys by embedding change management practices into technical implementations. With a clear long-term vision, T-Systems is actively expanding its PLM services beyond traditional industries and regions, positioning itself as a trusted partner in digital product lifecycle transformation. Here are the main themes that emerged:⚉ Organizational Transformation: From Hierarchy to Tribes⚉ “Agile Doing” vs. “Agile Being”⚉ Cultural and Soft‑Skill Enablement⚉ PLM's New Identity at T‑Systems⚉ Insights for PLM Implementers⚉ Customer Ownership in PLM TransformationCONNECT WITH THOMAS AND KERSTIN:⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerstin-roulet-376365147/ ⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-winden/ CONNECT WITH SHARE PLM:⚉ Website: https://shareplm.com/ Join us every month to listen to fascinating interviews, where we cover a wide array of topics, from actionable tips, to personal experiences, to strategies that you can implement into your PLM strategy.If you have an interesting story to share and want to join the conversation, contact us and let's chat. We can't wait to hear from you!
Stephen Grootes speaks to Michael Merchant, Head of investigation from Open Secrets,about Transnet's recent court victory to stop a Chinese train supplier from selling parts, seeking insights into the backstory behind this development and its potential implications for Transnet's operations, logistics in South Africa, and the broader context of international business dealings in the country's critical infrastructure sectors. The Money Show is a podcast hosted by well-known journalist and radio presenter, Stephen Grootes. He explores the latest economic trends, business developments, investment opportunities, and personal finance strategies. Each episode features engaging conversations with top newsmakers, industry experts, financial advisors, entrepreneurs, and politicians, offering you thought-provoking insights to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape. Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Money Show Listen live Primedia+ weekdays from 18:00 and 20:00 (SA Time) to The Money Show with Stephen Grootes broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/7QpH0jY or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/PlhvUVe Subscribe to The Money Show Daily Newsletter and the Weekly Business Wrap here https://buff.ly/v5mfetc The Money Show is brought to you by Absa Follow us on social media 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/702 on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalkCapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalkCapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/Radio702CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome to the first episode of our brand-new 5-part series: Stop Marketing Like a Supplier In this powerful episode, Kelli Hayes Smith shares the truth behind why so many travel advisors struggle to stand out in a saturated space — and it's not because of lack of effort, it's because of supplier-style marketing.What you'll learn in this episode:Why supplier content doesn't work for building YOUR brandThe big shift you need to make if you want to sell transformation, not transactionsHow you're competing with online booking tools — not other advisorsWhy loud marketing isn't better marketing (and what to do instead)The skincare analogy you'll never forget Whether you're still using supplier content or wondering why your posts aren't converting, this episode will help you see your business in a whole new light.Don't miss next week's episode: 5 Questions to Ask Your BDM That Actually Matter
Information is China's most potent weapon after Operation Sindoor in shaping not only the India-Pakistan narrative but also global perceptions of the French military-industrial complex. China's focus is on asserting itself as a credible arms supplier in a market long dominated by the West. Watch Sana Hashmi explain how China is waging information war against Rafale.
- Investors Like the Potential of Robotaxis - BMW Just Eked Out Q2 Gain - Japanese Automakers Cut Prices of Exported Vehicles - Ford and Stellantis Squeeze Their Suppliers - Hyundai Reveals Performance Electric Sedan - EVs Hold Value Better in China - Mazda CX-5 Getting 1st Hybrid - Maserati Gives Its Supercar a New Name
- Investors Like the Potential of Robotaxis - BMW Just Eked Out Q2 Gain - Japanese Automakers Cut Prices of Exported Vehicles - Ford and Stellantis Squeeze Their Suppliers - Hyundai Reveals Performance Electric Sedan - EVs Hold Value Better in China - Mazda CX-5 Getting 1st Hybrid - Maserati Gives Its Supercar a New Name
Oleg Kuzmenkov is the founder of Seller Assistant, a tool trusted by Amazon wholesale and arbitrage sellers to analyze price lists, check restrictions, and make faster sourcing decisions. His goal is to help sellers avoid bad buys and scale with confidence. In This Episode: [00:20] Introducing Oleg Kuzmenkov of Seller Assistant. [00:30] The topic & bonus. [03:15] Does it sell? [05:40] Can you sell? [07:40] Best practice from being ungated to selling. [10:15] Ungated services. [12:10] What date is crucial? [15:39] Competition. [21:15] Variation. [26:20] Is it profitable? [27:54] Supplier Analyzer by Seller Assistant. [28:30] Tips on knowing you are not scammed by the “supplier”. Guest Links and References: Website: https://sellerassistant.app Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oakuzmenkov/ Linkedin profile: http://Linkedin.com/in/oakuzmenkov Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@sellerassistantapp Links and References: Wizards of Amazon: https://www.wizardsofecom.com/ Wizards of Amazon Courses: www.wizardsofecom.com/academy Wizards of Amazon Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/South-Florida-FBA/ Wizards of Amazon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WizardsofAmazon/ Wizards of Amazon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wizardsofecom/
The GBTA Convention annually brings together thousands of professionals in person to connect, learn, grow and do business for the world's $1.4 trillion business travel industry. So what can attendees expect at the upcoming GBTA Convention 2025 in Denver, July 21-23, and how can they make the most of their experience? In this podcast, GBTA Board President, Mark Cuschieri, and travel supplier, Treasurer of the GBTA Board of Directors, Kevin Sullivan, join GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang to preview and discuss what's new, noteworthy and not-to-be-missed for attendees heading to this year's Convention. Music track is Space Jazz by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
In this episode of FEO on the Air - Supplier Spotlight - hosted by FEO Marketing and Communications Manager Jay Nijhuis, we are joined by Kyle Sipkens and Jake Rice from INCIRQUE. Today's conversation is about how Buskers can be utilized for more than Entertaining, the benefits of FEO membership for suppliers and performer expectations for festival and event organizers. Here are some important links for you: INCIRQUE Official website https://incirque.com/ Lucky Barber Show https://luckybarbershow.com/ Jake in the Box https://jakeintheboxshow.ca/
At the heart of The Prophets' vision are “The 24 Essential Supply Chain Processes.” What are they? Find out, and see the future yourself. Click here What does it take to build trust between OEMs and suppliers — and why does it matter now more than ever?Dr. Angela Johnson, partner at Plante Moran and the new owner of the Working Relations Index (WRI), joins the show to walk us through the 2025 results and what they reveal about the automotive industry's most critical, and often overlooked, business relationships.This year's survey shows the biggest gap between the top and bottom OEMs since 2007. Toyota, Honda, and GM improved their scores, while Stellantis, Ford, and Nissan declined, widening the divide. Angela explains that this shift wasn't because the bottom three necessarily got worse, but because the top three pulled ahead by leveraging long-standing relationships and adopting collaborative practices when it mattered most.Internal alignment was another differentiator. Toyota, Honda, and GM worked across functions — purchasing, engineering, quality — while others struggled with silos and regional disconnects that left suppliers frustrated and confused.Culture came up again and again. Angela introduces the concept of “embedded behaviors” — leadership habits that trace back to a person's first real boss. These behaviors stick, often for decades, and shape how companies interact with suppliers today. In GM's case, even with ongoing issues like engineering changes and volume swings, suppliers recognized effort. They saw transparency, and it made all the difference.Then there's Ford. The team made a well-intentioned decision to outsource parts of purchasing to India, but didn't account for how it would affect supplier communication. It created more confusion than clarity, and it showed up in their WRI scores.One thing's clear: good relationships drive real results. Angela shares how WRI scores have a measurable connection to financial performance, especially for OEMs like Toyota, where strong supplier ties align closely with same-year earnings.The takeaway? It's not just about KPIs. It's how people behave. If you want better results, measure relationships and take them seriously.Whether you're a global OEM or a small supplier, the fundamentals are the same: communicate, treat people with respect, and stop thinking of relationships as the “soft stuff.”Because in this industry, they're anything but.Themes discussed in this episode:The widening trust gap between top and bottom OEMs in the 2025 WRI resultsHow strong supplier relationships directly impact financial performanceWhy responsiveness, communication, and basic “enabling behaviors” still matter mostHow internal silos and regional misalignment weaken supplier trustHow leadership behaviors are passed down across generations in the industryWhy measuring relationships—not just KPIs—is critical to long-term successThe hidden risks of outsourcing without proper communication planningThe cultural habits OEMs fall back on during times of stressFeatured on this episode: Name: Dr. Angela JohnsonTitle: Supplier Relations Analytics Principal at Plante MoranAbout: Dr. Angela leads supplier relations analytics at Plante Moran, where she manages the Working Relations Index® survey and
