

Beyond Fulfillment Podcast
Dave Gulas
The Beyond Fulfillment Podcast, with Dave Gulas of EZDC 3PL, is your weekly dose of real talk with the people actually building successful businesses. We bring you unfiltered conversations with the founders, the dreamers, and the doers who are truly making things happen. We're cutting through the noise to show you what it really takes for business growth.. Think of it as a backstage pass to the entrepreneurial journey —from overcoming tough challenges to celebrating big victories, and every important lesson along the way. Why listen? Because we're exploring various industries, pulling back the curtain on how entrepreneurs like David Meltzer, Brian Esposito, Susan Sly, Darren Jacklin, and Susan Bratton have powered through obstacles, grabbed opportunities, and truly scaled their visions. You'll hear authentic stories that resonate, gain practical advice you can put into action today, and find the motivation to fuel your own growth.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 28, 2023 • 53min
Unlocking Peak Performance: Lessons from the Flow State with Jason Henkel
Here are the Top 3 Takeaways from my conversation with Jason Henkel:
1. Prioritize Flow State:
Flow state is a highly focused and immersive mental state that enhances enjoyment, concentration, and cognitive abilities. Jason emphasized the importance of deliberately entering a protected flow state so you can multiply your cognitive abilities x 5 & achieve peak performance. He shared his firsthand experience as an early graduate of the Flow Genome Project and how teaching those methods had a positive impact on his clients, leading to many referrals. When you make flow state a priority, you can significantly enhance your productivity while experiencing immense joy.
2. Your WHY will get you through the valley
Entrepreneurship often comes with uncertainty, fear, and doubt. Jason discussed the challenges he faced in the early stages of his business journey and the importance of having a deep intrinsic reason why. He emphasized how a strong why can help you push through the valley of fear and uncertainty that all entrepreneurs must go through. This will build resilience & potentially lead to breakthroughs, growth & ultimately success. Be sure to clearly define your why as it’s vital for navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
3. Embrace Playfulness:
While running a business requires seriousness, being too serious all the time can be detrimental. Jason highlighted the importance of playfulness in entrepreneurship. Approaching challenges with a fresh perspective, thinking outside the box, and finding innovative solutions are facilitated by a state of playfulness. Jason emphasized the value of being childlike and not forgetting about laughter, play, and being present minded. Embracing your inner child can lead to increased creativity and a competitive edge in business.
Bonus Takeaway: Give Your Brain a Break:
Continual focus and intense work can result in mental fatigue, decreased productivity, and burnout. Jason emphasized the importance of regularly giving the brain a break to rest and recharge. He discussed the perils of excessive stimulation in the digital age and the drawbacks of being "always on." Taking breaks is essential for long-term success and sustained high performance in the demanding world of entrepreneurship. Knowing when to turn off and give your brain the necessary breaks is crucial for maintaining productivity and well-being.
By implementing these takeaways, entrepreneurs can enhance their performance, navigate challenges with resilience, and find joy in their work.
#businessowner #growthmindset #businesscoach #businessowner #podcastepisode

Dec 21, 2023 • 33min
Episode 11 - Building Success: Lessons in Feedback, Culture, and Teamwork with Mia
Here are my top 3 takeaways from my conversation with Mia Mazal:
1. Critical feedback is your friend.
When customers provide honest and unfiltered feedback, it gives us insights into areas where we can improve. Mia constantly seeks feedback from her customers and colleagues, specifically looking for negative feedback. She is committed to personal growth and believes that the quickest way to improve is by listening to her customers and learning where she can make adjustments. She also acknowledged her own perspective could be biased so she always encourages others to share their opinions of her work.
2. Your company culture can make or break your business.
A positive company culture attracts and retains top talent, while a negative culture leads to high turnover and difficulty attracting talent. Mia discussed how S-works has a culture of inclusivity, where people are encouraged to be themselves and share content that reflects their true identity. As a result, S-works has a 95% retention rate and created a workplace that everyone desires to be a part of. When your workforce feels valued, included, and connected to their team, they are more likely to be committed to the organization's goals and go the extra mile.
3. True Teamwork is Priceless
When employees have a reliable team for support and assistance, they are more likely to produce their best work. Mia shared her experience of a demanding trade show travel schedule that limited her capabilities. However, her team stepped in immediately to help with tasks she couldn't handle. This allowed her to focus on prospecting and networking, which contributed to their overall growth and benefited the entire team. When a team is united by a common goal, the collective efforts create a synergistic impact on the company's success.
Bonus takeaway - There’s power in not being attached to an outcome:
Life is unpredictable, and things often don't go according to plan. If we are too attached to a specific outcome, we may struggle to adapt. Mia emphasized the importance of "embracing unexpected outcomes" as her career took a different path than she initially envisioned. When we let go of attachment to a particular outcome, we can alleviate unnecessary pressure and improve our mental well-being.
#humanresources #entrepreneurship #supplychain #businesssuccess #podcastguests #podcastepisode

