

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

Jan 2, 2025 • 34min
Supply Chain Optionality in a Post-Pandemic World with Jim Tompkins
On today's Beyond Fulfillment Podcast episode, we have a remarkable guest, Jim Tompkins, the founder and CEO of Tompkins Ventures. With over five decades in the supply chain industry, Jim has a wealth of experience, having founded 15 businesses and driven over $2 billion in revenue.In this episode, Jim delves into critical supply chain strategies, emphasizing the importance of starting with ideation to tackle inadequacies, diversifying supply sources, and exploring alternatives to Chinese manufacturing. They discuss the viability of reshoring to the U.S. with automation and the potential of nearshoring and friendly shoring in regions like Mexico, Brazil, and Africa.The conversation spans Jim's storied career, the dramatic shifts during the pandemic, and the concept of "reglobalization." Jim offers invaluable insights on creating resilient and adaptable supply chains amidst today's VUCA—volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. Don't miss his expert advice on staying agile and prepared for disruptions, turning challenges into opportunities and how Jim has navigated the evolving landscape and what his forward-thinking approach means for the future of supply chains.Connect with Jim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimtompkins1Visit his website: https://jimtompkins.com/Learn more about Hicks Marketing: www.hicksmarketing.comTakeaways: Jim Tompkins emphasizes the importance of supply chain resilience in today's unpredictable market. Businesses must eliminate single sourcing to enhance their procurement and supply chain flexibility. The pandemic highlighted the vulnerabilities in the supply chain, necessitating a shift in strategies. Tompkins Ventures focuses on creating a broad and deep ecosystem of partners for supply chain solutions. Companies should prepare for geopolitical shifts, such as tariffs, to avoid disruptions. Optionality in sourcing and logistics is crucial to navigating future supply chain challenges. #supplychainstrategies #supplychaininadequacies #componentsourcedfromChina #alternativesources #manufacturingcapacity #pricing #shippingcosts #tariffs #rawmaterialavailability #reshoringmanufacturing #automation #laborcosts #lowcostcountries #Mexico #Brazil #Africa #Canada #DominicanRepublic #Panama #supplychainconsultant #supplychainresilience #VUCA #volatility #uncertainty #complexity #ambiguity #diversifyingsupplysources #nearshoring #friendlyscoring #supplychainflexibility #supplychaindisruptions #entrepreneur

Dec 26, 2024 • 30min
From Cutco Sales to a Nine Figure Exit, Will Jenkins Journey to Success
Today on the Beyond Fulfillment Podcast, we dive deep into the world of logistics and entrepreneurship with our guest, Will Jenkins. As the CEO and founder of Journey, Will has a remarkable backstory that took him from selling Cutco knives straight out of high school to co-founding the multi-million dollar freight brokerage firm, MoLo Solutions.Join us as we explore Will's journey through the world of logistics — from his early days in B2B sales with Kimberly Clark Professional to his influential role at Coyote and the eventual founding and rapid growth of MoLo Solutions. You'll hear fascinating insights on leadership, resilience, and the strategic decisions that led to MoLo's $235 million acquisition by ArcBest, just four years after its inception.Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with lessons on entrepreneurship, scalability, and the power of believing in your vision. Whether you're in logistics or any other industry, you won't want to miss Will Jenkins' incredible story and the valuable insights he shares. Let's get started!Connect with Will on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willjenkinswcj/Learn more about Journey here: https://www.journeydelivers.com/Learn more about EZDC 3PL here: www.ezdc3pl.comTakeaways: Will Jenkins transitioned from a potential medical career to founding a successful logistics company after discovering his passion for sales. His early experiences with Cutco taught him valuable skills that propelled him into entrepreneurship and sales leadership roles. Molo Solutions achieved significant growth, including a $235 million acquisition, within just four years of its founding. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Will's commitment to customer service helped maintain relationships and foster new opportunities despite market challenges. The key to scaling a business lies in creating a solid foundation and maintaining core values as the company grows. After leaving Molo, Will founded Journey, focusing on recruitment and training within the logistics industry, emphasizing the importance of quality in all aspects. #logistics #CEO #Journey #WillJenkins #entrepreneur #sales #Cutcokitchencutlery #IllinoisWesleyan #premed #KimberlyClarkProfessional #B2Bsales #Coyote #carriersalesrep #shipper #freight #TransportAmerica #MoloSolutions #235million #ArcBest #Covid #supplydemand #freightmarket #noncompete #recruitingcompany #consulting #training #freightbrokerages #AIroleplayingtool #LinkedIn #socialmediamarketing #2025forecast

