Heavy Hitters: The Digital Industrial Podcast 109. Jake Brown, NFI - Innovating Supply Chain & Logistics since 1932
9 snips
Jul 28, 2025 
Jake Brown, Chief of Staff at NFI, shares insights from his journey in supply chain management, emphasizing innovation in logistics since 1932. He discusses NFI Ventures' strategic initiatives, including AI integration and deal flow vetting for successful partnerships. Jake also highlights the importance of operational efficiency in yard management and the impact of tax reforms on the industry. Tune in for a glimpse into the future of supply chain dynamics and the specific use cases NFI is exploring!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Jake's Ground-Up Warehouse Journey
- Jake Brown personally started in warehouse floor operations before moving to leadership roles at NFI.
- This progression gave him deep operational insights crucial for his current Chief of Staff and venture strategy role.
NFI Ventures Strategic Creation
- NFI formed NFI Ventures to strategically engage early-stage logistics startups.
- The aim is to co-build products tailored to operational needs instead of passively investing.
Build-Buy-Partner Decision Tips
- Evaluate potential tech with operational experts internally to validate real problems and solutions.
- Partner with professional VC firms to add investment discipline and diligence to decisions.