Podcasts about suppliers

CMS is reshaping DMEPOS accreditation. Learn what the shift to annual surveys means for ABC accredited facilities in 2026, what stays the same, and how to prepare for a year round, survey ready approach.

This week, we're taking you inside our recent trip to Vancouver for the Cruise Sales Summit, where several of us had the chance to connect with top suppliers, tour ships, and experience the Rocky Mountaineer firsthand. It's a great example of the behind-the-scenes work we do as travel advisors—building relationships, gaining product knowledge, and vetting […]

May 21, 2026 ~ Chris Renwick and Lloyd Jackson speak with Senior Business Reporter Covering Manufacturing for Crain's Detroit Business, Kurt Nagl about why US auto suppliers would like the USMCA renegotiated. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop- Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes returning guest Shannon Sawyer, Senior Vice President of Fleet & Midwest Bus Sales at Beacon Mobility and Co-Chair of NSTA's Manufacturers, Suppliers, and Technology (MST) Committee. Shannon opens the episode by sharing her professional journey and how her extensive background in service operations led her into the student transportation industry. Curt and Shannon discuss how she approaches streamlining large-scale fleet operations, along with the buying trends currently shaping the market and what operators should be paying attention to moving forward. The duo also highlight the critical role of the MST Committee in supporting NSTA members and fostering industry innovation, while previewing the upcoming AMC tech panel, “Turbulence in the Air – Navigating the Rocky Insurance Market,” and explaining why this topic is especially relevant today. The conversation wraps with a more personal touch as Shannon shares her favorite travel destinations and where listeners can go to learn more about Beacon Mobility. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that reaches your target audience - student transportation professionals!Support the show

Have you ever looked around your workspace and realised you are drowning in notebooks full of ideas, saved Instagram carousels, and half-finished courses, yet your business isn't actually moving forward?In this episode, Katie dives into an uncomfortable truth about modern businesses: the internet has made us feel productive without actually moving.If you are stuck in "research mode," you need to hear this: it is not a personal failure. Katie breaks down the frustrating gap between knowing exactly what you should do and actually doing it.This episode explains the problem with the Internet when it comes to running a business and how to avoid the trap. Katie also shares her personal journey of shifting from running a bridal shop on pure hustle and adrenaline to stepping into a strategic CEO mindset, a shift that allowed her to build a global community of 10,000 wedding suppliers.In this episode, you will learn:Why planning, learning, and researching feel safe, whilst real execution brings up fears of vulnerability and judgmentWhy modern digital culture makes it easier to hoard information than to act on itWhy action counts far more than elegant plans, and why relying on another freebie won't fix your businessWhy the most successful business owners operate like a highly efficient factory, acquiring only the information they need when they need it, rather than stockpiling useless dataKatie's story of leaving reactive decision-making behind in favour of the structure, strategy, and accountability required to build real momentumMake sure you tune in to the next episode, where Katie introduces a client who felt successful on the outside but terrified on the inside. Plus, we'll uncover why your marketing struggles might not actually be a marketing problem at all!If you've enjoyed this episode please make sure to share it with a wedding professional who you know would love to hear this.

How do you reinvent a legacy retail brand for an entirely new generation without losing its identity in the process?In this episode of The Conscious Capitalists, hosts Timothy Henry and Raj Sisodia sit down with Brieane Olson, CEO of PacSun, to explore one of retail's most compelling transformation stories. Under Brianna's leadership, PacSun evolved from a struggling mall retailer into a digital first, purpose driven brand approaching $1 billion in revenue by embracing a bold philosophy: co-creation.Drawing from her new book, Co-Created, and a recently released Harvard Business School case study, Brieane shares how PacSun built deep cultural relevance with Gen Z and Gen Alpha by inviting young consumers directly into the brand building process. From the company's Youth Advisory Council to viral TikTok moments that moved hundreds of thousands of products organically, this conversation unpacks how listening became PacSun's greatest competitive advantage.But this episode goes beyond marketing strategy. Brieane opens up about her personal leadership evolution, the role of purpose in navigating uncertainty, and why conscious leadership requires both humility and courage. Together, Timothy, Raj, and Brieane explore the tension between brand control and customer participation, the challenges of sustainability in youth retail, and how AI is reshaping the future of commerce.Listeners will gain insights into:How PacSun transformed from a legacy retailer into a culturally relevant Gen Z brandWhy co-creation is a business strategy, not just a marketing tacticThe role of PacSun's Youth Advisory Council in shaping products, campaigns, and company directionHow a single organic TikTok moment helped sell more than 200,000 pairs of jeansWhy purpose and co-creation must work together to create authentic brand trustHow PacSun is approaching AI adoption across the organization while remaining intentionally human centeredThe operational challenges of moving at the speed of culture in modern retailWhether you're leading a consumer brand, navigating organizational transformation, or exploring what conscious leadership looks like in practice, this episode offers a powerful case study in how companies can grow by listening more deeply to the communities they serve.If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes only a few seconds and greatly helps us get our podcast out to a wider audience.Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.For transcripts and show notes, please go to: The Conscious CapitalistsThis show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. and is produced by Rainbow Creative with Matthew “MoJo” Jones as Executive Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor.CHAPTERS00:00 – Welcome & Introduction01:45 – Meet Brianna Olson & the PacSun Transformation05:35 – What Is Co-Creation? The Strategy Explained10:50 – The Youth Advisory Council & Gen Z Leadership18:30 – Purpose, Conscious Capitalism & Finding Her True North22:40 – The Viral TikTok Moment That Sold 200,000 Pairs of Jeans36:20 – Purpose as a Framework for Co-Creation40:00 – Building Community & Real-Time Customer Feedback50:50 – From $785M to Nearly $1 Billion in Revenue55:00 – How PacSun Is Using (and Not Using) AI01:05:00 – Sustainability, Suppliers & Affordability01:21:00 – Closing Thoughts & Final TakeawaysThank you for your support!Timothy & Raj

Eva Damato, senior director of luxury lifestyle marketing for Travel Leaders Network, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the Luxury Leaders Alliance, which brings together the network's top luxury travel advisors for networking, education, supplier partnerships and programming. D'Amato also discusses luxury travel trends in Europe, Africa and Asia; fam opportunities, supplier access and how advisors can learn more about the Luxury Leaders Alliance. For more information, visit www.travelleadersnetwork.com.  All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel  (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean,  iHeartRadio,  Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox. 

In this episode, Charlie Horner interviews Tom Waterhouse, founder of Waterhouse VC, to explore the evolving landscape of online gambling, regulatory impacts, investment strategies, and future opportunities in iGaming and betting markets.Key  topicsImpact of regulation and taxation on online gamblingUS market evolution and prediction marketsInvestment strategies in B2B iGaming suppliersFuture opportunities in scalable iGaming businessesHost: Charlie HornerGuest: Tom WaterhouseProducer: Anaya McDonaldEditor: Anaya McDonaldLearn how Optimove's Positionless Marketing is changing how iGaming teams operate. Discover how operators are using Optimove's Positionless Marketing Platform to launch personalised CRM campaigns, dynamically change casino lobbies and bet slips, and create engaging gamified experiences. Learn more at optimove.com.Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service. 

For the first time in 26 years of the Working Relations Index, every single North American OEM moved up the chart. Ford, Toyota, Stellantis, Honda, GM, and Nissan all scored higher than the year before. That has never happened. Not once.In this special episode, Jan sits down with Dr. Angela Johnson, principal at Plante Moran responsible for the WRI, along with Sig Huber, Chief Commercial Officer of Elm Analytics and former supplier risk leader at Toyota and Fiat Chrysler. Three sharp voices. One story the industry needs to hear.Tariffs. EV cost recovery. Permacrisis fatigue. Return-to-office mandates. Four undercurrents shaped this year's results, and they all point to the same place. When OEMs can't control the macro, they lean into what they can control. Communication. Accessibility. Buyer responsiveness. Taking the meeting. Listening. Acting. That's what moved the needle, and the suppliers noticed.Ford's 32-point jump is the second-largest gain in WRI history, and Liz Door led that charge from the top. Stellantis is showing the early signs of a real turnaround under Filosa. GM's still working through cultural inertia, but the relationship side keeps moving in the right direction. And Toyota and Honda aren't slowing down.Angela also unpacks her new 6C framework. It's the bridge between transactional and relational. Commercial fairness, consistency, clear expectations, communication, continuity, and collaboration. It's the structure the industry's been missing.But here's the harder truth. The next 18 to 24 months will test every relationship in this industry. Cost of goods sold is climbing. Supplier financial distress is creeping back. Cross-functional alignment inside the OEMs is slipping. The playbook's changing. The question isn't whether we can do this together. It's whether we will.Here's the link to the WRI 2026 StudyThemes Discussed in this EpisodeFirst-time-ever WRI result: all six OEMs scored upPermacrisis fatigue and the shift toward collaborationTariffs, EV cost recovery, and commercial fairnessThe 6C framework: bridging transactional and relationalFord's record-setting jump and Liz Door's leadershipStellantis's rebound under FilosaGM's ongoing culture changeTop 50 suppliers, organizational memory, and cultural inertiaReturn-to-office mandates and buyer performanceCross-functional decline inside the OEMsFrom cost reduction to resilience: the playbook is changing

- Honda and Nissan Merger Back On? - Military Production New Revenue Source for EU OEMs - Stellantis and Renault Urged to Use More EU Suppliers - Ford Energy Gets 1st Big Customer - Ford Not Giving Up on Europe - BYD Hired Japanese Kei Car Veteran - Fisker Owners Have Vehicle Software - Supplier, Automaker Relationships Improve

- Honda and Nissan Merger Back On? - Military Production New Revenue Source for EU OEMs - Stellantis and Renault Urged to Use More EU Suppliers - Ford Energy Gets 1st Big Customer - Ford Not Giving Up on Europe - BYD Hired Japanese Kei Car Veteran - Fisker Owners Have Vehicle Software - Supplier, Automaker Relationships Improve

A prototype works. The team signs it off. Everyone feels confident. Then production starts, and unexpected failures appear. Why does this happen? In this episode, Adrian is joined by Paul Adams, the Sofeast Group's Head of New Product Development, to discuss the gap between prototype and production. This is part one of a two-part discussion on why working prototypes can still fail once products move toward mass production. Paul explains why prototypes and production units are often not the same thing, even when they look identical. The episode covers five areas where important changes can creep in: Components Firmware Suppliers and factories Tolerances and process variation Validation basis The key point is simple: A prototype proves the concept. Production proves the process. Understanding that difference helps hardware teams, product developers, and importers avoid painful surprises when moving from a successful prototype to production. In part two, next week, we'll continue the discussion by looking at common real-world failure patterns, including component swaps, firmware tidy-ups, factory transfers, and how a structured NPI process helps close the gap.   TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction: why working prototypes can still fail 02:09 Prototypes and production units are not the same thing 03:46 The gap between prototype and production 04:23 Five things that change before production 04:36 1 - Components: prototype parts vs production parts 09:17 2 - Firmware: why prototype code is not production-ready 12:03 3 - Suppliers and factories: why process knowledge gets lost 16:50 4 - Tolerances and process variation 19:54 5 - Validation basis: What exactly was tested? 22:22 Key takeaway from part one 23:17 What to expect in part two   Related content How Many Prototypes Are Needed Before We Get ‘Perfection?' Process Management Audit (PMA) An Effective New Product Development Process for Electronics From Prototype to Production: 7 Pitfalls for Tech Products Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedIn Contact us via Sofeast's contact page Subscribe to our YouTube channel Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB

Renovations and conversions are about to outpace new builds by a lot — and that changes who suppliers should sell to. Glenn Haussman talks with Bruce Ford, SVP at Lodging Econometrics, in Las Vegas while Choice Hotels International's convention and HD Expo run in the same building.

Advertising SponsorWant to join our Map It Forward Monthly Community Discussion Group? Head to https://patreon.com/mapitforward to join the community by signing up to the "Roasted Coffee" tier for 20 USD per month. Find other like-minded people in the coffee industry.Episode DescriptionThis is Part 4 of a 5-part series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Frida Deguise, founder of L.A Donuts and Frida's Pies in Sydney, Australia.In this series, we're talking about what no one tells you about running a small business.In this episode, we move beyond the internal challenges of running a business and look at what's happening externally, specifically the economic pressure building across supply chains and consumer behavior.Frida shares what she is seeing in real time:• Suppliers changing how they operate.• Relationships being replaced by automation.• Credit tightening.• Stock shortages becoming more common.What's striking is that, from her perspective, businesses are already feeling the pressure, but consumers haven't caught up yet. That gap matters.Because while small businesses are absorbing rising costs, adjusting products, and trying to maintain customer loyalty, the underlying system is becoming more fragile.This episode is a grounded look at what's happening beneath the surface, and why many small businesses are preparing for what comes next, even if the wider market isn't paying attention yet.Connect with Frida Deguise, L.A Donuts, and Frida's Pies here:- https://ladonuts.com/ - https://www.instagram.com/fridadeguise/- https://www.instagram.com/l.adonuts/- https://www.instagram.com/fridas.pies/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorWant to join our Map It Forward Monthly Community Discussion Group? Head to https://patreon.com/mapitforward to join the community by signing up to the "Roasted Coffee" tier for 20 USD per month. Find other like-minded people in the coffee industry.Episode DescriptionThis is Part 4 of a 5-part series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Frida Deguise, founder of L.A Donuts and Frida's Pies in Sydney, Australia.In this series, we're talking about what no one tells you about running a small business.In this episode, we move beyond the internal challenges of running a business and look at what's happening externally, specifically the economic pressure building across supply chains and consumer behavior.Frida shares what she is seeing in real time:• Suppliers changing how they operate.• Relationships being replaced by automation.• Credit tightening.• Stock shortages becoming more common.What's striking is that, from her perspective, businesses are already feeling the pressure, but consumers haven't caught up yet. That gap matters.Because while small businesses are absorbing rising costs, adjusting products, and trying to maintain customer loyalty, the underlying system is becoming more fragile.This episode is a grounded look at what's happening beneath the surface, and why many small businesses are preparing for what comes next, even if the wider market isn't paying attention yet.Connect with Frida Deguise, L.A Donuts, and Frida's Pies here:- https://ladonuts.com/ - https://www.instagram.com/fridadeguise/- https://www.instagram.com/l.adonuts/- https://www.instagram.com/fridas.pies/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

First up on this episode of Inside Business, the rising cost of living. Prepay Power last week became the first Irish energy supplier to announce an increase in its prices since the Middle East conflict began.Daragh Cassidy is Head of Communications at consumer advice website bonkers.ie, and he joins host Ciarán Hancock to discuss the outlook for a range of consumer prices, and whether other energy suppliers would follow Prepay Power's lead and increase their prices.In the second half of this episode, Professor at the School of Computer Science & IT at UCC, Barry O'Sullivan, joins Ciarán to get under the skin of artificial intelligence and its poor image. Some say it will cure cancer and solve climate change; while others view it as a threat to humanity and something that will take away all our jobs. Produced by John Casey with JJ Vernon on sound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Treasury Leaders, Host Philip Costa Hibberd, Founder of Automation Boutique, talks with Oliver Gerstberger, Group Treasury & Asset-Based Finance Expert at GO Corporate Funding Advisory GmbH, to explore how regulated stablecoins and blockchain-based infrastructure are beginning to reshape corporate treasury.Oliver discusses the importance of understanding a company's operations and asset base to maximise treasury value, highlighting how effective treasury can influence cash flow and financial decisions across a business. He also explores the concept of asset-based finance, explaining how leveraging assets like machinery can lead to more efficient financing solutions. Throughout the conversation, Oliver provides practical advice on integrating treasury with business operations, managing working capital, and using AI to enhance treasury processes.Whether you're a corporate treasurer or simply interested in treasury management, this episode provides valuable lessons on how to become more hands-on in your approach to finance.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Hands-On Treasury: The importance of being involved in business operations and understanding unit economics.Asset-Based Finance: Why many treasurers miss out on financing opportunities through leasing and how it can provide cheaper, efficient funding.Working Capital Management: How treasurers can oversee working capital and improve cash flow by managing receivables, payables, and inventory.Using AI in Treasury: How AI can assist in cash forecasting and document analysis, but why human judgment is still crucial in decision-making.Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00] – Introduction [01:26] – Oliver's Hands-On Approach to Treasury [03:20] – The Importance of Understanding Unit Economics [06:45] – What Treasurers Miss Today in Treasury Management [08:23] – Managing Working Capital [13:00] – Negotiating Shorter Payment Terms with Suppliers [17:26] – Understanding and Using Asset-Based Finance [18:08] – Creating Value with Asset-Based Financing [25:55] – Overcoming Resistance from Banks for Asset-Based Finance [28:32] – Why Oliver Moved from Banking to Corporate Treasury [31:37] – The Role of AI in Treasury Management [36:09] – One-Minute Advice for Treasurers Follow our guest Oliver Gerstberger: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ogerstberger/ Follow Treasury Leaders:Website: https://corporate-treasury-101.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/treasury-leaders/ Follow Our Hosts:Hussam Ali on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hussam-r-ali/ Guillaume Jouvencel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-jouvencel/ Jan-Willem Attevelt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/attevelt/ Philip Costa Hibberd on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-costa-hibberd/ GHA Marketing Website: https://ghapodcast.com/ Automation Boutique Website: https://automationboutique.com/

First up on this episode of Inside Business, the rising cost of living. Prepay Power last week became the first Irish energy supplier to announce an increase in its prices since the Middle East conflict began.Daragh Cassidy is Head of Communications at consumer advice website bonkers.ie, and he joins host Ciarán Hancock to discuss the outlook for a range of consumer prices, and whether other energy suppliers would follow Prepay Power's lead and increase their prices.In the second half of this episode, Professor at the School of Computer Science & IT at UCC, Barry O'Sullivan, joins Ciarán to get under the skin of artificial intelligence and its poor image. Some say it will cure cancer and solve climate change; while others view it as a threat to humanity and something that will take away all our jobs. Produced by John Casey with JJ Vernon on sound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of DriveTime, Emily Poladian, president of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, talks about her admiration for the aftermarket after a successful 27-year career at Bridgestone where she led two different business units. Despite its size and influence, she says the industry maintains a close-knit, relationship-driven culture that makes her feel right at home.On Right-to-Repair legislation, Poladian is seeing stronger momentum than at any point in recent years, though outcomes remain uncertain given competing priorities in Congress. She emphasizes that the issue ultimately centers on consumer choice and affordability. Poladian notes that meaningful progress will require alignment across the aftermarket ecosystem—including suppliers, distributors, retailers and repair shops—to present a unified voice and find a common ground.

Jenny Du, Ph.D. is Co-Founder of Apeel Sciences, a post-harvest intelligence and solutions company helping suppliers and retailers deliver fresh, healthier, and simply better produce at scale—using plant-based materials science to close the gap between what consumers expect from fresh produce and what the supply chain is able to deliver. Jenny earned her bachelor's degree in engineering chemistry and her Ph.D. in chemistry from Queen's University in Ontario, Canada, where she was awarded an Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship. She then joined the University of California, Santa Barbara as a postdoctoral researcher in chemistry, where she met co-founders James Rogers and Lou Perez. In 2013, the three founded Apeel in a garage in Goleta, California. Today, Apeel has earned regulatory clearances and operates in several markets worldwide, including in the U.S. and in Europe. Jenny was named to Inc.'s 2021 Top Female Founders 100 list and named one of TED's Top 10 most-watched speakers of the year following her 2025 talk, "The Science of Making Fruits and Veggies Last Longer." In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Jenny [1:51] about: Her journey from being a postdoctoral chemistry researcher to co-founding Apeel Sciences The science behind Apeel's clean, edible produce coating and how it differs from traditional products applied to produce post-harvest Apeel's evaluation and approvals by FDA, EFSA, and regulators in more than 40 countries How Apeel disrupts the existing $11 billion dollar post-harvest industry and what happens to produce between the field and retail The implications of Apeel on food safety standards and protocols for post-harvest treatment and microbial control Apeel's response to industry resistance and disinformation The broader consumer movement demanding transparency about food production and ingredients, and where Apeel fits into this conversation. Resources Follow Apeel Sciences on Substack! Sponsored by: Apeel Sciences We Want to Hear from You! Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com.

Australia's supply of bitumen is caught up in Iran's chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, causing supply shortages and prices to double across the country. Suppliers have secured bitumen that doesn't meet Australia's long-held road quality standards.

In this episode of the Crazy Wisdom Podcast, host Stewart Alsop sits down with Mauro Schilman, CTO and Co-founder of Tuki, the distribution standard for the AI agent era in travel, for a wide-ranging conversation that moves from the joys of international travel and the beauty of mathematics to the fast-evolving world of AI and large language models. Mauro shares his background as a math Olympiad competitor and later a coach, his time training coding models at the AI company Cohere, and his thoughts on how frontier models are progressing — or plateauing — at the foundational level while innovation accelerates at the application layer. The two also get into the mechanics of agentic AI, MCP and agent-to-agent protocols, hierarchical memory systems, red-green test-driven development as a powerful coding workflow, and the philosophical murkiness of open-source AI. They wrap up discussing Tuki Travel's mission to build AI-ready infrastructure for the travel industry, connecting hotels, suppliers, and online travel agencies to prepare for the coming wave of agentic commerce. You can learn more about Tuki Travel and reach out to the team at tukiclub.com.Timestamps00:00 - Stewart welcomes Mauro Schilman, CTO and Co-founder of Tuki Travel, who shares how traveling since age 15 through high school exchanges opened his mind to cultural similarities and differences.05:00 - Mauro explains Math Olympiad coaching culture and mentorship, noting LLMs now solve competition-level problems while Terence Tao explores AI assisting frontier unsolved mathematics.10:00 - Discussion turns to ChatGPT revealing Mauro's birthdate unprompted, exposing opaque application layers, preference tuning, and system prompts hidden within closed models.15:00 - Mauro argues true open source AI requires full training data, annotation protocols, and alignment processes, not just model weights, while scaling laws appear to be slowing.20:00 - Hierarchical memory models replace flat vector databases, using three-level retrieval systems improving context accuracy as knowledge management becomes AI's core challenge.25:00 - Mauro describes travel's fragmented infrastructure of aggregators, bed banks, and intermediaries, explaining Tuki builds agent-ready unification protocols for AI commerce.30:00 - MCP versus API debate clarifies natural language capability descriptions help agents consume services, while agent-to-agent communication embeds negotiating agents inside supplier systems.35:00 - Hallucinations and consumer trust block agentic payments, industries must build mistake-resilience into bookings before autonomous agent transactions become viable.40:00 - Mauro reveals red-green test-driven development methodology where agents write failing tests first then implementations, creating Oracle verification loops dramatically improving code quality.45:00 - Blockchain's potential for transparent distributed AI training discussed, distinguishing democratization from decentralization while stable coins and regulatory momentum build toward agentic commerce infrastructure.Key Insights1. Travel broadens perspective by revealing both universal human similarities and deep cultural differences. Mauro Schilman began traveling at fifteen through math olympiad competitions and found that people across the world share fundamental traits while also being shaped in profoundly different ways by their cultures. This tension between sameness and difference is what makes travel meaningful.2. Mathematics transitions from structured problem-solving in olympiads to genuine uncertainty in graduate school and research. Olympiad problems are carefully designed with elegant solutions meant to encourage creative thinking, but once a mathematician enters academia, the answers are unknown and the work becomes navigating that uncertainty.3. AI is now assisting mathematicians at the frontier, not just solving olympiad-level problems. Terence Tao, one of the greatest living mathematicians, has written publicly about how AI tools can help tackle unsolved problems, though the role of AI remains assistive rather than independent at the research level.4. Large language models are not truly transparent even when described as open source. Releasing model weights alone does not reveal the training data, annotation protocols, alignment tuning, or system prompts that shape model behavior. Real openness would require access to the entire pipeline.5. Memory and retrieval remain core unsolved challenges in AI systems. Researchers are moving from flat vector database approaches toward hierarchical memory structures with roughly three layers, which improves retrieval accuracy and reduces how much context gets consumed with each search.6. The travel industry is structurally unprepared for AI agents. A hidden web of bed banks, aggregators, and aggregators of aggregators sits between hotels and consumers, each taking a fee. Tuki Travel is building infrastructure to unify this distribution layer and make it consumable by AI agents through protocols like MCP and emerging agent-to-agent communication standards.7. Test-driven development using a red-green approach significantly improves AI-generated code quality. By asking the model to write failing tests before writing any implementation, developers create a verification oracle that guides the model toward correct solutions and avoids the bias of writing tests that simply confirm existing flawed code.

The salient point of this discourse elucidates the multifaceted challenges currently besetting the furniture industry, characterized by a confluence of financial pressures, uneven consumer demand, and significant restructuring at the supplier level. As we delve into the intricacies of the market, we observe alarming indicators, such as the Chapter 11 filings by prominent entities like Supernova Furniture and QVC Group, each reflecting broader shifts in retail dynamics exacerbated by evolving consumer behaviors and inflationary pressures. Furthermore, while consumer spending remains resilient overall, the furniture sector specifically underscores a more selective purchasing pattern, as evidenced by a decline in sales amidst a backdrop of rising costs and housing market constraints. This podcast episode meticulously dissects these evolving trends, elucidating the implications for retailers and suppliers alike, and posits that the industry is navigating a period of transition rather than outright disruption. In light of these developments, our focus remains on fostering adaptability, discipline, and vigilance in anticipating future trajectories within this complex landscape. The discourse presented in this episode elucidates the prevailing dynamics within the furniture industry, with an emphasis on the multifaceted pressures that are currently shaping its trajectory. Notably, we observe a juxtaposition of retail stress and supplier restructuring, which together create a complex landscape for industry stakeholders. A salient example is the recent Chapter 11 filing of Supernova Furniture, a regional entity operating in Texas, which has unveiled the fragility of certain retail sectors. This filing not only highlights the precarious financial position of the company—reporting liabilities that significantly overshadow its assets—but also serves as a bellwether for potential ripples throughout the supplier network, as the creditors involved encompass a notable array of industry suppliers. Such developments compel us to consider the broader implications of these financial maneuvers, particularly in relation to the evolving consumer landscape, where spending is increasingly selective amid rising costs and inflationary pressures. In addition to retail distress, the episode delves into the broader economic context impacting the furniture sector. While consumer spending has shown resilience, the specifics of furniture sales reflect a more nuanced reality; the data reveals a slight decline in month-over-month sales despite a positive year-over-year trend. This dichotomy suggests that while consumers remain active in the marketplace, their purchasing decisions are increasingly influenced by a focus on essentials rather than discretionary items. The discussion also touches upon the demographic shifts in home buying patterns, with first-time buyers dwindling to historical lows, thereby constraining the market for full home furnishing purchases. As the episode progresses, it becomes evident that the convergence of these factors—retail restructuring, selective consumer spending, and demographic changes—underscores a significant transition within the industry, necessitating a reevaluation of inventory and sales strategies among retailers. Finally, the episode addresses the global economic landscape and its ramifications for the furniture industry. The International Monetary Fund's recent adjustments to global growth forecasts serve as a harbinger of potential disruptions, particularly with respect to critical supply chains affected by geopolitical tensions. The discussion of the Strait of Hormuz exemplifies how external pressures can escalate costs for essential materials such as plastics and aluminum, thereby exerting additional strain on manufacturing processes. This multifaceted analysis not only highlights the immediate challenges faced by the industry but also suggests an enduring need for adaptability among companies as they navigate an increasingly volatile economic environment. Collectively, these insights underscore the importance of maintaining a disciplined and flexible approach to strategy as the industry grapples with an array of interconnected issues that could shape its future trajectory.Takeaways:In the current landscape of the furniture industry, financial pressures are manifesting in various forms, prompting both retailers and suppliers to reassess their operational strategies.The recent Chapter 11 filings by notable companies like Supernova Furniture and QVC Group indicate significant restructuring efforts, reflecting broader challenges within the retail sector.Consumer behavior is shifting towards a more selective spending pattern, wherein individuals prioritize essential purchases over discretionary items, thereby affecting furniture demand.The decline in first-time home buyers, now at the lowest percentage in over 40 years, poses a considerable challenge to the furniture market, as these buyers typically drive substantial home furnishing sales.Suppliers are increasingly focusing on internal restructuring and cost management to adapt to an unpredictable market environment, highlighting the necessity for agility in operations.Global economic factors, including geopolitical tensions and rising material costs, are exerting additional pressures on supply chains, compelling companies to rethink their procurement strategies.

"What you think of as the data isn't the right data."  This observation from FineTune COO Brian Gamble shines an (uncomfortable) spotlight on one of procurement's biggest challenges: AI has the potential to completely transform the function (in a good way) and drive a significant amount of value for the business, but only if organizations first acknowledge how inadequate their current data actually is. In the twenty-ninth episode of "Buy: The Way...To Purposeful Procurement," Philip Ideson, Rich Ham, and Kelly Barner reflect on recent conversations with procurement tech pioneer Jason Busch and category expert Brian Gamble. They explore the troubling reality that procurement's future with AI depends almost completely on having the right data, while most organizations don't even know what the right data looks like. This conversation exposes the gap between what practitioners call "the data" and what actually constitutes useful information for decision-making. Invoice details, contracts housed in various systems, and perhaps some quarterly business review reports make up most of what the average procurement professional considers their data foundation.  Suppliers have systematically reduced invoice transparency over the years, removing fields that enabled auditing, all under the guise of creating "easier to read" formats, and procurement is left to deal with the fallout.  The episode also connects back to Buylaws 5 and 6, prioritizing comprehensive high-quality data and developing expense-specific systems of measurement, while simultaneously setting up the next conversation about how compensation models and hiring practices must evolve for procurement's uncertain future.  Links: Rich Ham on LinkedInLearn more at FineTuneUs.com

Season 12 is here! In this kickoff episode of The Big Bid Theory, Kim Cullen joins Bill Culhane for a  conversation to break down key trends shaping today's public sector community and practitioners. The topics include e-procurement systems, the strategic value of bid debriefs, and how supplier insights can improve long-term competition.Kim shares a compelling preview of her upcoming NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement webinar with Victor Leamer, “Debriefs Demystified: From Missed Opportunity to Meaningful Practice” this Wednesday at 2PM EDT. Register now.Suppliers tuned into this episode will gain practical guidance on how to better position their organizations in competitive bid environments, understand agency expectations, and refine their approach using real-world feedback and data.Kim is busy! Later this week, be sure to stop by and see her at the Arkansas NIGP Conference and Vendor Expo.

Smith the Grocer in The Old Bank Arcade on Lambton Quay said its raw ingredients and services have gone as a result of the war in the Middle East causing fuel prices to rocket up. The cafe has sought advice on whether it's legal to pass those costs on through a surcharge. Kirsten Saunders, the owner of Smith the Grocer Cafe spoke to Lisa Owen.

Discover how independent paint suppliers are revolutionizing commercial vehicle finishes through personalized service, full product offerings, and technical expertise. Hear real-world insights on operational benefits, quality control, and why family-run businesses are leading this transformation in the bodyshop industry. IPS Paint City: Swansea Address: Unit 2, St John's Court Website: https://www.ipspaint.co.uk

Australia correspondent Karen Middleton details the arrest of Ben Roberts-Smith, the decorated war hero who was arrested yesterday at Sydney Airport.

The latest developments within the furniture industry reveal an overarching theme centered on the evolving concept of value, which has become increasingly paramount for both retailers and manufacturers. As we navigate through a landscape characterized by deliberate market movements and cautious approaches, we observe that many independent retailers are grappling with the imperative of succession, evidenced by the closure of long-standing establishments such as Waltman Furniture after 75 years of operation. Simultaneously, the manufacturing sector is witnessing a pronounced emphasis on craftsmanship and material authenticity, particularly in the realm of solid wood, which is gaining traction as consumers gravitate towards products that exemplify quality and durability. Furthermore, the market's growth trajectory, while steady, is not propelled by dramatic surges in demand but rather by the consistent, everyday needs of consumers, who are now more discerning in their purchasing decisions. Ultimately, as pressures mount from low-cost imports and rising operational costs, the industry must adeptly articulate and demonstrate the intrinsic worth of its offerings to an increasingly selective consumer base, thereby ensuring its viability in an ever-competitive environment. A prevailing theme permeates the contemporary discourse within the furniture industry, centering on the evolving concept of value—a notion that is undergoing significant transformation as both manufacturers and retailers endeavor to adapt to shifting consumer expectations. Recent reports indicate a marked trend towards a more cautious market trajectory, compelling industry stakeholders to reassess their strategic approaches to both production and sales. The closure of long-established independent retailers, such as Waltman Furniture after a commendable 75-year legacy, underscores this shift. It is imperative to acknowledge that such closures are not invariably indicative of poor performance; rather, they often signal a lack of succession planning, as evidenced by the absence of next-generation leadership willing to continue the family business. This phenomenon raises critical questions regarding the future of independent retailers in an increasingly competitive landscape. On the manufacturing front, a different narrative unfolds, particularly concerning the use of solid wood. Suppliers are gravitating towards craftsmanship and material authenticity, recognizing the inherent challenges associated with solid wood processing. The meticulous nature of working with solid wood—requiring skilled labor and precise environmental controls—culminates in products that are distinguished by their quality. Companies such as Basset have successfully capitalized on this trend, exemplified by their Benchmade line, which emphasizes the natural beauty of solid wood while maintaining straightforward design principles. This approach resonates with consumers, reflecting a broader movement towards valuing sustainable and authentic materials in furniture design. As manufacturers navigate a landscape punctuated by fluctuating trends and consumer preferences, the imperative for robust sourcing relationships becomes increasingly apparent, positioning those with stable supply chains for success in the evolving market.Takeaways:The furniture industry is currently experiencing a significant transition, characterized by evolving consumer values and changing market demands.Independent retailers are facing unprecedented challenges, often closing not due to poor performance but due to succession issues and a lack of next-generation leadership.Manufacturers are increasingly emphasizing craftsmanship and material authenticity, particularly in the use of solid wood, to distinguish their products in a competitive marketplace.The growth of the furniture market is projected to be steady yet modest, driven by everyday consumer needs rather than sudden spikes in demand or housing booms.Consumers are becoming more selective in their purchasing decisions, emphasizing value in terms of quality and longevity over mere low prices or convenience.Retailers and manufacturers are adapting to pressures from low-cost imports and rising operational costs, necessitating a focus on delivering superior design and overall customer experience.

The federal government says Australia can rely on continued fuel exports from Asia; Calls for patience as families head home from the Easter long weekend break; A heroes welcome home for Graham Arnold from the Iraqi community in Sydney.

