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The New Warehouse Podcast

The New Warehouse podcast hosted by Kevin Lawton is your source for insights and ideas from the distribution, transportation and logistics industry. New episodes every Monday and Wednesday morning bring you the latest from industry experts and thought leaders.

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Episodes

Modernizing Warehouse SOP Execution with Smart Access

Is your warehouse SOP doing what you need it to? Kevin chats with Tim Regnier, CEO and Founder of Smart Access, about how warehouses can revive their SOPs. Oftentimes, standard operating procedures get written, approved, stored, and then forgotten or remain misunderstood. In this episode, Tim explains how Smart Access turns warehouse SOP into a living system. The platform guides training, boosts accuracy, and improves productivity. It uses AI-driven observations, automated skill-building, and th...

Dec 01, 202539 min

Warehouse Talent Recruitment and the Rise of Human-Centered Leadership

When it comes to warehouse talent recruitment, few understand the shifting dynamics better than Charlie Saffro, CEO and Founder of CS Recruiting. In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Charlie about warehouse hiring trends, logistics recruiting, and how culture-driven leadership shapes retention. With 15 years of experience matching supply chain talent to employers across North America, Charlie shares her perspective on the changing labor landscape. Her insights reveal th...

Nov 26, 202536 min

Warehouse Improvement Through Smarter Project Management

In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Paul Lukehart, Managing Principal of PL Programs, a consultancy specializing in warehouse startup project management and operational improvement. Paul draws from his background in the military, as well as his experience at Target, Amazon, and XPO Logistics. He shares how his hands-on experience shaped his approach to warehouse improvement—especially when launching new facilities, integrating technology, or navigating complex site mov...

Nov 24, 202544 min

Connecting Warehouse Systems With Trackstar

When it comes to connecting warehouse systems, few companies are tackling the challenge as directly as TrackStar. In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Jeremy Schneck and Daniel Langer, Co-Founders of TrackStar, about how they’re simplifying integrations across the fragmented WMS landscape. The discussion explores TrackStar’s journey from a startup pivot to a Y Combinator-backed company, the growing role of APIs in supply chain connectivity, and how universal APIs are dr...

Nov 19, 202533 min

Warehouse Network Optimization: A Holistic Approach with The Beacon Group

When it comes to optimizing warehouse operations, few companies offer a truly end-to-end solution. In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Bob Hutson, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain and Real Estate at The Beacon Group, about how his team guides clients through the process from concept to implementation. The discussion highlights how The Beacon Group integrates real estate, technology, and financial modeling to help companies make smarter, faster decisions. As Hutson...

Nov 17, 202535 min

How Does 3PL Pricing Work?

What really goes into a 3PL quote? Does it ever feel like the final number comes out of thin air? For e-commerce brands and 3PL providers alike, fulfillment pricing can be a complex web. With no industry-wide standard and costs broken into multiple categories, understanding how a proposal is built is critical for a successful partnership. In this previously live session, Kevin was joined by a multi-disciplinary team from Barrett Distribution Centers to pull back the curtain. They went beyond a s...

Nov 14, 20251 hr 5 min

Warehouse Digital Transformation: Bridging ERP and the Warehouse Floor

In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Kurt Heusner, CEO of Endpoint Automation Solutions, about how mid-market warehouses can modernize through digital transformation. Endpoint Automation Solutions helps companies bridge the gap between their ERP systems and the realities of warehouse operations. Kurt explains how modular, human-centered automation empowers smaller operators to stay competitive, improve visibility, and scale intelligently without overwhelming their teams...

Nov 12, 202544 min

Operational Turnarounds in Warehousing: Making Operations Suck Less

When it comes to improving warehouse performance, Chris Hamley, Managing Partner of The Brecham Group, believes in keeping things simple: make operations suck less. In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with both Chris Hamley and Pete Allen, a returning guest and now one of the newest members of The Brecham Group. Together, they explore what that mantra truly means and how it shapes the firm’s approach to operational turnarounds in warehousing. This episode blends real-world ...

Nov 10, 202536 min

Warehouse Technology Trends for 2026

The warehouse of today is already transforming, but what will it truly look like in 2026? We are moving beyond isolated automation to a fully integrated, intelligent ecosystem. This is where AI-driven robotics, augmented-reality workflows, and hyper-flexible software converge to create a warehouse that is not just faster, but more predictive, accurate, and resilient than ever before. Tune in for a panel discussion with leaders from Addverb, Snapfulfil, Centric Packaging, and Vuzix. We’ll cut thr...

Nov 07, 20251 hr 4 min

Cartonization and the Rise of the Packing Control System

When most people think about warehouse efficiency, they picture automation, robotics, or faster picking speeds. But for James Malley, Co-founder and CEO of Paccurate, the real opportunity lies in something far less flashy—how we pack boxes. In this episode, Kevin chats with James about Paccurate’s milestone of processing one billion packs and how the company is redefining packaging optimization through cartonization. What began as a side project tackling dimensional weight challenges has evolved...

