

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

Jun 10, 2025 • 28min
From Crowdfunding to Cutting Edge Tech: The Marathon of Startup Life with Alon Partuk of Octup
In this episode, Dave Gulas talks with entrepreneur and tech founder Alon Partuk about the real challenges behind building and scaling in the world of e-commerce logistics.Alon shares how frustration with traditional 3PLs led him to launch Octop—a platform that’s reshaping how brands manage fulfillment, last-mile delivery, and operations. From crowdfunding campaigns to building scalable logistics tech, Alon walks through the wins, the mess-ups, and what actually works when your business is growing faster than your systems can handle.Whether you’re a founder juggling warehouse headaches, a small business owner thinking about switching 3PLs, or someone building a product that lives at the intersection of tech and shipping—this conversation is full of practical ideas you can use right away.Topics we cover:Turning supply chain pain into product ideasGrowing an e-commerce brand without burning outHow to build for scale when you're still scrappyManaging stress, mindset, and long startup roadsWhat founders get wrong about logistics techThis episode is honest, tactical, and made for entrepreneurs solving real problems—not just raising rounds.Connect with Alon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alon-partuk-2220a8110/Learn more about Leverage Assistants: https://www.leverageassistants.com/?via=dave Hit subscribe if this sounds like your world.#Entrepreneurship #EcommerceLogistics #StartupStories #SmallBusinessOperations #FoundersInTech #3PL #ShippingSolutions #BusinessGrowthTips #Octop #AlonPartuk #BeyondFulfillmentPodcast

Jun 5, 2025 • 32min
From CEO to Empowering Working Moms: The Road to Self-Discovery with Kim Rogne
Welcome to the Beyond Fulfillment Podcast! In this episode, "From CEO to Empowering Working Moms: The Road to Self-Discovery with Kim Rogne," host Dave Gulas sits down with Kim Rogne, a trailblazer in real estate and a champion for working moms!Kim shares her 25-year journey from real estate sales and brokerage management to thriving entrepreneurship, revealing actionable strategies for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and start-up founders seeking fulfillment and success. Learn how Kim overcame adversity, pivoted her career after a life-changing skiing accident, and launched her own coaching business focused on empowering high-achieving working moms to ask for help, build unstoppable mindsets, and run their families like top-performing teams.If you’re an entrepreneur looking for practical business tips, leadership wisdom, and inspiration on personal growth, mindset, overcoming setbacks, and balancing family + career—this episode is for you!Connect with Kim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimrogne/Rate this Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/beyondfulfillmentTimestamps: 01:30 – Lessons from 25 Years in Real Estate05:20 – Transitioning to CEO and the Power of Relationships07:00 – Reinventing After a Life-Altering Accident14:45 – Launching a New Coaching Business21:00 – Mindset, Journaling & Action for Entrepreneurs22:14 – Empowering Working Moms: The CEO Home System28:46 – How to Connect with Kim RogneHit SUBSCRIBE if you found value, and stay tuned for more interviews with successful entrepreneurs sharing their best strategies!#Entrepreneurship #WorkingMoms #BusinessSuccess #Mindset #PersonalGrowth #StartupTips

Jun 4, 2025 • 34min
The Tariff Tangle: Trump, the Courts, and What’s Next for US Supply Chains
Discover critical insights into the ever-evolving world of international trade, tariffs, and supply chain strategy in our special episode: The Tariff Tangle: Trump, the Courts, and What’s Next for US Supply Chains. Join host Dave Gulas and supply chain expert Jim Tompkins as they break down the recent U.S. Court of International Trade ruling on Trump’s tariffs, its impact on entrepreneurship, and actionable strategies for small business owners and start-up founders.In this episode, you’ll learn how legal battles over tariffs could reshape global trade—and what this means for your business planning, sourcing, and cost control. Jim shares his forecast on Supreme Court outcomes, scenario planning tactics, and negotiation strategies entrepreneurs can apply today. Get ahead with tactics like scenario planning, supplier negotiations, and tariff engineering, all backed by real-world examples and expert analysis for business growth.Connect with Jim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimtompkins1/Rate this podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/beyondfulfillmentTimestamps:08:12 – International Reactions: Allies, Deals & U.S. Leverage13:56 – China’s Response & Future U.S.-China Negotiations17:08 – New Trade Deals with Allies: What Founders Should Know19:04 – Actionable Steps for Retailers, Manufacturers, & Entrepreneurs26:15 – Predictions: Tariffs, Reshoring & U.S. Manufacturing30:23 – Tools & Resources for Supply Chain OptimizationIf you found this episode valuable, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss a strategy that can boost your entrepreneurial success!#GlobalTrade #Tariffs2024 #SupplyChainStrategy #TradePolicy #LogisticsInsights

