eCom Logistics Podcast

Sean Henry is the CEO and co-founder of Stord, a logistics and technology provider for high-growth, omnichannel brands like Athletic Greens, Seed Health, Native, Tula, and many more. Stord has been on the Inc 5000 list for three years in a row, and was valued at $1.3 billion at its most recent funding round.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, we delve into the intricacies of eCommerce logistics with Sean Henry. From the fragmented nature of third-party logistics to the importance of integrated supply chain solutions, Sean shares insights garnered from his journey and highlights the critical role of sophisticated parcel TMCs in optimizing costs and speeds for brands of all sizes.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:02:48] Unlocking Innovation - The Power of Young Entrepreneurs in Industries
[00:08:08] Amazon-Like Experience - Integrating Digital and Logistics Coordination
[00:09:36] Overcoming Fragmentation - Challenges in Achieving Optimal Logistics Efficiency
[00:10:59] E-commerce Fulfillment Challenges - Navigating Shipping Speeds and Real-Time Tracking
[00:13:30] Prime-Like Logistics - Coordinating Delivery Speeds Across Multiple Channels
[00:19:15] Revenue Volatility - Sustainable Models for Logistics Success
[00:29:16] Business Model Adaptability - Navigating Disruptions in Organizations
[00:30:00] Evolution of "For People" Model - Technology's Role in Optimizing Warehouse Capacities
[00:31:12] Software in Warehouse Operations - Shift towards High-Touch E-commerce Fulfillment

QUOTES

[00:20:38] "Quality of revenue is kind of point one and premise... if I can't point to why every dollar of my revenue is getting what that customer is getting from me that they can't get elsewhere and how they're getting a return on their investment, then it's fickle revenue."
[00:37:18] "Logistics needs to go a little beyond and get into the commercial side of the universe... logistics has a direct implication for you to be able to make a good margin decision on that inventory."

Find out more about Sean Henry in the link below:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shenry96/

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Hannah Kain, President and CEO of ALOM, a supply chain company she founded in 1997, oversees its global operations serving Fortune 500 customers in technology, automotive, life sciences, and regulated industries across 19 locations. Born in Denmark, Hannah has a diverse background, including teaching at Copenhagen Business School. She holds multiple board positions, including with the National Association of Manufacturers and WBENC, where she serves as 1st vice chair. Recognized for her leadership, Hannah has received various awards, including being named a 2023 SDCE Supply Chain Pro to Know and a 2021 WE USA Top WBE CEO. In 2020, she was featured in Business Insider's Top 100 People Transforming Business and received the SDCE Women Leaders in Supply Chain award, among other honors.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Dan Coll and Ninaad Acharya interview Hannah Kain, the President and CEO of ALOM, a supply chain company. Hannah shares her journey of starting the business in the 90s and discusses the catalysts that drove her into the supply chain space. She emphasizes the importance of technology, quality, and sustainability in supply chain operations. Hannah also addresses the challenges faced by women in the industry and the need for ESG (environmental, social, and governance) reporting. She highlights the role of AI in supply chain and shares her insights on future trends and challenges.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:02:55] Hannah's motivation for starting ALOM and her fascination with technology and manufacturing
[00:08:09] The importance of technology, ESG, and quality in ALOM's approach
[00:11:44] The origin of ALOM's diverse service offerings and their focus on customer needs
[00:13:23] Discussion on the challenges and experiences of being a female founder in the 90s
[00:23:18] Hannah emphasizes the importance of integrating sustainability into every decision
[00:27:05] Hannah shares a story about addressing human trafficking in the supply chain
[00:29:19] Importance of employee engagement and retention in creating a positive work environment
[00:32:12] Hannah shares her approach to onboarding and reducing the time it takes for employees to become effective
[00:34:00] Dan asks about the use of AI in supply chain and Hannah's perspective on its current and future applications
[00:42:32] Challenges in the supply chain industry

QUOTES

[00:00:27] "Once you start measuring and actually have a system for capturing data, it's where you can really leverage and make a difference in those areas."
[00:23:18] "I think it's key to get it into every decision being made and also to create that visibility over to customers."
[00:34:00] "I think a lot of the issues we're having now will be solved by technology. And so I'm a big technology believer."

Find out more about Hannah Kain in the link below:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahkain/

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Inna Kuznetsova, the CEO of ToolsGroup, is a seasoned leader in the realm of AI-powered solutions for supply chain management. With a career dedicated to integrating technology and innovation into the supply chain, Inna oversees ToolsGroup's cutting-edge solutions utilized by retailers, manufacturers, and distributors globally. Her impressive track record includes prior roles as the CEO of 1010data and key positions at INTTRA, CEVA Logistics, and IBM. As an independent director, Inna contributes her expertise to the board of Freightos, a publicly traded SaaS marketplace platform. A distinguished mathematician with MS and Ph.D. degrees from Moscow State University and an MBA from Columbia Business School, Inna is also a recognized author and speaker, having received the Women in Supply Chain Award for three consecutive years.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Dan Coll and Ninaad Acharya interview Inna Kuznetsova, CEO of Tools Group, about the role of AI in demand planning and supply chain management. Inna shares her insights on how AI can improve demand forecasting, optimize inventory management, and enhance pricing and markdown strategies. She emphasizes the importance of leveraging data and implementing dynamic planning to navigate the complexities of today's supply chain landscape. Inna also discusses the challenges and opportunities for e-commerce brands in diversifying their sales channels and managing returns effectively.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:00:00] Introduction to the podcast and guest's background
[00:03:12] The impactful moments and philosophies in the guest's career
[00:09:02] The role of AI in demand planning and supply chain
[00:13:10] The use of probabilistic models in demand forecasting
[00:14:19] The advantages of using artificial intelligence in forecasting and managing inventory
[00:18:20] The role of AI in reducing the bullwhip effect during disruptions like COVID-19
[00:23:48] The role of AI in allocation planning and optimizing inventory distribution
[00:25:05] Case study example of allocation planning for a retailer in a resort area
[00:27:33] The benefits of fulfilling orders from stores and intelligent optimization of markdowns
[00:31:24] Importance of dynamic fulfillment and holistic approach to e-commerce
[00:40:43] The proliferation of shipping from store and its advantages/disadvantages
[00:43:29] Rethinking shipment strategies and returns
[00:44:17] Managing returns and decision-making
[00:46:20] Implementing digital twin for intelligent returns

QUOTES

[00:11:44] "The reason why I was so attracted to ToolsGroup, why I left my previous role to jump into this current journey was because ToolsGroup was a pioneer in using machine learning in demand forecasting, which they started doing 15 years ago."
[00:18:20] "With the help of machine learning, you can fulfill better from the stores. It's not just fulfillment from the warehouse. It'd be much more efficient fulfilling from a store where that item may be marked down by 50 percent tomorrow, even if it costs you a little bit more in shipping."
[00:43:29] "Moving from static planning to dynamic planning and then to navigation through the supply chain is the future trend I'm most excited about. It will minimize the amount of unproductive work made by human beings and allow them to focus on more strategic discussions."

Find out more about Inna Kuznetsova in the link below:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ikuznetsova/

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Krish Iyer is the Vice President of Strategic Partners and Industry Relations for Auctane,  which includes ShipStation, ShippingEasy, ShipEngine and Stamps.com. A respected expert in e-commerce, Krish is often quoted in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Business Insider and the New York Times. An industry leader with over 20 years of experience, Krish brings perspectives from FedEx, Pitney Bowes, Neopost and Auctane. In addition, Krish serves as the Vice President of the Package Shippers Association (PSA), which serves as the voice of the package shipping industry.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, we dive deep into the world of e-commerce logistics, discussing the intricate challenges and innovative solutions within the industry. Krish Iyer, Vice President of Strategic Partners and Industry Relations at Auctane, shares insights on returns, packaging inefficiencies, sustainability, and the future trends shaping the logistics landscape.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:00:45] Implementing small yet impactful measures, like improving product photos, size charts, and detailed descriptions, significantly reduces returns at minimal cost.
[00:06:34] The returns space lacks an overarching solution despite various innovations like in-person return options, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive end-to-end returns system.
[00:18:53] The reluctance of carriers to efficiently handle residential pickups stems from historical perceptions of residential shipments, hindering effective return logistics.
[00:20:16] Challenges in packaging efficiency persist with oversize boxes and minimal packaging, highlighting the need for proper package engineering aligned with buyer habits and profile.
[00:29:25] The evolving trend focuses on integrating shipping and delivery intricacies with the shopping experience, emphasizing the significance of marrying shipping logistics with cart interactions for enhanced efficiency.

QUOTES

[00:11:04] "The best solutions for returns are free or low cost – get your product and listing right."
[00:13:19] "The initiation process of the return itself is an issue, often overlooked in return discussions."
[00:21:56] "You can't thwart human behavior or underestimate what humans will do in the packaging process."
[00:28:59] "It starts with what the consumer is buying – packaging solutions should align with consumer habits."

Find out more about Krish Iyer in the link below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/globalkrishna/

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Benjamin Gordon, the founder and Managing Partner of Cambridge Capital, leverages his extensive career in building, advising, and investing in supply chain companies. With a remarkable track record, he has led investments in top-tier firms like XPO, Grand Junction, Bringg, and Liftit, among others. Prior to founding Cambridge Capital, Benjamin established BGSA Holdings as a global leader in M&A within the supply chain sector, overseeing transactions worth over $2 billion. His entrepreneurial journey includes founding 3PLex, a pioneering Internet solution for third-party logistics companies, which later got acquired by Maersk. Throughout his career, Benjamin has advised major industry players like UPS, DHL, Kuehne & Nagel, among others. He holds a Master's in Business Administration from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Arts from Yale College. Beyond his professional endeavors, Benjamin is an active civic leader dedicated to fostering community engagement, having founded GesherCity and contributed to various non-profit organizations and boards, showcasing his commitment to philanthropy and leadership.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast,

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:02:05] Looking back at the past 12 months in the logistics industry
[00:06:39] Signs that things are starting to get better in the industry
[00:08:42] The impact of bankruptcies on correcting supply and demand imbalances
[00:11:00] Positive outlook due to more favorable interest rates and inflation stabilization
[00:13:28] Examples of companies with moats: Green Screens and ReverseLogix
[00:19:13] Advice: Companies should focus on doing one thing extremely well
[00:22:45] Examples of companies doing an outstanding job in their field: Green Screens and ReverseLogix
[00:29:42] BGSA Supply Chain Conference aims to gather top industry leaders
[00:33:35] Invitation-only event, but open to inquiries for invitations
[00:38:51] The conference will take place in Palm Beach, Florida.

QUOTES

[00:03:38] "Too much capacity chasing too little demand is one of the consequences of the cyclical nature of the logistics industry."
[00:19:53] "The most successful companies tend to be doing one thing extremely well."
[00:22:35] "Focus on doing one thing really well and become a leader in that area."

Find out more about Benjamin Gordon in the link below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bengordon18/

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Pam Simon is a seasoned Entrepreneur, Business Connector, and Angel Investor boasting over two decades of expertise in event production, content creation, experiential marketing, and investment. Her tenure at Lab Ventures saw the acquisition of her Future of Event series by Connectiv in 2019, leading to the inception of Manifest, the inaugural global end-to-end supply chain event uniting prominent international corporations, investors, leaders, and innovators worldwide. As Manifest's Conference Chair and Executive Vice President of Programming, she orchestrates groundbreaking events. Pam's impact extends to Miami, where she helmed three pivotal vertical technology summits, cultivating emerging businesses and connecting finance professionals with enterprising opportunities. Her influence expands to Latin America through founding the Latam Founders Network (LFN), organizing the renowned Latam Founders Awards, and launching platforms like the Brainfood Monthly Speaker Series, facilitating investor-entrepreneur connections. A George Washington University graduate, Pam, beyond her ventures, treasures family time and indulges in silks performance when not immersed in her multifaceted endeavors.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Pam Simon joins to discuss the trends and innovations in the logistics industry. She shares insights on the impact of AI and machine learning, the rise of drone delivery, and the importance of nearshoring and reshoring in supply chain strategies. Pam also highlights the key areas attracting significant investment in logistics technology and provides advice on how to make the most of conferences like Manifest.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:03:11] Pam's background and the inspiration behind launching Manifest
[00:05:13] Technological innovations in logistics, including robotics, AI, sustainability, and visibility
[00:09:27] Focus on circular economy and re-commerce
[00:14:56] Exploration of use cases for generative AI
[00:17:54] Trend towards reshoring and nearshoring in the supply chain
[00:20:27] Adoption of automation and the 3-2-1 cross-border strategy
[00:22:01] Automation and robotics to assist with labor shortage
[00:25:30] Challenges and opportunities in drone delivery
[00:27:31] Intelligent infrastructure and sustainability in logistics
[00:33:06] Conferences as a strategic place to meet investors

QUOTES

[00:23:49] "I think we are going to see, we already starting to see some, but we'll see more drones that can lift heavier loads.
[00:31:38] "If you're going to something that you're interested in, guess what everyone else that's in that room is interested in solving the same problem that you are."
[00:34:46] "All money is not made equal. You want to take money from strategics, of course."

Find out more about Pam Simon in the link below:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pgranoff4/

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Remington Tonar is Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer at Cart.com, the leading provider of comprehensive omnichannel commerce and logistics solutions that enable B2C and B2B companies to sell and fulfill anywhere. He formerly served as a growth and innovation strategy consultant to Fortune 100 companies and fast-growing startups in industries ranging from NGOs and healthcare to infrastructure and energy. He has managed seed-stage VC funds, run startup incubators, and advised family offices. Remington holds a B.A. from Marquette University, an M.A. from Loyola University Chicago, an M.S. from New York University, and a Ph.D. from The University of Aberdeen.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Remington shares his passion for working with high-growth startups and his journey from raising funds in the VC world to the world of commerce and logistics. He believes in the power of unifying digital and physical operations to create a seamless and efficient customer experience. Remington discusses the challenges faced by software-native companies in the fulfillment space and explains how cart.com is redefining unified commerce by integrating pre-purchase and post-purchase capabilities. He emphasizes the importance of real-time data and cross-functional insight in driving growth and making informed decisions. Remington also highlights the potential of B2B commerce and the need for strategic advice in the rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:03:33] Journey into Logistics
[00:10:13] Complexity in Parcel Execution
[00:12:44] Enterprise Solutions vs. Online Applications
[00:19:03] Optimizing Transportation Spend
[00:26:00] Expertise and Advising
[00:32:04] Evolving Solutions for Growing Businesses
[00:33:35] Investing in Scalable Solutions
[00:35:28] Certified Solutions & Carrier Relationships
[00:41:56] Carrier Diversification Mitigates Risks
[00:47:57] Drone Integration in Logistics

QUOTES

[00:09:13] "Fulfillment operates like classical mechanics than quantum mechanics, right? There is no spooky action at a distance in fulfillment, right? You have to get up there and like move something."
[00:28:16] "The whole perspective on, you know, where does the decision come from? Where does the data push from needs to be inverted. And it needs to actually start with the real consumer event, which is not the purchase. It's the consumer getting the product they ordered and opening the box and saying, yes, this is exactly what I ordered."
[00:40:26] "You know, at some point there will be, you know, some type of alliance to your point of different players that band together and are actually able to pull that off."

Find out more about Remington Tonar in the link below:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/remingtontonar/

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Bill Schroeder is President of the Transportation and Shipping Segment within FOG. His experience in supply chain technologies includes enterprise systems, integration, design thinking, and Agile methods for R&D. Prior to ProShip, Bill spent 21 years in logistics technology with the USPS and then FedEx Express, FDX Corp and FedEx Supply Chain, where he focused on innovation and optimization of technology processes, customer solutions and global renewal programs. As a USAF Veteran he is passionate about Veterans and the programs that assist our men and women when they return.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Bill joins Dan Coll and Ninaad Acharya to unravel the intricacies of e-commerce logistics. With over two decades of expertise in logistics technology, Bill provides valuable insights into the challenges and nuances of this space. The conversation navigates through tailored parcel solutions, the evolution of carrier systems, and the potential integration of cutting-edge technologies like drones in shaping the future of logistics.

They delve into the complexities of parcel execution, highlighting the varying needs between fulfillment houses and smaller e-commerce entities. They discuss the crucial role of multi-carrier shipping solutions and underscore the importance of optimizing transportation spend through expert negotiations and understanding logistics intricacies.