Nov 05, 202535 min

EP 639: Expert Supply Chain Advice from “Legend” Rick McDonald

Kevin chats with Rick McDonald, CEO and Founder of Rick McDonald Supply Chain Advisory, who spent over three decades at Clorox, including four years as Chief Supply Chain Officer. Drawing from his deep experience leading transformation across manufacturing, procurement, and logistics, Rick shares supply chain advice on how the industry evolved from grease pencils and overhead projectors to digital roadmaps, AI-driven planning, and consumer-obsessed supply chains. The conversation touches on lead...

Nov 03, 202541 min

The Peak Season Countdown: Making Sure You're All Systems Go

With Black Friday just weeks away, the window for final peak season preparation is closing. Are your operations and your systems truly ready for the surge? Join your host, Kevin, for a crucial live discussion with Brian Kirst of Snapfulfil. Drawing on his unique dual experience as both a WMS expert and a former 3PL owner, Brian offers battle-tested strategies from both sides of the operation. In this session, you will discover: The Operator's Playbook: Go beyond theory with practical, on-the-flo...

Oct 31, 202555 min

EP 638: Automating Brownfield Warehouses With Cartesian Kinetics

In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Veena Radhakrishna, Head of Software and Co-Founder at Cartesian Kinetics. The company is carving a unique niche of bringing automation solutions to brownfield warehouse sites. Veena shares the founding story of Cartesian Kinetics, their flagship Carte+ system, and how the company’s design-first approach is helping warehouses overcome the typical barriers to automation. With insights on industry dynamics, adoption challenges, and pra...

Oct 29, 202528 min

EP 637: Designing Warehouse Systems with User Experience in Mind

In today’s episode, Kevin chats with Jason Morin, Senior Director of Continuous Improvement and Engineering at ID Logistics. They discuss how technology, user experience, and continuous improvement intersect in today’s warehouse operations. ID Logistics is a global 3PL operating across 18 countries with nearly 18 million square feet of space dedicated to e-commerce, FMCG, food and beverage, healthcare, high-tech, and more. Jason shares insights on ID’s internal labor management system, its globa...

Oct 27, 202530 min

EP 636: Robotics, Software, and the Future of Humanoids in Warehousing

Kevin chats with John Santagate, former Senior Vice President of Global Robotics at Infios, to unpack the latest developments in warehouse robotics. Infios, formerly Körber Supply Chain, has emerged as a leader in integrating warehouse execution systems, mobile robotics, and voice solutions. With recent acquisitions, such as MercuryGate TMS, and continued investments in order management and freight audit tools, Infios is building a robust portfolio that bridges software and automation. In this c...

Oct 22, 202540 min

EP 635: Integrating Fragmented Warehouse Systems with EPG’s Unified Approach

Live from the Intralogistex USA Conference in Miami, Kevin chats with Javier Esteve, Vice President of Sales at EPG (Ehrhardt Partner Group). EPG, founded in 1987 in Germany, now serves more than 1,600 customers worldwide and employs over 1,000 people. Known for its Lydia Voice and warehouse management solutions, EPG delivers a unified supply chain execution suite designed to simplify and connect every part of logistics. Javier shares how EPG helps organizations transition from fragmented wareho...

Oct 20, 202521 min

EP 634: Building a Boutique 3PL with AMSCO Prep

Kevin chats with Joe Biancofiori, President of AMSCO Prep, to explore his journey from corporate life to running a fast-growing fulfillment and prep service. AMSCO Prep, initially launched in 2017, began as a small FBA prep business and has since expanded into direct-to-consumer (DTC) distribution and fulfillment. Joe shares how his entrepreneurial drive led him from packing boxes in his basement to managing multiple warehouses handling millions of units each year. The conversation delves into h...

Oct 15, 202544 min

EP 633: Voice AI in Warehousing from aiOla

Kevin chats with Alon Peleg, COO of aiOla, about how voice AI is transforming warehouse operations. AiOla is a voice AI lab that develops technology to convert unstructured spoken data into structured, actionable insights for industries such as logistics, aviation, and manufacturing. Instead of relying on keyboards, tablets, or outdated paper processes, workers can now interact naturally with systems in their own language. The conversation highlights why voice AI is advancing beyond legacy picki...

Oct 13, 202530 min

EP 632: EASE Logistics on Innovation, and Autonomous Trucking

Navigating today’s supply chain requires more than trucks and warehouses—it takes vision. In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Peter Coratola, Founder and CEO of EASE Logistics. Based in Dublin, Ohio, EASE Logistics has grown from a startup launched during a hectic season of Peter’s life into a thriving asset-based 3PL. Today, EASE is piloting an autonomous truck platooning project, partnering with the state of Ohio and major technology providers to test a safer, more e...

Oct 08, 202532 min

EP 631: What's Really Happening In Warehouse Automation Right Now?

In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Adrian Stoch, CEO of the Americas at Hai Robotics. Adrian recently transitioned from the end-user side, with leadership roles at GXO and Target, to the solution-provider side at Hai. His unique perspective brings a sharper focus on customer success in warehouse automation. Adrian shares why he joined Hai Robotics, how his past experiences shaped his views on automation, and why customer outcomes must drive innovation. Adrian also div...