Why Factory Audits FAIL and What Smart Apparel Brands Should Do Instead with Anna Triponel Factory audits are not enough. If you want to build a stronger apparel brand, protect your margins, reduce sourcing risk, and create better factory relationships, this episode is essential. In this conversation, Rachel sits down with Anna Triponel, a leading expert in sourcing, human rights, and supply chain accountability, to unpack what really makes a factory partnership work. They break down why third-party audits and supplier profiles can create a false sense of security, what brands should be doing instead, and how smarter sourcing decisions can improve quality, resilience, transparency, and long-term business growth. Anna explains why the future of sourcing is moving away from top-down compliance and toward real partnership, where brands work alongside suppliers instead of policing them from a distance. She also shares why poor purchasing practices, last-minute changes, race-to-the-bottom pricing, and weak internal leadership can quietly create major human rights and operational risks across the supply chain. Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion Dollar Apparel Brands Masterclass here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/secrets Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com Chapters: 00:00 Let's Talk About Factory Relationships and Sourcing 00:22 Meet Anna Triponel 00:53 Why Audits Miss Issues 03:37 Partnership Over Compliance 07:12 Culture Shift Success Story 12:29 Business Case for Human Rights 16:46 Consumer Scrutiny and Lawsuits 20:12 EU Rules and Blind Spots 23:44 Three Regulation Types 33:08 Why Transparency Matters 35:53 Internal Culture and Suppliers 38:58 Climate Adaptation for Factories 39:33 Resources and Don't Forget to Subscribe!   CONNECT WITH ANNA:   Website: https://www.wearehumanlevel.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-triponel-285b3ab/ Watch more of The Business of Apparel Podcast episodes: Wholesale 101: https://youtu.be/lpezH1YwCyE Use AI in Your Apparel Brand: https://youtu.be/Dn9tjPNmfaw  Grow A 7-Figure Apparel Business: https://youtu.be/rpQYDyo5Rao We can't wait to hear what you think of this episode! Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course ABOUT RACHEL: Rachel Erickson—Fractional COO, Apparel Industry Consultant, and founder of Unmarked Street and The Business of Apparel. With 20+ years in technical design and product development leadership, I've sat at the executive table of a $25M apparel line and helped scale it to $60M in one year.   After decades working inside major fashion companies, I learned the truth behind billion-dollar brands, and it's not about chasing trends or pumping out endless products. It's about building clean processes, tightly edited assortments, and obsessively focused customer targeting.   I help founders and CEOs of performance apparel brands: ✅ Build lean, profitable product lines ✅ Streamline operations for growth ✅ Replace overwhelm with executive clarity ✅ Create garments that fit bodies in motion   Whether you're just hitting $1M in revenue or trying to break through the $10M ceiling, my team joins you as an embedded operations and product partner—running fittings, line plans, tech packs, and vendor communications so you can get back to leading.   To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn. To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com. 

Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Duvo and Mirakl.In today's Retail Daily Minute, Omni Talk's Chris Walton discusses:Target is requiring store workers to wear plain red shirts with blue jeans or khakis starting this summer.UNFI's Endless Aisle program is connecting food retailers with nearly 4,000 SKUs from emerging suppliers through a drop-ship model with no minimum order quantities, giving smaller brands a low-risk path to national distribution.Babylist is opening a 20,000-square-foot showroom in New York City's SoHo neighborhood this summer, expanding its physical retail presence with education programming, content creation, and tailored guidance for city-dwelling parents.The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights.Be careful out there!

You've designed your product. You've built prototypes. Now you just need your first batch… But suddenly: Suppliers stop replying MOQs jump higher Quotes disappear If you only need 500–2,000 units, manufacturing gets tricky fast. In today's episode 320, Adrian and Renaud break down: Why factories resist low-volume orders What's really happening behind the scenes How to actually make low-volume production work   Episode Sections: 00:00 – The Low-Volume Manufacturing Problem 01:52 – Why Factories Resist Small Orders 05:33 – How Low Volume Fits into Product Development 09:03 – The Biggest Mistake: Testing Demand Too Late 12:33 – The Real Economics Behind Low Volume Production 18:02 – Supplier MOQs: The Hidden Constraint 20:26 – How to Make Low-Volume Manufacturing Work 26:31 – When Low Volume Makes Sense (and When It Doesn't) 30:00 – Final Advice: Be Manufacturer-Ready   Related content… The New Product Introduction Process Guide (explains why you can't just jump from prototype to production) What is MOQ? (explains why factories push back on low volumes) Low Volume Manufacturing in China for Your New Product (written-version of this podcast) Flexible Manufacturing in China: How To Set It Up (shows when low-volume can work, if systems are designed for it) Why You Need Mature Product Designs BEFORE Working With A Chinese Manufacturer! (Show why low-volume manufacturing fails when the product isn't ready)   This episode is brought to you by The Sofeast Group and includes links in the show notes to our blog posts and resources, and recommended books. For help with manufacturing in Asia, inspections, auditing, new product development, contract manufacturing, 3PL warehousing and fulfillment, visit sofeast.com.  Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedIn Contact us via Sofeast's contact page Subscribe to our YouTube channel Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB

Reinvention in the automotive industry is no longer optional. It is survival. In this episode, Jan Griffiths sits down with Lori Lancaster, Vice Chair of Emotiv Mobility, to break down what reinvention really looks like when you are living it, not talking about it from a distance. The old playbook is cracking, and incremental improvement will not get us where we need to go. Yet many leaders are still holding on, waiting for direction instead of stepping up to create it.Lori did not wait. She made the decision to step back from the EV hype, resist the pressure to go all in, and focus instead on the real constraint holding the industry back. Infrastructure. That shift required courage. It meant challenging conventional thinking and refusing to follow the herd. Instead of chasing what everyone else was doing, she looked at where the real opportunity was and made a strategic move to meet it.That decision led to a bold reinvention of the business. By taking core automotive manufacturing capabilities such as process discipline, scale, and precision, Lori and her team expanded into energy and transformer production while exploring emerging mobility spaces like eVTOL. This was not diversification for the sake of it. It was a deliberate move to stabilize the business, reduce reliance on automotive cycles, and position the company for what comes next.But reinvention is not just about strategy. It is about leadership. Lori grounds her approach in servant leadership, accountability, and clarity of purpose. She makes it clear that transformation only works when people understand the why, when they are engaged in the journey, and when leaders create an environment of trust. Without that foundation, even the best strategy will fail.The message is simple and direct. If you are waiting for certainty, you are already behind. If you are waiting for direction, you have missed the point. Reinvention belongs to leaders who are willing to see what is coming, make the hard calls, and move forward without a safety net.Themes Discussed in this EpisodeReinvention as a survival strategyWhy incremental improvement is no longer enoughBreaking free from OEM dependency and legacy thinkingThe real barrier to EV adoption: infrastructure, not vehiclesDiversification beyond automotive to stabilize volatilityTranslating automotive manufacturing discipline into new industriesLeadership courage in high-risk, uncertain decisionsServant leadership vs command-and-control in transformationAccountability through clarity of purpose and shared visionCulture as the foundation for successful reinvention

3/18/26Episode SummaryThis episode features a conversation with Kate Latham of the brand Modern Hoopla about their experience using Shopify Collective, Shopify's wholesale-style marketplace that connects brands and retailers. The discussion focuses on how Collective works in practice and the opportunities it creates for both sides of the partnership.Key points from the episodeWhat Shopify Collective enables Shopify Collective allows Shopify stores to sell products from other Shopify brands without holding inventory. When a retailer sells the product, the supplier ships it directly to the customer. Modern Hoopla's perspective as a brand The guest explains how their business uses Collective to expand distribution by partnering with other Shopify stores that can list their products and sell them to new audiences.Benefits for retailers Retailers can quickly expand their catalog with complementary products from partner brands, test new product categories with minimal risk, and avoid carrying inventory.Benefits for suppliers Suppliers gain access to new sales channels and audiences through partner retailers while still fulfilling orders themselves.Operational considerations The episode discusses practical issues such as selecting the right partners, ensuring brand fit, managing margins between retailer and supplier, and maintaining a good customer experience when orders are fulfilled by another brand.Overall takeawayShopify Collective can function as a low-risk distribution channel for brands and a catalog-expansion strategy for retailers, but success depends heavily on choosing the right partners and managing logistics, margins, and expectations carefully. Show LinksModern Hoopla - https://www.modernhoopla.coBrand-It! Calendar - https://apps.shopify.com/brand-it-calendarVideo & Transcripthttps://jadepuma.com/blogs/the-shopify-solutions-podcast/episode-181-shopify-collective-with-modern-hoopla

New Zealand consumers are being warned laptops, smart phones and even fridges are going to cost more as the price of key components jump by 400%. Since the AI boom, technology manufacturers have pivoted away from making critical hardware like RAM - instead focusing on creating the more lucrative equipment for AI and data centers. Field Correspondent Charlotte Cook reports.

In this episode, Mario breaks down one of the most critical decisions in dropshipping: choosing the right suppliers.If you've ever dealt with slow shipping, poor product quality, or unreliable fulfillment, you already know—your supplier can make or break your business. In this episode, we go over the top dropshipping suppliers to work with, what to look for, and how to avoid the common mistakes that cost sellers time, money, and customer trust.We also highlight one supplier solution that has become essential in 2026, helping dropshippers stay competitive, efficient, and scalable.What You'll LearnTop Suppliers for DropshippingA breakdown of the best platforms and sources to consider for your store.What Makes a Supplier ReliableKey factors like shipping speed, product quality, and consistency.Common Supplier Mistakes to AvoidWhy many stores fail due to poor sourcing decisions.The Must-Have Supplier Solution in 2026The one option that's becoming non-negotiable for serious dropshippers.Why Listen?If you want to build a sustainable dropshipping business, it starts with your suppliers. This episode gives you a clear direction on who to work with and how to choose wisely so you can avoid delays, reduce issues, and scale with confidence.⭐ Start Your

Stephen Grootes speaks to Avhapfani Tshifularo, Fuel Industry Association of South Africa CEO about fuel suppliers restricting deliveries to contractual volumes as the industry moves to manage stocks more cautiously. The measures come amid heightened uncertainty over global supply disruptions following tanker attacks in the Middle East, with companies supplying customers on a ratable basis and limiting ad hoc demand. In other interviews, Southern Guards GC General Manager Richard Glover talks about the inaugural LIV Golf South Africa tournament, the festival-style fan experience, and what fans can expect when Steyn City hosts world‑class golf, music and culture later this month. 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, host Josh interviews Pradeep, a scientist-turned-entrepreneur who built a seven-figure Amazon business in under a year. They discuss advanced strategies for Amazon sellers, focusing on negotiating cost of goods sold, building strong supplier partnerships, optimizing inventory and cash flow, and avoiding the pitfalls of launching too many products at once. Pradeep shares actionable tips on supplier negotiations, payment terms, and expense management, emphasizing the need for a sophisticated, business-minded approach to succeed in today's competitive Amazon marketplace.Chapters:Introduction to Pradeep and His Background (00:00:00)Josh introduces Pradeep, his scientific background, and transition to Amazon e-commerce and asset acquisition.Beyond Basic Amazon Strategies (00:00:37)Discussion on moving past common optimization tactics to focus on COGS, supplier negotiation, logistics, and inventory.COGS Negotiation and Supplier Relationships (00:01:45)Pradeep explains the importance of negotiating COGS, exclusive agreements, and sophisticated supplier relationships.COGS Tracking and Unit Economics (00:04:19)Emphasis on tracking COGS, using software, and managing multiple brands and inventories.Inventory Management Pitfalls (00:05:44)Analysis of overstocking, poor forecasting, and leveraging inventory in distressed asset acquisitions.Amazon Warehousing Changes and Cash Flow (00:06:53)Transition to how Amazon's warehousing changes impact cash flow and inventory strategies.Cash Flow Mistakes and Overspending (00:07:13)Discussion on unnecessary spending on consultants, poor HR choices, and excessive conference expenses.Negotiating Payment Terms for Cash Flow (00:09:42)Advice on negotiating 30-120 day payment terms with suppliers to improve cash flow and acquisition leverage.Launching Multiple Brands: Cautionary Advice (00:11:50)Warning against launching multiple brands/products without sufficient cash flow and the risks of overextending.Key Takeaways and Action Steps (00:13:04)Josh summarizes actionable steps: focus on supplier partnerships, negotiate terms, and improve cash flow management.Expense Management and Exit Planning (00:15:08)Highlighting the impact of recurring expenses on business valuation and the importance of efficient spending.Closing Remarks (00:15:57)Final thanks and acknowledgments as the episode concludes.Links and Mentions:Tools and Websites  "Jungle Scout": "00:12:30"  "Helium 10": "00:12:30"  Key Takeaways  "Supplier Partnership": "00:13:45"  "Negotiation with Suppliers": "00:14:10"  "Cash Flow Management": "00:15:08"Transcript:Josh 00:00:00  Today I am excited to introduce you to Pradeep. He is trained as a scientist at Oxford University and Harvard University, and then he became the vice president of Global Business development for a biotech company. During the pandemic, he found himself in a unique situation which led him to start his Amazon e-commerce business. He became a seven figure seller in just 11 months and now has a new business model of acquiring distressed assets, and he also owns a boutique Amazon account and launch management agency. So welcome to the podcast, Pradeep.Pradeep 00:00:36  Thank you so much.Josh 00:00:37  I love that you made the mention of when we go to conferences. And as you listen to speakers speak on stage or even listening to podcasts time and time again, we hear the same optimization strategies and the same keyword strategies, and it's just a new tool that people are using. But instead what you're saying is like, the hard stuff is what people aren't necessarily talking about. People aren't getting into the weeds of cogs and negotiating with suppliers and renegotiating on an ongoing basis, and the finer details of logistics and where you're warehousing things.Josh 00:01:14  And with Amazon, you know, reducing inventory limits across the board for people. What are people doing now to kind of prepare themselves for a world where Amazon does limit you completely and with maybe 1 or 2 months worth of inventory and that's it. And how are you staging your inventory and still winning on Amazon in that environment and then cash flow? I mean, all of these things are such great topics. So yes, let's do a deep dive into each of these. Let's start with the cogs first.Pradeep 00:01:45  Yeah, sure. so what we see is quite interesting with cogs. the cog numbers to start off with, sometimes a minimum, we say 3 to 5, but as Amazon and e-commerce goes more expensive, I think it's about 8 to 10. So if you're buying something for $1, you should be above 8 to 10 in terms of selling prices, if not more, right? What we see is again and again people are saying, hey, we have particularly beginners, hey, we have this 3 to 4, but with inventory, PPC, shipping and all these things, it's just the profits are gone.Pradeep 00:02:21  Before the pandemic or during the pandemic is very profitable. And this is, by the way, experienced. This sounds stupid. I find I find myself finding myself stupid explaining this to someone, but we actually see it every day. Seven, eight, nine figure sellers saying you want this brand because the cogs have gone too expensive because they haven't worked out. Fundamentally, the multiples and the multiples have to be really strong now and the bigger multiple margin to sell. So those cogs are fundamentally negotiable, and you have to have the right product and the cogs are cheap. Price number one. It sounds stupid, but that's what we see. Number two is the negotiation. Hey, we bought 100,000 units. Next time we're going to have three 400,000 units. But you're still selling for the same price. Why? Your your factory should be giving you a note or, you know, handle cash flow or a cheaper price because they're getting raw material cheaper. And what we see is, you know, I sign NDAs, but what we see is some of these aggregators and others who are famous when they go back and some of these factories are quite savvy, say, hey, you raise X amount of money.Pradeep 00:03:29  All of a sudden your cogs are gone up. So, you know. So I think that's again how you negotiate and how you have exclusive agreements for a period of time, particularly on your best selling products. We do this in pharma and other business tools all around the world. You want it for five years. This is the price. If the if if inflation goes down or if the market changes, this is going to be a price. We have the power to change it not you. So it might be having exclusive agreements. And that's how sophisticated you guys we have to get in e-commerce. Because this is no longer a, a mom and pop kind of operation. This has to be sophisticated. Even if your mom and pop or a guy in a basement. That's how you should be thinking. you know, solar. It could be a corporate on your own, but you've got to think like that. So, cogs and how you define the first cogs, the renegotiate the cost is very important.Pradeep 00:04:19  Then thirdly, how are you people storing cogs, right. How are you doing unit economics and how are you storing Excel sheet or software and so forth. And that has to be updated on a daily basis. we see fundamental mistakes and we see fundamental errors as well. You can pick it out straight away from, profit and loss statements as well. so that's something people have to be aware of. And it gets really hard because if you have multiple brands, multiple products, multiple inventory, you know, it's all over the place.