Dec 19, 2024 • 23min
The Future of Recruiting – Creating purposeful work environments with Ryan Rigterink
Today on the Beyond Fulfillment Podcast, we have an incredible guest with us: Ryan Rigterink, the founder of Workgaze—a groundbreaking hiring insights platform. In this episode, Ryan shares the journey of how Workgaze was developed to tackle the significant pain points faced by both job seekers and employers in the current job market. Learn about the three critical types of fit—career growth, personal motivation, and team dynamics—that his platform addresses, backed by academic research. Ryan dives into his personal journey that inspired the creation of this tool, the challenges faced in bringing it to market, and the exciting pre-launch phase set for December 2024. Whether you're an entrepreneur struggling with hiring or a job seeker looking to stand out, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice. Stay tuned as we explore how Workgaze aims to revolutionize the way we look at jobs and hiring.Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rigterink-1596107/Takeaways: Hiring the right people goes beyond qualifications; cultural fit is equally essential. WorkGaze offers insights into future fit for job seekers and employers alike. The journey to meaningful work requires understanding intrinsic motivation and leadership dynamics. Ryan Rigterink emphasizes the importance of shared responsibility in employee motivation and performance. A well-rounded approach to hiring can significantly enhance both employee satisfaction and organizational productivity. The upcoming launch of WorkGaze aims to revolutionize how candidates present their value to employers. Links referenced in this episode:workgaze.comhttps://aff.trypipedrive.com/7g6xah07kgpq#founder #hiringinsightsplatform #recruiting #jobsearch #hiringprocess #entrepreneurs #employeemotivation #careergrowthfit #personalmotivationfit #teamfit #academicresearch #transformationalleadership #purposefulwork #meaningfulwork #employeeengagement #jobsatisfaction #careerdevelopment #resumeinsights #transferableskills #organizationalimpact #coachingprogram #purposemanagement #employeecycle #jobseekersupport #corporatelayoffs #competitiveadvantage #staffingandrerecruiting #betalaunch #turnovercostcalculator

Dec 17, 2024 • 28min
From Anxiety to Purpose: Justin Breen's Journey with Epic Fit Network
Today on the Beyond Fulfillment Podcast, I sit down with visionary entrepreneur Justin Breen, CEO and co-founder of the Epic Fit Network. Justin delves into his incredible personal journey, from overcoming financial hardships and exiting the conventional business world to creating a unique space where visionaries can connect and collaborate. Learn about the distinctions that set true visionaries apart, the importance of following one’s intuition, and how Justin’s network fosters global connectivity and higher purpose. Plus, get a sneak peek into Justin’s upcoming book, featuring an introduction by none other than Dr. Deepak Chopra. Join us for a deep dive into the mind of a true innovator who is reshaping the way visionaries interact and impact the world.Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinbreen1/Learn more about Hicks Marketing: www.hicksmarketing.comTakeaways: The journey of a visionary is often marked by feelings of being misunderstood and isolated. Creating a network for visionaries allows for true connections and collaborations that serve humanity. Visionaries often face trauma, anxiety, or depression, yet they use these experiences as motivation. True fulfillment comes from aligning one's life purpose with their professional journey. Conscious conversations can lead to capital, collaboration, and community among visionaries. A supportive community can transform the lives of those who feel like outsiders. Links referenced in this episode:www.theepicfit.com#EpicFitNetwork #CEO #visionaries #businessowners #higherpower #globalconnectivity #mastermind #virtualmeetings #in-person events #purpose #globalPRfirm #bankruptcy #depression #anxiety #childhoodtrauma #entrepreneur #connections #collaborations #DeepakChopra #NASDAQ #connectingvisionaries #songs #books #poems #workinggeniusassessment #consciousconversations #socialhypnosis #RobertJohnson #intuitiveactivator