Recent headlines about price wars and intense competition in the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) market have sparked investor concerns about the industry's future, with many worrying about a race to the bottom. But what's really going on behind the scenes? In this episode, Louis Chua, investment analyst at Julius Baer, examines the key dynamics, opportunities, and challenges in the Chinese EV sector, and what they mean for the market's long-term growth prospects.(01:00) - : The “price war” – a race to the bottom? (00:00) - Chapter 2 (03:45) - : Chinese automakers making waves internationally (00:00) - Chapter 4 (04:45) - : Is the Chinese domestic EV market slowing? (00:00) - Chapter 6 (06:00) - : Innovation in Chinese EVs (00:00) - Chapter 8 (07:53) - : The “zero-mileage used cars” problem (00:00) - Chapter 10 (09:55) - : Supplier payment reforms (00:00) - Chapter 12 (10:30) - : Key risks and catalysts to watch
Ideal Power Inc CEO Daniel Brdar talked with Proactive's Stephen Gunnion about the company's expanding traction in the electric vehicle (EV) market, highlighting a new engagement with a fifth tier 1 automotive supplier. This development marks a continued build-up of commercial momentum as the company also collaborates with three auto original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Brdar explained that the growing interest stems from Ideal Power's unique technology, which addresses major EV challenges such as cost efficiency and range anxiety. "We are now working with five tier ones and three auto OEMs – it really shows the strong interest in our technology," he said. He also discussed the significance of providing budgetary quotes for millions of SymCool® modules. These modules are aimed at replacing traditional contactors, with each EV using between five and eight contactors. According to Brdar, early interest and orders confirm that Ideal Power's technology meets the needs of automotive manufacturers. Brdar outlined how the company's B-TRAN® technology significantly reduces conduction losses, helping to improve vehicle range and efficiency without relying on exotic materials. He further noted that Ideal Power expects announcements soon regarding program awards for EV contactors, which will solidify its presence in the automotive sector. Watch the full interview to learn how Ideal Power is positioning itself in the transition to solid-state contactors, and the potential impact of these recent developments. Visit Proactive's YouTube channel for more exclusive interviews and insights. Don't forget to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and enable notifications for future updates. #IdealPower #EVTechnology #ElectricVehicles #BTRAN #SolidStateContactors #AutomotiveTech #SymCool #CleanEnergy #EVInnovation #ProactiveInvestors
Sagi Eliyahu welcomes Tania Seary, Founder of Procurious, to discuss the role of procurement in today's dynamic business environment. With decades of experience as a procurement entrepreneur, Tania shares why now is the moment for ops leaders to work hand in hand with procurement, prioritize supplier collaboration and embrace AI as a strategic tool, not just a back-office fix.From AI adoption to cross-functional alignment, the conversation offers a forward-looking take on how procurement and ops can partner to drive enterprise performance.Key Takeaways:(03:02) Procurement must shift to agile, bite-sized, community-based learning methods.(06:12) Encourage teams to test AI weekly and share actionable use cases.(10:15) Automation frees teams to build relationships and identify real-world inefficiencies.(14:10) Supplier trust and relationships are essential, even with modern technology.(16:03) Learn enough about AI to ask smart questions and assess risks.(18:41) Staying in the business flow is key to career longevity.(22:22) You are the constant in your career — take ownership of your growth.Resources Mentioned:Tania Searyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/taniaseary/Procurious | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/procurious/Procurious | Websitehttps://www.procurious.com/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
Every year Australian Hiker touches base with suppliers, importers and manufacturers of hiking equipment to find out what new and exciting products are on the market and well as to see how the industry is trending. Gill and I were originally heading to the Industry Trade show in March of this year but due to a cyclone that show was cancelled. Over the past 7 weeks we have been catching up with five Australian based suppliers to find out about what gear has been recently released and what we can expect in the coming months. At the end of these supplier interviews I briefly discuss where I see the outdoor gear industry heading. www.australianhiker.com.au Australian Hiker can also be found on our various social media platforms Australian Hiker Facebook Australian Hiker Instagram Australian Hiker Twitter Australian Hiker Threads Australian Hiker Youtube
PRC: QUIET REMARKS ABOUT ITS IRAN OIL SUPPLIER AND WEAPONS CUSTOMER, JACK BURHAM,FDD 1922
TOPIC: Supplier Relationships PANEL: Dave Andrea, Plante Moran; Lindsay Brooke, Industry Expert; Gary Vasilash, shinymetalboxes.net; John McElroy, Autoline.tv
A former All-Star currently pitching for the Reds has been accused of being the drug supplier for the late Tyler Skaggs. Correspondent Gethin Coolbaugh reports.
