Podcasts about warehousing

In this talk, Juan, Analytics Engineer and author of Fundamentals of Analytics Engineering share his professional journey from studying psychological research in Colombia to becoming one of the first analytics engineers in the Netherlands. We explore the evolution of the role, the shift toward engineering rigor in data modeling, and how the landscape of tools like dbt and Databricks is changing the way teams work.You'll learn about:- The fundamental differences between traditional BI engineering and modern analytics engineering.- How to bridge the gap between business stakeholders and technical data infrastructure.- The technical "glue" that connects Python and SQL for robust data pipelines.- The importance of automated testing (generic vs. singular tests) to prevent "silent" data failures.- Strategies for modeling messy, fragmented source data into a unified "business reality."- The current state of the "Lakehouse" paradigm and how it impacts storage and compute costs.- Expert advice on navigating the dbt ecosystem and its emerging competitors.Links:- DE Course: https://github.com/DataTalksClub/data-engineering-zoomcamp- Luma: https://luma.com/0uf7mmupTIMECODES:0:00 Juan's psychological research and transition to data4:36 Riding the wave: The early days of analytics engineering7:56 Breaking down the gap between analysts and engineers11:03 The art of turning business reality into clean data16:25 Why data engineering is about safety, not just speed20:53 Reimagining data modeling in the modern era26:53 To split or not to split: Finding the right team roles30:35 Python, SQL, and the technical toolkit for success38:41 How to stop manually testing your data dashboards46:34 Bringing software engineering rigor to data workflows49:50 Must-read books and resources for mastering the craft55:42 The future of dbt and the shifting tool landscape1:00:29 Deciphering the lakehouse: Warehousing in the cloud1:11:16 Pro-tips for starting your data engineering journey1:14:40 The big debate: Databricks vs. Snowflake1:18:28 Why every data professional needs a local communityThis talk is designed for data analysts looking to level up their engineering skills, data engineers interested in the business-logic layer, and data leaders trying to structure their teams more effectively. It is particularly valuable for those preparing for the Data Engineering Zoomcamp or anyone looking to transition into an Analytics Engineering role.Connect with Juan- Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmperafan/ - Website - https://juanalytics.com/Connect with DataTalks.Club:- Join the community - https://datatalks.club/slack.html- Subscribe to our Google calendar to have all our events in your calendar - https://calendar.google.com/calendar/r?cid=ZjhxaWRqbnEwamhzY3A4ODA5azFlZ2hzNjBAZ3JvdXAuY2FsZW5kYXIuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbQ- Check other upcoming events - https://lu.ma/dtc-events- GitHub: https://github.com/DataTalksClub- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/datatalks-club/ - Twitter - https://twitter.com/DataTalksClub - Website - https://datatalks.club/

India's warehousing growth has crossed 533 million sq ft — and it's still rising. Behind this surge lies a deeper transformation of India's logistics sector, supply chain infrastructure, e-commerce ecosystem, industrial real estate market, and manufacturing ambitions.In this episode of Eye On Retail By The Core Report, an initiative supported by Flipkart, Financial Journalist Govindraj Ethiraj in conversation with Yogesh Shevade, Head of Logistics & Industrial in India, JLL and Balbirsingh Khalsa, Executive Director – Industrial Capital Markets, National Director, Knight Frank, decode the forces reshaping India's logistics and warehousing landscape.As India aims to move from a $4 trillion economy toward a $30 trillion vision, logistics is no longer a backend function — it is a strategic growth engine. Post-GST reforms, institutional investment inflows, multimodal logistics parks (MMLPs), rail freight corridors, quick commerce, Tier 2 and Tier 3 city expansion, and automation are redefining how goods move across the country.For India-based professionals tracking infrastructure development, supply chain optimization, economic reforms, manufacturing growth, private equity investment, real estate capital markets, and e-commerce logistics, this episode offers deep strategic insight.⏱ Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction: Highlights on India's Logistics Transformation(02:17) The Boom in Tier 2 and Tier 3 Warehousing Ecosystem(06:00) Post-GST Evolution: How Reform Triggered Institutional Investment(09:45) Share of E-commerce in India's Logistics Sector(11:01) Optimizing the Pie: Transportation Costs, Labour Economics & Efficiency Gaps(17:30) Investment Realities: Land Prices, IRR Expectations, Vacancy Trends & Capital Flows(27:45) Future Infrastructure: The Shift from Road to Rail & Multimodal Logistics Parks(29:50) Path Ahead: Core Challenges and Growth Opportunities in Indian Logistics(33:12) Role of Government in Logistics & Infrastructure Development(35:05) Closing: Policy Synergy, Gati Shakti & India's Supply Chain FutureThis discussion explores:• How GST transformed India's supply chain and warehouse strategy• Why transportation contributes nearly 50% of logistics costs• The rapid growth of Tier 2 & Tier 3 warehousing hubs• The rise of quick commerce and 10–15 minute delivery ecosystems• Automation vs labour economics in Indian industrial real estate• Rail vs road freight efficiency and multimodal infrastructure• Land price escalation, IRR expectations, and investment risks• Why manufacturing, exports, and policy reform are critical to India's next growth phaseThe bigger question:Can India reduce logistics costs from 12–14% of GDP toward global benchmarks?Will rail freight and multimodal parks unlock long-term efficiency?Is Tier 2 India the next supply chain frontier?And how sustainable is the quick commerce model?If you follow the India growth story, economic policy, infrastructure investment, industrial corridors, supply chain strategy, or the future of e-commerce, this episode connects macroeconomic ambition with on-ground execution.Watch till the end for a sharp assessment of the opportunities — and the structural challenges — shaping India's logistics future.

Einkaufspreise werden immer volatiler, Lieferketten unsicherer: Viele Unternehmen entscheiden sich darum für eine höhere Vorratshaltung. Doch die kostet Geld – ist Financial Warehousing dafür das geeignete Finanzierungsinstrument? Darüber haben wir mit einem CFO und einem Finanzierer in dieser Episode gesprochen.

Our guest on this week's episode is Lisa DeNight, managing director and head of North American Industrial Research for Newmark. Before a company can manufacture and distribute a product, they need the proper building designed to house their operations. That is where the industrial real estate market comes in. Like the home real estate market there are ebbs and flows depending on the economy and other factors. But there are signs for hope in the industrial real estate market in 2026, as our guest shares the latest industry trends and research.This week The National Association of Manufacturers shared new research that shows that the lack of spending on our nation's infrastructure is affecting manufacturing across the country. NAM says that highway congestion and delays in freight carrying finished goods are having big impacts on our economy and that there is a need to invest further in our crumbling infrastructure. They suggest where to focus attention this year.Research released this week tracks a turning point in supply chain strategy as organizations start to prioritize speed of execution as their main source of competitive advantage these days. That's according to research from supply chain software provider Infios. The company surveyed 100 U.S.-based supply chain leaders and found that nearly 80% said fast, dynamic execution—rather than planning or visibility alone—is their best competitive weapon in today's volatile marketplace.Supply Chain Xchange  also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane.  It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series is now available on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions  Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:NewmarkNAM asks Congress for greater infrastructure spending Supply chain trade groups cheer congressional progress on infrastructure billReport: Speed and connection create supply chain advantageVisit DC VelocityVisit Supply Chain XchangeListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.comThis podcast episode is sponsored by: WernerOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY

Every year, the demands on warehousing and distribution teams continue to grow while the resources remain limited. On this podcast, Greg Kelly and Glen Guernsey from JR Automation's Warehousing team overview the advanced manufacturing technologies, such as robotics, combined with AI and other digital transformations, that must be in your material handling playbook moving forward.

Our guest on this week's episode is Jake Heldenberg, director of sales engineering, Warehouse Solutions, North America at Vanderlande. We are only a bit more than a month into 2026 and it is hoped that automation companies will see a glimmer of hope after a somewhat uneven 2025. Our guest today offers insight into the automation market and he shares trends and predictions for the remainder of the year.Finding and retaining warehouse talent is a challenge these days. However, this week, Gartner released research about what companies are doing to address that challenge—and they found that warehouse and distribution center leaders are focused on developing better employee engagement strategies. And “gamification” is at the top of the list. Victoria Kickham reports.This week, Ben Ames took a deep dive this week into retail logistics when he attended the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) annual Link trade show, held in Orlando. That's a show where you have a lot of the nation's biggest shippers and biggest carriers, all packed into the same convention center to talk about the retail industry. And with all those interests side by side, you get some really interesting conversations. Ben shares about some of the more interesting things he heard affecting the retail industry.Supply Chain Xchange  also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane.  It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series is now available on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions  Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:VanderlandeReport: 40% of large warehouses and DCs to adopt gamification tools by 2028Tractor Supply finds more speed with less automationVisit Supply Chain XchangeListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.comThis podcast episode is sponsored by: WernerOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY

What is the best way to invest in warehouse real estate and flex space?In this episode of the Alternative Investing Advantage Podcast, Alex Perny welcomes Jens Nielsen, Founder and Operating Partner of Open Doors Capital, to discuss why investors are shifting from multifamily into warehousing and flex industrial properties.Jens explains how rising interest rates and compressed multifamily cap rates pushed his firm to explore warehouse real estate, where higher cap rates, simpler operations, and strong small-business demand create compelling opportunities. The conversation covers warehouse property classes, tenant profiles, lease structures, triple-net vs modified gross leases, market selection, value-add strategies, and key risks investors must understand.If you are exploring commercial real estate beyond apartments, this episode provides a practical framework for evaluating warehouse and flex space investments.00:00 Welcome & Episode Overview01:19 Jens Nielsen Background03:21 Why He Started in Commercial Real Estate04:30 Why Multifamily Stopped Penciling07:32 Why Shift to Warehousing & Flex Space09:43 Class A, B, C Warehouse Explained13:03 Market Selection & Demand Drivers16:50 Urban Warehouses vs Industrial Parks18:10 Value-Add in Warehouse Real Estate20:51 Triple-Net vs Modified Gross Leases23:27 Lease Lengths & Rent Escalators28:08 Self-Managing Warehouses vs Apartments30:39 Tenant Screening & Business Risk37:24 Insurance Considerations42:17 Biggest Risks in Warehouse Investing44:50 Buying Vacant vs Stabilized Warehouses47:25 Due Diligence Tips for LP Investors50:08 How to Contact Jens NielsenSubscribe to our YouTube channel and join our growing community for new videos every week.If you are interested in being a podcast guest speaker or have questions, contact us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast@AdvantaIRA.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Learn more about our guest, Jens Nielsen:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jens-nielsen-multi-family-real-estate-coach/Learn more about Advanta IRA: https://www.AdvantaIRA.com/ https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/advanta-irahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/Advanta-IRA/https://twitter.com/AdvantaIRA https://www.facebook.com/AdvantaIRA/ https://www.instagram.com/AdvantaIRA/#WarehouseInvesting #CommercialRealEstate #IndustrialRealEstate #FlexSpace #PassiveIncome #RealEstateInvesting #AlternativeInvesting #CashFlowInvesting #TripleNetLease #SelfDirectedIRAAdvanta IRA does not offer investment, tax, or legal advice nor do we endorse any products, investments, or companies that offer such advice and/or investments. This includes any investments promoted or discussed during the podcast as neither Advanta IRA nor its employees, have reviewed or vetted any investments, persons, or companies that may discuss their services during this podcast.  All parties are strongly encouraged to perform their own due diligence and consult with the appropriate professional(s) before entering into any type of investment.

Today's House Votes to Fund the Government With Only 2 Weeks of Funding For DHS During Which Democrats Will Work to Reign in ICE | We are Funding the Warehousing of Immigrants in a Form of Torture To Make Them So Miserable They'll Waive Their Rights and be Deported | The Victimhood Behind Trump's Backlash Presidency backgroundbriefing.org/donate x.com/ianmastersmedia bsky.app/profile/ianmastersmedia.bsky.social facebook.com/ianmastersmedia

Our guest on this week's episode is Suketu Gandhi, a partner and global chair in the Strategic Operations practice at management and consulting firm Kearney. The annual World Economic Forum was held last week in Davos, Switzerland. This year it was more politicized than normal, especially with more than 60 heads of state making appearances and lots of international intrigue. But while the politicians stole the spotlight, the primary purpose of the meeting each year is to bring business leaders together to talk about how to improve business operations.  This week's podcast guest was one of the attendees and speakers at the conference and shares his impressions and takeaways from the week in Davos. Artificial intelligence is being applied to all sorts of supply chain operations. This week we learned about some practical applications for the tech in the less-than-truckload space, as CH Robinson has some nifty new tools to avoid missed LRL freight pickups.The annual SMC3 JumpStart meeting was held this week in Atlanta. The conference deals with the major issues and challenges facing the trucking industry. Key themes across the three days were the state of the freight economy (which remains marked by uncertainty), rise of artificial intelligence (which is being applied pretty broadly in LTL), and accelerating levels of fraud across the industry (which pose risks from both a safety and economic perspective).Supply Chain Xchange  also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane.  It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series is now available on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions  Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:KearneyCH Robinson uses AI agents to avoid missed LTL freight pickups.LTL industry meets in AtlantaVisit Supply Chain XchangeListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.comThis podcast episode is sponsored by: WernerOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY

After a weekend filled with Trump's outrageous threats of 100% tariffs on Canada and mocking remarks about our nation, we faced the tragic murder of Alex Pretti, yet another American citizen peacefully protesting in Minneapolis. This has sparked a global #BoycottUS movement, which Meidas Touch attributes to Canada's leadership. In response, Minister Mark Carney is stepping up to provide a calm and realistic assessment of our situation while urging us all to #buycanadian.Join Canadian and international business leader, NBA referee Ron Foxcroft—who is also the inventor and CEO of Fox40, along with his role as CEO of Fluke Transportation and Warehousing—as he engages in an enlightening and motivational conversation with host Laura Babcock. They delve into the complexities of Canada-US relations, the current trade war, Mark Carney's leadership on the China deal, the rising violence in America, and how Canada can leverage this moment to advance its position in global trade. This is a pivotal time for Canada, and you won't want to miss this inspiring discussion. Your voice matters—please COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE your thoughts as we work together to build a strong, pro-democracy community! Let's make our voices heard and stand up for what's right!#alberta #canadastrong #ontario #tradewar #canadanews #canada #trump #elbowsup #carney #worldcup2026 #china #tariffs #markcarney #davos #wef26 #branding #sales #markeingAn independent podcast, the best way to support our work is by subscribing. Let's build our pro democracy community! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Legislation sponsored by Rep. Stephanie McClintock received a public hearing as lawmakers reviewed House Bill 2207, which would modernize Washington's beer warehousing laws to align with existing rules for wine and spirits while supporting breweries and locally owned businesses. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/rep-stephanie-mcclintocks-bill-to-modernize-beer-warehousing-laws-receives-a-public-hearing/ #ClarkCounty #WashingtonState #HB2207 #CraftBreweries #SmallBusiness #StateLegislature

Our guest on this week's episode is Ronak Amin - global product marketing lead for fleet, mobility, and transport solutions at Here Technologies. Bridges and trucks are two elements that do not mix well. Many would be surprised to learn that an over-the-road truck strikes a bridge or an underpass every 36 minutes. Of course these accidents risk lives besides disrupting traffic flow. What can be done to prevent bridge strikes? Our guest offers some insights.One major container ship line recently decided to resume sailings in the Red Sea but has now backed out of those plans and will instead continue sailing around Africa rather than going through the Suez Canal. In recent years the canal has been nearly empty of commercial traffic, due to violence and missiles from forces in Yemen, who were targeting Israeli and other western hemisphere ships due to the bloodshed in Israel's war with Hamas. What does this change mean for shippers looking for some certainty in an ever-changing environment?We've talked a lot about advances in humanoid robots recently, and there was more news this week. New Gartner research released on Tuesday found that the hype around humanoids is outpacing the technology's readiness for large-scale deployment in logistics—and that means that we will probably see a lot of pilot projects over the next few years, but it's going to be a while before these human-looking robots become commonplace on the warehouse floor.Supply Chain Xchange  also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane.  It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series is now available on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions  Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:HERE TechnologiesCMA-CGM flip flop on Suez Canal transits could spook global shippersReport: Humanoid robots to stall at pilot scaleVisit Supply Chain XchangeListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.comThis podcast episode is sponsored by: WernerOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY

Welcome to the Durable Value Podcast! Host Joe interviews Matt LeDucq, CEO of Forum Mobility, about the electrification of trucking, the evolving power grid, and the impact on real estate and logistics. Dive into technology, policy, and the future of industrial development in the Western US.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction & Matt's background02:00 – The intersection of real estate, power, and logistics06:40 – How utilities work and why it matters12:00 – The economics of electrified trucking17:30 – Global trends: Electric trucks and battery costs22:00 – Warehousing, population movement, and affordability27:00 – Automation, autonomous vehicles, and the future of work33:00 – Urban mobility and the future of car ownership38:00 – Regional winners and losers in the Western US44:00 – Analyst perspectives: Real estate vs. power costs49:00 – The future of logistics and location strategy52:00 – Final thoughts & takeaways

Our guest on this week's episode is Tony Bradley, president and CEO of the Arizona Trucking Association and the executive director of the Arizona Trucking Association Foundation. We have seen huge changes within the trucking industry during the past year based on two big issues – the licensing of non-domiciled drivers and the huge surges we see in freight fraud. Victoria Kickham finds out more about what is being done to address these issues in this week's guest interview.  One of the technology topics that has gotten a lot of buzz lately has been humanoid robots, which of course are that family of robots that have heads and bodies and torsos, and either walk on two legs or roll on a moving base like an AMR. This technology is very new of course, and has been seen only in research labs until recently. Ben Ames reports on an example of how one of these critters might fit into a real world workflow.A recent survey of North American transportation, logistics, and supply chain executives reveals a disconnect between what those leaders see as the promise of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) solutions and their readiness to implement them. Victoria Kickham reports on a new survey that examines the effects of adopting AI and machine learning (ML) in logistics, and it revealed some interesting information about Agentic AI and its role in the industry.Supply Chain Xchange  also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane.  It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series is now available on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions  Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:Arizona Trucking Associationtruckingresurgence.comSiemens completes pilot test of humanoid robot42% of logistics leaders are holding back on Agentic AI, survey showsVisit Supply Chain XchangeListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.comThis podcast episode is sponsored by: WernerOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY

In this **Jeep Talk Show** interview episode, host Tony sits down with Ryan, the passionate founder of **Combat Off-Road**, for an inspiring deep dive into his lifelong love for building, fixing, and flipping vehicles—from living in a tent and trailer behind his parents' garden center as a teen, selling hundreds of Volvos in high school, to running multiple off-road shops, and now creating top-tier aftermarket parts for the Jeep community.  @Combat.Offroad  Ryan shares wild stories from his early days (including custom sidecars, crazy customer requests, and building cars while playing college hockey), his transition from shop owner to manufacturer, and why he launched Combat Off-Road as a true enthusiast project focused on **durability, quality, and lifetime warranties**. Highlights include: - Why Combat Off-Road uses **stamped aluminum** (not plastic) for armored tail lights that can take a beating off-road - The modular design that lets you replace individual lenses easily - Popular billet hood latches, tube doors for that open-air feel with extra protection, aluminum fenders, and more - Ryan's take on EVs, keeping the ICE culture alive, open trails, and passing the gearhead passion to the next generation (including his 10-year-old daughter who already drives and knows her cars!) If you're into real off-road builds, self-reliance, or just love hearing how passion turns into a business, this conversation is packed with motivation, laughs, and practical insights. Check out Combat Off-Road's durable, enthusiast-designed products today at: **https://combat-offroad.com** Follow Combat Off-Road: Instagram: @combatoffroad Facebook: Combat Off-Road YouTube: Combat Off-Road Thanks for watching! Drop a like, subscribe to Jeep Talk Show for more interviews with the off-road community, and let us know in the comments: What's your favorite Combat Off-Road product? Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and here's to an awesome 2026 full of trails and builds!

Our guest on this week's episode is Amy Dean, VP of Operations at SC Codeworks. The shipping world is still waiting on the Supreme Court's ruling on whether the administration can lawfully collect the tariffs that have been assessed on nearly every trading nation. In the meantime, there may be a strategy to mitigate some of those tariff impacts – and that is by using Foreign Trade Zones. While employment trends show few new jobs, a new survey from resume platform company Resume.org found that most companies are planning to add more staff this year, and that a majority of those will do so quickly—by adding new hires in the first quarter. We look at what skills employers are looking for from new employees.One of the emerging supply chain technologies that's been getting the most buzz in recent months is humanoid robots; these are two-legged, walking robots. However, this technology is new — and there are certain shortcomings. Humanoids collapse and fall down when power is cut. So that creates safety risk in the event of a fall. But according to a report from Interact Analysis, the industry is working on this problem.Supply Chain Xchange  also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane.  It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series is now available on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions  Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:SC CodeworksHiring is on tap for 2026 but so are layoffsReport: Automation sector sets safety standards for humanoid robotsVisit Supply Chain XchangeListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.comThis podcast episode is sponsored by: WernerOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY

In this episode of the Depth Work podcast, I speak with clinical psychologist, professor, and author, Phil Yanos about his powerful new book "Exiles in New York City" an exploration of how institutionalization creates barriers of exclusion and banishment in urban landscapes.Phil shares his unique journey growing up on Ward's Island near Manhattan Psychiatric Center, where his father worked as a psychiatrist. Through his research and interviews with current residents, Phil reveals how Ward's Island has become a site of profound contradiction – simultaneously rebranded as a recreational space for privileged New Yorkers while functioning as a place of exile for those deemed too "mad" to belong in mainstream society.In our conversation we explore concrete solutions for transforming Ward's Island into a more just and integrated community, a vision that seems more possible with the recent election of Zohran Mamdani who has emphasized housing justice. We also discuss the wins and losses in mental health advocacy in recent years, what we've learned from working with those labeled with “psychosis” or “schizophrenia”, and what clinicians can do better.Bio:Philip T. Yanos is professor of psychology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and the Graduate Center, City University of New York and Director of Clinical Training for the Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology at John Jay College. He is the author of "Exiles in New York City: Warehousing the Marginalized on Ward's Island" (2025) and Written Off: Mental Health Stigma and the Loss of Human Potential (2018). During his childhood in the 1970s, Yanos lived on the grounds of Manhattan State Hospital on Ward's Island, where his father was a psychiatrist.Exiles in New York City: Warehousing the Marginalized on Ward's Island https://cup.columbia.edu/book/exiles-in-new-york-city/9780231212373/ Exiles in the City Podcast https://rss.com/podcasts/exiles-in-the-city/Resources:Find videos and bonus episodes: ⁠⁠DEPTHWORK.SUBSTACK.COM⁠⁠Get the book: ⁠⁠⁠Mad Studies Reader: Interdisciplinary Innovations in Mental Health⁠⁠Become a member: ⁠⁠The Institute for the Development of Human Arts⁠⁠Train with us: ⁠⁠Transformative Mental Health Core Curriculum

Marty here with Warehouse and Operations as a Career. This has always been my favorite time of year. Not just because of the holidays, although I do enjoy a little time off and getting to spend some quality time with family and friends. It’s always been my reset or reboot time of year. I know a lot of people that look at spring as their reboot season. I don't know, maybe because one year is closing and another one is opening, for me, reflecting on the last 52 weeks and planning on the next 52 just gives me pause, and I look forward to it! So, let’s see, we've been at this now for what, just over 7 sets of 52 weeks, or a little over 7 years. When I started the podcast I envisioned doing 50 episodes, and here we are at 347! OK, 2025, what a year right. This year we covered a wide range of topics, we've talked about 32 different light industrial task or positions. We've learned a little about our handling our finances, a lot about the supply chain, and spoke about the many different career opportunities in this industry. I hope we're all a little better off, or more prepared for and in our careers for it! I'd like to make this first episode of 2026 about reflection, planning, professionalism, and purpose. I was telling a group of managers and facility managers yesterday that purpose is going to be my go to word for the 1st quarter. I'm making Purpose about ethics and commitment. It's about doing the job right, even when the job isn't glamorous. And most importantly, it's about understanding that this is a long game, and the end goal for all of us is retirement, not burnout, definitely not injury, and not regret in any form or fashion. This year I've had the fortune to see at least 3 people advance to executive management positions. And I think 2 directors move up to V.P. roles. Well over 14 team members from the floor promoted to supervisors, and I think 9 individuals move into lead roles. And a wealth of associates moved into other departments or tasks. And on the negative side, no that’s the wrong word, not negative. Let's say there was also a lot of us still finding our footing and growing. I heard of a few instances where management had terminated associates, probably no more than 10 or 20 though. And every year we hear of several hundred that terminate or fire themselves. Remember how we've talked about those attendance rules, tardy rules, safety rules, and how insubordination, losing our tempers, or just accepting a position that isn’t a good fit for us, what else, oh, the NCNS. Things like that I think we can all agree we kind of ended our position on our own. But you know what. That’s OK. I'm sure we learned from it, and we'll take that knowledge to our next opportunity. Every job isent for everybody. So those situations aren’t even close to being a negative, we learned something about ourselves so its a positive in my eyes. A few things I ask myself this time of year is did I show up consistently? I don't mean daily or on time. I mean was I there mentally, and focused on my job every day. And did I follow direction, or did I cut corners? Every position in our field of light industrial work has some type of regulatory, safety, record documentation or reporting we're responsible for. It's so easy to cut a corner here and there. That’s one I really work on every year. And here's my favorite one, did I take ownership of my role? This is a hard one, and I'd like to say I did a good job with it this year!  And of course I have to ask myself, did I improve my skills every month, or did I just repeat the same month 12 times? I've definitely learned that growth doesn't come from activity alone, it comes from intentional improvement. You can work hard and still stand still if you're not learning, listening, and adjusting when necessary. And as we've learned, that's especially true in the light industrial world. Warehousing, manufacturing, and transportation demand discipline, precision, and trust. This isn't a place where chaos survives for long. Another word I've taught to this year was ethics. Ethics aren't just about stealing or dishonesty. Ethics show up in whether you follow safety procedures even when a supervisor isn't nearby, whether you handle equipment responsibly, and whether you raise your hand when something goes wrong. Ethics are about doing the right thing when it would be easier not to. In our industry, ethical shortcuts can get people hurt. They damage equipment. They cost jobs. They end careers early. And they don't stay hidden for long. The associates who last, the ones who get promoted, trusted, and grow, are the ones management never has to worry about regarding rules and procedures being followed. And that makes me think about commitment. I made like 25 commitment forms this year for a host of different positions. I think, somewhere along the way, the idea of job commitment got twisted. Now, commitment doesn't mean giving your life to a company. It simply means doing what we said we'd do, showing up when we said we would, being dependable, taking responsibility for our role, and understanding that our actions affect others. Sounds simple right? In a warehouse, one person not doing their job can create downstream chaos. Missed picks, delayed trucks, overtime, safety risks, all because someone decided their role wasn't that important. We learned this year that they are all important. I forgot what episode we said, Every role matters. Every shift matters. Every decision matters. Commitment isn't old-fashioned, we just need to bring it back into the fold! Oh, here's one, I hear it all the time, and you know it makes me frown. It's just a warehouse job. No, it's a professional environment with real risk, real responsibility, and real opportunity. Professionalism shows up in how we speak to our coworkers and supervisors. How we handle feedback, how we accept and wear our PPE, and how you treat equipment and safety procedures. One thing I shared with an unloader this week was, you don't become professional after you get promoted. Professionalism is what earns you that promotion. People notice the associate who listens, adapts, and carries themselves with respect. They also notice the ones who complain, argue, and resist direction. In the light industrial world, following instructions isn't about control, it's about safety, efficiency, and consistency. We learned this year that procedures are written because someone got hurt, or something was damaged, time was lost, or money was wasted. You don't need to like every instruction. And you don't need to agree with every process. But we do need to follow them. As long as there legal and safe. I have a picture hanging in my office, a quote from Vince Lombardy that says, The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will. I read that every Monday morning! Another thing we learned this year is that If you're doing the same job the same way you did two years ago, you're falling behind, even if you're good at it. Technology changes. Equipment changes. Expectations change. Learning doesn't always mean formal training. It can mean us asking better questions or more questions, watching how the top performers work, and understanding the why behind the process, oh and accepting coaching without getting defensive. I think the most career damaging words in any operation are, that's how we've always done it. For me, constant improvement is a mindset. Improvement doesn't require massive changes. It just needs small, consistent adjustments. Better communication. Better time management. And better focus. Those small improvements compound over time. And over a 20-, 30-, or 40-year career, they make a massive difference. I'm living proof of that! OK, enough of 2025! And although this is my magical time of year, goals don't magically work because the calendar changes. If you and I want 2026 to be different, you and I need, Clear expectations, Measurable goals, and to hold ourselves accountable, even when it's uncomfortable and gets tough. We need to ask ourselves, what skill do I need to improve? What habit do I need to change? What behavior is holding me back? I write those answers down and talk about them, and I revisit them monthly. And I want to talk about the part nobody explains clearly enough to us. The end goal of this game isn't just a paycheck. The end goal is retirement with health, dignity, and options. That means protecting your body, avoiding injuries, managing stress, saving consistently, and making smart career moves. You don't wake up one day ready to retire, we have to build toward it slowly, intentionally, and patiently. Another way to put it is plan for it! Every safe shift, every certification, every promotion, every smart financial decision gets you closer. As we close out 2025, remember this, You don't have to be perfect, but you do have to be intentional. Ethics matter. Commitment matters. Professionalism matters. And learning matters. And the choices we make today shape the options we'll have tomorrow. So lets all plan with purpose. Work with pride. And never forget, this isn't just a job. It's a career, and it's leading us somewhere. So welcome to 2026, another 52 weeks to change what we want! Let's have fun with it, be safe doing it, and make it the best and safest work year yet.

Ghosting has become a two-way street in today's hiring world. Job seekers feel like recruiters disappear after they send in their application or even after a face-to-face interview. Recruiters, on the other hand, feel that applicants vanish just as often, not showing up for interviews, not returning calls, or even skipping their first day after completing the entire onboarding process. And at the same time, recruiters are overwhelmed with applicants who apply for jobs they're not qualified for or who have no experience in the industry at all.  In our light industrial, warehousing, and logistics sectors, I feel this problem is amplified. These environments move fast. Productivity, shipping schedules, and labor shortages collide with the reality of high turnover, long shifts, and job seekers searching for stability. Somewhere in the middle of all that, communication breaks down, and both sides are feeling frustrated.  I'm Marty with Warehouse and Operations as a Career and today I want to take a look at these frustrations and talk about what’s going on and what both sides could do a little differently.  I hear from applicants that Recruiters don't care about me. When an applicant submits a resume or fills out an online application, they often attach hope to it. They picture the job, the schedule, the pay, and what it would mean for their family. When they don't hear back quickly, or at all, it can feel personal. One person shared with me that there are too many automated systems, and not enough real interaction.  I'd have to agree that most companies now rely on automated applicant tracking systems. These systems filter applications, sort resumes, and may even generate a generic we've received your application email. The problem is that applicants crave human feedback. When all they get is an automated message and no follow-up, they assume they've been ignored. And when they do talk to someone, only to never hear back again, it feels like being dismissed all over again.  It's important to remember the fast pace of the industry though. Warehousing and manufacturing don't slow down. Recruiters are juggling open orders, client requests, resignations, no-shows, and internal deadlines, all at the same time. When 100 people apply for a forklift job, and only 12 actually meet the minimum requirements, it's simply not feasible to call each of the remaining 88 applicants personally to explain why they are not qualified.  Applicants interpret this as ghosting, but, or I feel, in most cases it's not intentional. It's more of a bandwidth issue.  I recently had a hiring agent tell me that applicants don't always realize they don't meet the requirements. And I think this is an uncomfortable truth, but an important one.  Many applicants may believe, If I apply, maybe they'll call and train me. Or I've been in a warehouse before, so I can drive a forklift or pick it up really quick, I'm a fast learner. Or maybe they could be thinking, I'm sure they'll make an exception.  I'm certain recruiters wish they could take more chances, but safety regulations, productivity metrics, and client expectations don't allow it. Some jobs simply require knowledge, certifications, or experience that the applicant doesn’t have yet.  When an applicant assumes they're qualified and the recruiter sees clearly that they are not, the communication gap widens, and silence can feel like disrespect.  Looking for work is stressful. You may have seen our webinar Looking for work is hard work. When a candidate feels rejected, especially without explanation, it hits hard. They may assume they weren't good enough. Their experience isn't valuable. And that recruiters don't care. And with that mindset, even small delays can feel like we're being ghosted.  And the recruiter's perspective is that applicants disappear just as much, sometimes more! Recruiters feel the ghosting too, and in many cases, the impact is heavier on them because it affects production, client expectations, and the entire shift lineup. Even their pay, or commission.   Let’s see, I had a list of what a recruiter friend called her pain points. Here it is. Ok, number 1, The No-Call, No-Show Interview. This is one of the biggest frustrations recruiters faces. They schedule interviews, send reminders, follow up with calls and texts and then the applicant simply doesn't show up. No message, no explanation. Sometimes the recruiter learns the applicant accepted a competing offer. Sometimes they don't find out anything at all.  Number 2. is dropping out after the job offer. Even after a successful interview and onboarding, applicants stop answering calls. They disappear after receiving the offer. They accept the job but then take a different offer with a higher pay rate. Recruiters understand, people need to do what's best for themselves and their families. But when deadlines are tight and clients are waiting, this ghosting creates real operational challenges. A phone call could go a long way. I always think about not burning bridges. Of course I'm going to take the better job, but who knows. I may need to reach back out to this recruiter someday!  Alright, number 3. The most painful ghosting, not showing up on the first day. Remember or recent episode titled NCNS? Anyway, this one is devastating for clients and recruiters. After investing time, energy, paperwork, background checks, and orientation, the applicant simply does not show. And many never call to explain why.  In the light industrial field, where schedules are built tightly around shift needs, one missing person can throw off picking rates, loading times, assembly line speeds, shipping windows, and overall productivity.  Recruiters and hiring agents understand that emergencies happen. Cars break down. Kids get sick. People change their minds. But the absence of communication leaves recruiters scrambling, often long after the applicant has already moved on.  In my opinion, or the way I look at it, by the way, that and a dollar will get you a donut, but I feel Ghosting isn't really about disrespect. It's more about fear, stress, assumptions, and misaligned expectations.  Here are my thoughts towards the root causes of driving the cycle. Theres too much automation, not enough human contact. Technology sped up the hiring process but it also removed the personal element both sides need. And job seekers apply to dozens of positions at once. One-click applications mean applicants may not even remember all the jobs they applied for. Recruiters then spend hours calling candidates who barely recall applying. And a big one, many applicants apply for jobs they aren't qualified for. Not out of laziness, but out of hope. Here's one I experienced this week. Recruiters are managing heavy workloads. When you're trying to fill 20 positions by tomorrow, one on one follow-up becomes impossible.  It's easy for all of us to assume the worst. Applicants think, They didn't call, so I must not matter. Recruiters think, If they're not answering now, they won't show up on the job. These assumptions kill communication before it even begins. And quite frankly I think their cop outs and ridiculous!   So, now that we know all that, how can, us as applicants, reduce the chance of being ghosted. While nothing eliminates ghosting entirely, here are ways we can dramatically increase our chances of hearing back and staying in the running. First, lets apply only to jobs we meet the minimum qualifications for. This shows the recruiter you're serious and saves you both time. Next, answer our phone and check voicemail. I know, we're all getting 10 spam calls a day so we screen them. But remember, a recruiter may be making 50 calls for our position. Recruiters move fast. Missing a call by two hours can mean the position is already filled. Here is one few of us do. We shouldn’t have to but it helps. Follow up professionally. A simple message, voice mail or email, goes a long way, Hi, just checking on the status of my application. I'm still very interested. And lets be honest about our schedule and abilities. Recruiters will respect transparency. And lastly, if you change your mind, tell someone. Closing the loop builds a good reputation, especially with agencies you may want to work with later.  OK, so how can recruiters do more to reduce ghosting from us applicants? I know that recruiters can't fix every no-show, but they can improve engagement. They can communicate early and clearly. Us applicants respond better when we know timelines and expectations upfront. Maybe send short, personal texts. A text feels more human than an automated email. Or an email with our name in it! And her is a big one. Explain the job requirements before the interview. List details in your ad. This prevents surprises and encourages honesty from us. As recruiters, you are busy, very busy, but try and treat applicants with respect, even when declining them. Don't make us feel bad and leave us with no hope!  Candidates remember how they were treated. Remember we still have to search for a position.  Oh yeah, and please avoid overselling the job. Honesty builds that long-term trust.  Everybody wants the same thing right? Applicants want stability, fair pay, communication, and a chance. Recruiters want reliable workers, honest communication, safety, and productivity. Neither side wakes up intending to ghost anyone most of the time, the silence isn't personal, it's situational.  When both sides understand the pressures the other is under, communication gets better, expectations align, and opportunities become clearer. Ghosting might not disappear entirely, but it loses a bit of its sting. And more importantly, it opens the door to better hiring relationships where respect runs in both directions.  Now that one of the larger opportunities in our industry is solved, we'll call it a wrap. Seriously though, we're all people, our needs and agendas are different, but we can and should help each other when it comes to our professional lives. Have a great week and be safe in all you do. We want to see you back here next week.

David Greek, Managing Partner at Greek Real Estate Partners, joins The New Warehouse to unpack industrial real estate trends. Greek Real Estate Partners is a third-generation, New Jersey–based firm managing more than 22 million square feet across the region. Their latest project, the 4-million-square-foot Linden Logistics Center, offers a firsthand look at how construction challenges, economic cycles, public sentiment, and logistics demand all collide.In this episode, David walks through the evolution of this site and how market forces have changed since 2017. He shares why industrial development now sits at the center of economic and community conversations. His insights offer a grounded look at where warehouse real estate is heading—and why operators should pay attention.Learn more about The Brecham Group here. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

Our guest on this week's episode is Bill Catania, founder & CEO of OneRail. Christmas will be here before we know it – just a couple of weeks to go. For shippers, that means one final push to get all of those future presents where they need to be. What are the trends driving this year's peak season? Our guest shares what he has seen from his base of retail customers.  Ben Ames shares about a new report from industrial  real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield that says that 2026 could be a little better, at least in terms of commercial real estate than it has been his past year. That category includes office, industrial, multifamily, and retail, so a broad area but it includes things like the warehouses and brick and mortar stores that we cover for the magazine. They said that after the “extraordinary macroeconomic uncertainty” of the past year, the U.S. commercial real estate (CRE) sector could enter 2026 with renewed momentum, clearer visibility, and growing optimism - and a lot of it has to do with the growth of AI data centers.One of Victoria Kickham's stories in the December issue of DC Velocity deals with automated truck loading and unloading. This is a topic that's of growing interest across the industry; we see more and more robotics vendors tackling this physically demanding job – which many in the industry will tell you is probably the worst job in the warehouse. The story also digs into the rising cost of warehouse labor and how new approaches to robotics can help with that – specifically, the rise of robotics-as-a-service models and special leasing programs can help alleviate the capital expenses involved in purchasing robotics.Supply Chain Xchange  also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane.  It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series is now available on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions  Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:OneRailAI investment boom rescues U.S. economy from extraordinary macroeconomic uncertaintyRobots to the rescueVisit Supply Chain XchangeListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.comThis podcast episode is sponsored by: ID LabelOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY

Our guest on this week's episode is Marc Schaffer, principal economist at Breakthrough Fuel. Sometime in the new year we will likely find out whether the huge mega-merger between two historic railroads will go through. Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern aim to join forces to create a true transcontinental railroad. But it's not without controversy. What will the effects be on our nation's supply chains? This week's guest offers some insights. Warehouses are getting smarter every day. A study released just after Thanksgiving shows that artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are no longer just experimental tools but are becoming core drivers of productivity, accuracy, and workforce evolution in the warehouse. This is according to a study from Mecalux and the MIT Intelligent Logistics Systems Lab at MIT's Center for Transportation and Logistics. This week we reported on a story about the people behind AI and other leading edge technologies. It wasn't about the software coders who write the instructions for AI and large language models and other platforms. But rather it was about the electricians and manufacturing experts who keep all this stuff running. The reports came from Siemens USA, the American arm of the German industrial technology provider, and they announced a plan to train 200,000 electricians and manufacturing experts by 2030. Supply Chain Xchange  also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane.  It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series is now available on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions  Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:Breakthrough FuelStudy: AI now imbedded in 60% of warehousesSiemens USA plans to hire 200,000 electricians and manufacturing experts by 2030Visit Supply Chain XchangeListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.comThis podcast episode is sponsored by: ID LabelOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY

Kevin chats with attorneys Faith Miros and Mark Wendaur of Offit Kurman to break down the legal realities shaping warehouse and logistics operations today. Offit Kurman is a national full-service law firm with more than 300 attorneys advising business owners across the full lifecycle of their organizations. In the warehouse sector, Faith focuses on real estate, zoning, environmental compliance, and industrial leasing. Meanwhile, Mark concentrates on transactional work, contracts, financing, and governance. Together, they unpack how operators can protect themselves from legal risks in warehousing. Their insights reveal how legal strategy increasingly influences location decisions, customer relationships, and the long-term stability of warehousing operations.Learn more about Brecham Group here. Learn more about Endpoint and give Gary a break here. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

