Secret Life of Inventory

Humanoid robots are no longer science fiction—they're already entering warehouses. But before businesses rush to automate, are they actually ready? In this episode, we sit down with David Kilzer to explore the realities of warehouse automation, common mistakes in technology adoption, and what it takes to prepare for the next wave of robotics. He introduces the Human Readiness Quotient (HRQ),...

What does it really take to choose the right fulfillment model for your business? When should brands keep fulfillment in-house, and when does it make sense to move to a 3PL or 4PL partner? In this episode, we sit down with Maggie Barnett, CEO of LVK Logistics and COO of ShipHero, to unpack the realities behind modern fulfillment operations and what businesses need to know before outsourcing logist...

If you’ve ever wondered whether you should use lot numbers or serial numbers to track your inventory, this episode breaks it down in a clear, practical way. We cover what each system is, what information it stores, which industries rely on it, and when to use one over the other. You’ll also learn best practices and how inventory software can make tracking more scalable and accurate. Whether you’re...

What does it really take to build, scale, and sustain a modern manufacturing business? How do leaders balance operational efficiency, workforce challenges, and long-term succession planning in an industry that’s constantly evolving? In this episode, we sit down with Jim Vinoski to unpack 16 years at General Mills and explore what it takes to navigate today’s manufacturing landscape. From overcomin...

How do inclusion, sustainability, and innovation shape the future of supply chains? And what does it take to build a community that truly elevates underrepresented voices in the industry? In this episode, we’re joined by Sarah Barnes-Humphrey—creator and host of Let’s Talk Supply Chain and Women in Supply Chain, founder of the non-profit Blended Pledge, and a #1 Amazon Best-Selling Author. We expl...

Asset tracking barcodes help businesses stay organized, reduce losses, and make better decisions about the equipment and tools they rely on every day. In this episode, we break down what asset tracking really means, which businesses benefit most, and how to get started with a barcode system. Whether you’re managing IT equipment, tools, vehicles, or high-value assets, this walkthrough covers the fu...

What’s happening behind the scenes in modern manufacturing? How are robotics, cobots, and AI transforming operations—and how can companies attract and reskill the next generation of talent? In this episode, we sit down with Jake Hall, the Manufacturing Millennial, to uncover practical strategies for reskilling employees, balancing new technology with real-world challenges, and attracting the next...

What’s really happening behind the scenes of modern warehouses? How are companies using AI, sustainability strategies, and smart inventory practices to stay ahead? In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Lawton, host of The New Warehouse, to uncover the trends, strategies, and stories shaping today’s warehouse operations. Topics Covered: • Kevin’s inspiration and lessons from hosting The New Wareh...

Inventory can make or break a business, but managing it isn’t just about crunching numbers—it’s about strategy. In this episode, we're joined by the inventory legend, Jon Schreibfeder, President of Effective Inventory Management (EIM) and author of Achieving Effective Inventory Management (now in its 7th edition). With over 45 years of experience guiding thousands of companies worldwide, Jon...

Trade policies and tariffs can be overwhelming, but they have a real impact on your bottom line. BDC’s Director of Economic Research, Arnaud Franco, breaks down exactly what SMBs (small to medium-sized businesses) need to know to navigate U.S.-Canada trade with confidence. Arnaud walks us through why tariffs exist, how they impact different industries, and what compliance really looks like. Plus,...

In this episode, we dive into the complete product journey—from the initial spark of an idea to the moment your product finally hits the market. Joining us is Matt, our Head of Business Development at inFlow, who brings over 10 years of hands-on experience turning innovative hardware concepts into real, successful products. Matt shares firsthand stories and practical insights from his decade of le...

Barcodes are everywhere, but what do you really need to start using them effectively in your business? In this episode, we break down the essential hardware for barcoding, from scanners to label printers and everything in between. Learn the differences between stationary, handheld, and wearable barcode printers, plus key factors to consider when choosing the right one for your workflow. We also di...

If you’re new to manufacturing, inventory management can feel overwhelming—but we’re here to break it down! We’ll start with the basics of a Bill of Materials (BOM)—a detailed list of all the parts, components, and raw materials needed to make a product. We’ll also cover the role of barcoding systems in tracking inventory and how they can reduce errors and save time. Finally, we’ll explore how MRP...

Join us as we chat with Tina Nguyen, the founder of XXL Scrunchie & Co. What began as a handmade Christmas gift quickly grew into a thriving business—one that even caught the attention of Dragon’s Den investors! In this episode, Tina shares her journey from a mural artist to running XXL Scrunchie in a warehouse, the challenges she’s faced, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. We also d...

The holiday season is just around the corner, and for small business owners, it’s the most important time of the year! In this episode, we’ll guide you through essential strategies to prepare your inventory for the holiday rush and ensure your business is ready to thrive. Learn how to forecast demand, organize your stock, work with suppliers, and avoid common inventory pitfalls. Whether you’re an...

Are you thinking about starting your own HVAC business or taking your current one to the next level? In this episode, we dive deep into the strategies and steps you need to know to build a thriving HVAC company. From understanding the essentials of starting an HVAC business to how to effectively manage inventory and scale, this podcast covers it all. Stay tuned for more episodes on entrepreneurshi...

Join us as we sit down with Monica - the inspiring owner of SnaptureThis, a thriving gift shop known for its unique paper goods and community collaborations. She shares her journey of starting a small business from scratch, while navigating the challenges of selling her products online and managing multiple retail stores. We also dive into the backstory of her podcast, Sip It, where she explores t...

Discover valuable career advice for aspiring supply chain professionals and explore best practices for demand forecasting! From industry expert and founder of MVC Logistics Academy, Professor Maria Rodriguez, who was also named one of the top Women in Supply Chain by Supply & Demand Chain Executive Magazine! She explains the importance of demand forecasting in inventory management and recommen...

Let's break down the fascinating world of consignment, including: the basics of consignment, how agreements work between sellers and consignors, and the benefits and drawbacks of using consignment for buying and selling. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to sell your products, a buyer seeking unique finds, or just curious about the process, this episode has something for everyone. G...

In this episode, we have a special guest, the Director of GS1 US, Jonathan Gregory! Join us as we explore the intricate world of supply chain logistics, discussing the importance of standardization, the future of barcodes/RFIDs, and advice for new businesses looking to adhere to industry standards. Whether you're a seasoned logistics professional or simply interested in the inner workings of...

The terms "wholesaler" and "distributor" are often confused and used interchangeably in the supply chain. Wondering about the real differences are between the two? In today's Secret Life of Inventory episode, we'll explore the fundamentals of a supply chain, the key differences between wholesalers vs. distributors, and practical tips on how you can find the right dist...

Join us in this insightful episode as we dive deep into the world of barcoding and discover how you can create your own barcode system. Whether you're a small business owner looking to streamline inventory management or an enthusiast eager to learn more about the technology behind barcodes, this episode has something for everyone. 0:00 Teaser 0:13 Intro 1:24 What are barcodes? 2:40 How do bar...

In episode two, we share the fundamentals of mastering retail inventory management. Discover proven best practices and real-world case studies like why did Forever 21 go bankrupt? What happened to Kmart and Sears? And how does Walmart stay as one of the top retail giants? Get ready to be educated and entertained with insights on inventory management. Subscribe to stay tuned for more! 0:00 – Teaser...

Are you a business owner in need of better inventory management? Well, we can help! In this episode, we're here to teach you the fundamentals of inventory management and common techniques used to effectively manage stock. From cutting costs to improving productivity, stay tuned to learn the best practices and how you can improve your workflow today! 0:00 - Intro 1:07 - Who are we? 2:14 - What...