Sometimes the most damning evidence about an industry or an organization comes from the inside. In this second installment of “Buy: The Way…To Purposeful Procurement's” deep dive into supplier tactics, two former supply executives continue exposing the ins and outs of the supplier playbook they used on procurement when they were on the other side of the fence. Bob Schreiner, former CIA section chief and G4s operations executive, explains how security guard service providers can obscure margin increases within seemingly reasonable wage adjustments for officers. He also exposes the “position rate variance” tactic, where suppliers charge premium rates for senior guards to fill junior positions, and also how disasters can become margin-grabbing bonanzas for suppliers. Keith Robinson, one of only 150 board-certified entomologists working commercially in North America, exposes seasonal billing schemes in the pest control industry, where compliance rates plummet in colder months, yet billing continues unchanged. Perhaps most shocking is his revelation that 80-90 percent of fogging and fumigation services are often completely avoidable. These true stories from industry insiders point to a troubling reality: procurement is sometimes so focused on up-front savings that they inadvertently signal to suppliers exactly how to game the system. In effect, procurement ends up creating the perfect conditions for the kind of post-contract chicanery that can create significant cost increases for the business over the years, without any change in service scope or delivery. Links: Bob Schreiner on LinkedIn Keith Robinson on LinkedIn Rich Ham on LinkedIn Learn more at FineTuneUs.com
- Musk Regrets Attacking Trump - GM Invests $4 Billion To Boost U.S. Production - Ford Calls on Canada To Repeal EV Mandate - BMW Shares Next-Gen EV Details - Xpeng Develops In-House Chips for Autonomous Driving - Chinese OEMs Agree to Speed Up Supplier Payments - Chinese Car Exports Slow - Toyota Develops Liquid-Hydrogen Le Mans Race Car - VW Considers Small Electric Van
- Musk Regrets Attacking Trump - GM Invests $4 Billion To Boost U.S. Production - Ford Calls on Canada To Repeal EV Mandate - BMW Shares Next-Gen EV Details - Xpeng Develops In-House Chips for Autonomous Driving - Chinese OEMs Agree to Speed Up Supplier Payments - Chinese Car Exports Slow - Toyota Develops Liquid-Hydrogen Le Mans Race Car - VW Considers Small Electric Van
Have we become too complacent when it comes to ordering online? Its 2025 and yet, somehow and for whatever reason this online supplier is asking for four forms of order verification and signatures upon delivery for regular, everyday plumbing and hvac material orders lol! Send us a textSend us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbNewsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email
In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, Dallas Counts, Chief Operations Officer at Vendormint, discusses his extensive background in retail operations, merchandising, and supply chain management. With nearly a decade at Walmart and Sam's Club, Counts shares how his experiences prepared him to champion Vendormint's mission to revolutionize supplier compliance, operations, and deductions management. He highlights the invaluable lessons learned about understanding retail culture, data-driven decisions, and the relentless pursuit of operational excellence, all stemming from the foundational principles of Sam Walton.Counts also delves into the significant inefficiencies within current supplier compliance and deduction management processes, which Vendormint is actively addressing through its centralized intelligence hub and automated document collection. He explains how Vendormint leverages data and automation to help suppliers recover lost revenue and optimize their operations, emphasizing the importance of proactively identifying and fixing upstream challenges. Finally, Counts discusses key emerging retail trends, including omnichannel retailing, evolving economic pressures, and the transformative power of AI and automation, outlining how Vendormint is strategically positioning itself for the future. Tune in to learn how Dallas Counts and Vendormint are shaping the future of supplier-retailer relationships.Join thousands of curious minds and never miss a beat – Subscribe to our Newsletter for exclusive insights, episode highlights, and expert takeaways delivered straight to your inbox.
Not all storage is the same. Instead of renting a locker some 20 miles out of town, purchase a used heavy-duty shipping container from Conexwest. They're mobile, cost-effective, and offer a smart, flexible solution for NYC homes, businesses, and job sites. Learn more at https://www.conexwest.com/shipping-containers-sale/20ft-shipping-container Conexwest City: Lathrop Address: 17100 S Harlan Rd Website: https://www.conexwest.com/ Phone: +1-855-878-5233 Email: quote@conexwest.com
Apple, like all successful companies, became successful by maximizing profits and minimizing costs. However, to achieve this, they sold their soul to America's biggest adversary: the Chinese Communist Party. The story of how this transpired is chronicled in exceptional detail by my guest, Patrick McGee, who joins me to discuss his book “Apple in China: The Capture of the World's Greatest Company” and explains whether or not he believes Trump can return manufacturing to America. - - - Today's Sponsor: Balance of Nature - Go to https://balanceofnature.com and use promo code KLAVAN for 35% off your first order PLUS get a free bottle of Fiber and Spice.