Dec 19, 2023 • 37min
Episode 10 - Mastering the Game of Entrepreneurship: Lessons from Joe Spisak
Here are the top 3 takeaways from my recent conversation with Joe Spisak:
1. Learn from losses:
Joe's initial board game launch, "Dicey," experienced underwhelming sales and encountered various challenges. However, this experience proved to be invaluable when he later developed his board game "OK Boomer." By learning from his previous mistakes, Joe was able to streamline the product development, marketing, and fulfillment processes for "OK Boomer." This allowed him to scale quicker leading to millions of dollars in sales in the coming years & ultimately a successful divestment of the company. Failures can provide valuable lessons that serve as a catalyst for future success.
2. The fundamentals of success are universal:
Joe's upbringing in a family of wrestlers shaped his perspective. His father instilled in him the three pillars of success: focus, discipline, and consistency. Joe applied these principles not only in his journey as a Division 1 collegiate wrestler but also in his entrepreneurial pursuits. These habits are crucial for achieving success as they help us stay on track, overcome obstacles, and make steady progress towards our goals. Regardless of the industry or field, these fundamental principles remain universal.
3. The significance of balance:
Joe emphasized the importance of finding balance in life. He shared how his involvement in competitive jiu-jitsu serves as a much-needed break from the stresses and pressures of entrepreneurship. Engaging in hobbies or activities that divert attention from work-related responsibilities can provide relaxation and rejuvenation. It’s important to find outlets that allow us to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Bonus takeaway: Find a mentor:
Joe highlighted the significant impact of having a mentor within his industry. Seeking guidance from those more experienced can greatly enhance our chances of success. A mentor can offer valuable insights, expand our network, help develop our skills, provide perspective, and offer emotional support.
#fulfillment #warehouse #warehouses #ecommercebusiness #ecommerce #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurlife #businessowner

Dec 18, 2023 • 59min
Episode 9 - Habits of Success: Insights from Sir Darren Jacklin's Journey
These are the top 3 takeaways from my conversation with Sir Darren Jacklin:
You can ALWAYS be resourceful.
Regardless of the financial resources we have or don’t have, we all can find creative solutions to the challenges in front of us. Darren is a shining example of this principle & he shared several examples of this from his own journey, from starting his “Rent a Kid” business by knocking on doors at age 7 to using college interns to help launch his corporate training business when he was living check to check. When we tap into our own ingenuity, we can find innovative ways to solve problems, overcome setbacks & reach new levels of personal growth.
Habits speak volumes.
If we want to know the root cause of our results in any area of life, look no further than our daily habits. As Darren highlighted in our interview: “Your life will demonstrate what you’re committed to, because behavior never lies” . When we develop consistent daily disciplines that move us towards our goals, those small actions continue to compound over time & add up to significant progress in the long run.
Get around winners.
Surrounding yourself with winners helps raise your standards and expectations, so you can be inspired, supported, and challenged to reach your full potential. Darren spoke candidly about how attending Dale Carnegie Training & Toastmasters International were pivotal in helping him turn his life around, mainly because of the positive, supportive people within those organizations. The company you keep has a significant influence on your mindset, behavior, and well-being. Choose wisely!
Bonus takeaway:
Find clues within your early years:
When Darren reflects on his childhood, he sees the clear indication that he was meant to be an entrepreneur. He didn’t like being told what to do, yearned for freedom & wanted to live life on his terms. As children, we often engage in activities that bring us joy & excitement without any external pressures or expectations. When we revisit our childhood experiences, we can identify activities that naturally sparked our curiosity & passion thus providing insights into what we’re meant to do.
#businessowner #habitsforsuccess #ecommercebusiness #businesssuccess #entrepreneurship #ecommerce

Dec 18, 2023 • 47min
Episode 8 - Turning Setbacks into Success: A Journey with Joe Lynch
Here are my top 3 takeaways from my episode with Joe Lynch of The Logistics of Logistics Podcast:
Setbacks can be blessings in disguise:
Joe detailed how he found himself expectedly booted from his high paying corporate job in Automotive after the financial crisis of 2008, and how that led him into the logistics industry. What seemed like a bad break at the time was ultimately what he needed. That humbling experience helped Joe realize the importance of helping others in need & also led him to use his creativity to establish a blog, which later became his successful podcast. He now operates his podcast full time & enjoys a much happier & more fruitful career. However, he wouldn’t have ended up where he is without enduring that difficult experience. Adversity & setbacks are never enjoyable at the time, but they can teach valuable lessons and guide us towards our desired destination.
Embrace the Grind:
Joe discussed his early podcasting days and what it took for him to build the Logistics of Logistics into one of our industry’s premier podcasts. Although we’re bombarded with messages encouraging instant gratification, high performers know that building anything worthwhile takes time. Consistent disciplined activity over time, learning from mistakes, persevering through challenges, & keeping the focus on creating value for others are what have set Joe’s podcast apart & given it longevity. It’s being willing to embrace the grind & do the small daily actions that will compound over time that sets top performers apart from the rest.
The value of a coach:
Joe's decision to make his podcast his full-time occupation was influenced by his executive coach, who used various testing modalities to help him identify his strengths & weaknesses, and thus what type of work could suit him best. Top performers understand the value of continuous learning & improvement and always invest in themselves. Joe's experience highlights the importance of seeking guidance and support from coaches or mentors to enhance performance and discover new opportunities.
Bonus takeaway: Just keep going, everybody has had failures:
Joe learned from many of the successful guests on his show who openly shared their failures. This came as a surprise to Joe & helped him realize that persistence is the key to success. . Everyone experiences failures, setbacks and adversity. The difference with those that succeed is persistence, they just keep going, they don’t quit. The ability to persist, learn from failures, adapt strategies, and keep moving forward that differentiates those who succeed.
To connect with Joe on LinkedIn, please go here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephlynchjr/
#ecommercebusiness #logistics #supplychain #warehouse #ecommerce #podcast #podcastguests

Dec 18, 2023 • 51min
Episode 7 - Zeroe Caviar's Noah Traisman: Problem Solving, Limitations, and the Power of Networking
Here are my top 3 takeaways from my interview with Zeroe Caviar's, Noah Traisman:
Find a problem to solve:
Noah's venture, Zeroe Caviar, emerged from a problem he encountered at his LA dinner parties - the caviar was going uneaten. Drawing from his experience in the restaurant industry, Noah was aware of common complaints about caviar. Intrigued by this challenge, he embarked on a mission to find a solution. Initially, it was more of a passion project than a business endeavor. However, by actively listening to customer feedback, refining his product, and remaining focused on solving the problem, demand for his caviar grew rapidly. Entrepreneurs thrive on identifying and addressing problems, so it's crucial to always be on the lookout for opportunities to make a difference.
Be honest about your limitations:
Noah openly acknowledges that he tends to get caught up in the visionary aspects of his ventures, while details can sometimes overwhelm him. When Zeroe Caviar reached a critical turning point, he realized the importance of bringing on partners who could complement his strengths and be dedicated full-time operators. Noah emphasizes that having a well-rounded founding team with complementary skill sets and personalities is vital to overcome limitations and maximize your business’s potential.
There is immense power in your network:
Noah has built an impressive network throughout his entrepreneurial journey, which has proven invaluable to him. He views potential business partners as friends and sees every friend as a potential business partner. This mindset has allowed him to build productive and fulfilling relationships. When you establish strong connections with individuals involved in various aspects of your business, your chances of success increase significantly. People prefer to do business with those they trust and have a genuine relationship with.
Bonus takeaway – It’s ok to start part-time:
Noah shares his experience of having multiple side hustles early on in his entrepreneurial career and how it greatly benefited him during the initial stages. He emphasizes the value of stability and maintaining good mental health amidst the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Noah advises aspiring entrepreneurs not to quit their day jobs unless they have some financial security to cushion them from potential failures. Everyone needs to decide what’s best for themselves but there’s absolutely nothing wrong with beginning or building your business part time while you’re doing what’s necessary to pay your bills.
You can reach Noah at: noah@zeroecaviar.com
#ecommercebusiness #supplychain #warehouse #entrepreneur #businesssuccess #businessowner

