
Beyond Fulfillment Podcast
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.
Latest episodes

Apr 23, 2025 • 34min
Negotiating the Future: US-China Tariff Standoff and Its Supply Chain Ripple Effects
Welcome to a special edition of the Beyond Fulfillment Podcast! In this episode, supply chain legend Jim Tompkins discusses in detail, Trump’s impact on the global supply chain with essential insights for entrepreneurs and small business owners navigating today’s rapidly evolving marketplace.Whether your business relies heavily on China, you’re seeking resilient supply chain strategies, or you want actionable tips on geographical diversification and nearshoring, this conversation is packed with entrepreneurial wisdom.Jim shares over 50 years of supply chain expertise, providing practical, real-world advice on adapting to trade wars, tariffs, shifting global markets, and negotiating trade deals that protect your business and help you thrive.🔗 Key topics & Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: Trump’s disruption of supply chains02:21 – Why tariffs & trade policy are a moving target05:59 – How to adapt your business strategy in real time08:24 – 5 scenarios in the US-China trade battle19:36 – Optionality: The #1 word for supply chain resilience24:20 – How international trade deals create new business opportunities28:30 – How US exports could surge in the future31:44 – Tools & next steps for resilient supply chainsRead the ReGlobalization white paper: https://app-na1.hubspotdocuments.com/...Xshoring- The Approach to Achieving ReGlobalization Paper: https://42241892.fs1.hubspotuserconte...Connect with Jim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimtompkins1/If you found value in these entrepreneurial insights and supply chain strategies, please subscribe, hit the bell icon, and let us know how you’re adapting your business in the comments below!#Entrepreneurship #SupplyChain #BusinessStrategy #TradeWar #SmallBusiness #Startup #Trump #USChinaTrade #BeyondFulfillment #JimTompkins

Apr 22, 2025 • 26min
Escaping Micromanagement: Real Leadership Lessons with Blaine Little
Ready to hear how real entrepreneurs build their dream businesses? You’ll love this episode of the Beyond Fulfillment Podcast, where we chat with Blaine Little, founder of Momentum Seminars. Blaine’s an expert in leadership, real-world training, and helping small business owners grow their teams and their profits, all from his own ups and downs in business.In this honest talk, Blaine shares how he went from serving in the Army, to selling insurance, to training realtors and finally running his own seminars for managers and business owners. He lays it all out: the rough starts, bad bosses, hard lessons, and what finally worked. If you want advice you can actually use, stories you’ll relate to, and some good laughs about those early business mistakes, you’re in the right place.Timestamps: 03:34 – How he found his groove as a trainer07:47 – Tough parts of launching a business13:37 – Biggest mistakes new managers make16:17 – The truth about “fairness” at work18:34 – Pivoting during the pandemic21:02 – What’s coming up next for Blaine22:55 – Where to reach BlaineIf you got something helpful out of this one, hit subscribe to catch more real stories from folks who’ve made it work!Connect with Blaine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blainelittle/#EntrepreneurStory #SmallBusinessAdvice #StartupRealTalk #BeyondFulfillmentPodcast #micromanaging #entrepreneur #leadership

Apr 17, 2025 • 33min
From Dry Cleaning to Private Jets: Embracing the Unexpected with Jay Sapovits
Join us in this captivating episode of the Beyond Fulfillment Podcast where we dive deep into the inspiring entrepreneurial journey of Jay Sapovits.Discover how Jay transitioned from a dry cleaning job to becoming a radio personality and beyond, showcasing his knack for connecting with people and creating something from nothing. With insights into moving cross country at 18, the challenges of launching a private jet company, and the venture into the elite St. Barts real estate market, Jay's story is full of unexpected lessons and pivotal moments that can offer valuable guidance to entrepreneurs, small business owners, and startup founders.🔍 Key Timestamps: 00:36 - Cross Country Move at 18 03:21 - Connecting with People as a Tool 07:20 - Transition to Radio 11:44 - Launching a Private Jet Company 17:39 - St. Barts Real Estate Opportunity 21:07 - Reinventing for Success 28:06 - Advice for Aspiring EntrepreneursIf you’re looking for entrepreneurial strategies and insights from successful entrepreneurs like Jay Sapovits, this episode is a must-watch! Connect with Jay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaysap/Don't forget to subscribe for more inspiring stories and actionable advice to take your business to the next level. If you found value in this episode, please give us a thumbs up and share your thoughts in the comments! #CrossCountryMove #Entrepreneur #LasVegas #UNLV #RadioPersonality #JaySapovits #JimFuryk #PGATour #Masters #RealEstate #StBarts #PrivateJetCompany #MarqueeJet #Merchandise #Swag #InkStores #Philadelphia #Broadcasting #Liberace #BusinessConnections #StartupChallenges #SalesStrategy #VillaRental #CustomerRelationships #PersonalGrowth #SoberLiving #Networking #EntrepreneurialAdvice #SocialMedia #GivingBack #CustomerService