Much like the classic plot twist in old thriller movies where the characters realize the threat is coming from inside the house, the most revealing insights about supplier tactics are coming from inside Fine Tune's own house in this eye-opening tenth episode of Buy: The Way…To Purposeful Procurement. Co-host Rich Ham was initially reluctant to tap into his own team's expertise for this podcast series, but the guests' insight and insider knowledge proved too valuable not to share. In this episode, Philip and Rich interview two former supplier-side executives – Alex Carlson and Angie Claeys – who are now working on the opposite side of the fence at Fine Tune, and therefore perfectly positioned to divulge the very tactics they once used against procurement teams. They are, indeed, “poachers turned game wardens.” First, Alex, a former CBRE executive and Wells Fargo procurement leader, explains how janitorial service providers deliberately underbid with limited scopes to help procurement “check the box” on savings goals. Likewise, he's seen elevator maintenance providers bill for preventative maintenance that is never performed. Just because a category of spend is managed on paper doesn't mean it's being actively managed where it counts the most, on the ground. Similarly, in the second half of the episode, Angie Claeys, former VP of Operations at Aramark, lays out the uniform industry's playbook (a notoriously complex category). Here too procurement has to watch out for “presumptive” billing that can cost the business unnecessarily if procurement isn't on top of it. Alex and Angie's experiences on the supplier side point to a troubling dynamic: procurement's incentive structures actually encourage these nefarious supplier behaviors and, by not focusing more on ongoing cost management, procurement is inadvertently signaling to suppliers precisely how they can ‘game the system.' This episode, part one in a two-part series full of insider insights, provides an unfiltered look at the consequences of half-hearted spend management and makes a powerful case for extending procurement's influence beyond the contract. Stay tuned for part two, where Bob Schreiner and Keith Robinson expose similar tactics in security services and pest control. Links: Alex Carlson on LinkedIn Angie Claeys on LinkedIn Rich Ham on LinkedIn Learn more at FineTuneUs.com
Are you looking for a sustainable and eco-friendly form of natural medicine? In this episode, we'll learn about Boiron, a firm that manufactures homeopathic medications and is regarded as the industry leader. We'll also learn about Boiron's history, the highest manufacturing standards it has adopted, and how it promotes homeopathy as a kind, environmentally conscious, and all-encompassing form of medicine. Christophe Merville, D. Pharm is the director of education and pharmacy development at Boiron, a world leader in homeopathic medicines. In this position, he creates training programs, both online and in print, for pharmacists and retailers on homeopathic medicines used to treat common health conditions. Before his more than 30-year career with Boiron, Dr. Merville was a university hospital pharmacist in France's Loire Valley where he obtained three years of clinical experience. Born in France, Dr. Merville completed his pharmacy doctorate in Nantes in 1985. He is a sought-after expert on homeopathic medicines and their practical uses for consumers as well as medical experts, and a frequent guest on radio programs across the U.S. Dr. Merville has also co-authored several published works and has presented homeopathic topics at scientific meetings. Check out these episode highlights: 01:50 - Christophe's personal journey of how he first became acquainted with homeopathy 13:25 - The two gentlemen that founded Boiron 19:37 - Do the remedies really stop working if you touch them? 26:52 - What's involved in the manufacturing process in Boiron 40:41 - The Homeopathic Research Institute 47:22 - Single Remedies versus Combination Remedies 50:17 - How many remedies does Boiron have in stock 51:22 - Is it permissible to use homeopathic treatments containing controlled substances such as opium? Connect with Christophe https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophe-merville-258a9710/ If you would like to support the Homeopathy Hangout Podcast, please consider making a donation by visiting www.EugenieKruger.com and click the DONATE button at the top of the site. Every donation about $10 will receive a shout-out on a future episode. Join my Homeopathy Hangout Podcast Facebook community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HelloHomies Here is the link to my free 30-minute Homeopathy@Home online course: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqBUpxO4pZQ&t=438s Upon completion of the course - and if you live in Australia - you can join my Facebook group for free acute advice (you'll need to answer a couple of questions about the course upon request to join): www.facebook.com/groups/eughom
In this episode, the FBA University boys discuss how to get the most out of your manufacturer by understanding your role as a business owner!
"It's the whole totality of the experience and how we treat our customers to show that they're valued.”Eric Wulf, CEO of the International Carwash Association (ICA), and ICA Research Director Bob Klein discuss the findings of ICA's 2025 Q1 Pulse Report, covering the health of the industry, customer satisfaction, and the balance between price and wash value for car wash customers.Top 5 Episode Highlights:The Health of the Consumer Drives the Health of the Industry – Eric and Bob discuss how customer sentiment and behavior shape industry growth, with pricing dissatisfaction often offset by strong perceptions of value—especially among subscription customers.The Price vs. Value Perception – Car wash owners must recognize the emotional side of pricing and focus on the totality of the customer experience to show value. The conversation draws insights from Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) like Chick-fil-A, where customer engagement plays a key role in perceived value.Subscribers Who Become Transactors: A Retention Opportunity – 54% of former members continue washing their vehicles at the car wash where they previously had a membership, providing an opportunity for operators to re-engage and build long-term loyalty.Loyalty Programs: A Disconnection Between Customers and Operators – The Pulse Report has asked about loyalty for nine years, and customers consistently cite loyalty programs as a key retention driver. However, operators do not prioritize them, signaling a missed opportunity to strengthen customer relationships.Industry Growth & Supplier Outlook – Projections for year-end growth increased slightly from 5% to 6%, with 6 in 10 retailers increasing prices in 2024. Meanwhile, supplier optimism has softened, with forecasted growth of 5%, and their top concerns remain hiring, rising costs, and employee retention. To counteract these challenges, suppliers are investing in training and helping car wash owners enhance customer value.Eric and Bob begin the conversation by examining the overall health of the car wash industry, which is closely tied to consumer sentiment. They emphasize that while customers may resist price increases, strong value perception—especially among subscribers—helps mitigate dissatisfaction.The discussion then shifts to how car wash owners should interpret the Pulse Report's price/value findings. Eric and Bob stress that customer experience is in the operator's control. They highlight how Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs), like Chick-fil-A, focus on hospitality and engagement to reinforce customer loyalty—a model the car wash industry can learn from.Bob also references an article he authored in the 2025 Q1 issue of Car Wash Magazine, which explores the five key principles used by the QSR industry to enhance the value proposition and customer experience.The episode also covers the behavior of subscribers who become transactors, noting that 54% of former members continue to use the car wash where they had a subscription. This presents a valuable opportunity for operators to create a dialogue with past members and encourage repeat business.For the past nine years, the Pulse Report has surveyed both customers and operators about loyalty strategies. The data shows that customers strongly value loyalty programs, yet operators do not prioritize them, highlighting a gap in retention efforts.On the growth and supplier side, there is a slight uptick in year-end growth projections from 5% to 6%, and 6 in 10 retailers increased prices in 2024. Looking ahead, the Q2 issue of Car Wash Magazine will explore 12 key factors businesses should consider before implementing price increases.Supplier sentiment, however, is less optimistic, with a softening outlook despite a projected 5% increase. The top three concerns for suppliers remain hiring, rising costs, and employee retention. To stay ahead, suppliers are focusing on training initiatives and working to help car wash operators deliver stronger customer value.
Stephen Grootes speaks to Moss Ngoasheng, CEO at Safika Holdings, about the company's R11.67 billion acquisition of select manganese assets, highlighting its strategic move into energy-transition metals and growth potential in the sector. We apologise for spots of poor audio on this clip. The Money Show is a podcast hosted by well-known journalist and radio presenter, Stephen Grootes. He explores the latest economic trends, business developments, investment opportunities, and personal finance strategies. Each episode features engaging conversations with top newsmakers, industry experts, financial advisors, entrepreneurs, and politicians, offering you thought-provoking insights to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape. Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Money Show Listen live Primedia+ weekdays from 18:00 and 20:00 (SA Time) to The Money Show with Stephen Grootes broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/7QpH0jY or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/PlhvUVe Subscribe to The Money Show Daily Newsletter and the Weekly Business Wrap here https://buff.ly/v5mfetc The Money Show is brought to you by Absa Follow us on social media 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/Radio702 CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Send us a textLead Attorney, Joe Byrd interviews First Review Auditors, Alyssa Hudson and Kendall Leslie to discuss issues related to dependency & neglect, termination of parental rights, and non-capital criminal court claims. Additionally, Alyssa discusses supplier information issues. The discussion offers tips for attorneys arising from common problems auditors observe when processing claims.
A Clare café owner claims supplier price gouging is forcing businesses to close and putting undue pressure on those that survive. With a new survey indicating a spike in food businesses closing their doors this year, proprietors are pointing to rising costs as their greatest challenge. A total of 150 restaurants, gastro pubs or other food businesses ceased trading in the first three months of this year, according to new figures from the Restaurants Association of Ireland. Of the 170 respondents to the RAI's survey, 65% reported a decline in financial performance last year, compared to 2023. The finding is unsurprising given RAI data indicates that between 2022 and 2025, the price of fruit and vegetables has gone up by nearly 50%, while beef is up 96% and chocolate has soared by a startling 157%. It's also reported that menu costs haven't kept pace with these rising input costs, increasing by just shy of 17% for lunch and less than 19% for dinner. Frank Landy of Sweet 'n' Green in Ennis believes large suppliers are taking advantage of global circumstances at the expense of small businesses. A whole 94% of the survey's respondents foresee a continued rise in food costs this year, while 88% expect beverage prices to do likewise. To stay afloat, four in five restaurants are preparing to cut staff hours and 70% expect to reduce overall staff numbers. Tony Cogan of Cogan's Bar and Restaurant in Miltown Malbay says he's just about breaking even and has to watch every single cent.
Send us a textThis week on The Riley Black Project, we're joined by the unforgettable Steve from PDS — a man who's done everything from accidentally hooking his lip to his nose while fishing
Steve Grzanich has the business news of the day with the Wintrust Business Minute. Electric vehicle maker Rivian is expanding its footprint in Illinois. The company will add a supplier park to its factory in downstate Normal that could create 100 jobs. Its manufacturing facility already employs about 8,000 people. Rivian will invest about $120 […]
Send us a textThe NBDA is holding quarterly forum style meetings on Retailer & Supplier Best Practices. The NBDA wishes to unite industry experts in a panel discussion to circulate best practices to align the industry. During the meeting, the NBDA organized panel will talk through an agenda on various topics.Listen to our April 15th panel in this BRR episode.Support the show
Aujourd'hui, Charles Consigny, Jean-Loup Bonnamy et Éléonore Lemaire débattent de l'actualité autour d'Olivier Truchot.
What's one of the biggest drags on your Multifamily business?Low initiative.In this episode of the Thereby Series, Mike Brewer explores what happens when team members — or worse, leaders — show up every day without the fire to get things done.This isn't about having an off day.It's about the pattern of inactivity.The constant need to light a fire under someone just to get the basics done.The teammate who never moves the ball downfield without being told exactly where and how to push.And thereby, your business stalls.Residents feel it.Supplier partners feel it.Investors feel it.And your high-initiative rockstars? They burn out cleaning up the slack.Mike contrasts this with the kind of team members you should be building around — the tigers. The ones who run hard, take ownership, and occasionally need to be reined in because they're moving that fast. You want those people. You need those people. And you've got to protect them from the drag of low-initiative teammates.This episode is a call to action for leaders to coach, mentor, and — when necessary — make the hard call to move on. Because a low-initiative culture is not just slow.It's a liability.Big thanks to the tenacious trio over at The Turnover podcast — a must-listen for anyone serving the Multifamily service side. Subscribe now and catch up!
In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Ian Hinckley from DGI Apparel to tackle the tough questions everyone in the custom apparel game is asking. From rising tariffs and supply chain chaos to the tech-driven shakeup in how shops order and operate — Ian breaks it all down.
As global trade volatility soars, many supplier relationships could be headed for a rough patch. Zero100 discusses how leaders can not only maintain those relationships but strengthen them for mutual benefit. Featuring: Chief Content Officer Matt Davis, VP Research Geraint John, and Principal Analyst Jenna Fink.The best relationship advice the team has ever received (00:49)How trade shifts and regulation are putting supplier relationships under strain (1:58)Why strong supplier relationship management (SRM) is so important – and why it's not been prioritized (3:13)Preferred pricing and premium service: The financial incentives for strong SRM (6:55)The Zero100 STEER framework for becoming a customer of choice (9:56)Lessons in SRM from SHEIN (13:13)How Proctor & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, and BMW are driving supplier co-innovation (15:26)The supply chain skills and roles needed to push SRM forward (20:56)