If everything in your shop ran perfectly, you'd never actually get better. Think about that for a second. Today on Talkin' Shop, Brandon Bombardo and Nick Peters dig into a topic every business owner deals with but nobody really talks about — inconvenience. The delays. The missed deadlines. The customer who changes the scope at the last minute. It all feels personal in the moment, but the truth is, it's just part of running a real business. Brandon got the idea for this episode from his own experience with a travel insurance headache. He was told his refund would take six weeks instead of seven days. Instead of blowing up on the phone, he stayed calm, explained his situation, and the rep expedited the whole thing. That one conversation became the blueprint for this entire discussion — how you respond matters way more than what happened. The guys talk about why expecting a frictionless path is one of the fastest ways to create stress you don't need. Machines break down. Suppliers miss ship dates. Employees make mistakes. None of that means your business is failing. It means your business is real. The shops that stay steady through those moments are the ones still standing five and ten years from now. They also share practical ways to handle disruption — normalize it so it doesn't hit so hard, build flexibility into your schedule, keep your ego out of it, and focus on the quality of your response instead of trying to control things you can't. Before all that, the guys answer three listener questions: why manual tool calibration beats electronic switches for MDF doors, how to choose between cabinet software like Mozaik and Cab Builder, and how CNC equipment financing actually breaks down. Spoiler — a ShopSabre machine works out to about $25 an hour. Good luck finding an employee for that. Bottom line: inconvenience isn't blocking your progress. It's usually a sign that progress is happening. Changes will not happen without inconvenience. Episode Chapters: [00:00] – Intro & Banter: Skiing Adventures with Nick [04:16] – Customer Questions Segment [04:24] – Q1: Why Not Use a Tool Measure Switch on MDF Doors? [06:42] – Q2: Should I Choose Mozaik Over Other Software? [08:38] – Q3: Financing Advice for First-Time CNC Buyers (Dan from Red Barn Custom Cabinetry) [14:52] – Main Topic: Inconvenience in Business [15:36] – The Myth of the Smooth Path [18:05] – Why Expecting Frictionless Operations Creates Stress [22:41] – Sorting Real Problems from Minor Inconveniences [25:01] – Emotional Discipline During Disruption [27:05] – Inconvenience as the Price of Progress [30:48] – Practical Strategies for Navigating Inconvenience [32:30] – Real Story: Travel Insurance and the Power of Staying Calm [36:10] – Long-Term Thinkers vs. Short-Term Reactors [37:42] – Hockey Parenting Update: The Pool Noodle Follow-Up [39:35] – Key Takeaways & Motivational Quote [41:00] – Closing Thoughts & Call to Action Check out all of our equipment at https://www.shopsabre.com/ Follow us for daily CNC content Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/shopsabre Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/shopsabre Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShopSabreCNC TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopsabre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shopsabre-cnc/ Like and Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more CNC router and CNC plasma cutting machine tutorials, DIY project builds, and more. We feature cutting in different materials such as wood, plastic, aluminum, and other various steels. For over 20 years, ShopSabre CNC has provided businesses and hobbyists with the best CNC machines at the best value. By focusing on unbeatable customer service and high-quality products built in the USA, we've grown from a single machine built at home to one of the most trusted CNC machine manufacturers in the country. Since building our first machine two decades ago, we now have over 10,000 CNC routers, plasma, and laser engraving machines in a wide variety of industries in over 40 countries. Our success is a result of our commitment to developing a better way to build CNC machines and support our customers. ShopSabre CNC  www.ShopSabre.com 21673 Cedar Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044 800-493-6021

It's the second time it's run such a review and the Commission says it needs to be anonymous due to supplier hesitation.

replacement parts What Happens When Replacement Parts Disappear? | Episode 599 Good morning, this is James from SurvivalPunk.com. Today we're talking about something that most people don't think about until it's too late. What happens when something breaks… and you can't get the replacement part anymore? Planned obsolescence. And what you can actually do about it. Planned Obsolescence When I first learned about planned obsolescence, it pissed me off. The idea that companies intentionally design products to fail after a few years so you have to buy another one. Your phone getting slower after a couple years. Appliances dying earlier than they should. Meanwhile your grandparents had a refrigerator from the 1950s that ran forever. The difference? It wasn't designed to die. Modern products often are. The Repair Problem Even if something can be repaired, that doesn't mean you'll be able to. Repairmen aren't nearly as common as they used to be. And a lot of things aren't built to be repaired anymore. Cars are a perfect example. Older vehicles were simple. You could practically climb inside the engine bay and remove parts comfortably. Newer cars? To replace a starter in one car I worked on, I had to remove the front wheel and drop the part out through the wheel well. Ridiculous. And then you've got sensors everywhere. A tiny sensor fails and suddenly the whole car refuses to run. The Real Problem: Parts Disappear Even if you know how to fix something, there's another issue. Replacement parts eventually stop being made. Say you have a washer — the JamesCo Washer 2000. For years, replacement parts exist. OEM parts. Aftermarket parts. Repair manuals. But eventually the manufacturer stops making them. Suppliers stop stocking them. And suddenly your washer becomes unrepairable — not because the repair is impossible, but because the part doesn't exist anymore. Strategy #1: Stock Common Failure Parts If you've got the space and money, this is a powerful strategy. Find out what parts fail most often. Examples: Ignition coils Fuel pumps Sensors Belts Filters Control boards You don't need to stock every part. Just the ones most likely to fail. I once suspected my fuel pump might go bad, so I ordered a replacement ahead of time. Turned out the issue was something else… so the pump sat in my garage for months. Then one day the fuel pump actually died. And I already had the part sitting there. Problem solved. Strategy #2: Learn Workarounds Sometimes you don't need the part. You just need a workaround. Example: catalytic converters. A friend once told me two tricks: One — cut it open and clean it out. Two — if you live somewhere without emissions testing, cut it out and straight pipe it. Not always legal everywhere — but the point is there are often solutions people have discovered that extend the life of equipment. Another time I ran over a rock that punctured my transmission pan. Fluid leaked out everywhere. Instead of replacing the entire pan, I used steel epoxy putty and sealed the hole. Worked perfectly. Sometimes the “temporary fix” lasts forever. Strategy #3: Make Your Own Parts This is where things get really interesting. With modern tools, individuals can manufacture small parts. Two powerful options: 3D printers Small CNC machines These can produce: brackets clips plastic connectors housings mounts small mechanical parts And many of these designs are already shared online. Someone else might have already solved the exact problem you’re facing. Download the file. Print the part. Fix the machine. There's Also a Business Opportunity Think about this. If a product has a common failure point… And replacement parts are no longer available… Whoever figures out how to make that part can sell it. People do this already. They reproduce discontinued parts for: vehicles appliances electronics tools Sometimes a simple plastic part that costs 50 cents to print can sell for $20 because it solves a real problem. Preparedness Angle From a preparedness standpoint, this matters a lot. If supply chains break down, replacement parts will become extremely hard to find. You won't be able to just order them online. Being able to: stock parts repair equipment improvise fixes manufacture replacements …is a massive resilience advantage. Final Thoughts Everything breaks eventually. And the modern world is not designed to help you repair things. It's designed to make you replace them. But if you think ahead… Stock a few parts. Learn some workarounds. And maybe even learn to manufacture simple components. You can keep things running long after everyone else has given up. This is James from SurvivalPunk.com. DIY to survive. Amazon Item of the Day Steel Reinforced Epoxy Putty Stick Steel Epoxy Putty Repair StickPerfect for sealing cracks, holes, and emergency repairs on metal equipment. J-B Weld SteelStik, 1 Hour Cure, Steel Reinforced Epoxy Putty Stick – 2 Pack, Dark Grey (8267-2) Think this post was worth 20 cents? Consider joining The Survivalpunk Army and get access to exclusive content and discounts! Don't forget to join in on the road to 1k! Help James Survivalpunk Beat Couch Potato Mike to 1k subscribers on Youtube Want To help make sure there is a podcast Each and every week? Join us on Patreon Subscribe to the Survival Punk Survival Podcast. The most electrifying podcast on survival entertainment. Itunes Pandora RSS Spotify Like this post? Consider signing up for my email list here > Subscribe Join Our Exciting Facebook Group and get involved Survival Punk Punk's The post What Happens When Replacement Parts Disappear? | Episode 599 appeared first on Survivalpunk.

- Will Gas Prices Push Buyers Toward Hybrids? - Geely Overtakes BYD In Chinese Auto Market - Hidden Destination Fees Cost Car Buyers Billions - European Suppliers Warn of Massive Job Cuts - Experts Skeptical of Donut Lab Battery Claims - Rare Earth Production Lags Behind EV Growth - Lithium Demand Set to Grow 25% - Automakers Use Clever Tactics to Cut Tariffs

- Will Gas Prices Push Buyers Toward Hybrids? - Geely Overtakes BYD In Chinese Auto Market - Hidden Destination Fees Cost Car Buyers Billions - European Suppliers Warn of Massive Job Cuts - Experts Skeptical of Donut Lab Battery Claims - Rare Earth Production Lags Behind EV Growth - Lithium Demand Set to Grow 25% - Automakers Use Clever Tactics to Cut Tariffs

This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, examines Walmart's launch of Scintilla In Store, giving suppliers real time store level data. Chris and Anne explain why this move could redefine supplier collaboration and unlock faster store execution at scale. ⏩ Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/2_dIsTGWqJQ #Walmart #RetailData #RetailAI #SupplyChain #OmniTalk

Danny Wirtz, Co-Chairman of Breakthru Beverage Group, discusses how brands are rethinking national agreements and what success looks like when performance, not footprint, are the primary concern for suppliers' route-to-market strategy. Themes from the episode: How did Breakthru shift strategy after a planned merger with Republic National Distributing Company was terminated in 2019? What does geographic expansion look like in the current market? What is driving decisions about footprint? Are suppliers deprioritizing a national footprint? Are there still benefits from those national partnerships? How is the push from beer wholesalers and Reyes Beverage Group changing the strategies of wine and spirits wholesalers?  What are Danny's thoughts, as CEO of the Chicago Blackhawks, about the boost his sport has received from the international phenomenon Heated Rivalry?     Have a question, qualm or story to tell, reach out via email: Bourcard.Nesin@rabobank.com Sign up to access our written research: RaboResearch sign-up   Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services. Disclaimer: Please refer to our global RaboResearch disclaimer at https://www.rabobank.com/knowledge/disclaimer/011417027/disclaimer for information about the scope and limitations of the material published on the podcast.   