Apr 15, 2025 • 39min
From Silicon Valley to Sexpert CEO: Susan Bratton’s Journey to Building a Sexual Wellness Empire
In this engaging episode of the "Beyond Fulfillment Podcast," we dive into an inspiring conversation with Susan Bratton ( @BetterLover ) a successful entrepreneur who pivoted from the tech industry to the sexual wellness space. Discover actionable insights and strategies for modern entrepreneurs, small business owners, and startup founders who seek to overcome challenges and flourish in their ventures. Learn from Susan as she shares her journey, reflecting on valuable lessons about building a sustainable business in a stigmatized industry.🔍 Key Moments:[00:00:36] Susan's Transition from Tech to Sexual Wellness[00:01:20] Building a Business from Personal Experience[00:06:54] Overcoming Stigmas and Challenges[00:14:00] Sustaining Energy & Passion for Longevity[00:21:08] The Courage to be Disliked[00:33:07] Advice for Young EntrepreneursThrough her story, Susan emphasizes the importance of resilience, creativity, and community in driving success. If you're eager to implement effective strategies into your business, this episode is a must-watch! If you found value in our conversation, don't forget to subscribe to the "Beyond Fulfillment Podcast" for more inspiring stories and insights from successful entrepreneurs. Hit that Like button, share with fellow entrepreneurs, and leave a comment with your thoughts!Connect with Susan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanbratton/Learn more here: http://betterlover.com/Our sponsor information: www.ezdc3pl.com#Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #StartupSuccess #EntrepreneurInsights #SmallBusiness #BusinessStrategies #BeyondFulfillmentPodcast #Entrepreneur #businesssuccess #advice

Apr 10, 2025 • 31min
Turning Failure into Opportunity. Anne Lackey's Entrepreneurial Journey of Pivoting and Growth
In this insightful episode of the Beyond Fulfillment Podcast, join us as we dive deep into the entrepreneurial journey of Anne Lackey, co-founder of Hire Smart Virtual Employees. Anne shares her expertise and unravels the secrets behind her transition from corporate America to the thriving world of real estate and eventually launching a successful virtual staffing business. Learn valuable lessons from Anne's journey, including the importance of strategic pivoting during economic downturns, as experienced through the 2008 real estate bubble, and the remarkable creation of a business born from solving her own staffing crisis. Discover how Anne's ventures, including a property management company and an innovative virtual staffing solution, offer strategic insights for scaling your entrepreneurial endeavors. Whether you're a small business owner, startup founder, or entrepreneurial enthusiast, this episode is packed with practical strategies and inspiration. Explore how Anne cultivated a resilient mindset, embraced challenges as opportunities, and implemented risk-taking to achieve unprecedented growth. Subscribe now for more episodes brimming with entrepreneurial wisdom, and don't forget to check out Hire Smart's offerings to revolutionize your own business operations!Connect with Anne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annelackey/#HireSmartVirtualEmployees #EntrepreneurialJourney #RealEstate #PropertyManagement #CorporateAmerica #RentalProperties #RealEstateBubble #VirtualEmployees #PhilippinesStaffing #StaffingSolutions #HRProcedures #BusinessRebranding #CommissionSales #RealEstateInvestment #PortfolioManagement #TenantScreening #MarketShifts #Mentorship #Intrapreneurship #RiskTaking #BusinessPivot #COVID19 #RemoteWorkSolutions #AIIntegration #CustomerService #ExecutiveAdmin #SalesSupport #BPO #EmployeeRetention

