Articles

Case Studies

Sachi Thompson: Do The Hustle

Sachi Thompson: Do The Hustle

Responsibilities: Lead Curvature’s global server, storage, and network hardware business, including running operations, sales, and executing the division’s corporate strategy. Experience: Executive vice president, global supply chain,Curvature; chief operating officer, Curvature (pre-merger with SMS); director of real estate and leasing,Ess-Tee Management; production director,Big Dogs Sportswear. Education: B.A., History, University of California—Santa Barbara In 2007, I joined Curvature […]

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Shifting Gears to Drive Improvement

Shifting Gears to Drive Improvement

National Oak Distributors, an automotive paint, body, and equipment warehouse distributing company founded in 1995, reaches more than 95% of the country with next-day delivery. Because timeliness lies at the heart of its business model, supply chain visibility and accurate reporting are key. THE CUSTOMER National Oak Distributors is an automotive paint, body, and equipment […]

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The Music Man

The Music Man

Phil Rich brings strategy, patience, fundamentals, focus, positive feedback, corrective direction, and celebration of achievements to everything he does—from playing guitar to flying planes. One way or another, Phil Rich was destined for a music career. His military service included nearly seven years as a guitarist and sound engineer in the Navy Band. Back in […]

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Magic CarParts Ride

Magic CarParts Ride

Responsibilities: Sourcing, including partnering with merchandising to expand product assortments; working with the inventory planning and forecasting team to execute the company’s buy plan; collaborating with CarParts.com’s logistics partners and distribution center teams to deliver goods and ensure trade compliance. Experience: Senior director of purchasing, director of purchasing, product manager, assistant product manager, and buyer/inventory […]

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E-Commerce and Warehouse Expansion: It’s in the Cards

E-Commerce and Warehouse Expansion: It’s in the Cards

When MJ Holding Company, LLC, the largest North American distributor of trading cards and novelties to retail stores, set out to build a new warehouse in 2019, it decided to augment its ability to ship directly to consumers. THE CUSTOMER MJ Holding Company, based in Bedford Park, Illinois, is the largest North American distributor of […]

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Starborn Industries Fastens on Visibility and Automation Solutions

Starborn Industries Fastens on Visibility and Automation Solutions

Starborn Industries—its name reflects the era of the space race—has grown to become a national distributor and one of the largest importers of drywall screws in the country since its launch in 1961. It has also created its own fastener and product lines for the deck construction market. The Customer Starborn Industries, Inc. started as […]

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Thriving on Change, Growth, and Opportunity

Thriving on Change, Growth, and Opportunity

Fresh out of grad school, Thad Bedard moved to the San Francisco Bay area hoping to become a professor of American literature. But teaching jobs were scarce. “To make ends meet, I started working as a warehouseman,” recalls Bedard. “I enjoyed the industry. The work challenged a lot of my preconceived notions about business.” He […]

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