Nov 20, 2023 • 1h 3min
Episode 6 - Unlocking Success: Navigating Entrepreneurship with Michael DiManno
Join us in Episode 6 of the Beyond Fulfillment Podcast as we dive into the essential principles of entrepreneurship with our special guest, Michael DiManno. Here are the top takeaways.
Make building your network a priority:
Building a strong network is crucial for entrepreneurs as it can provide access to resources, opportunities, knowledge sharing and potential partnerships. Mike touched on another important aspect of network: support & encouragement. Entrepreneurship can often be a lonely road with many ups & downs. Cultivating friendships with others who have been through similar experiences can provide emotional support, guidance, & other valuable insights.
Stay in touch with your customers:
By taking the time to listen to your customers' evolving needs, preferences, and pain points, you’ll gain a better understanding of their unique challenges, and thus build stronger relationships. Mike went into detail how he talks to other business owners with the intention of understanding their journey & the problems they’re facing before even thinking about presenting or selling. By focusing on relationship first, business can develop naturally where it’s appropriate.
Be willing to challenge your own beliefs to find the truth:
Entrepreneurship is a continual learning process, & it’s important to stay open to new perspectives & information. Mike discussed how he & his partner would engage in vigorous debates for the sole purpose of discovering the truth. The was invaluable for them as they knew getting to the truth of the situation was more important than anyone’s ego. Actively challenging your own assumptions is important for avoiding biases, promoting critical thinking, fostering innovation, staying adaptable & ultimately becoming a better business owner.
Bonus takeaway
Be patient:
Building a successful company takes consistent effort, dedication & persistence, & the road is filled with unforeseen obstacles & delays. Mike talked about having patience in the process, in other words understanding that these challenges are a normal part of the entrepreneurial journey. Patience allows you to stay focused on what’s needed to achieve your long-term vision & not be discouraged by short term setbacks.
#entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #logistics #warehouse

Nov 20, 2023 • 47min
Episode 5 - Alysha Lobo: Empowering Evolution Through Innovation - Insights from Rapyuta Robotics
Here are my top takeaways from my conversation with Alysha Lobo of Rapyuta Robotics:
1. Evolution is a natural process for societies.
Humans have an innate desire for improvement, seeking better living conditions, increased knowledge, and enhanced well-being. This pursuit of progress fuels innovation, social change, and ultimately societal evolution. Rapyuta Robotics is making an important contributing to this evolution as they state in their core purpose:
Empowering Lives With Connected Machines
Based on our core value of empathy we strongly believe that the dirty, dull, and dangerous work should be automated, and people should be given an option to take up more intellectually challenging and creative work. We want to enable this automation with machines that are connected and coordinated in a streamlined manner.
2. There’s ALWAYS opportunity within every challenge:
Alysha spoke about the land crisis in Japan. Due to limited land availability, Japan faces challenges in terms of space for housing, infrastructure, and other facilities. This scarcity of land created a need for innovative solutions to maximize the utilization of limited space. Rapyuta Robotics recognized this opportunity and developed compact and versatile robots that can perform tasks in confined spaces or areas with limited accessibility. These robots can efficiently navigate and operate in tight environments, enabling them to be utilized in various industries, such as construction, manufacturing, and healthcare.
This is something we can all learn from, to use challenges as a catalyst to think creatively & produce innovative solutions.
3. Go the extra mile to understand your customers’ needs:
One major reason Rapyuta Robotics is the market leader in Japan(The world leader in robotics manufacturing) is they have NEVER lost a customer, ie 100% customer retention. . As they elaborate on one of their core values, Empathy: We walk the extra mile to better understand the material, emotional, and intellectual needs and pain of our customers, colleagues, and communities.
Bonus Takeaway: Pay attention to what fascinated you as a child:
Alysha explained her passion for robotics started as a little girl when she would go to her dad’s power workshop & was fascinated by all the moving parts that were interconnected. She followed that interest throughout her life & career which has led her to be a highly respected authority in the field of robotics at a very young age.
To connect with Alysha or Rapyuta Robotics click the links below:
Alysha LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alysha-lobo-060685/
Rapyuta Robotics LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rapyutarobotics/
Rapyuta website: https://www.rapyuta-robotics.com/
#supplychain #robotics #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #fulfillment

Nov 20, 2023 • 37min
Episode 4 - Unleashing Entrepreneurial Resilience: Insights from Renee Rogers, Founder of ONO App
Here are my Top 3 Takeaways from my conversation with Renee Rogers , founder & CEO of the ONO App:
1.Do what you can with the resources you have, now.
Conditions won’t ever be perfect to start a new venture. When you develop a bias for action & start when the emotion is hot, you can create momentum, gain confidence, attract support & set a solid foundation for future growth. Renee’s story illustrates this point beautifully. She didn’t let the fact that she had no funding stop her from building the tech company that she dreamed of. She began building her personal brand, the company brand & all the low-cost marketing she could while she was pitching investors to secure the funds needed to build her software. That type of determination & commitment speaks volumes to investors, partners, customers & everyone you engage with in business.
2. If you’re stuck in an area, assess your own mindset.
Your mindset is the lens through which you interpret situations, make decisions & approach challenges. It’s easy to lose sight flaws in our own thinking while we’re in the midst a struggle. Renee had this self-awareness when she hit a roadblock fundraising and she realized she felt embarrassed & like a beggar when she was pitching investors. When she flipped her mindset to one of confidence because she had a great product, lots of support & a tireless work ethic, she then secured the funds she needed in a matter of weeks.
3. What you give, you will receive.
When you choose to give love, kindness & positivity to others, you will naturally attract those same type of experiences to you. I was impressed when Renee offered to attend my conference talk & then showed up on time as promised. She explained how grateful she is for the support she’s received on her journey that any time she has the chance to support someone else, she does so.
Bonus Takeaway – Keep going!
Entrepreneurship is filled with obstacles, setbacks, failures & adversity. It’s the growth & fulfillment from enduring those experiences that can bring you the most joy. Renee phrased it as “always be moving forward” meaning that no matter what adversity you experience in a given day, you can still look forward to a new day tomorrow with new meetings, prospects, & opportunities to progress.
You can reach Renee at the following links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneerogers1986
ONO: https://www.onoapp.co/
#ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #onlineapp #supplychain #fulfillment #newapp

Nov 20, 2023 • 41min
Episode 3 - Authenticity, Innovation, and Teamwork: Torah Torres Unveils the Startup Secrets
Here are my top three takeaways from my conversation with Torah Torres on the Beyond Fulfillment Podcast:
Be Authentic:
Being authentic as a startup founder is essential for driving growth and success. When you are authentic, you build trust with your team, customers, and partners. It fosters genuine connections and inspires others to believe in your vision. By staying true to yourself and your values, you can attract loyal customers and build a strong brand that resonates with your target audience.
Embrace New Technology:
As a startup founder, efficiency and productivity are crucial for making the most of limited resources. By continually exploring and leveraging new tools, apps, and software, you can automate processes, streamline operations, and free up time to focus on most important core aspects of your business.
Harness the Power of Teamwork:
Teamwork is an essential ingredient for startup success. When you bring together individuals with diverse skill sets and backgrounds, you create a powerhouse of talent. It also facilitates collective problem-solving, as different perspectives and experiences contribute to more innovative solutions. A strong team provides support and motivation, helping you navigate challenges and persevere. Additionally, teamwork promotes continuous learning and contributes to building a strong company culture that attracts and retains top talent.
You can get in touch with Torah at torah@adventurecpg.com.
#startup #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #sustainability #startupideas #supplychain