In this episode, we’re joined by Jay Schneider, Founder and CEO of B2B Squared. Jay shares his experience in B2B eCommerce, working with manufacturers and distributors to enhance their digital strategies. He highlights the challenges in bridging the gap between traditional sales models and eCommerce platforms while emphasizing the importance of customer-centric digital transformation.

Key Takeaways:

(06:32) B2B sales need integrated eCommerce and CRM workflows.
(09:46) Unified sales and eCommerce workflows reduce friction for customers.
(14:03) Successful digital transformation starts with understanding and reducing customer friction.
(18:20) B2B merchandising reduces friction by simplifying purchases and replenishment.
(20:19) Product data enrichment simplifies purchasing, boosts sales and reduces friction.
(25:51) Digital transformation relies on organized, actionable customer data.
(27:30) B2B segmentation and account-level data enable personalized messaging and sales.


Resources Mentioned:

Jay Schneider -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayhschneider/

 B2B Squared | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/b2b-squared/

B2B Squared | Website -
https://b2b-squared.com/

Amy Porterfield’s Website -
https://www.amyporterfield.com

Thanks for listening to the “B2B Commerce UnCut: A Journey Through Change” podcast powered by Oro. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

#eCommerce #B2BeCommerce #DigitalCommerce

In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Rubin, Founder and President of Kasama. Mark is a veteran of eCommerce and B2B innovation. He discusses the importance of strong partnerships in B2B commerce, the value of speed and uptime, and how Kasama supports complex client needs. Mark shares his insights on managing B2B relationships and the role of technology in enabling efficient, customized customer experiences.

Key Takeaways:

(02:24) Commerce-focused partnerships with a skilled Filipino team.
(04:53) B2B focus and strong features offer unique growth potential.
(06:37) Platform choice hinges on understanding unique B2B needs.
(09:29) Customizable flows and strong reporting simplify B2B management.
(14:10) B2B integrations are catching up, driving efficiency and revenue.
(16:39) Balancing user experience and function requires a phased approach.
(18:27) A test-and-iterate approach allows B2B sites to scale and adapt.
(20:39) AI and foundational improvements will drive future B2B efficiency.
(23:23) Thriving in eCommerce by partnering with unique, complex B2B clients.
(25:26) Choose partners who ask questions and focus on your business needs.
(28:19) Choose tech wisely — focus on needs, team capacity and real value.
(30:51) Hustle and transparency define a client-first, “fireable” approach.


Resources Mentioned:

Mark Rubin -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/markjrubin/

Kasama | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/kasama-digital/

Kasama | Website -
https://www.kasamadigital.com/

Thanks for listening to the B2B Commerce UnCut: A Journey Through Change, powered by Oro. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

#eCommerce #B2BeCommerce #DigitalCommerce

In this episode, we’re joined by Jim Herbert, CEO of Patchworks. Jim shares his extensive background in eCommerce and integration technology, discussing the evolution of iPaaS, the benefits of no-code, low-code tools and the significance of simplifying complex tech stacks. He also highlights how Patchworks’ approach recently earned the company an award for innovation.


Key Takeaways:

(03:39) The evolution and benefits of iPaaS technology.
(08:29) The challenges of integrating independent apps.
(11:18) How no-code, low-code tools drive innovation.
(15:30) When to adopt iPaaS for digital transformation.
(19:05) The common challenges in ERP integration for B2B.
(24:00) How Patchworks uses AI to automate tasks.
(27:10) Real-world examples of AI in integration.
(30:20) Delaying crucial decisions can lead to costly setbacks at scale.
(33:30) Book and television show recommendations.


Resources Mentioned:

Jim Herbert -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-herbert-ecommerce/?originalSubdomain=uk

Patchworks - 
https://wearepatchworks.com

UK eCommerce Awards -
https://ecommerceawards.london

Odoo ERP -
https://www.odoo.com

Airtable -
https://www.airtable.com

Amazon AI Services -
https://aws.amazon.com/machine-learning/

Termination Shock -
https://www.amazon.com/Termination-Shock-Novel-Neal-Stephenson/dp/0063028050

Thanks for listening to the “B2B Commerce UnCut: A Journey Through Change,” powered by Oro. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

#eCommerce #B2BeCommerce #DigitalCommerce

In this episode, we’re joined by Isaiah Bollinger, Co-Founder and CEO of Trellis, to explore the changing landscape of B2B commerce. Isaiah shares insights on the challenges facing distributors and manufacturers in adopting digital strategies, including ERP integration and eCommerce implementation. He also discusses the potential of AI in streamlining operations and how companies can make strategic decisions for long-term success.