Jun 3, 2025 • 29min
Breaking the Success Trap: The Hidden Barriers to Entrepreneurial Growth with Dr. Ravi Iyer
Entrepreneurial growth is waiting for you in this power-packed episode of Beyond Fulfillment Podcast. Host David Gulas sits down with renowned coach and entrepreneur Dr. Ravi Iyer to reveal the unseen obstacles that keep high-achievers from scaling to their NEXT LEVEL.Are you a driven entrepreneur, small business owner, or start-up founder seeking game-changing business strategies? Discover why your past achievements and proven systems might actually be holding you back—and how to break FREE from the “success trap”! Dr. Iyer unpacks practical ways to master focus, shift your mindset, and rebuild your framework for exponential business growth.Timestamps: 03:55 – Why old mindsets block new opportunities08:28 – Breaking through limiting narratives13:13 – The absolute importance of mastering focus16:31 – Simple daily focus strategies19:12 – The “success trap” warning signs20:31 – Unconventional leadership lessons23:39 – The biggest misconception about visionary entrepreneurshipConnect. with Dr. Iyer here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/driyermd/Rate this podcast here: https://ratethispodcast.com/beyondfulfillmentIf you found value in these insights, don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE.#Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #Mindset #StartupSuccess #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessStrategy #SmallBusiness #Leadership #DrRaviIyer #BeyondFulfillmentPodcast

May 29, 2025 • 28min
Human-Centered AI: Keeping People First in a Tech-Driven World with Ben Johnson
The secrets to entrepreneurial innovation and business growth are in this episode of the Beyond Fulfillment Podcast! Host Dave Gulas sits down with Ben Johnson, founder of Particle 41, to discuss actionable strategies for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and startup founders looking to take their business to the next level.In this deep-dive conversation, Ben shares his journey from paper routes and Commodore 64s to leading cutting-edge AI solutions, emphasizing the importance of mission-driven strategy, innovation in business, and mastering the entrepreneurial mindset. Learn how to overcome organizational barriers, build a human-centered brand in an AI-driven world, and why your “why” matters more than your “how.” Ben unveils hard-hitting truths about change management, leveraging data for growth, and the MOST undervalued entrepreneurial skill: marketing.Subscribe if you find value and want more insights from trailblazing founders and business leaders!Connect with Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminrjohnson/Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & Ben’s Innovation Aha Moment02:00 – Biggest Blocks Holding Businesses Back03:18 – From Academia to Entrepreneurship06:22 – Solving Deeper Client Problems08:43 – Keeping Business Human in the Age of AI12:39 – Change Management Misconceptions15:23 – One Universal Truth About Business Strategy17:28 – The Power of "Why" in Strategy18:31 – Most Undervalued Entrepreneur Skill20:24 – Advice for Technical Founders Becoming Marketers22:33 – What Ben is Still Unlocking in His Journey24:12 – Connect with Ben & Particle 41👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more proven growth strategies from real entrepreneurs!#Entrepreneurship #StartupGrowth #BusinessStrategy #Innovation #AIInBusiness #BeyondFulfillmentPodcast

