DTC Logistics Innovation with Rick Watson
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
Release Date: 06/13/2022
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
In “Home Delivery World: The Future of Fulfillment”, and , General Manager of Home Delivery World, discuss he critical strategies and emerging technologies redefining the high-stakes journey from the warehouse to the consumer's front door. About John Beasley , General Manager of Home Delivery World, has been part of the HDW team since 2021. With over 8 years in the events world, his goal is to bring innovation to the event and foster a community where attendees can make meaningful connections and drive their businesses forward. His background in sales, business development, partnerships...
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In "Beyond TMS: McLeod's Open Ecosystem and Automation”, and , Vice President of Growth and Special Projects at McLeod Software, discuss the strategic pivot toward an open, automated ecosystem that redefines modern supply chain management. About Doug Schrier , Vice President of Growth and Special Projects at McLeod Software, is a driving force behind the company's strategic expansion while upholding a customer-centric philosophy. With a comprehensive background encompassing over two decades of operations and strategic leadership, Doug has dedicated the past 15 years to the...
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In “Vanity Metrics Don’t Move Freight: Building Real Pipeline in Freight-Tech”, and , Fractional CMO and Founder of FreightTech (marketing), discuss how marketing must shift from a tactical cost center to a strategic operating system that drives real revenue. About Jim Waters is a Boston-based B2B marketing executive with a proven track record of building robust sales pipelines. His passion lies in driving meaningful conversations, understanding customer pain points, and creating compelling content that generates active pipeline velocity. A results-driven innovator, Jim was an early...
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In “Beyond the Rate: Why Accuracy, Transparency and Context Matter”, and , President, Intelligence, at Triumph, discuss how accuracy, transparency, and network connectivity are the new drivers for precision and confidence in the logistics industry. About Dawn Favier serves as President, Intelligence, at Triumph following the acquisition of Greenscreens.ai in May 2025. She brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in transportation management and logistics technology. Prior to joining Triumph, Ms. Salvucci-Favier served as Chief Executive...
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In “Building the Connected Transportation Ecosystem: A Conversation with Trimble's Michael Kornhauser”, and , Vice President of Trimble, discuss how integrated data and precision mapping create a more secure, efficient, and connected transportation ecosystem. About Michael Kornhauser is sector vice president of Trimble, leading Transportation & Logistics in North America. With more than 20 years in various leadership roles, Michael has proven to be an astute and dynamic leader with deep industry understanding and passion for delivering superior customer value. Kornhauser, along with...
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In “The Optym Advantage: Smarter Routing, Planning, and Decision Making”, and , Deputy CEO of Optym, discuss how applied AI and optimization maximize fleet utilization and driver profitability. About Shaman Ahuja is currently serving as the Deputy CEO of Optym, a company specializing in prepackaged software solutions. With a robust background in technology and product management, he has held various leadership positions within Optym, showcasing his ability to drive innovation and efficiency. He began his professional journey as an intern and has progressively climbed the ranks,...
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In “Smart Routes, Safer Stops: How Mapping Tech is Transforming Trucking”, and , VP, Product and Engineering at Trimble, discuss how integrated mapping technology optimizes routes, ensures driver safety, and drives profitability through a connected data ecosystem. Rishi Mehra As VP, Product and Engineering, is primarily responsible for overseeing the company’s technology, products and engineering in North America. Mehra has been with Trimble since 2014, and previously served as a senior product manager and director of web products for ALK Technologies (now a part of the Trimble...
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In “Fleet Profitability Unleashed: The Optimal Dynamics Advantage”, and , Senior Vice President, Head of Sales at Optimal Dynamics, discuss how decades of academic research and advanced decision intelligence are being used to automate complex logistics and maximize carrier profitability. Zach Schuchart is the Senior Vice President, Head of Sales at Optimal Dynamics. He has over 20 years of experience in the North American and European transportation industries, including roles at UPS, CHAINalytics, and XPO, he brings deep expertise and leadership to the Optimal Dynamics team. As Head of...
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In “The Fulfillment Playbook: ShipStation's Strategy for Building an Unbreakable Shipping Network”, and , Chief Strategy Officer at Auctane, discuss how to turn complex global logistics into a seamless competitive advantage. About Josh Steinitz serves as Chief Strategy Officer at Auctane, a leading global company empowering businesses with intelligent mailing and shipping solutions through trusted products like ShipStation, Stamps.com, Metapack, and Packlink. In his role, Steinitz leads corporate development, strategic partnerships, carrier relationships and strategy, and cross-border...
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In “The Road Ahead: What Trimble Innovations Mean for Transportation”, and , Chief Product and Technology Officer at Trimble, discuss Trimble's open, scalable platform that connects every aspect of the supply chain—from trucks and drivers to the back office—by serving as a reliable "system of record" that integrates practical AI innovation to help fleets maximize performance, visibility, and safety. About Jonah McIntire is Chief Product and Technology Officer at Trimble. He joined Transporeon in June 2021 and quickly led a succession of larger product organisations...
info_outlineRick Watson and Joe Lynch discuss DTC Logistics innovation. Rick founded RMW Commerce Consulting, a boutique ecommerce consultancy that supports investors and management teams incubating and growing digital businesses online – both direct-to-consumer and B2B.
About Rick Watson
Rick Watson founded RMW Commerce Consulting after spending 20+ years as a technology entrepreneur and operator exclusively in the ecommerce industry with companies like ChannelAdvisor, BarnesandNoble.com, Merchantry, and Pitney Bowes. Watson was one of the first employees at ChannelAdvisor, spending 10 years there in various executive capacities and launching many of the company’s flagship offerings. He was then recruited to launch the third-party marketplace at BarnesandNoble.com, expanding the company’s product catalog by over 1 million items. After the successful marketplace launch, he served as CEO of Merchantry and led the company to a $30M acquisition by Tradeshift. Upon fulfilling the transition obligations of Merchantry to Tradeshift, Watson directed the cross-border product strategy of Pitney Bowes, a $450M business, comprised of Borderfree and the eBay Global Shipping Program. Watson’s work today is centered on supporting investors and management teams incubating and growing direct-to-consumer businesses. Most recently, in partnership with WHP Global, Rick was a critical resource in architecting the WHP+ platform, a new turnkey direct-to-consumer digital ecommerce platform that powers AnneKlein.com and JosephAbboud.com.
About RMW Commerce Consulting
RMW Commerce Consulting supports investors and management teams incubating and growing digital businesses online – both direct-to-consumer and B2B. RMW was founded by Rick Watson after his more than 20 years as a technology entrepreneur and operator exclusively in the ecommerce industry with companies like ChannelAdvisor, BarnesandNoble.com, Merchantry, and Pitney Bowes.
Key Takeaways: DTC Logistics Innovation
- Rick Watson is the Founder and CEO of RMW Commerce, a consulting company focused on helping investors and management teams grow their digital commerce initiatives.
- In the podcast interview, Rick and Joe discussed DTC logistics innovation and some of the recent moves by industry leaders in the retail and logistics verticals.
- DTC is an acronym for “direct to consumer.”
- Rick and Joe explored the topics below:
- The term dark store, dark shop, dark supermarket refers to a retail outlet or distribution center that exists exclusively for online shopping.
- A dark store is generally a large warehouse that can either be used to facilitate a "click-and-collect" service, where a customer collects an item they have ordered online, or as an order fulfillment platform for online sales.
- The dark store format was initiated in the United Kingdom and Europe during Covid times. It is not clear whether the trend will gain traction in the USA.
- American Eagle Outfitters acquired both Quiet Logistics and Airterra demonstrating their commitment to DTC business.
- Amazon partners with mom-and-pop stores to serve rural areas. This experimental program aims to speed up delivery times to sparsely-populated areas.
- Currently, Amazon partners with the USPS for final mile deliveries in rural areas. Some USPS shipments from Amazon have to be picked up at the local post office. The new service further enhances Amazon’s reputation as the best delivery provider.
Learn More About DTC Logistics Innovation
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