Key Takeaways:

(02:09) Isaiah’s journey into founding Trellis.
(06:40) COVID’s impact on B2B eCommerce adoption.
(08:30) Challenges in quantifying B2B eCommerce value.
(10:53) Importance of ERP integration for real-time data.
(16:02) Distributors shifting to digital-first approaches.
(28:22) AI’s potential in data automation for B2B.
(30:41) Upgrading legacy ERP systems for digital success.
(37:46) Isaiah’s advice: align expectations with budget.

Resources Mentioned:

Isaiah Bollinger -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaiah-bollinger/

Trellis | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/trellis-boston/

Trellis | Website -
https://trellis.co

B2B eCommerce Association -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/b2b-ecommerce-association/

Thanks for listening to the B2B Commerce UnCut: A Journey Through Change, powered by Oro. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

#eCommerce #B2BeCommerce #DigitalCommerce

In this episode, we’re joined by Kevin Kazenmayer, VP of Channel Development at TradeCentric, a leader in eProcurement solutions. Kevin shares his insights into the growing importance of eProcurement in B2B commerce, how TradeCentric helps businesses streamline procurement processes and the benefits of leveraging eProcurement platforms to scale operations and increase visibility across the supply chain.

Key Takeaways:

(06:51) eProcurement integrates the procure-to-pay process.
(07:00) eProcurement integrates suppliers with buyer systems.
(12:42) TradeCentric connects B2B suppliers and buyers.
(16:30) Suppliers expand markets through eProcurement.
(18:03) eProcurement platforms increase supplier visibility.
(25:57) TradeCentric automates PunchOut, orders and invoicing.
(28:18) eProcurement marketplaces target specific suppliers.
(38:00) Demand for eProcurement rises with supply chain needs.
(41:06) eProcurement sales outpaced B2B growth in 2023.

Resources Mentioned:

Kevin Kazenmayer -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-kaz19/

TradeCentric | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/tradecentric/

TradeCentric | Website -
https://tradecentric.com/

Thanks for listening to the B2B Commerce UnCut: A Journey Through Change, powered by Oro. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

#eCommerce #B2BeCommerce #DigitalCommerce

In this episode, we’re joined by Brian Beck, Co-Founder of Master B2B eCommerce. Brian discusses the evolving landscape of B2B commerce, emphasizing the importance of adapting to changing buyer preferences and leveraging omnichannel strategies.

Key Takeaways:

(00:03) The importance of resourcing to support eCommerce platforms.
(03:00) Digital leaders must align different business units for ROI.
(08:30) Metrics beyond eCommerce penetration are crucial.
(12:00) Understanding customer share of wallet is vital.
(15:45) The impact of Amazon on B2B sales and distribution.
(19:00) Empowering salesforces with digital tools is key.
(24:00) Distributors must adapt to stay relevant in the market.

Resources Mentioned:

Brian Beck - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ecommerceexpertbeck/
Enceiba - https://www.enceiba.com
Master B2B eCommerce | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/master-b2b-ecommerce/
Master B2B | Website -https://www.masterb2b.com

Thanks for listening to the B2B Commerce UnCut: A Journey Through Change, powered by Oro. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

#eCommerce #B2BeCommerce #DigitalCommerce

In this episode, we’re joined by Stephen T. Hopper, Founder and Principal at Inviscid Consulting. Stephen brings decades of experience in supply-chain operations and shares valuable insights on optimizing processes before introducing automation. He explores the importance of being requirements-driven rather than solutions-driven and highlights the need to extract the maximum potential from existing resources before considering automation. Stephen also emphasizes the role of on-the-ground workers in generating the best ideas for process improvements and draws attention to how businesses can benefit from their insights.

Key Takeaways:

(01:51) Inviscid Consulting’s unique name origin explained.
(05:09) Two buckets of supply chain, planning vs. execution.
(08:54) Automation should be a tool, not a goal.
(12:45) Shipping and fulfillment is the least automated area.
(24:14) Engage the workforce to uncover hidden efficiencies.
(25:23) The plank parable — environment matters in performance.
(33:39) Focus on small, incremental improvements.

