Find your Source

🎙 Episode 2: Stop Getting Ghosted – How to Actually Talk to Decision Makers

In this episode of Find Your Source, Stephen tackles a frustration many businesses face: no one returning your calls, and U.S. manufacturers that just can’t seem to compete with pricing from China, India, or Vietnam.

But here’s the truth—if you want to find better options, build real partnerships, and stop spinning your wheels, you’ve got to go beyond the inbox. Stephen shares proven, boots-on-the-ground strategies that get you face-to-face with the people who can say yes—and that one yes could change everything.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

Why decision makers aren’t calling back—and what to do about it

How to cut through the noise and get real conversations started

The power of face-to-face meetings (yes, even in 2025)

How to fill your pipeline with solid contacts, not cold leads

Why hearing 100 “no’s” is still a win if it leads to the right “yes”

Stephen emphasizes that sourcing success takes persistence, confidence, and getting in front of the right people—not just sending another email.

📬 Need help making those connections?

🎙 Episode 1: Trust Is a Two-Way Street – Building Real Partnerships with Vendors and Customers

In this episode of Find Your Source, Stephen tackles one of the most overlooked success factors in business: trust. Whether you’re dealing with a supplier or a customer, relationships thrive when both sides feel respected—and collapse when one side always has to “win.”

Stephen shares how to create mutually beneficial, long-term partnerships by shifting your mindset away from short-term victories and toward shared goals. The result? More stability, better deals, fewer surprises—and people who actually want to work with you.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

Why you don’t have to “win” every deal to succeed

How to avoid being treated poorly without getting defensive

The importance of being consistent, honest, and communicative

Simple but powerful ways to become someone others want to partner with

How to plan for the future with your partners, not in spite of them

Stephen reminds us that it’s not always easy—but it is simple. Treat others how you’d want to be treated, show up consistently, and build a foundation of trust brick by brick.

📬 Want guidance on your own vendor or customer relationships?

🎙 Episode 0: Welcome to Find Your Source – Your Guide to Smarter Sourcing with Stephen Peterson

In this kickoff episode, meet your host Stephen Peterson, a sourcing expert with over 30 years of hands-on experience building profitable product lines, trusted manufacturing partnerships, and resilient supply chains.

This isn’t just another podcast about business—it’s your go-to guide for navigating the real-world challenges of manufacturing, sourcing, and scaling physical products. Whether you're just starting or already selling, Find Your Source is here to help you level up.

Stephen lays out what you can expect from this show—and from him—as he teaches you how to:

Improve margins by making smarter sourcing decisions

Find reliable, long-term partners (not just vendors)

Avoid “price-only” customers who hurt your business

Add backup manufacturers without breaking trust

Build a supply chain that works for you, not against you

Create lasting, human-centered business relationships that grow with you

💡 This Podcast is For You If…

You’re tired of being reactive instead of strategic

You want to bring your products to market faster and more reliably

You’re looking to future-proof your business by working smarter, not just harder

🔧 With practical stories, proven tactics, and real advice from someone who’s been in the trenches, Stephen will show you how to take control of your sourcing and build a business that lasts.

📬 Let’s Connect: