MFD Pod

Scaling Healthy Snacks: Insights from Chomps' SVP of Operations, Jason Dols

In this episode of the MFD Pod, host Mike interviews Jason Dols, the Senior Vice President of Operations at Chomps, a leading healthy meat snack brand. Jason shares his in-depth expertise on how Chomps manages its intricate supply chain, from sourcing and manufacturing to inventory control. The discussion covers vital topics like managing inventory cycles, supply chain strategies, demand planning, and how Chomps balances inventory to prevent overextending. Jason provides valuable insights into the metrics Chomps uses, such as weeks of supply, to ensure they meet future demand effectively. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in operations, supply chain management, and scaling a CPG business.00:00 Introduction to the MFD Pod00:07 Meet Jason Dols from Chomps01:22 Jason's Role and Responsibilities at Chomps02:10 Deep Dive into Inventory Management03:21 Understanding Weeks of Supply

DUDE Wipes Recap Episode with Pranay Srinivasan and Kam Lasater

In this episode, we recap our conversation about the integration and application of AI and large language models (LLMs) within the operations of DUDE Wipes. The discussion features Pranay Srinivasan and Kam Lasater00:00 Introduction to DUDE Wipes and AI00:42 Understanding AI vs. LLMs04:00 Exploring RPA Bots and AI Agents07:57 Building Effective AI Agents20:23 Challenges of Data Integration23:50 The Future of MCP and AI Integration35:18 Adopting AI in Organizations44:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Transforming Operations with AI: Inside DUDE Wipes' Innovative Journey with Greg Brown

In this episode of the MFD Pod, host Mike Gelb and guest co-host Pranay speak with Greg Brown, VP of Operations at DUDE Wipes, about how the company is integrating AI into its operations. They discuss the initial experimentation with AI tools, specifically ChatGPT, and the subsequent creation of AI agents like Diesel Dan to optimize logistics and streamline processes. The conversation covers the practical aspects of embedding AI into company culture, the challenges and benefits of using AI in small to medium-sized businesses, and the future potential of AI technology in operations. 00:00 Introduction to the MFD Pod 01:06 Greg Brown's AI Journey 02:07 PNE's AI Experimentation 04:09 Integrating AI into Dude Wipes 06:51 Challenges and Learnings 12:10 Creating Diesel Dan 22:25 Types of AI Agents 23:12 Starting with AI in Creative Work 23:28 Building and Using AI Agents 24:46 Diesel Dan's Role and Interactions 26:50 Integrating AI with Existing Systems 28:37 Experimenting with New AI Protocols 30:09 Manufactured's AI Journey 36:15 Future of AI Agents 38:49 Choosing the Right AI Partners 41:55 In-House AI Development 43:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Navigating International Expansion: Insights from Alex Yancher, CEO of Passport Shipping

In this episode of the Inventory Success Podcast, host Mike Gelb interviews Alex Yancher, co-founder and CEO of Passport Shipping. They explore how Passport Shipping helps D2C and marketplace businesses expand internationally by handling shipping and logistics. Alex shares the initial inspiration behind Passport Shipping, the complexities of international shipping, and their unique approach to solving these challenges. They also discuss when it makes sense for brands to go international, the role of tariffs, and the benefits of having an integrated end-to-end solution for global logistics.00:00 Introduction to Recos Podcast00:27 Meet Alex Yancher, CEO of Passport Shipping01:56 The Birth of Passport Shipping04:27 Challenges in International Shipping07:21 The Role of Passport in E-commerce15:31 When to Go International24:57 Impact of Tariffs and International Trade31:07 Clearing Misconceptions About International Shipping34:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Trade Thursday: Part 8

Join Mike, the community manager at Manufactured (MFD), along with PNE and Hamad, as they delve into the complexities of sourcing, financing, and managing inventory across 25 countries and multiple industries. This episode tackles the impact of recent trade tariffs and geopolitical tensions on small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Discover how companies can navigate the uncertainty, understand their supply chains better, and effectively plan for the future. Learn about counter-sourcing, free trade zones, and the crucial distinctions between country of origin and country of export. Special topics include the latest tariff updates, the influence of geopolitical factors on trade, and strategies for maintaining stability and predictability in a fluctuating market.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:13 Understanding MFD's Role in Global Trade00:51 Expert Insights on Supply Chain Management02:11 Navigating Tariffs and Trade Agreements02:38 Strategies for SMBs in an Uncertain Trade Environment08:58 Approaches to Counter Sourcing12:05 Challenges in Counter Sourcing20:26 Impact of Tariffs on Industries23:23 Understanding Transshipment and Its Implications23:47 Vietnam's Trade Deals and Tariff Impacts24:47 Examples and Consequences of Transshipment30:26 Country of Origin vs. Country of Export31:56 USMCA and Its Effects on Trade34:27 Supply Chain Challenges and Opportunities38:45 Global Tariff Surprises and Geopolitical Impacts42:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts