In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Chris Lucas, founder and CEO of Lucas Solutions, a startup built around helping emerging brands grow through better 3PL relationships, compliance-focused software, and real operational support. 

From accounting at KPMG to hedge funds to fulfillment floors, Chris shares the unfiltered story behind launching his own company, learning from failure, and embracing the unexpected. This episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the journey from employee to founder—and the power of relationships in warehousing.

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Join host Kevin Lawton on The New Warehouse Podcast as he sits down with Scott Reid, VP of Sales at Fives Intralogistics, to discuss the concept of right sizing automation in the warehousing industry. They explore what right sizing automation means, the challenges it presents, and how companies can effectively plan for both current and future automation needs. Tune in to gain insights on modular, scalable automation solutions and their impact on labor and facility management. Learn why adopting a phased approach and partnering with knowledgeable experts can make all the difference in optimizing your warehouse operations for long-term success.

Learn more about MHI's CSS Industry Group here.

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In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Roch LeFrancois, Director of Distribution at Tenaquip, a Canadian industrial supply distributor known for its wide-ranging catalog and focus on customer service. 

Roch shares how his passion for technology and operations has shaped his leadership journey across grocery, pharma, real estate, and distribution. With over 180,000 SKUs, automation challenges, and sky-high customer expectations, he emphasizes the importance of adaptability, balance, and keeping the human element central to every process.

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Join Kevin from The New Warehouse as he sits down with Zach Steck, Market Specialist for Material Handling at Pepperl+Fuchs, and Phil Varley, CTO at Tenivus from the MHI Headquarters. This insightful discussion explores the integration of AI and robotics into conveyor systems, focusing on AI applications, quality control, predictive maintenance, and industry trends. Gain valuable insights into how AI and advanced sensor technologies can optimize your warehouse operations, enhance productivity, and lower maintenance costs.

Learn more about the CSS industry group here: https://www.mhi.org/css

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In this special episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Kristi Montgomery, VP of Innovation, Research, and Development at Kenco Logistics, and Mel Alwood, Regional VP of Operations at Neovia Logistics, to preview the upcoming WERC Conference taking place June 8–11, 2025, in New Orleans.

 Hosted by the Warehouse Education and Research Council (WERC), the conference centers on one powerful theme: Leading with Vision. Kristi and Mel share how this year’s focus mirrors the realities of today’s warehousing challenges and opportunities, including workforce transformation, AI, peer learning, and networking. 

Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a longtime member, this conversation unpacks why the WERC 2025 Conference remains the go-to educational event for warehouse professionals.

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In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Brien Downie, President of Holman Logistics, a family-owned third-party logistics company that has been operating continuously since 1864. 

Brien shares Holman's remarkable 161-year history, its values-driven leadership style, and why a people-first culture has been the company’s "secret sauce." From investing in employee development to supporting long-term customer partnerships, Holman Logistics proves that success in logistics isn’t just about automation or strategy—it’s about people who care.

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Welcome to another episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, where Kevin chats with Adrian Betts, founder of Xpandur, a firm specializing in supply chain execution consulting. 

Drawing on decades of experience across distribution, transportation, and technology, Adrian shares how Xpandur helps companies execute more efficiently, not just design a better strategy. From fixing warehouse workflows to managing tech implementation, Xpandur brings pragmatic, boots-on-the-ground guidance to companies struggling to close the gap between vision and reality. 

In this conversation, Adrian breaks down his consulting approach, shares real-world insights, and highlights how supply chain execution, rather than planning, is where most operations often fall short.

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In Today's episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin broadcasts live from Manifest with Marc Gorlin, CEO and founder of Roadie. Marc shares the origin story of Roadie and how it’s transforming last-mile logistics. 

The conversation covers Roadie’s community-driven model, its evolution into cross-dock and big & bulky delivery, and the company’s mission to deliver everything from iPhone chargers to grills with the same convenience and speed. 

With 50 cross-dock hubs planned by the end of the year, Roadie is scaling fast and reshaping what same-day delivery looks like for retailers, drivers, and consumers alike.

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Welcome to this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, where we welcome guest Darryl Nelson, Principal and Practice Lead at Supply Chain Alliance. With a background rooted in hands-on operational leadership, Darryl shares what makes operational consultants valuable in today’s complex warehousing environment. 

The conversation highlights key warehousing challenges for 2025, how proactive assessments and turnaround projects work, and why real-world experience matters when engaging a consulting partner. With over 30 years of experience and more than 600 successful projects, Darryl explains how to leverage operational consulting to unlock performance, resilience, and long-term value.

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Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson
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Welcome to this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, where logistics legend Jim Tompkins, Chairman of Tompkins Ventures, joins the show. With over 50 years in the industry, Jim shares lessons from his early days in warehousing and consulting, his role in shaping the profession, and how disruption has become the new normal. 

The conversation focuses on a new era of global logistics strategy, where adaptability, agility, and optionality are more essential than optimization. From reshoring and nearshoring to navigating tariffs and global disruptions, Jim unpacks the evolving needs of today’s supply chain leaders.

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Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson
Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.

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