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

May 16, 2024 • 37min
Shawn Nason: Humanizing the Experience Economy
Top Takeaways from Shawn Nason's Podcast Interview
Shawn Nason is a multifaceted entrepreneur with a diverse background in music, ministry, finance, and business consulting. He is passionate about the human experience and believes that businesses should prioritize it for success. Here are the key takeaways from the interview:
The Importance of the Human Experience: Shawn emphasizes that customer experience is crucial, but businesses should take a broader approach by focusing on the entire human experience, encompassing interactions with employees, vendors, and all stakeholders. He terms this concept "The Human Experience Ecosystem."
Higher Education and its Potential Bubble Burst: Shawn believes higher education is on the verge of a bubble burst due to rising tuition costs, a disconnect between curriculum and job market demands, and the increasing value of non-traditional education paths.
Disruption and Relevance: Shawn highlights the need for continuous adaptation and innovation. He emphasizes that staying relevant is essential, especially in fast-paced industries.
The Power of Personal Branding: Building a strong personal brand through activities like public speaking, podcasting, and writing can be a valuable tool for entrepreneurs and business owners.
Embrace Your Fears: Shawn's book "Kiss Your Dragons" encourages readers to confront their fears and turn them into advantages. He uses the metaphor from the movie "How to Train Your Dragon" to illustrate this concept.
Men's Mental Health and Loneliness: Shawn discusses the prevalence of loneliness among men and the lack of healthy communication outlets. He is launching a community called "The Swarm" to provide a safe space for men to connect, share experiences, and support each other's personal and professional growth.
Connect with Shawn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nasonshawn/
#entrepreneurship #mentalhealthmatters #personalbranding #author #businessgrowth

May 14, 2024 • 28min
Nicholas Somos - A Conversation in Navigating the Supply Chain M&A Landscape
Top Takeaways from the Podcast with Nicholas Somos
Nicholas Somos is the leader of the investment banking team at Left Lane Associates, a boutique investment bank focused on transactions in the supply chain industry. They've successfully closed 71 deals ranging from $5 million to $912 million since their founding in 2016.
Here are the key takeaways:
Left Lane Associates differentiates itself by focusing exclusively on the supply chain industry and building deep relationships with companies in the space. This allows them to better understand their clients' businesses and challenges, and to offer more relevant expertise.
The M&A process for supply chain companies can be complex and time-consuming, typically taking between 9 and 12 months. Left Lane Associates helps to streamline the process for sellers by managing all aspects of the deal, from pre-deal due diligence to closing.
The supply chain M&A market has been volatile in recent years. There was a shift in activity pre- and post-pandemic, with more sell-side deals pre-pandemic and more buy-side deals during the pandemic. In 2023, there were fewer deals overall due to a decline in financial results for many supply chain companies. However, the market is expected to rebound in 2024.
Thought leadership is a critical part of Left Lane Associates' business development strategy. By actively sharing their knowledge and expertise through content and speaking engagements, they are able to build relationships with potential clients and establish themselves as subject matter experts.
#investing #mergersandacquisitions #supplychain #supplychainmanagement #entrepreneurship #logisticsindustry #logistics

May 9, 2024 • 31min
Craig Cecilio - From $500 to Millions: How He Built an Investment Empire
Here are the highlights from my conversation with Craig Cecilio:
Craig Cecilio stresses the importance of balancing work and family. Craig emphasizes the need to understand the season of life you’re in. He shares techniques like iteration and flexibility to navigate his busy schedule, advocating for a positive approach to self-care and setting boundaries. He emphasizes the importance of saying no strategically and acknowledges the ongoing challenge of balancing personal growth with business demands.
Diversity Fund overcame significant hurdles to achieve success. Craig faced regulatory difficulties, skepticism about the idea, and even competition from the cryptocurrency craze. However, the company persevered through these challenges and ultimately thrived due to a combination of factors. These included the increased use of online platforms during the pandemic, a strategic decision to ramp up marketing.
Craig Cecilio prioritizes self-care and personal development as key aspects of success. He incorporates practices like breathwork, cold showers, and ice baths into his routine alongside continuous learning through reading. Craig believes these practices improve his stress management and overall well-being, contributing to his ability to make sound decisions and navigate the demanding world of venture capital.
#investingtips #investing #entrepreneur #funding #worklifebalance #businessowner