Martin Forde is the co-founder and partner at Highline Brands, a retail brokerage built for modern CPG and emerging brands. As the first sales hire at Dr. Squatch, he helped lead the brand's Walmart launch—which did over $50M in year one and set the foundation for a $1.5B exit to Unilever.In this episode of DTC Pod, Martin shares the full playbook for making the leap from DTC to retail. He breaks down how to evaluate which channels make sense, what buyers actually care about (hint: it's not your brand), how to pitch them, and how to choose the right brokerage partner. He also gets into the operational side: how deals are structured, why retail timelines take longer than most founders expect, and what actually drives velocity on shelf.Episode brought to you by StordInteract with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. When to consider retail (and when you're not ready)2. Independent retail vs. major retailers: where to start3. The old DTC-first playbook vs. the new hybrid approach4. Understanding your consumer and choosing the right retailer5. What buyers actually care about (hint: category growth, not your brand)6. Three ways to reach buyers: cold outreach, inbound, or through a broker7. Why and when to say no to a retailer8. How brokers work: deal structures, retainers vs. commission, red flags9. The 9-12 month timeline from first conversation to shelf10. Merchandising and digital tactics that drive velocity on shelfTimestamps00:00 Martin Forde's background and experience in CPG03:14 Launching and scaling brands into retail04:20 Key lessons from Dr. Squatch retail rollout07:30 Dr. Squatch's early days and pent-up retail demand09:39 Defining “why retail” and evaluating retail opportunities10:38 Understanding independent retail channels and platforms15:14 Retail supply chain basics: MOQs, case packs, and 3PLs17:46 Testing and iterating supply chain through small-scale channels18:56 Leveraging online marketplaces (Faire, Thrive, Bubble)23:33 Deciding when to break into retail; timing and strategy24:44 Comparing DTC-first and direct-to-retail playbooks29:28 Raising capital, prepping for retail, and first retail sale process30:57 How to approach retail buyers and pitch34:03 Different ways to reach retail buyers: direct outreach, inbound, brokerages39:51 Working with brokers: models, deal structures, and choosing a partner50:29 Preparing retail pitch materials and buyer presentations51:39 Identifying category white space and incremental value54:53 Merchandising and digital tactics for retail success57:06 Where to connect with Martin Forde and closing thoughtsShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokMartin Forde - Co-Founder of Highline BrandsBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Welcome back to another episode of Warehouse and Operations as a Career. I'm Marty, and today I want to talk about something a listener asked a few weeks ago. How does one choose a career, and more specifically, how do they end up in the light industrial, warehousing, and transportation fields.  One of the things I've learned over the decades is that very few people wake up at 18 years old and say, I'm going to be a forklift operator, or I'm going to build a career in a distribution center.  In my opinion most careers aren't chosen, they're found. They're shaped by our experiences, opportunities, influences, and sometimes just plain necessity.  But once people get here, once they get that first real taste of what this work is like, the stability, the opportunity, the teamwork, a lot of them stay. And that's what I'd like to talk about today.  Let's start with a simple truth: most people don't choose a career the way a high school guidance counselor might describe it. It's not a straight line.   It's often a mix of exposure, timing, skill, personality, and need.  Let me try and make that make sense. Many of us choose careers based on what we've seen growing up. If your parents, uncles, or neighbors worked in a warehouse or drove trucks, that's what you were exposed to. If your first job was unloading trucks at a retail store or working seasonal shifts for a local DC, that experience sticks with you. My father was president of a regional catalogue distribution center. From a young age I was exposed to the warehouse, all the inbound and outbound chaos and seeing all the equipment in action. I was in DECA in high school, my junior and senior years I went to school half a day and then off to work after that. Distributive Education Clubs of America was an eye opener for me and helped point me towards a work ethic I still hold today. Anyway, I digress a bit there. What was I talking about. Ok, I don't know where I was going, I think I wanted to mention my first jobs we're in a warehouse because I had an in to those distribution centers! All that's a story for another episode.    I think a lot of young people today enter this industry because a friend says, Hey, my place is hiring, or they hear that a local warehouse pays a few dollars more per hour than their retail job. That's what I mean by exposure.  You can't choose what you don't know exists.  Now, in our world, once someone takes that first general labor position or that first shift at loading trailers, something happens. They either realize it's not for them, or they say, You know what, I think I like this.  And that's often the moment their career begins, sometimes without them even realizing it.   Another major factor I mentioned earlier is need. Jobs are often chosen because someone needs a paycheck this week, not a degree three years from now. And that's one of the biggest advantages of the light industrial and warehousing world, it is accessible.  You don't need an ivy league education. You don't need months of training. A good staffing agency or warehouse can hire you, orient you, and get you earning a paycheck quickly in a week.  For someone supporting a family, or someone just starting out and needing to get on their feet, that's huge. A lot of careers begin because the industry said, we'll give you a chance right now.   People also lean into what they're naturally good at. Some people are hands-on workers. Some learn best by doing. Some have great attention to detail. Others thrive in louder, busier environments.  Warehousing fits a wide range of capabilities. If you like movement, there's selecting, loading, unloading. If you like operating equipment, there's forklift, rider pallet jacks, and PIT operation. If you're detail-oriented, there's inventory control and quality assurance. If you're a natural leader, there's a path from lead to supervisor to manager.  Many people choose this industry simply because they discover, sometimes accidentally  that the work fits who they are.  We sometimes forget that personality drives career choice as well. Some individuals do not want to sit at a desk. They don't want to be in customer service all day. They want to move, think, act, sweat, accomplish, and see their results.  Warehousing and transportation offer that. Every shift has a measurable outcome. Pallets moved. Trailers loaded. Orders filled. Goals hit or exceeded. For the right personality, that environment feels rewarding, even energizing.   And this might be the most important factor of all. A single person can completely influence someone's career path. Our mentors, even unknown mentors, have a lot more influence on us than we may realize. Maybe it was a supervisor who said, you'd be great on a forklift, let's get you trained. Maybe it was a lead who showed you how to wrap a pallet right and said, you're picking this up fast. Maybe it was a trainer who spent extra time showing you a safer way to work and said, I see potential in you, you'll be able to take my place one day. That's 3 true examples I experienced.  Those moments matter. They turn jobs into careers. They help people believe in themselves, sometimes for the first time.   And then let's be honest, sometimes people end up in a job simply because it was the easiest open door. They applied. They got hired. They started. And they stayed. And there's nothing wrong with that. Many long, successful careers begin by chance. But what matters is what happens after that first step.  So now, let's talk about why so many workers who enter this field end up staying and building entire careers here. There are a lot of reasons. Not everyone is meant for college. And not everyone wants it. Warehousing levels the playing field. You can start with a high school diploma, a GED, or just the willingness to learn. You don't need prior experience. You don't need certifications. You don't need years of training. If you show up consistently and work safely, the industry will teach you everything else. That opens doors for thousands of workers who want a real career but don't have access to college or technical schools or the time those commitments take to start earning.    One of the biggest advantages of our field is that advancement is based on performance, not the politics. A general laborer who works hard, shows up every day, and follows safety rules and procedures can move from position to position quickly. I see it all the time. General labor to Forklift operator, Forklift operator to Lead, Lead to Supervisor, Supervisor to Manager, and Manager to Operations leadership like Director or Vice president.   If you want to climb the ladder, the ladder is there, and it's real. I've seen people go from sweeping floors to running departments. I've even seen people go on to run entire facilities.  That's the beauty of this career path, you can grow as fast as your attitude and effort will carry you.  People sometimes think warehousing is just moving boxes. But as we've learned this last couple of quarters, this industry is incredibly diverse. There are roles in Equipment operation, Inventory control, Quality assurance, I should have made some notes here, what else, oh, Replenishment, Receiving, Shipping, Dispatch, Transportation, building Maintenance, and two of my favorites Safety, Training, many different Management positions, and even HR and recruiting.  The variety gives us workers options. We can grow sideways, upward, or into completely new areas, all within the same building. What other industry can give us all that!    And many entry-level associates discover quickly that general labor in a warehouse pays several dollars more per hour than retail or food service. Then they see the overtime opportunities. The shift premiums. And the potential bonuses. Suddenly, they're not just earning a paycheck, they're earning a living. I think this is one of the top reasons people stay. Warehousing and transportation reward productivity and effort. And that motivates workers to commit to the industry long-term. One of my opinions for free!   Some people need to feel accomplished. They want to look back at the end of the shift and say, everything is all wrapped up.  Warehousing gives them that. You see progress. You see results. You see the work you put in. You don't have to wonder if you made an impact, you can see it in the cases picked, pallets stacked, trailers loaded, and shift goals achieved. That sense of accomplishment always kept me coming back for the next shift.  And It's a Stable, Growing Industry Let's face it, the supply chain isn't going anywhere. Even during recessions, warehouses keep running. Even during pandemics, trucks keep moving. People always need, Food, home Products, Medications, and Supplies. And as e-commerce continues to grow, so does the demand for distribution centers, fulfillment centers, cross-docks, last-mile delivery, and transportation. Workers like stability. They like knowing their job will still be here tomorrow. Warehousing and the supply chain offers that.  And this industry teaches skills we can take anywhere, equipment operation, Safety practices, systems and RF scanners, Inventory processes, Quality checks, Time management, the importance of accuracy and Leadership and communication. These aren't just job skills, there our they're career skills. And once you have them, you're employable in almost any warehouse or distribution environment across the country.  Another thing I've always loved about the industry is how Warehouses are often 24/7 operations. That means people can choose shifts that work best for them and the family, mornings, afternoons, nights, weekends, or rotating even schedules. For young parents, students, or workers with second jobs, that flexibility can be a major advantage.  I feel, when you look at the big picture, people choose warehousing, light industrial, and transportation careers because they see opportunity. These industries offer that chance to start immediately, a chance to earn a good wage, the opportunity to grow fast and to learn valuable skills that can support our family and to build a long-term, stable career.  And the most important part? They provide it to anyone willing to work, show up, stay safe, and take pride in what they do. So, if you're new to this industry or you're just getting started, or if you're trying to find your path, know this. You don't have to have all the answers today. You don't need to have your life all figured out. You just need to start. Build skills. Learn. Ask questions. Show up. Stay safe. Take pride in your work.    As you know I could talk about operations all day, so I'll move on and say thanks for joining me today, and thanks for being part of an industry that keeps America running. Until next week, stay safe, stay focused, and keep building your career one shift at a time!