May 27, 2025 • 35min
Surviving the Startup Rollercoaster: Purpose, Timing, and Mental Health with Ashwin Gulati
Unlock the hidden truths of the startup journey with Ashwin Gulati, author of "Soul Venture: A True Life and Death Journey into the Startup Culture," in this eye-opening episode of the Beyond Fulfillment Podcast! Whether you're an entrepreneur, small business owner, or startup founder searching for REAL strategies to elevate your business, this conversation is packed with game-changing insights you won’t want to miss.Ashwin dives deep into the internal struggles founders face, including the mental health challenges and personal drivers behind entrepreneurship. Learn why nearly 97% of startups fail, the surprising X factors most business books overlook, and why timing is often more important than grit or passion.Discover critical startup advice on building a rock-solid team, partnering with customers, and balancing the bias toward action with strategic patience. We also discuss the power of “skrit” (scrappy grit), debunk common myths about passion, and explore how to set realistic goals for your company journey.TIMESTAMPS: 02:16 – The internal journey of entrepreneurs06:04 – What most founders overlook11:55 – Startup realities and mental health18:00 – Must-have advice for new founders24:28 – Is passion overrated?If you found value, SUBSCRIBE for more deep-dive interviews with successful entrepreneurs sharing authentic advice, real-world startup strategies, and personal growth tips to help you thrive!Connect with Ashwin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashwingulati/Learn more about Leverage Assistants (sponsor): https://www.leverageassistants.com/?via=dave #Entrepreneurship #StartupAdvice #BusinessStrategy #MentalHealth #Founders #SoulVenture #SmallBusiness #Startups

May 22, 2025 • 27min
From TikTok viral to Shark Tank: Justin Baer’s Entrepreneurial Leap with Collars and Co
Unlock Entrepreneurial Growth! In this episode of the Beyond Fulfillment Podcast, host David sits down with Justin Baer, founder of Collars & Co. and Shark Tank deal-maker, to dive deep into actionable entrepreneurial strategies, startup challenges, and creative business growth. If you're an entrepreneur, small business owner, or startup founder looking for real-world insights on launching, scaling, and sustaining a successful business, this video is packed with proven tactics and inspiring lessons!Justin shares his journey from a discomfort-driven idea to $40,000 in first-month sales, mastering e-commerce on Shopify, leveraging TikTok for viral growth, and landing TWO Shark Tank appearances. He reveals secrets to building a powerful brand, overcoming fulfillment and inventory hurdles, and harnessing a relentless “bias towards action” that every entrepreneur can learn from.Whether you’re seeking startup advice, need motivation to take imperfect action, or want to hear how DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) brands succeed, this conversation will fuel your ambition!Timestamps: 03:00 – Going Viral & $40k First Month06:45 – Solving Fulfillment Challenges09:00 – How Shark Tank Happened13:12 – The Power of Taking Action17:02 – Branding for Growth18:35 – Direct-to-Consumer and Omnichannel21:05 – Justin’s Advice for Entrepreneurs23:18 – What’s Next for Collars & Co.Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinbaer/Learn more about Collars & Co.: http://collarsandco.com/Check out the Shark Tank episode: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7060659114846146560?updateEntityUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_feedUpdate%3A%28V2%2Curn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7060659114846146560%29&lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base%3BYsK41GfPQjitd2sopLswGw%3D%3DIf you found value in these insights, don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more high-impact entrepreneurial content every week!#sharktank #markcuban #shopify #ecommerce #directtoconsumer #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #tiktok #viralvideo #businessgrowth

May 20, 2025 • 28min
Consistently Great: The Passion and Purpose Driving Uncle Matt’s Organic Juice with Matt McLean
Unlock proven entrepreneurship strategies in this episode of the Beyond Fulfillment Podcast, featuring Matt McLean, founder of Uncle Matt’s Organic, the #1 organic orange juice brand in the U.S.! We dive deep into Matt’s journey, sharing essential business growth lessons for small business owners, start-up founders, and entrepreneurial dreamers aiming to scale with purpose.Discover how Matt transitioned from fourth-generation Florida citrus farming to breaking ground in the competitive organic market, the challenges of pioneering organic agriculture, navigating industry pushback, and developing a brand from scratch. Learn actionable insights on overcoming invisible costs of entrepreneurship, staying authentic while scaling, and why focus is the key to success. Matt also opens up about the steepest learning curves, community impact, maintaining innovation in the beverage industry, and his must-know advice for entrepreneurs who want to thrive.Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-mclean-5507733/Learn more about Uncle Matt's Organic: https://www.unclematts.com/Timestamps for easy navigation:3:40 – Breaking into the niche market8:39 – Entrepreneurial sacrifices10:03 – Staying authentic while scaling15:12 – Focus and business advice17:48 – Handling setbacks and challenges18:02 – Community and environmental impact20:48 – Innovation and new product development23:15 – Top advice for foundersIf you found value, like, comment, and SUBSCRIBE for more powerful interviews and actionable small business strategies! 🔔#Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #StartupGrowth #OrganicBusiness #BusinessSuccess #UncleMattsOrganic #Organic #OrganicMarket #Juice #BusinessOwner #Commerce

May 19, 2025 • 32min
Global Trade Shakeup: Trump’s Tactics, Major Deals, and Supply Chain Response
Welcome to the Beyond Fulfillment Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with supply chain legend Jim Tompkins to discuss "Trump's Impact on Supply Chain," focusing on actionable business strategies. If you’re looking for expert insights on how global trade policy, tariffs, and international negotiations affect your business and want to optimize your supply chain for today’s unpredictable market, this episode is packed with value!Topics Covered:→ The real story behind U.S. trade negotiations and tariffs (1:00)→ Key global markets for entrepreneurs: Where to focus for maximum impact (3:00)→ Trump’s unique negotiation strategies and what they can teach business leaders (6:59)→ China trade updates and how recent deals will affect your sourcing and logistics (11:08)→ The business significance of Trump’s Middle East visit and foreign investments (14:12)→ How to future-proof your business with a resilient re-globalization supply chain strategy (27:16)Whether you’re navigating global supply chain challenges, seeking tariff negotiation tips, or craving proven strategic insights from top industry leaders, this episode is tailored for you.If you found this episode valuable, hit SUBSCRIBE and turn on notifications so you never miss our entrepreneurial strategies and real-world business conversations!#Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #Startup #SupplyChain #GlobalTrade #Tariffs #Trump #BusinessStrategy #BeyondFulfillmentPodcast

May 15, 2025 • 22min
Gamifying Growth: Overcoming Fear Through Action with Jesse Kay
Welcome to the Beyond Fulfillment Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Jesse Kay, entrepreneur, podcast host, and founder of Vyber Media, to uncover top strategies for startup success, audience engagement, and building a thriving business from the ground up. Jesse shares how launching his podcast at 16 kickstarted his journey in performance marketing, his secrets to landing high-profile interviews (like Mark Cuban and Jack Dorsey), and how he bootstrapped his agency, Vyber Media, while balancing college at Cornell and a stint at Goldman Sachs. Discover proven methods for managing time, overcoming fear, gamifying your business growth, and leveraging mission-driven leadership, even in crisis, as Jesse did with the Make Lemonade Fund during COVID-19.Timestamps: 02:10 Taking action at 16 & overcoming fear03:29 Landing major guests04:52 Founding Vyber Media07:04 Balancing college, work, and entrepreneurship12:22 Differentiating strategies for clients14:26 Gamifying business growth16:44 Make Lemonade Fund & mission-driven impactConnect with Jesse on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-kay-03a05b135/Learn more about Vyber Media: https://www.vybermedia.com/Learn more about Traffic Ninjas: https://join.thetrafficninjas.com/vegas-retreat-bfcm?am_id=ezdc3plIf you found value, please LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more expert interviews and entrepreneurial advice!#Entrepreneurship #StartupSuccess #BusinessGrowth #PerformanceMarketing #JesseKay #ViberMedia #BeyondFulfillmentPodcast #Media #Podcasting #Marketing #onlinemarketing #markcuban