May 7, 2024 • 42min
Dr. Amir Saberi - The Whole Truth About "Healthy" Foods
Here are the key takeaways from this insightful conversation with Dr. Amir Saberi:
1. Deceptive Labeling: "Natural" Doesn't Mean Healthy
Dr. Saberi emphasizes the rampant misuse of labeling terms like "natural" and "whole food." These terms are often used to mislead consumers into believing a product is healthier than it actually is.
For example, Dr. Saberi explains that "natural flavor" can be a complex mixture of over 100 compounds, many of them synthetically produced. Even if derived from a natural source, the processing involved can be harsh and significantly alter the final product.
2. Synthetic vs. Whole Food Supplements: Understanding the Difference
Dr. Saberi argues that most commercially available supplements are not truly "whole food." They often contain isolated, synthetic vitamins and minerals mixed with minimal amounts of fruits and vegetables.
He highlights the importance of whole food ingredients. Whole food sources provide a natural package of vitamins, minerals, co-factors, enzymes, and fibers that work synergistically in the body for optimal health benefits. Isolated, synthetic versions may not offer the same preventative or therapeutic effects.
3. How to Identify Truly Healthy Foods
Dr. Saberi emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and label-reading when shopping for healthy food products. Here are some of his recommendations:
Focus on the Ingredient List: This is the most crucial part of the label. Look for recognizable, whole food ingredients. Avoid products with long lists of unpronounceable ingredients.
Beware of Marketing Claims: Don't be swayed by terms like "natural," "healthy," or "sugar-free." These terms can be meaningless or even misleading.
Do Your Research: Learn about the science of whole food nutrition. This empowers you to make informed decisions about the products you buy.
4. The Challenge of Transparency in the Food Industry
Dr. Saberi acknowledges the difficulty of competing against the massive marketing budgets of big food companies. These companies spend billions promoting misleading information about their products.
However, Dr. Saberi remains optimistic. He believes that by educating consumers and fostering a movement towards transparency, the food industry can be held accountable for its deceptive practices.
5. Eat Intact: Unveiling the Truth and Providing Real Solutions
Dr. Saberi founded Eat Intact with a mission to raise awareness about deceptive labeling practices and provide consumers with access to truly whole food products. Their first product, a whole food vitamin D supplement derived from mushrooms, exemplifies their commitment to transparency and quality.
By listening to Dr. Saberi's insights, you can become a more informed consumer and make healthier choices for yourself and your family.
#entrepreneurship #podcast #healthylifestyle #nutrition #healthyliving #businessowner

May 2, 2024 • 24min
Adam House - From Burnout to Balance: How This Entrepreneur Built a Fulfilling Life
Here are the top 3 takeaways from the podcast interview with Adam House, a serial entrepreneur and current CEO of House of Bricks:
1. Importance of Self-Leadership and Overcoming Challenges
Entrepreneurs face common challenges like cash flow, people problems, and product issues.
The key to success is self-leadership and starting with yourself.
Entrepreneurship often involves struggle, so being aware of that and having the right mindset is crucial.
Adam recommends finding a mentor or advisor to help with guidance and support.
2. Finding Balance and Prioritizing Well-being
Entrepreneurs often struggle with work-life balance.
It's important to be aware of what season of life you're in and what sacrifices you're willing to make.
Open communication with your family is essential.
Focus on quality time spent with family, not just quantity.
3. Learning from Failure and Taking Action
Most entrepreneurs don't know what they're doing at the beginning, and that's okay.
Action creates feedback and helps you move your business forward.
Embrace a growth mindset and learn from failures.
Adam shared his "SIMPLE" framework for entrepreneurs: Start, Innovate, Mindset, Patterns, Leverage, Execute.
Connect with Adam here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhousesr
#entrepreneurship #serialentrepreneur #businessowner #growthmindset #podcastepisode #podcast

Apr 30, 2024 • 36min
Domenic Maiani - From Slapshot to Supply Chain Recruitment
Here are the episode highlights from my conversation with Domenic Maiani.
Hockey Star Turned Recruiter: Domenic Maiani, a former college hockey player who now uses his competitive spirit to excel in supply chain recruiting. He shares how he overcame challenges in the industry and uses social media to find top talent.
Hiring Crisis in Logistics: Domenic talks about some of the biggest obstacles faced by companies in the logistics industry when it comes to recruiting. He discusses the importance of company culture, efficient hiring processes, and competitive salaries. He also offers advice to candidates on how to stand out in this competitive market.
The Future of Logistics: Listen in for Domenic's predictions on the future of the logistics industry in 2024. He expects a fierce battle for top talent and anticipates companies on the tech side making acquisitions. He concludes with an interesting perspective on how tough economic times can actually strengthen the workforce.
#logisticsindustry #logisticsindustry #recruitment #recruiting #businessowner #entrepreneurship

Apr 25, 2024 • 28min
Paty Johnston - From Single Mom to CEO: How She Beat Procrastination and Built a Thriving Business
Episode Highlights from my conversation with Paty Johnston:
1. Focuses on overcoming procrastination:
This episode features Paty Johnston, a coach who helps people overcome procrastination. Paty shares her personal story of battling procrastination and how she discovered emotional intelligence is the key to taking action. She offers a free 30-minute consultation and a free quiz to identify your procrastination type.
2. Highlights Paty's journey and program:
A single mom turned entrepreneur, Paty Johnston shares how she overcame self-doubt and procrastination to build successful businesses. Her program, "How to Stop Procrastinating in 30 Days," helps people discover the root cause of their procrastination and develop emotional intelligence to achieve their goals.
3. Intriguing with a problem and solution:
Feeling stuck and letting yourself down? Paty Johnston, a procrastination expert, can help. Learn the surprising reason behind procrastination (it's not time management!) and discover a 3-step system to overcome it and finally take action on your dreams.
#entrepreneurship #podcast #coach #productivity #procrastination #businessowner #growthmindset #timemanagement