Discover how digital shipment tracking and mobile apps will revolutionize warehouse efficiency and service levels by 2026. Learn about real-time visibility, predictive capabilities, and offline data capture that drive cost savings, improve inventory management, and meet rising customer expectations for transparency. More info at https://www.alphasoftware.com/ Alpha Software City: Burlington Address: 70 Blanchard Road Website: https://www.alphasoftware.com/

In "Orchestrating Chaos: Lully's Take on the Top Warehousing Challenges", Joe Lynch and Mike Myers, the Founder and CEO of Lully.ai discuss how to supercharge existing Warehouse Management Systems with bolt-on algorithms for labor and cost savings. About Mike Myers Mike Myers is the Founder and CEO of Lully.ai, a bolt on technology that allows warehouses to ship more orders on time, with fewer resources, using the equipment, capabilities, and systems you already have. Mike's career has included roles at a large apparel brand, multiple national 3PL leaders, and finally a automation firm focused on autonomous vehicles. Mike describes himself as "obsessed with warehouses," and it shows! About Lully.ai Lully.ai helps customers drive both cost and labor savings, by leveraging a combination of simple operating rules and world-class algorithms, all available via API. Their approach enables you to supercharge your WMS without the typical pains of technology integration. Lully's focus is on making the work easier for the team on the floor; less travel, fewer location visits, better utilized equipment. The end result is happier employees and bolstered bottom lines. Key Takeaways: Orchestrating Chaos: Lully's Take on the Top Warehousing Challenges The "Orchestrating Chaos" Philosophy: Warehousing challenges are framed not as insurmountable problems, but as "chaos" that can be "orchestrated" using smart, targeted technology. The core message is that efficiency is found in harmonizing existing equipment and processes, rather than in complete overhauls. Supercharge, Don't Replace (The "Bolt-On" Approach): Lully.ai's solution is a "bolt on technology... available via API." This takeaway emphasizes that warehouses can achieve massive optimization by supercharging their existing WMS without the typical high-cost and painful technology integration, making advanced algorithms accessible and fast to deploy. The Dual Bottom Line Focus: The solution directly addresses the two critical pressures in logistics: driving both cost and labor savings. The algorithms are designed to improve the financial bottom line while simultaneously tackling the labor crisis by making floor work more efficient. Human-Centric Optimization: Lully.ai translates optimization directly into benefits for the floor team, leading to happier employees. Key improvements include significantly less travel, fewer location visits, and better utilized equipment, which reduces fatigue, increases accuracy, and improves retention. Experience-Driven Solution: Mike Myers' diverse background—which spans a large apparel brand, 3PL leaders, and autonomous vehicle automation—provides a unique, holistic, and deeply practical understanding of warehouse operations. This real-world expertise informs a solution that is grounded in operational necessity. The Algorithm/Rules Combination: The technology's effectiveness stems from blending "simple operating rules and world-class algorithms." This suggests that complex optimization is delivered via practical, easily adoptable rules, ensuring the technology is not only intelligent but also simple for floor managers and workers to implement. Maximizing Existing Assets (Capital-Light Efficiency): A major takeaway for warehouse leaders is that the solution helps ship more orders on time, with fewer resources, using the equipment, capabilities, and systems you already have. This focus on maximizing current assets offers a capital-light path to high-performance warehousing. Learn More About Orchestrating Chaos: Lully's Take on the Top Warehousing Challenges Mike Myers | Linkedin Lully.ai | Linkedin Lully.ai Lully.ai | YouTube Logistics of Logistics Listeners special offer The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube

When it comes to improving warehouse performance, Chris Hamley, Managing Partner of The Brecham Group, believes in keeping things simple: make operations suck less. In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with both Chris Hamley and Pete Allen, a returning guest and now one of the newest members of The Brecham Group. Together, they explore what that mantra truly means and how it shapes the firm's approach to operational turnarounds in warehousing. This episode blends real-world lessons, cultural insight, and practical advice from two leaders who have spent their careers on the warehouse floor.Learn more about Endpoint and give Gary a break here. Learn more about The Brecham Group here. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:17532056201798502,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-9437-3289"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");pt> The [DS]/[CB] are still pushing the climate hoax, they will not stop, they believe they are still in control. Layoffs surge because of DOGE, this is to be expected as we transition. Oil prices are dropping and food prices are dropping. The [DS]/[CB] are trying to stop Trump using tariffs, this will fail. The [DS] is being brought down a path of destruction, they are now replacing the old D's with far left candidates. Never interfere with an enemy while they are in the process of destroying themselves. Trump is going to use Mamdani to win the midterms. This will also lead into making the Muslim Brotherhood and terrorist organization. Trump sees the [DS] trying to divide the movement, he sent a message that the fight is not over.   Economy https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/1986458865743855736 October Layoffs Surge Most Since 2003 Amid Cost-Cutting, AI Adoption, Challenger Data Shows    companies slashing 153,000 jobs, nearly triple last year's total and the highest for that month since 2003, according to a new report from outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. Technology and warehousing jobs led the layoffs, mostly because companies are slashing folks who were hired during the pandemic-era overhiring period.  "This is the highest total for October in over 20 years, and the highest total for a single month in the fourth quarter since 2008. Like in 2003, a disruptive technology is changing the landscape." " Source: Bloomberg  Which industries cut the most in October? Technology: 33,281 cuts in October (up from 5,639 in September); 141,159 YTD (+17% y/y). Warehousing: 47,878 cuts (up from 984); 90,418 YTD (+378% y/y) — signaling automation and excess capacity post-pandemic.   Reasons for the cuts: "DOGE Impact" remains the leading reason for job cut announcements in 2025, cited in 293,753 planned layoffs so far this year. This includes direct reductions to the Federal workforce and its contractors. An additional 20,976 cuts have been attributed to DOGE Downstream Impact, which reflects the loss of federal funding to private and non-profit entities. In October alone, Cost-Cutting was the top reason employers cited for job reductions, responsible for 50,437 announced layoffs. Artificial Intelligence (AI) was the second-most cited factor, leading to 31,039 job cuts as companies continue to restructure and automate. AI has been cited for 48,414 job cuts this year.   Source: zerohedge.com (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:18510697282300316,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-8599-9832"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");  https://twitter.com/KobeissiLetter/status/1986155277478187495 https://twitter.com/MJTruthUltra/status/1986239717172560316  matter what. The answer is, these judges are going to side with Donald Trump.” **Section 232** refers to a provision in the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (specifically, 19 U.S.C. § 1862), which grants the U.S. President broad authority to impose tariffs, quotas, or other trade restrictions on imports deemed a threat to national security.  It empowers the President to act unilaterally if imports could impair U.S. national security, such as by weakening domestic industries critical to defense (e.g., steel or aluminum production). - The Department of Commerce conducts an investigation (typically 270 days) to assess the im...

Our guest on this week's episode is Abdil Tunca, senior principal analyst at Gartner's Supply Chain Practice. While we aren't quite yet to the era of the Jetsons, we have seen some remarkable advancements in robotics over the past few years. In fact, many future supply chain managers may be managing more robots than human workers. What will that be like? Our guest has some insights.The trucking industry, and especially the truckload sector, has been in a market slump that has lasted a few years now. Recently there have been some new rules out of Washington that may offer some relief. How is the industry reacting to them?Demand for industrial real estate—which includes warehousing and logistics space—surged in the third quarter, according to a report from real estate firm Colliers. The company's Q3 U.S. Industrial Market Statistics report forecasts a stabilizing industrial landscape that is poised for growth, marked by stronger demand and slowing development. Supply Chain Xchange  also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane.  It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series is now available on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions  Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:GartnerAnalysts: Federal efforts to shrink excess trucking capacity could take timeIndustrial real estate demand surges in Q3Visit Supply Chain XchangeListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.comThis podcast episode is sponsored by:  Storage SolutionsOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY

Kevin chats with John Santagate, former Senior Vice President of Global Robotics at Infios, to unpack the latest developments in warehouse robotics. Infios, formerly Körber Supply Chain, has emerged as a leader in integrating warehouse execution systems, mobile robotics, and voice solutions. With recent acquisitions, such as MercuryGate TMS, and continued investments in order management and freight audit tools, Infios is building a robust portfolio that bridges software and automation. In this conversation, John highlights the critical role of software in robotics, the current state of the mobile robotics market, and the growing debate surrounding humanoids in warehouse operations.Learn more about The Brecham Group here. Get better visibility with Surgere. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

Joe Dunlap is a veteran of the supply chain industry, with stints at UPS, Accenture, and CBRE. VEDP Vice President of Logistics Eric Jehu spoke with Dunlap about the warehousing ecosystem in Virginia and nationally, how to better incorporate supply chain issues into site selection, and the concept of warehousing as infrastructure.

Kevin chats with Alon Peleg, COO of aiOla, about how voice AI is transforming warehouse operations. AiOla is a voice AI lab that develops technology to convert unstructured spoken data into structured, actionable insights for industries such as logistics, aviation, and manufacturing. Instead of relying on keyboards, tablets, or outdated paper processes, workers can now interact naturally with systems in their own language. The conversation highlights why voice AI is advancing beyond legacy picking tools, how it handles accents, jargon, and noisy environments, and why it's accelerating adoption across the supply chain. As Peleg explains, aiOla's vision is for “1 billion frontline employees [to] stop typing or using pens and paper and [start] doing what they're used to do. It's speaking to the machines.”Get better visibility with Surgere. Get your free ID Label sample right here. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

How do you turn a freight brokerage's operational chaos into excellence and customer confidence? Let's hear from Dave Gutierrez of OLIMP Warehousing, sharing how his team delivers flexible, on-demand storage solutions that help brokers handle rejected loads, missed appointments, and tight delivery windows without breaking a sweat! We delve into building lasting trust through proactive communication, how rigorous warehouse vetting keeps freight safe, and why embracing complex “ugly freight” can actually give brokers a massive competitive edge in the business!   About Dave Gutierrez Dave is a twenty-year veteran of the logistics business, both as a broker and as a shipper. He has a super-useful BA in creative writing from the University of Illinois and an ostensibly more relevant MBA from Loyola Chicago to go with it. Currently he is the Vice President and Sales at OLIMP Warehousing, a provider of flexible on-demand warehousing solutions. He lives in the suburbs of Chicago with his family--wife, two excellent children, and two badly behaved labrador retrievers.    Connect with Dave Website: https://olimpwarehousing.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davegutierrez-transportation/   

Sometimes the best ideas are the simplest and seem the most obvious in hindsight. Co-warehousing is one of these ideas. Co-warehousing was created for small, often start-up businesses to rent smaller spaces for shorter periods of time. These spaces are typically sub-1000 s/ft, as small as 250 s/ft, which are desirable to entrepreneurs who can be moving out of a home office or storage space, or just starting out. Co-warehousing also offers these tenants shared amenities. Jeff Jenkins, Vice President of Acquisitions for WareSpace, was the second employee back in 2021 and is responsible for expanding the company's footprint nationwide.

Our guest on this week's episode is Clete Cordero, vice president of pricing and traffic at Southeastern Freight Lines. He is also chairman of the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA). In July, NMFTA introduced a new system of freight classification to the trucking industry. The new system is design to streamline freight classes by basing it shipments on density and dimensions rather than on commodity type. Our guest shares how the industry is responding to the new classification system and how both shippers and carriers are adapting to it.A lot of people in transportation and logistics this week have seen the video of a shipping container accident at the Port of Long Beach, where several stacks of containers tumbled off a ship that had recently arrived at the port. Coincidently this week, a new report from the World Shipping Council urges stronger safety measures for ocean cargo. We discuss the areas where more safety is needed and what's behind the current problems.A challenging business climate is placing increased strain on procurement departments—and it's slowing their ability to respond quickly and manage risk. This is according to a report from procurement software company Oro Labs. The research findings come from the company's inaugural State of Enterprise Procurement Ability Report. We share some of the report's findings. Supply Chain Xchange  also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane.  It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series is now available on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions  Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:Southeastern Freight LinesNational Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA)WSC flags gaps in cargo safety checks for ocean freightReport: Procurement under pressureVisit Supply Chain XchangeListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.comThis podcast episode is sponsored by: DHL Supply ChainOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITYJoin the Logistics Matters team at CSCMP EDGE 2025, October 5-8 at the Gaylord in Washington, D.C. Go to CSCMP.org to find out more.

Natan Bershtel is the Director of Business Development at Pelagic, a fractional supply chain partner for growing brands and CPG companies. Before Pelagic, Natan spent nearly 20 years as a public school teacher before joining and eventually running his family's contract packaging business—where he worked with iconic names like Seed, Liquid IV, Celsius, and Element. After his company's exit, Natan teamed up with John Morgan to help brands avoid common operational pitfalls and build supply chains that scale.In this episode of DTC Pod, Natan breaks down what it takes to build a resilient supply chain at every stage of brand growth. He shares practical strategies to avoid common pitfalls, tips on sourcing the right partners, and insights on how successful brands approach manufacturing, fulfillment, and logistics. Natan also highlights why supply chain is core to a brand's success and how founders can create real competitive advantages by making supply chain decisions based on quality, relationships, and flexibility.Episode brought to you by StordInteract with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Importance of supply chain in DTC and omnichannel brands2. Key players: sourcing, manufacturing, co-packers, 3PLs, and fulfillment3. Differences in supply chain needs for emerging vs. established brands4. Supply chain pitfalls and how to avoid them5. Vetting, relationship-building, and collaboration with your supply chain partners6. Overlooked areas of supply chain where founders lose time/money7. How to approach minimum order quantities and negotiations8. When to outsource fulfillment vs. doing it yourself9. Logistics of manufacturing, packaging, and distribution10. The impact of scale on supply chain decisions11. Using data and timelines to make faster, smarter choices12. Leveraging agency and partner networks for supply chain speed13. Why in-person vendor relationships are crucial14. How truly great supply chains build brand moatsTimestamps00:00 Intro and the state of supply chain in DTC01:40 Natan Bershtel's background and path to Pelagic02:24 Lessons from growing a contract packaging family business04:11 Why supply chain is the backbone of every brand05:28 The role of execution vs. creative vision in CPG07:09 How to find and vet the best manufacturing/packaging partners11:15 The agency advantage: getting reps and sharing supply chain intel12:41 Core players in bringing a product to market15:04 Aligning supply chain strategy with brand vision and goals16:56 Two playbooks for scaling: bootstrap profit vs. capital-intensive growth19:48 Timelines—how to ask supply partners the right questions21:41 How and when to ask for what you need from partners26:32 End-to-end product launch: manufacturing, packaging, and fulfillment28:42 When to move fulfillment to a 3PL (and when to keep it in-house)33:15 Tech and process innovation at leading 3PLs35:14 Strategic decisions: packaging, location, and unit economics38:58 Challenging assumptions and reviewing supply chain regularly42:08 Supply chain as brand moat and advantage44:13 Final tips: Always go in-person and build real relationshipsShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokNatan Bershtel - Director of Business Development at PelagicBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

This episode of The New Warehouse podcast comes to you on site at the 2025 Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC) conference in New Orleans.  Amin Sikander, founder and CEO of Synkrato, joined the show to unpack how artificial intelligence is reshaping warehouse operations.With more than 30 years of experience building and implementing logistics systems, Sikander is now focused on AI-powered tools that help warehouses make smarter decisions in real time. Synkrato's platform builds upon the current infrastructure to deliver dynamic optimization, simulation, and actionable insights. Support the show

For years, international toy sellers had a semi-secret shortcut to ship goods under $800 tariff free. That shortcut? Gone. And if you're not prepared, your business could feel it fast. As of August 29th, the De Minimis Exemption was officially eliminated for many international shipments to the U.S. The change, quietly confirmed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, caused immediate disruption. Over 25 countries (including the UK, Germany, and Japan) paused shipments to reassess compliance. Platforms like Temu and Wish began overhauling logistics, while DTC creators abroad faced surprise duties, delays, and frustrated customers.In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, I'm breaking down what the end of the De Minimis Exemption actually means for creators like you. This change isn't just about shipping fees and forms, it's about who wins, who loses, and how you can thrive in a newly leveled playing field.Using a mind map, I'll guide you through the four big areas impacted by this shift: the immediate chaos it's caused, what strategies and tools are suddenly more valuable, what old tricks are now holding brands back, and who's rising to the top as this new landscape takes shape.This episode is a wake-up call and a strategic roadmap, all in one.Listen for These Important Moments:[00:09:12] - Avoid tariffs and delays. Warehousing in the U.S. now gives you speed, savings, and a serious competitive edge.[00:11:53] - New customs rules are hitting Temu and Shein hard, giving legit brands room to shine and reclaim their sales.[00:21:00] - Stable SKUs and digital add-ons help offset costs and keep products flowing under new import rules.[00:25:50] - Solo sellers outside the U.S. now face bigger delays and thinner margins. Without a warehouse, you're stuck.[00:29:54] - U.S.-based creators, brands with warehousing, and fulfillment partners are leading the pack.Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail!Support the showPopular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy IdeasYour Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps >> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

Host: Cindy Allen Published: August 29, 2025 Length: ~15 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center

Our guest on this week's episode is Scott Cornell, vice president, National Practice Lead—Transportation and Inland Marine at Travelers. Summer will soon be wrapping up, but the heat of summer will be around for a few more weeks yet, at least. Too much of that heat can destroy food and other products while they are in transit. How can we protect temperature-controlled cargo? We have some tips. As we approach peak season, a new survey shows that the supply chain sector is actually feeling more confident in their fulfillment systems for 2025 than they were in 2024. The research shows that 84% expressed confidence in their fulfillment systems for 2025, compared to the 70% of executives who entered peak season confident last year.Conditions in the truckload freight market have remained stable this year but coming peak-season shipping activity is likely to test that stability. This is according to some recent data from freight brokerage RXO, which released its latest quarterly Curve report earlier this month. We share the results of that research and what it may mean for pricing and truckload capacity. Supply Chain Xchange  also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane.  It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series is now available on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions  Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:Travelers Special Investigations GroupSurvey shows supply chain pros are confident for peak season 2025Report reveals measured truckload market recoveryVisit Supply Chain XchangeListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.comPodcast is sponsored by: DHL Supply ChainOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITYJoin the Logistics Matters team at CSCMP EDGE 2025, October 5-8 at the Gaylord in Washington, D.C. Go to CSCMP.org to find out more.

In this episode of Mining Minds, we sit down with Matt and Julie Lucas at their home on Minnesota's historic Iron Range. From growing up in Hibbing and Chisholm to careers in environmental consulting, mining operations, and advocacy, Matt and Julie share their personal journeys that reflect the resilience and determination of the mining industry. Matt talks about working nearly two decades alongside his father before joining the mines, where he's now part of the steelworkers' union, keeping critical supply chains moving. Julie opens up about her path from environmental science into mining leadership, her battle with breast cancer, and her current role advocating for responsible mining and community growth. Together, they highlight their passion for service—especially through Fishing with Vets, an organization that provides healing and connection for veterans through outdoor experiences. We also dive into conversations about purpose, the future of mining, and the deep pride of living on the Iron Range. This episode is about more than mining—it's about people, perseverance, and the power of community. Join Mining Minds as we Welcome Matt & Julie Lucas to the Face! Special thanks to Julie Lucas and Talia Sandys (Mining Minnesota) and Kristen Vake (Iron Mining Association of MN) for making this episode possible. Episode Sponsors: Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals Motor Mission Machine & Radiator Liebherr Mining Episode Chapters: 1:06 Welcome to the Lucas Home 3:21 From Family Business to Mining 7:15 Warehousing, Logistics, & Hot Shots 11:38 Fishing With Vets 19:00 The Lucas Love Story 21:35 From Anti-Mining to Mining Advocate 35:37 Reconciling Environment & Mining 45:15 Advocacy & Collaboration Across Mining 54:03 Pride in the Iron Range Heritage

Our guest on this week's episode is Chris Steiner, senior vice president of product management at Dematic. In the past, automation was often viewed as nice to have. But in these days of customer expectations for speed and shortages of available workers, automation is now a "must have." We often think of automation just being placed into shiny new facilities, but a lot can be done to automate existing legacy facilities. Our guests shares about the benefits of implementations in existing "brownfield" facilities and suggests tips for making them successful. The trucking industry is asking the federal government to accelerate recent efforts to ensure safety on the nation's highways; this is in reaction to a Florida crash involving a freight truck making an illegal U-turn on an interstate. The crash left three people dead. Trucking organizations are asking to suspend states' authority to issue non-domiciled CDLs (commercial driving licenses), which some states provide to non-U.S. citizens or out-of-state applicants under certain circumstances. The driver involved in the deadly crash had this type of CDL.Robotics technology has been developing really quickly in recent years, and it's been finding new applications in logistics. One of the newest areas where this is happening is in humanoid robots, which move around walking on two legs instead of rolling on wheels, and use two arms to grab totes and boxes. This week we saw some news about one of the latest advancements in the area, which is using artificial intelligence to allow them to learn new skills or movements from demonstrations by humans, instead of by following software code.Supply Chain Xchange  also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane.  It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series is now available on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions  Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:DematicIndustry praises fed highway safety efforts but asks for moreBoston Dynamics upgrades AI for its walking robotVisit Supply Chain XchangeListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.comPodcast is sponsored by: Storage SolutionsOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITYJoin the Logistics Matters team at CSCMP EDGE 2025, October 5-8 at the Gaylord in Washington, D.C. Go to CSCMP.org to find out more.