At the heart of The Prophets' vision are “The 24 Essential Supply Chain Processes.” What are they? Find out, and see the future yourself. Click here In this episode, we get real about a topic that doesn't get nearly enough attention in automotive: the strain on supplier relationships. With tariffs, lead time cuts, and constant disruptions, the old “just send the RFQ and hope for the best” approach simply doesn't hold up anymore.That's where Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) comes in—and not just as a tool. We're talking about SRM as part of the procurement strategy.Our guest, Achim Gatternig, Senior Manager for Procurement Projects at Magna, knows exactly what that looks like. He walks us through how Magna approaches Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) in a way that's built for today's supply chain challenges — and tomorrow's.And it all starts early. Before the first quote request goes out, Magna teams are already narrowing down a fit-for-purpose list of suppliers. They're not just matching parts but aligning capabilities, volumes, and timelines to strategy. The goal? Fewer surprises, better results, and stronger long-term relationships.But it's not just about smart planning—it's about real-time visibility. Achim shares how Magna gives suppliers monthly scorecards tracking quality, logistics, and delivery accuracy. It's not about policing—it's about creating conversations based on facts, not feelings.And when crisis hits? That data becomes gold. Whether it's a tariff shift or a plant fire, SRM gives procurement leaders the clarity they need to act fast. Achim walks us through possible scenarios of how the right information at the right time could help companies avoid cost hits, move tooling, and re-strategize without chaos.Of course, not everyone's on board. Achim gets candid about the challenges of pitching SRM to skeptical execs. His take? Show them what it costs to make decisions in the dark and then what's possible when you don't.From pushing ESG requirements down the chain to spotting supplier risk with external data to using AI to manage information no human team could handle alone—Achim shows us what modern procurement leadership really looks like.And his advice for anyone thinking about SRM? Don't overthink it. Just start. Pick the right system, make it fit your world, and give your team the clarity they'll need for whatever comes next.Themes discussed in this episode:Why supplier relationship management is the hidden driver of procurement strategyHow Magna leverages SRM to reduce risk and improve sourcing decisionsWhy SRM is no longer optional in automotive procurementHow SRM tools help teams respond faster during supply chain disruptionsWhy early supplier alignment is more valuable than late-stage negotiationThe real cost of not having supplier data when a crisis hitThe need for a single, shared view of supplier data across teamsFeatured on this episode: Name: Achim GatternigTitle: Senior Manager of Procurement at Magna InternationalAbout: Achim is Senior Manager of Procurement at Magna International, leading global procurement teams for complete vehicle manufacturing projects. With over 18 years at Magna, he's held several key roles across the supply chain and procurement space, including Global Strategic Commodity Manager and Head of Tools and Data Management. Today, he oversees both project-based procurement teams and system administration for critical SCM applications like SRM. Achim is passionate about enabling supply chain teams to succeed—by guiding them...
Season 8 Episode 121In this episode of This Is For My Ladies, I sit down with Jaz, the powerhouse behind Nail Nation VA—Virginia's first and only nail tech competition. As she steps into her third year of curating the Nail Nation Battle, Jaz shares what it takes to create a platform for nail techs to showcase their skills and compete for a grand prize of $1,000.We dive deep into all things nails—from breaking into the industry to the importance of collaboration over competition. Jaz keeps it real about the difference between partnerships and true support and the power of building a strong community. We also tackle the hot topic of deposits in the service industry—are they necessary or just another hurdle for clients? Jaz gives her perspective on why deposits have become a standard practice, how they protect business owners, and the backlash they sometimes receive.Whether you're an aspiring nail tech, an entrepreneur, or just someone who loves hearing about boss moves, this episode is packed with gems you won't want to miss!In This Episode, We Discuss:• How Jaz got started in the nail industry• The inspiration behind Nail Nation VA and its impact on the nail tech community• The importance of competition in pushing creativity and skills• Why collaboration is greater than competition in business• The difference between partnerships, support, and true collaboration• The controversy around deposits in the service industry—why they exist and the debate around them• Advice for aspiring nail techs and entrepreneursConnect with Jaz & Nail Nation VA:• Instagram: @NailNationVA & @NailzbyJaz• Website: nailnationconnect.com• Event Details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-nail-nation-va-3rd-annual-nail-tech-battle-tickets-929205116517Connect with Me, Ticia The Diva:• Instagram: @TiciaTheDiva• Podcast Instagram: @ThisIsForMyLadiesPodcast
You know how we sometimes promise we won't talk so much about tires? Well, we lie! You might have heard about Pirelli moving in and replacing Michelin as the official tire of MotoGP in 2027. And maybe you wonder how much influence a single change like this could possibly have. After all, they're just pieces of rubber - shouldn't we have basically perfected the art of the tire by now? Well, imagine it like this. Here you have a MotoGP bike, pure metal and technology that just wants to go fast. It's powerful. It's very, very powerful. And underneath it is the hard and unforgiving tarmac. The only thing inbetween the two, and the only thing that translates that raw movement into something workeable, is this little bit of rubber called the tire. And it really has a mind of its own, sometimes. So join us this week as Mat and Peter discuss the impact of this change. Not just on the technology, but also on the riders and their strategies. It's fun! It's educational! It's hot and sticky! It's all yours! Cheers!Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!