Apr 23, 2024 • 27min
Yasmina Lyons Reveals the Entrepreneur's Secret Weapon (It's Not What You Think!)
Here are the top 3 takeaways from my conversation with Yasmina Lyons:
1. Bounce Back Stronger: The Power of Resilience
Entrepreneurs face constant challenges. Yasmina highlights resilience as the key to navigating these hurdles. Her workshops explore the emotional, psychological, biological, and even spiritual aspects of resilience, equipping you to learn from setbacks, grow through failures, and maintain a positive outlook. Yasmina teaches you to "bounce forward," transforming adversity into fuel for growth.
2. Unlock Your Potential: The Magic of Journaling
Journaling is a game-changer for entrepreneurs. Yasmina, a dedicated journaler herself, emphasizes its benefits: increased self-awareness, improved clarity, enhanced problem-solving skills, emotional well-being, and continuous learning. By journaling your journey, you gain valuable perspective on your accomplishments and witness your remarkable progress. This self-awareness empowers you to move forward with confidence.
3. Prioritize Your Well-being: Mental Health Matters
The entrepreneurial journey can be demanding, and mental health often gets pushed aside. Yasmina sheds light on this critical but under-discussed issue. The pressure and challenges can be mentally taxing, and entrepreneurs often lack adequate support systems. Yasmina advocates for creating a supportive environment that normalizes seeking help, encourages open communication about mental health, and promotes a healthy work-life balance. Prioritizing your well-being leads to a stronger, more sustainable entrepreneurial journey.
Bonus takeaway: Comparison is the Thief of Joy: Why You Should Ditch It
Comparing yourself to others is a common trap, fueled by our natural desire for self-preservation. Social media amplifies this problem. Yasmina delves into the neurological basis of comparison, helping you understand why it's unproductive. By gaining this knowledge, you can detach from these comparisons and focus on your own unique path to success.
#entrepreneurship #businessowner #podcast #podcastepisode #growthmindset #networking #mentalhealthmatters

Apr 18, 2024 • 24min
Holly LaBoda - 3 Secrets to Explode Your Pipeline
Here are my top 3 takeaways from my conversation with Holly LaBoda.
The value of long-term thinking: Approaching sales with a longer time horizon leads to increased customer lifetime value, a more stable sales pipeline, and a positive brand reputation. Holly highlights the importance of playing the "long game" in sales. Companies should focus on building strong relationships with customers and investing in their development, rather than just chasing short-term wins.
The power of referrals: A customer who refers your business is essentially becoming a brand advocate. They're putting their reputation on the line by recommending you, which shows a deep level of satisfaction. Holly stresses that referrals are a powerful and underutilized sales tool. By asking for referrals from satisfied customers, salespeople can leverage trust and credibility to win new business.
The need for a clear and concise value proposition: In sales your value proposition is the core of your sales pitch. It's the foundation for effective communication, stronger customer relationships, and ultimately, increased success. Holly explains that a well-defined value proposition is essential for communicating the benefits of a product or service to customers. The value proposition should be clear, concise, and compelling, and it should be communicated in the customer's language.
Bonus takeaway: Take a holistic approach: By taking a holistic approach, companies can identify weaknesses across the entire sales system, allowing them to address underlying issues, improve processes, and create a more supportive environment for their sales team Holly highlighted how companies too often blame just the salespeople without considering the entire system that impacts sales results.
SPI website: https://spi3pl.com/
#entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #logisticsindustry #businessowner #growthmindset #salestraining #salestips

Apr 16, 2024 • 30min
Chad Bareither - 4 Secrets to Process Perfection in Your Warehouse.
Here are 4 key takeaways from my conversation with Chad Bareither:
Small and mid-sized businesses can benefit from implementing process improvements to streamline their operations and become more efficient. However, it’s important to avoid introducing too many changes at once, and to focus on those that will have the biggest impact.
Leaders need to ensure that any process standards that are implemented are actually followed. If employees don't adhere to the standards, then the process improvement initiative will not be successful.
When a company is looking to improve, it’s important to start by clearly defining the current state of their business. This will help to identify areas for improvement and make it easier to track progress over time.
Once a company has identified its areas for improvement, it can start to develop a plan to address them. This plan should be focused on making small, sustainable changes that will have a positive impact on the business.
#warehouse #warehousing #logistics #logisticsindustry #ecommerce #entrepreneurship #podcast #podcastepisode