Resources Mentioned:

Stephen T. Hopper -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevehopper/

Inviscid Consulting -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/inviscid-consulting

Georgia Institute of Technology -
https://www.gatech.edu/

Tucker: The Man and His Dream - IMDB -
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096316/

ProMat Trade Show -
https://www.promatshow.com/

MODEX Trade Show -
https://www.modexshow.com/

Enhancing Operations and Customer Engagement with B2B Workflow Automation - https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0cdkPL0

Thanks for listening to the B2B Commerce UnCut: A Journey Through Change, powered by Oro. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

#eCommerce #B2BeCommerce #DigitalCommerce

Luká Yancopoulos, Co-Founder and CEO at Grapevine Technologies, joins us to share insights on how the company was born out of a need to address inefficiencies in the healthcare supply chain. Grapevine’s platform connects clinics with multiple suppliers, offering a solution that democratizes the buying process and improves supply chain reliability.

Key Takeaways:

(01:41) How Grapevine Technologies started in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
(04:53) The importance of solving healthcare supply chain disruptions.
(08:06) How Grapevine Technologies links clinics with multiple suppliers.
(11:19) The benefits of creating options to reduce costs and address supply shortages.
(14:32) The impact of supply chain inefficiencies on patient care and costs.
(17:45) How Grapevine Technologies reduces healthcare spending by introducing alternative suppliers.
(20:58) The role of real-time data in optimizing procurement and predicting supply chain issues.
(24:11) The vision for the future of Grapevine Technologies in transforming the healthcare industry.

Resources Mentioned:

Luká Yancopoulos -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/luk%C3%A1-yancopoulos-50051a1a8
 
Grapevine Technologies -
https://www.go-grapevine.com/
 
US Customs -
https://www.cbp.gov/
 
FDA Medical Device Databases -
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance/medical-device-databases

Thanks for listening to the B2B Commerce UnCut: A Journey Through Change, powered by Oro. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

#eCommerce #B2BeCommerce #DigitalCommerce

In this episode, we’re joined by Jennifer Polce, Vice President, Client Strategies and Solutions at Izba. Jennifer shares her extensive experience in the consumer product space, focusing on supply chain and operations consulting for fast-growing brands.

Key Takeaways:

(00:55) Jennifer’s experiences and background in supply chain and operations.
(02:03) The role of izba in helping brands improve efficiency and reduce costs.
(04:00) Experiences with consumer electronics distribution in Australia.
(06:15) The importance of being hands-on in the early stages of a business.
(12:00) Steps involved in setting up a supply chain for startups.
(18:30) Challenges of last-mile delivery and returns in direct-to-consumer models.
(24:00) Tips for brands entering the wholesale market.
(30:45) Adding new sales channels without overwhelming the business.

Resources Mentioned:

Jennifer Polce -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenpolce/

Izba -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/izba-consulting/

Izba Website -
https://www.izba.co/ 

Thanks for listening to the B2B Commerce UnCut: A Journey Through Change, powered by Oro. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

#eCommerce #B2BeCommerce #DigitalCommerce

In this episode, we’re joined by Jack Ampuja, a specialist in supply-chain management, a dedicated educator and the President of Supply Chain Optimizers. Jack discusses the critical role of eCommerce logistics, the challenges businesses face in optimizing their supply chains and the importance of adopting digital strategies. He provides valuable advice for manufacturers, distributors and retailers looking to enhance their operational efficiency and navigate the complexities of eCommerce.

Key Takeaways:

(03:09) Challenges in logistics for eCommerce and the search for cost-effective delivery solutions.
(05:09) Comparison of B2B and B2C eCommerce adoption and the need for competitive pressure to drive B2B change.
(08:12) The interdisciplinary nature of eCommerce and the need for dedicated leadership.
(11:13) Challenges of scaling eCommerce operations and the necessity of reconfiguring systems for efficiency.
(15:08) Balancing direct-to-consumer sales with maintaining relationships with distributors.
(20:01) The importance of leveraging customer feedback to drive eCommerce adoption.
(23:23) Strategies for effective product marketing and cross-selling in eCommerce.
(25:37) The value of starting small in eCommerce and learning through gradual implementation.

Resources Mentioned:

Jack Ampuja -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-ampuja-a3b275/

Supply Chain Optimizers | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/supply-chain-optimizers/
 
Supply Chain Optimizers | Homepage -
https://e-commerceoptimizers.com/

Thanks for listening to the B2B Commerce UnCut: A Journey Through Change, powered by Oro. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

#eCommerce #B2BeCommerce #DigitalCommerce