Apr 8, 2025 • 39min
From Business Collapse to Purpose & Fulfillment: Gene Hammett's Inspiring Road to Reinvention
In this enlightening episode of the Beyond Fulfillment Podcast, join us as we dive deep into the journey of Gene Hammett, a successful entrepreneur, executive coach, keynote speaker, and best-selling author. Entrepreneurs, small business owners, and startup founders will gain invaluable insights from Gene’s story of triumph and challenges.Gene shares his entrepreneurial beginnings, relatable experiences with the dot-com boom and bust, and the heart-wrenching tale of rebuilding after losing everything. Discover how he turned adversity into opportunity by becoming a coach and helping businesses grow and transform. Learn about the importance of facing tough conversations in leadership and Gene’s journey to creating impactful coaching and writing with his wife.Throughout the podcast, Gene provides real-world advice on finding your purpose, fostering courage and confidence in business, tackling imposter syndrome, and cultivating a thriving business culture. Entrepreneurs seeking valuable strategies and inspiration will find this episode especially enriching.Timestamps:Gene's Entrepreneurial Journey [00:00:19]Overcoming Business Challenges [00:05:10]Path to Coaching Success [00:13:31]Importance of Tough Conversations [00:30:50]If you found value in this episode, please like, subscribe, and share with fellow entrepreneurs looking to elevate their business journey! Connect with Gene on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genehammett/#GeneHammett #BestsellingAuthor #KeynoteSpeaker #ExecutiveCoach #PodcastHost #EntrepreneurJourney #StrategyConsulting #MergersAndAcquisitions #PwC #DotComCraze #eCommerce #9_11Impact #Entrepreneurship #LifestyleBusiness #VancouverOlympics #BusinessPartnerships #CoachingProgram #ConfidenceRebuilding #IntrinsicIdentity #PublicSpeaking #TrapOfSuccess #LeadershipDevelopment #ToughConversations #ImposterSyndrome #PeopleProblems #RadicalCandor #CrucialConversations #LeadershipFramework

Apr 4, 2025 • 33min
Accidental startup to cutting edge procurement solution: The story of Response with Keivan Shahida
Welcome to the Beyond Fulfillment Podcast, the ultimate resource for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and start-up founders eager to transform their ventures with proven strategies from successful leaders. In this episode, host Dave Gulas interviews Keivan Shahida, the visionary CEO and co-founder of Response, a pioneering platform revolutionizing procurement for mid-sized 3PLs and retailers.Discover how Response aggregates top industrial vendors in the US, offering businesses unparalleled control over operational spend. Explore Keivan's entrepreneurial journey, from studying computer science at Cornell to navigating the challenges of building Response during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn how Y Combinator played a crucial role in their journey, propelling Response to new heights.Gain insights into how Response's innovative command center simplifies spend management, benefiting finance teams and improving operational efficiency. If you're seeking actionable strategies and key insights from a successful entrepreneur, this episode is a must-watch.Stay tuned to learn how Keivan and his team pivoted, adapted, and innovatively approached problem-solving, driving growth and impact in the logistics and procurement industry. Subscribe now for more insights and inspiration to fuel your entrepreneurial journey. Don't forget to check the links in the show notes for more information!Connect with Keivan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keivanshahida/#Response #CEO #CoFounder #Procurement #SpendControl #3PL #Retailer #CreditCards #Purchasing #CentralizedSpend #Cornell #ComputerScience #B2BPurchasing #Inefficiency #YCombinator #StartupAccelerator #Airbnb #COVID19Pandemic #HealthcareWorkers #PPE #WarehouseTeams #OperationsTeams #PlatformIntegration #Marketplace #PriceShoppers #Logistics #SupplyChain #CommandCenter #IndirectSpend #FinanceTeam #InvoiceReconciliation

Apr 2, 2025 • 41min
Thriving Through Uncertainty with The Re-Globalization Toolkit
In this Special Edition episode of the Beyond Fulfillment Podcast, host Dave Gulas and panelists Jim Tompkins, Steve Robinson, and Scott Moon delve into Donald Trump's impact on the supply chain.Jim, renowned supply chain expert, discusses the importance of evolving trade policies, while Steve and Scott unpack the groundbreaking re-globalization toolkit. These strategic tools offer actionable insights for supply chain adaptability and optimal profit growth.Gain key insights into how Trump's tariffs might reshape your business strategies and supply chain management. Learn how to leverage the re-globalization toolset for effective decision-making. Experience a live demo of the strategic assessment tools available through Tompkins Ventures and uncover opportunities to enhance your global trade operations.🔔 If you found value in this content and want more actionable insights to elevate your business, make sure to subscribe to our channel!Timestamps:[00:02:30] Trump's Tariffs Discussion Begins[00:06:12] Re-Globalization Toolset Overview[00:15:06] Toolset Demo[00:37:13] Key Decisions for EntrepreneursConnect with Jim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimtompkins1/Connect with Steve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/supplychainenabler/Connect with Scott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/m-scott-moon-pmp-94038bb/Read the ReGlobalization white paper: https://app-na1.hubspotdocuments.com/...Xshoring- The Approach to Achieving ReGlobalization Paper: https://42241892.fs1.hubspotuserconte...#Entrepreneurship #SupplyChainStrategy #TrumpTariffs #SmallBusiness #ReGlobalization #supplychain #BusinessGrowth #supplychainmanagement

