The Toolkit

Since the Coronavirus has created immense challenges across the global supply chain, I wanted to discuss the tools government and industry have to address threats. In Episode #2, Col. Alex Vohr USMC, (Ret.) brings 30+ years of logistics experience across the Marines, Florida East Coast Railway and New Fortress Energy. In his former role as Director for Logistics -J4, he was responsible for directing all operations, engineering, and medical planning and execution for all U.S. Department of Defense activities in South and Central America and the Caribbean. In addition to serving in Operations Iraqi Freedom I, Desert Shield and Desert Storm, he led relief operations in Haiti, the Philippines and Puerto Rico.

Robb McDaniels is a media and technology entrepreneur, investor and current CEO of Beatport. Beatport is an online record store, founded in 2004 as the principal source of music for DJs. In an era dominated by streaming, Beatport has grown its download sales over the last few years.

Robb began his career in finance after graduating from Trinity College in Hartford, CT. He then spent four years at Marsh and MacLennan in their investment banking and structured finance unit. During his tenure at Marsh, he moved to San Francisco where he founded INgrooves in 2002. He built the company into a full-service distribution and artist services operation. Under his leadership, INgrooves managed North American digital distribution for Universal Music Group, as well as more than 4 million songs for thousands of artists and labels. As CEO, he grew the company from nothing $130m revenue and nearly 200 employees.

Just before becoming Beatport’s CEO, 2016, McDaniels launched Faction Entertainment; technology enabled artist management platform, which he wound down in 2018. 

Through discussing his past ventures, Robb provided unique perspectives from across tech, finance and media. His past wins and challenges shed light what it takes to execute an idea from conception to operating at a global scale.

Email me at [email protected] with any suggestions, comments or questions - I appreciate you listening!