In this exclusive episode of Paisa Vaisa, we host Sanjay Dutt, MD & CEO of Tata Realty & Infrastructure Ltd. A true industry veteran, Dutt unpacks the dramatic evolution of the Indian real estate sector. He traces the market's growth from the pre-liberalization era of the 80s, where office space was a mere 20-30 lakh sq ft, to today's staggering 750 million sq ft of Grade-A space. The conversation covers key trends driving the market today, including the phenomenal growth of various sub-sectors like data centers, senior living, student housing, and industrial warehousing. Sanjay Dutt also shares his expert opinion on the future trajectory of the sector, the influx of global capital, and the crucial impact of regulatory reforms like RERA and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. Pointers: ✔ Historical context: A look back at real estate before liberalization and its explosive growth since the 90s. ✔ Market segmentation: The expansion of the industry into diverse segments like co-living, data centers, and senior living. ✔ Geographic growth: Insights into how tier-1 cities are creating their own "tier-2" sub-markets and the potential for a more balanced growth across India. ✔ Investment vs. speculation: The difference between wealth creation and trading, and where to spot a potential bubble. ✔ Navigating the market: A detailed guide on what to look for when buying property, from freehold titles to developer reputation. ✔ Regulatory impact: The positive, life-changing influence of RERA and insolvency codes on transparency and investor confidence.From decoding your personal finances to demystifying business models, Paisa Vaisa delivers candid, insightful, and jargon-free conversations. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, JioSaavn, Gaana & more Watch full episodes right here on YouTube Explore more at ivmpodcasts.comConnect with Anupam Gupta: Twitter: @b50 Instagram: @b_50 LinkedIn: Anupam Gupta Follow IVM Podcasts We’re @ivmpodcasts on Facebook, Twitter & InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Highlights from their conversation include:The G10 Fulfillment Founding Story (1:04)Mark Becker's Career Background (3:19)Early E-commerce and Amazon Insights (6:31)Evolving Customer Demands & Service Model (7:59)Warehouse Network Strategy (8:45)Network Optimization & Data-Driven Decisions (11:01)Automation in B2C vs. B2B Fulfillment (15:56)Philosophy on Robotics & Automation Investment (19:15)Robotics Implementation & Efficiency Gains (21:49)Limits of Robotics in Fulfillment (25:06)Future of Warehouse Networks (26:14)This or That Segment to Close (27:46)Final Thoughts and Conclusion (29:24)Dynamo is a VC firm led by supply chain and mobility specialists that focus on seed-stage, enterprise startups.Find out more at: https://www.dynamo.vc/

In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, host Kevin speaks with Jason Minghini, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Solutions at Kenco, a leader in third-party logistics (3PL) solutions. Jason shares how Kenco proactively navigates tariff complexities affecting global trade and innovatively leverages automation and robotics to overcome persistent labor shortages in warehousing. They explore recent automation initiatives, including collaborations with AutoStore and GreyOrange, delivering valuable insights for operational flexibility and efficiency.Learn more about Picker Pal here. Get better visibility with Surgere. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

Our guest on this week's episode is Jimmy Roussel, CEO of IDScan.net. Among the problems that supply chains have had to deal with lately is an increasing rise of identity fraud at warehouses and fulfillment centers nationwide. Counterfeit identification is often used by those committing the fraud to get inside the warehouse gate.  Thefts of entire trucks often follow. Our guest discusses the scope of the problem, how it happens, and ways to counteract fraud and theft.Winners of the International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year (IFOY) Award were announced this past week. The IFOY recognizes the most innovative  technologies of 2025. This year's technology competition included 49 products on the initial application list, 21 of which made it final round. The entries were then subjected to strict engineering testing and evaluation to determine winners. We reveal who won and the innovative technologies that were honored.There have been conflicting reports lately about the health of the warehouse automation market, but there is good news for those making and selling  collaborative robots—those are bots that work alongside humans, often referred to as “cobots.” The market for that technology is set to rebound this year following a trough in 2024, according to the latest market outlook report from research firm Interact Analysis.Supply Chain Xchange  also offers a podcast series called Suppy Chain in the Fast Lane.  It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. All episodes are available to stream now. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)Teamsters ask Massachusetts lawmakers to require human drivers in AVsGlobal trade and AI top LTL industry concernsVisit Supply Chain XchangeListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.comPodcast is sponsored by: Zebra Robotics AutomationOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY

“The hardest part of robotics isn't actually doing robotics. It's providing a solution that solves a real customer problem.” Melonee Wise's quote from this episode is a good summary of what we talk about in this episode – practical, real-world applications of the technology we see hyped.Robotics, AMRs, humanoid robots, automation, AI – all of these things are hot topics in manufacturing. But the truth is that these solutions may not always result in the most exciting or sexiest applications. But when they're eliminating boring, laborious tasks, it's a huge opportunity across the industry.For part two of our Automate 2025 special episode, we hear from five incredible people, all from different areas of manufacturing, automation and robotics.We kick things off with Melonee Wise from Agility Robotics who you may have heard on the show before. She talks about the practical applications of using humanoid robots and where the industry is headed, while also talking through the biggest concern of adopting this new tech – safety.We kick things off with Melonee Wise from Agility Robotics who you may have heard on the show before. She talks about the practical applications of using humanoid robots and where the industry is headed, while also talking through the biggest concern of adopting this new tech – safety.Glen Guernsey from JR Automation talks about the biggest changes in warehouse automation today – including the ability to handle random SKU palletization. We chat with Zoie Rittling of OnLogic and Michael Maxey from ZEDEDA, about how right sizing AI at the edge is about eliminating boring work. And finally, Robert Ponsonby from Arduino talks about the interoperability and open-source solutions that drive innovation. All are slightly different takes on automation's new capabilities but offer truly great insights for anyone working in manufacturing thinking about the future. In this episode, find out:Melonee talks through Agility Robotics' humanoid demo and the practical applications of this techWhy Agility Robotics focused on bulk material handling at the beginning and takes a tiered approach to complexity Why robots performing individual tasks isn't what's important – it's how this connects to other systems and solves overall problemsWhere the humanoid market is likely headed compared to AMRsWhat the new safety standard means for humanoid implementation and how we could realistically see cooperatively safe humanoids working alongside humansGlen talks about the biggest changes we're seeing in warehouse automation, including the ability to handle random SKU palletizationWhy the labor shortage will need to be supplemented with automationPractical applications of AGVs and AMRs in warehouse operationsWhat the warehouse of the future will look likeZoie and Michael describe edge architecture and how it applies to managing applicationsHow the industry can right-size AI at the edge and how this will look different from using cloud applicationsWhy you need to prioritize integration when looking for the best AI partnersRobert defines interoperability and Arduino's approach to open-source softwareHow interoperability in open source allows for innovation, empowering teams, and rapid deploymentEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:"The most innovative thing that's out there has to do with random SKU palletization... up until recently with the advances in AI and advances in vision systems, this was not something that was easily done." – Glen Guernsey"We've seen on average for rollouts on projects,

What You'll Learn:Why supply chain must sit at the strategy table - not behind itHow SKU discipline drives faster growth and cleaner marginsWhat “AI as servant” really means in ops leadershipWhy executional control beats theoretical plans every timeWhat separates founders who scale from those who stallHow to balance autonomy and shared services in multi-brand orgsHow ops becomes the difference between brand hype and brand healthQuotes:[00:07:25] – “Everything is theoretical - until the customer doesn't get their order.” - JuE Wong[00:22:25] – “World domination with one SKU is better than SKU proliferation going nowhere.” - JuE Wong[00:30:59] – “AI is your servant, not your master.”  - JuE Wong[00:35:08] – “If you're not making money, it's a hobby.”  - JuE WongAbout the Guest:JuE Wong is CEO of PBG, a PE-backed portfolio of six brands and three manufacturers. A six-time CEO across public and private companies, she's known for scaling teams, transforming operations, and embedding supply chain as a core lever for growth, not just cost.Links Mentioned:JuE Wong on LinkedInPerformance Beauty Group Subscribe and Keep Learning!If you're a logistics leader looking to scale sustainably, don't miss out! Subscribe for more expert strategies on tackling modern supply chain challenges.Be sure to follow and tag the eCom Logistics Podcast on LinkedIn and YouTube

Jasim Eisa, Founder and CEO of Voadera, built an $80 million e-commerce business from the ground up, and here, he shares what's working now—and what's not. Scott and Jasim explore big shifts in the marketplace, such as Nike coming back to Amazon and what that means for resellers. Jasim also breaks down how major brands such as Adidas and Michael Kors are changing the way they sell on the platform and what sellers need to know about the growing “diversion economy.” With Amazon tightening its supply chain rules, Voadera is moving away from traditional arbitrage and focusing on direct brand deals and smart acquisitions. You'll also hear practical tips on adapting to Amazon's policy changes, rising FBA fees, and optimizing your logistics to stay profitable.   Episode Notes: 00:18 - Jasim Eisa Introduction 00:26 - The Big Brands' Approach to Amazon 07:12 - Reseller Economy and Marketplace Double-Dipping 08:45 - 1P vs 3P Strategy and Policy Cycles 12:18 - Diversion and the Gray Market 14:45 - Moving Beyond Arbitrage: Brand Direct and Acquisitions 16:03 - Adapting to Amazon's Fee and Policy Changes 18:18 - Arbitrage's Diminishing Role and Supply Chain Optimization 19:52 - Warehousing, Fulfillment, and Grade B Marketplaces 21:28 - Future Investments: Supply Chain, AI, and Creative Tools 23:19 - Building a Top Brand Direct Business 24:29 - Favorite Tools & Technology Stack Related Post: The Best Nielsen IQ and Data Impact Alternatives for Amazon Market Intelligence — Starting with the One Built for Visibility, Not Vanity   How to Reach Robert: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jasim-eisa-425735145 Website: voadera.com YouTube: www.youtube.com/@JasimEisa   Scott's Links: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-needham-a8b39813 X: @itsScottNeedham Instagram: @smartestseller YouTube: www.youtube.com/@smartestamazonseller2371 Newsletter: https://www.smartscout.com/newsletter-sign-up Blog: https://www.smartscout.com/blog