One day, Rob was browsing Instagram for pictures of lady Amherst feathers when he stumbled upon the Schuman Feathers account. The feathers were absolutely gorgeous, every single one of them, yet none were shown being utilized in fly tying. Rob reached out to ask if the dye would bleed when the feathers became wet, as he planned to use them for tying flies. He was reassured that they were indeed waterproof. Afterward, Rob contacted the company to ask about a podcast—specifically, a podcast about feathers, not one related to fly fishing. Eventually, Rob ordered ostrich plumes for his damsel nymphs. When they arrived, they were even more stunning and luxurious than the feathers he had bought from fly shops. He was convinced. Rob's latest unboxing of additional feathers can be found here. It was clear that Rob needed to have Schuman Feathers featured on the show. Paul Schuman is a multi-generational feather supplier located in Miami. His family has been involved in the feather industry for more than a hundred years. In this episode, Paul talks about everything related to feathers, from how they are sourced to the regulations governing the feather trade. They delve into topics like steaming feathers, the various industries that utilize feathers, feather anatomy, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's The Ranch It Up Radio Show! Join Jeff Tigger Erhardt, Rebecca Wanner AKA BEC and their crew as they hear about a seedstock supplying partnership that works and works well.  Plus updates on beef imported from Argentina, market recaps, the ranch channel sales calendar and lots more all wrapped into this brand new episode of The Ranch It Up Radio Show. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcasting app or on the Ranch It Up Radio Show YouTube Channel. Industry Associations React To Beef Imported From Argentina President Trump issued a proclamation titled “Ensuring Affordable Beef for the American Consumer,” increasing the in-quota import of lean beef trimmings from Argentina by 80,000 metric tons in 2026 to help lower ground beef prices. U.S. Cattlemen's Association (USCA) President Justin Tupper said the group has been engaged with the Administration since expanded imports were first proposed in October 2025. While USCA supports efforts to stabilize supply, Tupper emphasized that a strong domestic cattle industry is essential and warned that trade agreements must not undermine U.S. producers or supply integrity. Tupper expressed concern over the scale and origin of the imports, noting Argentina faces tight cattle supplies similar to the U.S. He said the roughly 400% increase should be treated as a one-time exception, not a precedent, and urged stronger rules of origin and labeling so consumers know where their beef comes from. R-CALF echoed these concerns, stating that past increases in beef imports from countries such as Argentina and Brazil failed to reduce consumer prices. Instead, they correlated with a shrinking U.S. cattle herd, fewer domestic producers, and ultimately higher beef prices. USCA Press Release HERE R-CALF USA Press Release HERE Seedstock Partnership Between Schnabel Ranch Simmentals & Lazy J Bar Ranch Premium Simmental, SimAngus & Red Angus Bulls Genomically Enhanced EPDs | The Right Choice Production Sale The Right Choice Production Sale features elite Simmental, SimAngus, and Red Angus bulls backed by genomically enhanced EPDs. Every bull has been genetically tested through Neogen Igenity® Beef Genomics to increase EPD accuracy, verify parentage, and, for Simmentals, confirm polled status and coat color—giving buyers confidence in predictable performance and genetic integrity. Two Proven Ranches.  One Powerful Bull Sale. Schnabel Ranch Simmentals & Lazy J Bar Ranch Schnabel Ranch Simmentals and Lazy J Bar Ranch bring decades of experience in the Simmental, SimAngus, and Red Angus seedstock business. With disciplined selection, strict herd health protocols, and a focus on profit-driven cattle, these bulls have consistently outperformed their contemporary mates. Our shared goal is simple: deliver reliable, efficient genetics that improve commercial cattle profitability today and sustain premium seedstock for future generations. Schnabel Ranch Simmentals - Eureka, South Dakota Owners: Tom & Meghan Schnabel Genetic Focus: Strong maternal cow families Functional, marketable cattle Longevity and efficiency Expected Performance: Cattle designed to grow, perform, and excel on milk and grass alone, building a solid foundation for low-input, high-return cowherds. Lazy J Bar Ranch - Mina, South Dakota Owners: John & Stephanie Jung Breeding Philosophy: Pound-driven, profit-focused genetics Balanced traits for carcass merit and maternal retention Lazy J Bar Ranch produces cattle that perform on the rail while maintaining the kind of genetics commercial producers want when keeping replacement heifers. Featured Experts in the Cattle Industry Tom Schnabel - Schnabel Ranch Simmentals https://srsimms.com/ Follow On Facebook: @schnabelranch John Jung - Lazy J Bar Ranch https://www.lazyjbarranch.com/ Follow on Facebook: @lazyjbar Kirk Donsbach – Financial Analyst at StoneX https://www.stonex.com/ Follow on Facebook: @StoneXGroupInc Shaye Wanner – Host of Casual Cattle Conversation https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ Follow on Facebook: @cattleconvos Contact Us with Questions or Concerns Have questions or feedback? Feel free to reach out via: Call/Text: 707-RANCH20 or 707-726-2420 Email: RanchItUpShow@gmail.com Follow us: Facebook/Instagram: @RanchItUpShow YouTube: Subscribe to Ranch It Up Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/RanchItUp Catch all episodes of the Ranch It Up Podcast available on all major podcasting platforms. Discover the Heart of Rural America with Tigger & BEC Ranching, farming, and the Western lifestyle are at the heart of everything we do. Tigger & BEC bring you exclusive insights from the world of working ranches, cattle farming, and sustainable beef production. Learn more about Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner (BEC) and their mission to promote the Western way of life at Tigger and BEC. https://tiggerandbec.com/ Industry References, Partners and Resources For additional information on industry trends, products, and services, check out these trusted resources: Allied Genetic Resources: https://alliedgeneticresources.com/ American Gelbvieh Association: https://gelbvieh.org/ Axiota Animal Health: https://axiota.com/multimin-campaign-landing-page/ Imogene Ingredients: https://www.imogeneingredients.com/ Jorgensen Land & Cattle: https://jorgensenfarms.com/#/?ranchchannel=view Medora Boot: https://medoraboot.com/ RFD-TV: https://www.rfdtv.com/ Rural Radio Network: https://www.ruralradio147.com/ Superior Livestock Auctions: https://superiorlivestock.com/ Transova Genetics: https://transova.com/ Westway Feed Products: https://westwayfeed.com/ Wrangler: https://www.wrangler.com/ Wulf Cattle: https://www.wulfcattle.com/

Today's guest is Dean Alms, Chief Product Officer at Aravo. Aravo is an enterprise software company focused on third-party risk management and compliance platforms that help organizations manage vendor, supplier, and partner ecosystems across regulatory, operational, and reputational risk domains. Dean joins Emerj Editorial Director Matthew DeMello to examine how third-party risk has evolved into a data and AI-driven, board-level visibility and resilience challenge, and how automation is reshaping the way enterprises identify, remediate, and monitor risk at scale. Dean also shares practical workflow changes, including using AI to automate document ingestion and survey validation, generate corrective actions, and enable natural language access to risk data. The discussion highlights how these approaches reduce operational cost, improve data integrity, support continuous monitoring models, and help enterprise leaders protect revenue, reputation, and regulatory posture across complex supplier networks. Want to share your AI adoption story with executive peers? Click emerj.com/expert2 for more information and to be a potential future guest on the 'AI in Business' podcast! This episode is sponsored by Aravo. Learn how brands work with Emerj and other Emerj Media options at emerj.com/ad1.

Volatility in pricing, lead times and material availability isn't going away – but the way builders and suppliers partner can determine whether projects stay on schedule and client experience can evolve.   In this episode of “The Building Code”, guest host Scott Hale is joined by: Thom Black (VP of Purchasing, CBUSA) Jon Showalter (COO/VP, Homes by Dickerson) Brian Humphreys (Director – Builder Channel Sales, Kohler)   Together, they break down what trust between builders and suppliers looks like in practice, including using analytics to reduce uncertainty, building discipline around selections, collaborating across the supply chain to forecast demand and why face-to-face relationships still matter in a digital-first industry.   What you'll learn: How trust and transparency stabilize pricing and schedules during volatile market conditions Why solving root causes (not symptoms) leads to better long-term supply chain outcomes Where technology improves forecasting and visibility and where relationships still matter most   A builder-centric blog that breaks down key procurement lessons and how CBUSA's network and strategies help builders avoid costly mistakes.   Subscribe here, and never miss an episode.   Got podcast topic suggestions? Reach out to us at podcast@buildertrend.com.   Links and more Find Homes by Dickerson here Learn more about Kohler and CBUSA Follow CBUSA on social: Instagram | Facebook Watch The Building Code on YouTube Join The Building Code Crew fan page on Facebook to connect with fellow listeners and keep the conversation going   #TheBuildingCode #Buildertrend #CBUSA #HomeBuilding #ConstructionIndustry #SupplyChain #BuilderSupplier #Procurement #ConstructionLeadership #CustomHomeBuilder #Forecasting #Transparency #ClientExperience #Kohler