Bill also explores the evolving landscape of warehouse management systems (WMS) in the context of e-commerce growth. From the challenges of scaling businesses to the significance of adopting scalable, carrier-approved software solutions, the discussion emphasizes the pivotal role of technology in meeting the demands of an evolving logistics landscape. Carrier diversification, certified solutions, and the potential integration of drone technology emerge as key considerations for companies aiming to future-proof their logistics strategies.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:03:33] Journey into Logistics

[00:10:13] Complexity in Parcel Execution

[00:12:44] Enterprise Solutions vs. Online Applications

[00:19:03] Optimizing Transportation Spend

[00:26:00] Expertise and Advising

[00:32:04] Evolving Solutions for Growing Businesses

[00:33:35] Investing in Scalable Solutions

[00:35:28] Certified Solutions & Carrier Relationships

[00:41:56] Carrier Diversification Mitigates Risks

[00:47:57] Drone Integration in Logistics

QUOTES

[00:21:04] "The most expensive solution you can possibly use is the free one from the carrier."

[00:25:13] "You need someone really experienced to even start talking about it."

[00:28:48] "There's so many places I'd advise looking on LinkedIn... just imagine what you get if you actually engage with them."

[00:40:02] "I think we've re-normalized back to where we would have been organically, had there been no COVID."

[00:42:26] "Having multiple carriers at your fingertips is a good thing, a risk mitigation strategy, or an opportunity taking strategy. It works both ways."

[00:47:06] "Ultimately, in the end, though, drones are going to win that last mile."

Find out more about Bill Schroeder in the link below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-schroeder1/

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Kelly is the Managing General Partner of Moonshots Capital, a VC fund investing heavily in early-stage technology companies, with a focus on those founded by veterans. Before Moonshots, he co-founded and led DuMont Project, a consultancy that accelerated direct-to-consumer brand growth, later acquired by Cart.com. Kelly also served as the CEO of Fastpoint Games, a leading developer of live data-driven games for Fortune 500 brands, which sold to WePlay.

After winning Season 2 of NBC's The Apprentice, Kelly spent a year as an Executive Vice President in the Trump Organization, managing real estate projects. He is a renowned speaker on leadership, technology, and entrepreneurship. Kelly holds degrees from the US Military Academy, West Point, UCLA School of Law, and Anderson School at UCLA. He authored "Take Command: 10 Leadership Principles I Learned in the Military and Put to Work for Donald Trump," donating a percentage of the royalties to the USO. His philanthropic involvement includes roles as a national spokesperson for Big Brothers/Sisters and The National Guard Youth Challenge Program. Kelly is an investor, advisor, and/or board member for companies like Scopely, ID.me, Red 6, and several others. He resides with his wife Dawn and their twins, Grant and Grace.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Kelly shares insights on eCommerce logistics, leadership, and venture capital. He emphasizes the importance of extraordinary leadership in startups and discusses the qualities he looks for in founders. Kelly also highlights the challenges and opportunities in the current VC landscape and provides advice on building effective boards. He shares his experience investing in cart.com and the key factors that attracted him to the company. Kelly concludes by discussing his book, "Take Command: 10 Leadership Principles I Learned in the Military and Put to Work for Donald Trump."

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:05:10] Moonshot Capital's focus on investing in extraordinary leadership.

[00:08:36] Importance of chemistry and long-term commitment with founders.

[00:09:44] Overview of the current VC landscape and increased competition.

[00:11:18] Potential for companies to avoid additional financing rounds with proper planning.

[00:13:11] Logistics industry challenges and need for leadership during tough times.

[00:29:25] Cart.com's growth and success in under three years.

[00:33:08] Kelly Perdew's book on military leadership principles.

QUOTES

[00:32:46] "Passion has to be for something other than, Oh, I just want to be a tech, you know, a tech CEO. It's got to typically be around the problem that they're solving for, whether it's from the industry, whether it's from something that personally happened to them, whether they worked in that industry and know that this problem is pain exists and they're the ones to solve it."

[00:38:15] "Having that coachability where I know you are going to hear what I'm saying, and that I'm only saying it from a place of wanting you to succeed. And if that's there, and that's got a little bit to do with humility, thirst for knowledge, like a lot of things go into that coachability piece.”

Find out more about Kelly Perdew in the link below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyperdew/

Leadership Prevails Blog: 

https://medium.com/leadership-prevails

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