Dec 12, 2024 • 36min
Overcoming Fear to Find Success in Energy & Real Estate: Jose Berlanga’s Remarkable Story
Today on the Beyond Fulfillment Podcast, I am thrilled to be joined by Jose Berlanga, the CEO of Houstonian Capital and Onyx Land Partners. Originating from Mexico City and beginning his entrepreneurial journey as a teenager in Houston, Jose has built a remarkable career transitioning from the energy sector to real estate and construction.In this episode, Jose shares his journey that began with exporting oil and gas machinery, fueled by a natural inclination toward entrepreneurship and his father's industry influence. He offers a unique perspective on fear, stress, and anxiety, seeing them as motivators rather than obstacles. Jose delves into the importance of early entrepreneurial ventures, advocating for action to relieve anxiety and stressing the need for persistence and realistic expectations in business.We also explore his strategic approach to business, the evolution of his career through shifts in the market, and the growth challenges faced within real estate. From his initial investments to developing single-family homes and writing insightful books like "The Business of Home Building" and the upcoming "Dirt Rich," Jose offers a wealth of knowledge. Join us as we unpack his insights on entrepreneurship, realistic success benchmarks, and the intricate world of real estate. Stay tuned for an inspiring conversation with Jose Berlanga.Takeaways: Jose Berlanga emphasizes the importance of starting a business young, leveraging energy and willingness to learn. He advocates for using stress and anxiety as motivators, channeling them into productive actions. Persistence and patience are crucial in entrepreneurship, as businesses often take years to become profitable. Berlanga discusses the need to adapt to changing market conditions to avoid business failure. He highlights the significance of home ownership in society, even as rental markets grow. Writing books has become a new avenue for him to share his entrepreneurial insights and experiences. #HoustonianCapital #OnyxLandPartners #entrepreneurjourney #MexicoCitynative #oilandgasmachineryexport #teenageentrepreneurship #earlybusinessventures #stressasmotivation #anxietyinbusiness #entrepreneurialmindset #writingprocess #businessbookauthor #persistenceinbusiness #realestatetransition #energysectortorealestate #constructionindustry #neighborhoodinvestment #longterm businessgrowth #realisticentrepreneurialexpectations #businessownershipchallenges #singlefamilyhomesdevelopment #landdevelopment #rentalproperties trend #housingmarketcompetition #technologicaladvancementsinrealestate #realestate

Dec 10, 2024 • 23min
From Escaping Communism to Building a Business Empire: Joel Gandara’s Incredible Journey
Today on the Beyond Fulfillment Podcast, we have an incredibly inspiring guest, Joel Gandara. Joel is the founder of the 31 Daily Challenge and the host of the Joel Gandara podcast. His journey is nothing short of remarkable—from fleeing communist Cuba at just four-and-a-half years old to building a thriving business empire in the United States. Joel's entrepreneurial spirit ignited out of necessity, and he shares how his early experiences shaped his relentless drive.In this episode, Joel discusses his various ventures, from selling chocolates and trading cards as a child to creating a successful apparel business and navigating through significant challenges. He also reveals how a pivotal setback led him to establish his own brand, ultimately resulting in a thriving coaching business and the launch of his transformative 31 Days to Become a Better Man program.Join us as Joel delves into the importance of taking action, overcoming adversity, and fostering strong community bonds among entrepreneurs. Get ready for an episode filled with practical insights, inspiring stories, and life-changing advice. Stay tuned!Takeaways: Joel Gandera's remarkable journey from fleeing Communist Cuba to thriving in business exemplifies resilience and determination. His entrepreneurial spirit was born out of necessity, leading him to start various ventures early in life. A pivotal setback motivated Joel to create his own apparel brand, which later achieved significant success and profitability. The importance of community and accountability among entrepreneurs is a vital theme in Joel's coaching program. Through action and perseverance, Joel overcame challenges and built a successful coaching business focused on personal growth. The 31 Days to Become a Better Man program encourages men to take daily actionable steps for improvement. Links referenced in this episode:freightbydave.com31dailychallenges.com#31DailyChallenge #JoelGandaraPodcast #entrepreneurialspirit #communism #Marielboatlifts #escapingCuba #OaklandCalifornia #poverty #buyingwholesale #sellingretail #elementaryschoolentrepreneur #fleamarketbusiness #Jockeyunderwear #eBaysales #tradeshows #apparelbusiness #creatingabrand #directtoconsumer #ecommerce #mentoringentrepreneurs #coachingbusiness #writingabook #31DaystoBecomeaBetterMan #menschallenge #womenschallenge #businessacquisition #sevenfiguresales #overcomingsetbacks