Oct 06, 202531 min

Live from WERC: The Future of Warehouse Distribution, Technology, and Workforce Innovation

The New Warehouse Podcast comes to you live from the Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC) conference in New Orleans, featuring a conversation with Glen Wegel, Vice President of Operations and IT at Kitchen Cabinet Distributors (KCD). Glen shares insights into KCD’s rapid growth, how the company balances technology with operations, and his perspective on the future of the warehousing workforce. He also reflects on the unique role WERC plays as a space for idea-sharing and collaborati...

Oct 02, 202529 min

EP 630: Building Flexible Automation Solutions with Daifuku

Automation has become a defining force in modern warehouses, yet flexibility remains just as critical. In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Jason Griswold, Application Engineer Manager at Daifuku Intralogistics America, to explore how companies can strike a balance between automation and adaptability. Jason discusses Daifuku’s expansive catalog, industry adoption trends, and an ambitious project with Peterbilt that demonstrates how flexible automation can scale to meet ...

Oct 01, 202536 min

EP 629: Bringing Joy to Reverse Logistics with Happy Returns

Returns are a constant challenge for retailers, but Happy Returns is proving the technology that can transform the experience for both customers and merchants. In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Tim Fehr, Chief Operations Officer at Happy Returns. The company facilitates in-person returns of online purchases at more than 8,000 drop-off points across the U.S., enabling box-free, label-free returns with instant refunds. Tim shares how Happy Returns has scaled rapidly, i...

Sep 29, 202536 min

WERC 2025 Insights from Tractor Supply’s Will Sparks

Kevin chats with Will Sparks, President of WERC and Director of Operations Planning and Analysis at Tractor Supply Company, live from the WERC 2025 Conference in New Orleans. With 20 years of involvement in WERC , Sparks has seen the organization grow into the leading authority on warehouse education and research. He shares how the conference offers practitioner-driven content, why the collaborative format sets it apart from other industry events, and how Tractor Supply is experimenting with AI ...

Sep 25, 202525 min

EP 628: Orchestrate Warehouse Automation Technologies with GreyOrange and enVista

In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast , Kevin chats with Akash Gupta, Co-Founder and CEO of GreyOrange, and Jim Barnes, CEO of enVista. The conversation centers on their new partnership, bringing together GreyOrange’s AI-powered orchestration platform, GreyMatter, and enVista’s decades of supply chain consulting and systems integration expertise. Together, the companies are introducing “enMotion,” a joint solution designed to orchestrate warehouse automation technologies, optimize fulfill...

Sep 24, 202542 min

EP 627: Fast Track E-Commerce Fulfillment with Radial

In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast , Kevin chats with Tom Schmitt, the new CEO of Radial, about the evolution of fulfillment, the challenges for mid-market brands, and the launch of Radial’s Fast Track program. With decades of leadership experience at FedEx, DB Schenker, and McKinsey, Schmitt brings a deep perspective on how fulfillment has become inseparable from customer experience. As he explains, “Fulfillment is the customer experience.” Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube . Support ...

Sep 22, 202541 min

To Bot or Not: Lessons on Robotics from WERC 2025

At the 2025 Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC) conference in New Orleans, Kevin sat down with two leaders shaping the warehouse automation conversation: Chris Lingamfelter, founder of Robot Advisors, and Tim Barrett, President of Barrett Distribution Centers. The discussion followed their standing-room-only session, “To Bot or Not,” which explored robotics adoption, ROI, and what the future warehouse workforce might look like. Together, they provided a candid look at how automatio...

Sep 18, 202531 min

EP 626: Anscer Robotics Expands with Heavy-Duty Hybrid Solutions

The latest episode of The New Warehouse Podcast features Mark Messina, Managing Director and CEO of Anscer Robotics. With decades of experience in robotics, including a formative role at Kiva Systems (now Amazon Robotics), Mark shares his journey, the origins of Anscer, and his perspective on the future of warehouse automation. Founded in India and now expanding across the Americas and APAC, Anscer stands out for its robust hardware and software design philosophy. Messina highlights how the comp...

Sep 17, 202547 min

EP 625: Building Community and Knowledge Through The Warehouse Underground

Kevin chats with Ben Hopkins, founder of The Warehouse Underground, about his journey from Air Force officer to warehouse leader and now podcast and community builder. Ben’s story is one of transformation, from flying F-15E Strike Eagles to managing operations at Amazon, and later creating a platform dedicated to helping warehouse professionals learn, share, and grow together. The Warehouse Underground is more than just a podcast; it’s a town square for distribution and fulfillment professionals...

Sep 15, 202548 min

WERC: How to Prepare Warehouses for Active Shooter Scenarios

This episode of The New Warehouse Podcast features Bubba Fatula, founder of The Fatula Group, a consulting firm specializing in threat preparedness. Drawing on his law enforcement and military background, Fatula shares how businesses can proactively prepare for active shooter situations. His goal isn’t to create fear; it’s to equip teams with real-world tools to respond confidently and effectively. The conversation took place at the Warehouse Education and Research Council (WERC) conference in N...

Sep 11, 202521 min
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