Apr 1, 2025 • 27min
From Cancer Survivor to Ultra Endurance Athlete: Defying the Odds with Nick Klingensmith
Join us on this inspiring episode of the Beyond Fulfillment Podcast featuring Nick Klingensmith! Discover how Nick, the founder of Stride Motivation, transformed his life from rock bottom moments to incredible success. Gain insights into overcoming adversity, such as battling cancer and addiction, and how these experiences can fuel resilience and innovation in entrepreneurship.[00:32] Rock bottom moment in Las Vegas[03:19] Cancer journey and mindset shift [05:46] Embracing challenges as a diabetic [07:38] Internal dialogue during endurance races [10:00] Mission of Stride Motivation [11:35] Overcoming personal struggles [14:24] Defying limitations and dreaming bigger [16:11] Discipline in business [18:19] Tools for resilience [21:20] Misconceptions about adversity [23:16] Choosing your mindsetIf you're an entrepreneur, small business owner, or start-up founder looking for actionable strategies from successful entrepreneurs, this episode is for you! Don't miss out on these valuable lessons in resilience, mindset, and motivation.🔔 If you find value in this content, make sure to subscribe to our channel for more powerful insights and personal stories that inspire and guide your entrepreneurship journey. Let Nick's journey and actionable insights motivate you to overcome your own obstacles and redefine success!Connect with Nick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nklingensmith/MojvKy3Qral7EyDcAt72#Entrepreneurship #OvercomingAdversity #Resilience #StrideMotivation #Mindset #SuccessStrategies #SmallBusiness #StartUp #CancerSurvivor #AddictionRecovery

Mar 27, 2025 • 28min
Reframing Setbacks and Mastering the Hallways to Success with Mel McSherry
In this episode of the Beyond Fulfillment Podcast, join international business and life guide Mel McSherry as she shares her inspiring entrepreneurial journey. Discover how Mel navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship, including managing a thriving business while balancing family life, and how she turned setbacks into plot twists. Learn about her unique approach to energy management, profitability, and sustainable success. Mel also discusses the importance of aligning with your zone of genius and using your energy effectively to achieve your entrepreneurial goals.[00:00:02] Introduction to Mel McSherry [00:00:34] Mel’s journey into entrepreneurship [00:04:26] Breakthrough in Beachbody [00:05:02] Transition to full-time coaching [00:11:51] The significance of mental and emotional profitability [00:23:05] Guiding entrepreneurs through transitional phasesGain actionable insights on avoiding burnout and prioritizing your mental and emotional wellness alongside financial success. Perfect for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and start-up founders eager to learn from successful entrepreneurs.If you found value in this episode, please consider subscribing and hitting the notification bell to stay updated with our latest content. Join our community of driven entrepreneurs and transform your business journey!Don't forget to check the links in the description for more ways to connect with Mel McSherry and explore her coaching services.Connect with Mel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melmcsherry/#InternationalBusiness #Entrepreneur #CertifiedPersonalTrainer #ChicagoCubs #PostpartumDepression #VirtualAdministrator #OnlineMedicalBilling #ProfitabilityBuckets #Beachbody #OnlineHealthAndFitnessCoach #TeamProductivity #BusinessCoaching #JohnCMaxwell #CoachingCertification #SpiritualTools #HumanDesign #EnergeticBlueprint #SustainableSuccess #MentalProfitability #EmotionalProfitability #BurnOut #InspiredEntrepreneurs #TransitionalSpots #CorporateEntrepreneurship #HallwaysOfOpportunity #SelfTrust #ArchitectOfSuccess