Dec 5, 2024 • 27min
From Med School Dropout to CEO: The SnapSlide story with Rocky Batzel
Today on the Beyond Fulfillment Podcast, we have a truly inspiring story for you. My guest is Rocky Batzel, the innovative CEO and founder of SnapSlide. Rocky took an unconventional path, leaving medical school to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams. In this episode, we dive into his journey of inventing SnapSlide, a groundbreaking child-resistant closure that significantly reduces the force and dexterity needed to access medications, thereby helping millions, including his own grandmother. From overcoming numerous challenges and setbacks to successfully bringing his product to market, Rocky's story is a compelling testament to tenacity, innovation, and the drive to make a difference. Join us as we explore the genesis and evolution of Snap Slide and the lessons learned along the way. Whether you're an entrepreneur, inventor, or just need a dose of inspiration, this episode is one you won't want to miss.Connect with Rocky on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rocky-batzel-780a309a/Takeaways: Rocky Batesell's journey from medical student to inventor highlights the importance of perseverance and commitment. The Snapslide closure was designed to help those with limited dexterity access their medications more easily. Overcoming skepticism from others proved crucial for Rocky in realizing his entrepreneurial vision. Listening to consumer feedback was essential in refining the Snapslide design and functionality. The transition from licensing to direct manufacturing allowed Rocky to maintain control over his product's development. Rocky emphasizes the significance of personal motivation in driving innovation and entrepreneurship. Links referenced in this episode:fiverr.comsnapslide.com#SnapSlide #childresistantclosure #medicationpackaging #medicalstudent #entrepreneurialjourney #pharmaceuticalindustry #disabilityaccess #packaginginnovation #onehandedoperation #newproductdevelopment #injectionmolding #consumerfeedback #prescriptionbottles #patentprocess #pharmacypartnerships #overthecounterdrugs #aspirinpackaging #productlicensing #productmanufacturing #productlaunch #USmanufacturing #amputeeaccessibility #elderlymedicationuse #productdesign #producttesting #productioncapacity #socialmediamarketing #B2Bsales #entrepreneuriallessons

Dec 3, 2024 • 26min
From Engineering Student to Entrepreneur: Michael Lanctot's Journey to Creating Young and Retired
Today on the Beyond Fulfillment Podcast we have a truly inspiring guest who has made remarkable strides in the world of entrepreneurship and sales. Joining us is Michael Lanctot, founder and CEO of Young and Retired, and the incisive author of "Pipeline to Wealth". Michael’s journey from a college student in chemical and nuclear engineering to a successful entrepreneur and sales expert is nothing short of extraordinary. In this episode, he unveils how an unexpected detour into door-to-door pest control sales catalyzed his entrepreneurial spirit, leading him to build a thriving business and achieve impressive milestones, including generating $50 million in sales and managing a thousand employees in just under three years. Michael will also share insights from his latest book and discuss the critical systems and passive income strategies that have fueled his success. Stick around for a treasure trove of wisdom and actionable advice on scaling your business and navigating the path to wealth. Grab your notebooks, because you won’t want to miss a minute of this conversation!Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-lanctot-55973b111/Takeaways: Michael Langto emphasizes the importance of having passive income to support entrepreneurship without financial stress. The podcast discusses how structured hiring systems can improve retention and success in sales. Michael transitioned from a chemical engineering background into sales, seeking ownership and financial success. Building a business requires understanding the systems behind recruiting and managing sales teams. Langto's company, Young and Retired, focuses on finding and training salespeople for various industries. The importance of continuous learning and skill development as a foundation for wealth creation. Links referenced in this episode:youngandretired.com#YoungAndRetired #PipelineToWealth #entrepreneur #college #chemicalandnuclearengineering #sales #salescareer #pestcontrolsales #door-to-doorsales #salesstrategies #businessownership #financialindependence #passiveincome #Turobusiness #Airbnb #FleetandGo #systemsinbusiness #recruitmentsystems #hiringprocesses #automatedmessaging #MannyChat #trainingsalesmen #marketingcompanies #marketableskills #passiveincomegeneration #newbookrelease #salesmanagement #socialmediaoutreach

