In this episode of the Industrial Insights podcast, Justin Smith interviews Chris O'Brien from Auctane, exploring the evolution of shipping and logistics technology. They discuss Auctane's role in the industry, Chris's journey in supply chain, and the importance of leveraging multi-carrier strategies for profit recovery. The conversation also touches on the significance of customer experience in returns, the impact of tariffs on international shipping, and the growing role of 3PLs in modern logistics. Chris shares insights on innovations in warehouse management and sales strategies in the logistics sector, as well as future trends and upcoming conferences.

Key Takeaways

• Auctane operates at the intersection of shipping software and customer delivery experience.
• Chris O'Brien's background in supply chain began at CH Robinson, where he learned the logistics industry.
• The shipping industry has evolved with technology, providing better visibility and decision-making tools.
• Profit recovery in shipping is crucial for maximizing value and minimizing costs.
• Leveraging multiple carriers can enhance delivery efficiency and reduce costs.
• Returns have become a critical aspect of customer experience in e-commerce.
• Technological integration is transforming logistics and enabling new possibilities.
• Tariffs have forced companies to rethink their sourcing strategies and supply chains.
• 3PLs are increasingly relied upon for efficient logistics management.
• Sales strategies in logistics focus on understanding customer needs and providing tailored solutions.

Chapters

• 02:27 - Chris O'Brien's Journey in Supply Chain
• 05:27 - The Evolution of Supply Chain Visibility
• 08:03 - Profit Recovery in Shipping
• 10:38 - Leveraging Multi-Carrier Strategies
• 13:07 - The Impact of Technology on Delivery Speed
• 15:54 - Returns Management in E-commerce
• 18:30 - Future Trends in Logistics and Delivery
• 19:34 - Navigating Tariffs and Supply Chain Challenges
• 26:01 - The Role of 3PLs in Modern Logistics
• 30:08 - Innovations in Technology and Integration
• 32:58 - Sales Strategies in the Logistics Sector
• 37:00 - Future Trends in Software and Logistics M&A
• 39:22 - Looking Ahead: Conferences and Industry Innovations

Episode Resources

Connect with Chris O'Brien

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/obrienchrispro/
• https://www.shipstation.com/

Connect with Justin Smith

• https://smithcre.com/
• https://www.lee-associates.com/
• jbsmith@leeirvine.com
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/justi

In this episode of the Industrial Insights podcast, Justin Smith interviews Brandon Sedloff, Chief Real Estate Officer at Juniper Square and host of The Distribution podcast. They discuss Brandon's journey in the real estate industry, the evolution of his podcast, and the importance of storytelling and relationships in business. Brandon shares insights on navigating changes in private markets, the role of technology and AI, and the significance of building trust with clients. They also explore the future of real estate and capital flows, emphasizing the need for adaptability and embracing new technologies.

Key Takeaways

• Brandon Sedloff emphasizes the importance of trust and education in private markets.
• Storytelling is crucial for understanding the people behind businesses.
• The evolution of The Distribution podcast reflects the changing landscape of private markets.
• Listening to clients is key to understanding market needs and driving product development.
• Technology is essential for modern real estate operations and decision-making.
• Building relationships is fundamental to success in the industry.
• The future of real estate will be shaped by global capital flows and changing investor needs.
• AI and technology will transform knowledge work in the industry.
• Embracing change can lead to new opportunities and growth.
• The power of relationships remains a constant in an ever-evolving market.

Chapters

• 02:59 - The Journey of Podcasting and Learning from Guests
• 05:34 - The Importance of Storytelling in Business
• 08:32 - Podcast Formats and Inspirations
• 11:42 - Navigating Changes in the Real Estate Market
• 14:25 - Role of Chief Real Estate Officer at Juniper Square
• 17:10 - Building Trust and Relationships in Business
• 20:14 - Listening and Understanding Client Needs
• 22:58 - Curating Content and Events for Engagement
• 25:38 - Building Products with Customer Insights
• 28:44 - The Importance of Saying No
• 29:41 - Understanding Market Trends
• 33:22 - Operational Alpha in Real Estate
• 36:30 - Embracing Technology and AI
• 41:13 - Looking Ahead to 2026

Episode Resources

Connect with Brandon Sedloff

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/bsedloff/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/juniper-square/
• https://www.junipersquare.com/learn-more

Connect with Justin Smith

• https://smithcre.com/
• https://www.lee-associates.com/
• jbsmith@leeirvine.com
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/justi

In this episode of the Industrial Insights Podcast, Justin Smith interviews Kevin Natale from SKULabs, discussing the critical role of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) in e-commerce and logistics. They explore the customer journey from small-scale operations to larger warehouses, the importance of inventory management, and the impact of technology and AI on operational efficiency. The conversation also touches on the challenges of transitioning between systems and the significance of marketing and brand building in the e-commerce space.

Key Takeaways

• WMS is essential for managing inventory and operations in e-commerce.
• The customer journey varies from small startups to established businesses.
• Operational efficiency can significantly reduce labor costs.
• Standardization in processes leads to improved fulfillment.
• Technology plays a crucial role in optimizing warehouse operations.
• Transitioning between systems requires careful planning to avoid disruptions.
• Insights from implementation can reveal inefficiencies in existing processes.
• AI is set to revolutionize warehousing and fulfillment operations.
• Marketing and brand building are vital for e-commerce success.
• Understanding inventory management is key to reducing holding costs.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Warehouse Management Systems
• 02:40 The Customer Journey in Warehouse Management
• 05:13 Understanding Inventory Management and SKUs
• 07:58 Operational Efficiency and Continuous Improvement
• 10:46 The Role of Technology in Warehouse Operations
• 13:45 Navigating the Challenges of Transitioning Systems
• 15:59 Insights from Implementation and Optimization
• 18:36 The Future of AI in Warehouse Management
• 21:07 Marketing and Brand Building in Warehousing

Episode Resources

Connect with Kevin Natale

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/knatale2020/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/skulabs/
• https://www.skulabs.com/

Connect with Justin Smith

• https://smithcre.com/
• https://www.lee-associates.com/
• jbsmith@leeirvine.com
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinbsmith