The New Warehouse Podcast

Welcome to this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, where Kevin chats with Dale Walsh, Vice President of Strategy and Innovation at Roboworx. Roboworx provides tailored field service solutions for robotics fleets, working directly with OEMs, resellers, and integrators to ensure long-term uptime. From site surveys to installations, preventative maintenance, and customer success, Dale shares how Roboworx helps robotics companies scale while keeping automation performing at its best. With robotics adoption accelerating across warehouses and other sectors, Dale offers practical advice for operators and startups alike on building a sustainable service strategy from day one.Learn more about Picker Pal here. Get better visibility with Surgere. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Jeff Mahler, CTO and Co-founder of Ambi Robotics. Ambi Robotics applies artificial intelligence and simulation-driven learning to solve some of the most complex challenges in logistics automation. In this episode, Jeff shares how Ambi uses a combination of deep reinforcement learning, modular design, and real-world feedback to help operations scale productivity through robotic systems. From parcel sorting to the latest innovation, AmbiStack, the company is building solutions that adapt and improve over time. This episode dives into the tech, the challenges, and what’s next for warehouse robotics.Learn more about Picker Pal here. Get better visibility with Surgere. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Karl Iagnemma, CEO of Vecna Robotics. Vecna Robotics enhances warehouse productivity by integrating AI-driven autonomous robots with human workers, optimizing efficiency and safety. With extensive expertise in robotics and autonomous vehicle technology, Karl discusses his transition from developing autonomous vehicles for public roads to optimizing robotic solutions within warehouse environments. A particular focus of the discussion is Vecna's innovative CaseFlow solution, a robotics-driven approach designed to significantly streamline the case picking process in warehouses, reducing manual labor and operational disruptions.Learn more about Picker Pal here. Get better visibility with Surgere. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

Welcome to this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, where Kevin chats with Alex Vinden, General Manager of Light Industrial at Instawork. Instawork is a flexible staffing platform redefining how warehouses meet labor demands. Alex dives into Instawork’s tech-powered approach to temporary staffing, its role in collecting real-time labor data, and key insights from their latest State of Warehouse Labor report. As warehouses grapple with evolving labor needs and the uncertainty of tariffs, Alex breaks down the emerging trends and why flexibility is no longer optional; it's essential for attracting and retaining top warehouse talent.Learn more about Picker Pal here. Get better visibility with Surgere. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with John Hantzis, Head of Operations at Streetleaf and Transportation Sector Chief for InfraGard. Streetleaf is a solar street lighting company recognized for its rapid deployment systems and storm-resilient infrastructure, primarily serving master-planned communities. John shares how Streetleaf developed a lean and adaptive warehouse strategy, built to withstand tariff volatility and unpredictable demand. He also delves into his role with InfraGard, where he collaborates with the FBI to enhance cybersecurity in transportation. From strengthening internal operations to detecting low-tech theft, John offers a unique dual perspective that blends real-world operations with national security insights.Learn more about Picker Pal here. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Knut Sandven. Sandven is the founder and CEO of Sonair, a Norway-based startup bringing new depth to robotic vision. With a background in ultrasonic sensing and two previous startups under his belt, Knut shares how Sonair is enabling warehouse robots to “see” with ultrasonic depth sensors that work in 3D. These sensors allow autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and robotic arms to detect and navigate around various types of objects, including transparent, reflective, and oddly shaped ones.Sonair’s sensors are built on a medical-grade beamforming technique, allowing them to detect soft, hard, or glass objects with high reliability. The sensors are not only designed to enhance safety but are also being launched in safety-certified versions, helping robotics OEMs meet compliance standards more efficiently. For warehouses looking to deploy automation without reconfiguring their entire layout, Sonair’s technology could be a game changer.Learn more about Picker Pal here. Get better visibility with Surgere. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Charles Ickes, CEO of Bergen Logistics and CloudX Systems. With a background that began in high-end dry cleaning and led to leadership roles in fashion logistics, Charles shares how his journey shaped Bergen’s approach to global 3PL services and warehouse technology. Now operating under the Elanders Group umbrella, Bergen Logistics has grown from a regional fashion-focused provider to a worldwide network of 19 fulfillment centers—all powered by a single WMS: CloudX.Charles walks us through the benefits of owning their tech stack, how they’re helping brands navigate supply chain disruption, and why bonded warehousing and FTZs are becoming critical for fashion brands facing skyrocketing tariffs.Learn more about Picker Pal here. Get better visibility with Surgere. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

In this episode of The New Warehouse podcast, host Kevin Lawton speaks with Derek Dryer, co-founder of Relay Distribution, a thriving e-commerce fulfillment center in Houston, Texas. Derek shares his journey from scaling operations for a fitness YouTuber's brand to co-founding Relay Distribution. They discuss the challenges and strategies of handling influencer-driven product launches, the advantages of their unique YouTube-centric marketing approach, and the impact of installing a Pio automated storage and retrieval system. Derek also provides insights into managing manufacturing partnerships in China amid fluctuating tariffs and the exciting launch of a new partnered brand. This episode is packed with valuable takeaways for anyone in the fulfillment and warehousing industry.Check out Relay on YouTube here.Learn more about Picker Pal here. Get better visibility with Surgere. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Rodney Galeano, Founder and CEO of Loki 3PL, about his journey from overseeing massive warehouse operations to launching his own third-party logistics company. Recorded live at Supply Chain Point 2025, Rodney opens up about the hustle, the strategy, and the sheer grit it took to launch a fully operational 3PL in under six weeks, with clients, forklifts, a WMS, and thousands of pallets ready to go.Rodney shares how his extensive industry experience and strong relationships enabled him to transition from idea to execution in record time. From subleasing space and signing tech contracts to building a reliable team and onboarding clients, his story offers a raw, real look at what it takes to succeed in the ultra-competitive 3PL space. The conversation also touches on his take on tech investments, client expectations, and the naming inspiration behind “Loki.”Learn more about Picker Pal here. Get better visibility with Surgere. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Manish Kapoor, founder and CEO of Growth Catalyst Group (GCG), a dynamic network of supply chain-focused companies helping businesses scale with technology, process, and strategy. The conversation spans the shift from traditional distribution centers to omnichannel fulfillment, adapting to global disruptions such as tariffs and pandemics, and why the best supply chains are flexible, provide visibility, and have customer needs at the core.Learn more about Picker Pal here. Get better visibility with Surgere. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show