Nov 29, 2024 • 29min
Revolutionizing Payment Processing: Real-Time Settlements with Marshall Greenwald of Ionia
Today on the Beyond Fulfillment Podcast we dive deep into the world of innovative payment solutions with our guest, Marshall Greenwald, the founder of Ionia. Marshall shares the compelling journey behind creating Ionia, a groundbreaking payment platform designed to offer real-time fund settlements and eliminate fraud risk for merchants. He unveils the genesis of the idea, rooted in years of working closely with businesses and identifying their pain points. From his early start in the banking sector to launching and growing companies amid challenges like COVID-19, Marshall's story is one of resilience, innovation, and forward-thinking. Discover how Ionia aims to revolutionize the payment processing industry with its unique approach and hear about the collaborative efforts required to bring such a disruptive product to market. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or an industry veteran, this episode is packed with valuable insights on overcoming adversity, building a dynamic team, and driving change in a highly competitive space. Watch now to hear the whole story. Connect with Marshall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marshall-greenwald-9480351/Takeaways: Marshall Greenwald founded Ionia to innovate payment processing by enabling real-time fund settlements for merchants. Ionia addresses key merchant pain points by eliminating fraud risk and speeding up payment processing times. The journey of building Ionia involved extensive market research and collaboration with industry experts. Marshall emphasized the importance of team mentality, passion, and cultural alignment in startup success. The competitive landscape of payment processing requires continuous innovation and strategic partnerships to thrive. Ionia's unique approach encourages industry partners to see it as a collaborator rather than a competitor. Links referenced in this episode:ioniapay.comhicksmarketing.com#Ionia #paymentplatform #real-timefundsettlement #fraudriskelimination #merchantpayments #creditcardtransactions #paymentprocessing #DiscountPaymentServices #cardnetworks #Visa #MasterCard #fintech #startupchallenges #regulatorychallenges #covid #covid19 #entrepreneur #founder

Nov 26, 2024 • 38min
Simplify to Scale- Mastering Growth with Silvia Myers of Traffic Ninjas
Today we have an inspiring conversation with Silvia Myers, co-founder of @TheTrafficNinjas .Silvia brings a wealth of knowledge on the challenges entrepreneurs face when starting online stores and shares actionable strategies to achieve long-term success.In this episode, Silvia discusses the struggles of transitioning from a corporate career to entrepreneurship, the pitfalls of overcomplicating online businesses, and the crucial mindset shifts needed for sustained growth. She offers invaluable advice on creating compelling customer offers, understanding conversion rates, and maintaining focus in a world full of distractions. Silvia also opens up about her personal journey, from her initial struggles with Facebook ads to finding fulfillment in helping others succeed. Whether you're a seasoned Shopify seller or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights that could transform your business approach.Connect with Silvia: https://www.instagram.com/trafficninjas/#entrepreneurs #startinganonline store #convertingsitevisitorstosales #streamlinedsystem #Shopifystorefailure rate #overcomplicatingprocesses #longtermbusinessinvestment #developinganasset #shortterm profits #focusandenergy #Actiontakersaremoneymakers #businessjourney #shinyobjectsyndrome #triedandtestedsystem #Facebookads #experiencedcoach #understandingcustomers #compellingoffers #increasedconversionrates #goodconversionrate #customerlifetimevalue #costofacquisition #victimattitude #entrepreneurialjourney #businesschallenges #constructivemindset #networking #masterminds #Shopifystore #success #TheTrafficNinjasLinks referenced in this episode:thetrafficninjas.com