DTC Logistics Innovation with Rick Watson
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
Release Date: 06/13/2022
The M&A Playbook for Logistics Leaders with Spencer Tenney
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
In “The M&A Playbook for Logistics Leaders”, and , President & CEO of Tenney Group, discuss the current state of mergers and acquisitions in the logistics sector, offering key insights on how business leaders can navigate a more selective market, build value, and secure successful deals. About Spencer Tenney serves as President & CEO of Tenney Group, where he oversees the firm’s day-to-day effectiveness and long-term vision. Spencer is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and holds the designation of Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor through...
info_outline
AI Literacy in Logistics with Gather AI's Andrew Hoffman
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
In “AI Literacy in Logistics with Gather AI's Andrew Hoffman”, and , CTO at Gather AI, discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming warehouse operations by using visual data from drones and other machines to identify issues, suggest next steps, and ultimately improve efficiency and accuracy. About Andrew Hoffman is the Chief Technical Officer at Gather.ai, an AI-powered intralogistics optimization firm that empowers 3PLs, manufacturers, and retailers to improve margins and on-time order fulfillment in the widest range of logistics environments - from ambient to cold chain storage....
info_outline
Intermodal Expo 2025: Unpacking Cargo Theft, AI, and M&A with Anne Reinke
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
In “Intermodal Expo 2025: Unpacking Cargo Theft, AI, and M&A”, and , President & CEO of IANA, discuss the critical issues and forward-looking trends that are shaping the future of the intermodal freight industry. About Anne Reinke became the Intermodal Association of North America’s third President & CEO in December of 2024. Immediately preceding her appointment at IANA, Anne was President & CEO of the Transportation Intermediaries Association for four years. Anne has a long career in transportation policy, with a stint at the Association of American...
info_outline
Inside the DAT - Convoy Platform Deal: What This Acquisiton Means for the Freight Market with Bill Driegert
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
In “Inside the DAT - Convoy Platform Deal: What This Acquisiton Means for the Freight Market”, and , EVP of Convoy Platform - DAT Freight & Analytics, discuss how the integration of the Convoy Platform's automation and AI technology with DAT's massive freight marketplace will help brokers combat fraud, increase efficiency, and focus on high-value work. About Bill Driegert is the EVP of Convoy Platform at DAT Freight & Analytics. He was previously the EVP of Trucking at Flexport and the co-founder and Head of Operations at Uber Freight, Uber’s logistics business. Bill began his...
info_outline
How Humanoid Robots are Shaping the Future of Logistics with Parker Conroy
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
In “How Humanoid Robots are Shaping the Future of Logistics”, and , Head of Product at Apptronik, discuss how Apollo, a human-centered, AI-powered humanoid robot, is set to transform the industry by working alongside humans to fill labor gaps and perform a wide range of tasks in a safe and efficient manner. About Parker Conroy is the Head of Product at Apptronik, a leading developer of humanoid robots. Conroy has worked in robotics for more than a decade, guiding product management teams to design and deploy thousands of industrial robotic arms, autonomous mobile robots, drones, and now,...
info_outline
The C.H. Robinson Perspective: Navigating the Next Era with Michael Castagnetto
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
In “The C.H. Robinson Perspective: Navigating the Next Era”, and , President of North American Surface Transportation at C.H. Robinson, discuss how the company's people-first culture and commitment to developing its employees drive its ability to solve complex logistics challenges and innovate for the future. About Michael Castagnetto was named president of North American Surface Transportation (NAST) in January 2024. Prior executive positions with the company include Vice President, Customer Success in NAST from January 2023 – January 2024 and President of Robinson Fresh from December...
info_outline
REPOST: Blind Spots & Bottlenecks: Unmasking the Hidden Enemies of Supply Chain with Briana Birkholz
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
and discuss blind spots & bottlenecks: unmasking the hidden enemies of supply chain. Briana is the Vice President of Product Management for the 3PL market segment at SPS Commerce, the world’s leading retail network, connecting trading partners around the globe to optimize supply chain operations for all retail partners. About Briana Birkholz is the Vice President of Product Management for the 3PL market segment at SPS Commerce. With a passion for overcoming supply chain and logistics challenges, Briana is committed to addressing the distinct needs of customers through comprehensive,...
info_outline
Project 61: The Mission to Give Truckers a Longer, Healthier Life with Jeremy ReymerProject 61: The Mission to Give Truckers a Longer, Healthier Life with Jeremy Reymer
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
In “Project 61: The Mission to Give Truckers a Longer, Healthier Life”, and , the Founder and CEO of Project 61, discuss the shocking statistic that the average life expectancy of a truck driver is just 61 years and the organization's mission to address this health crisis. About Jeremy Reymer is a recognized leader and innovator in the trucking industry with over 20 years of experience as both a carrier and vendor. A frequent speaker and podcast host, he addresses critical issues such as driver recruiting, retention, compliance, and health and wellness. In 2016, Jeremy founded...
info_outline
The Dark Funnel Demystified: Unlocking Hidden Sales with Jennie Malafarina
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
In “The Dark Funnel Demystified: Unlocking Hidden Sales”, and , the CEO of Virago Marketing, discuss how businesses can drive measurable revenue growth by understanding and leveraging the invisible customer journey. About Jennie Malafarina is the CEO of Virago Marketing, a Cleveland-based agency helping transportation and logistics companies turn marketing into a revenue-driving engine. Since taking the lead at Virago in 2020, she has elevated the agency’s impact—guiding strategies that deliver measurable results aligned with client growth goals. With over a decade of experience in...
info_outline
The Skill Gap Epidemic: How Untrained Workers Are Holding You Back with Cary Dittmann
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
In “The Skill Gap Epidemic: How Untrained Workers Are Holding You Back”, and , the the Chief Operating Officer at FreightPath, discuss the critical challenges facing the global logistics industry and how targeted workforce development is essential for overcoming the widening skills gap. About Cary Dittman is the Chief Operating Officer at FreightPath, where he leads the company’s efforts to scale operations, forge strategic partnerships, and advance its mission to modernize supply chain education. With over 40 years of experience in logistics, technology, and enterprise growth, Cary...
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
Amazon vs Target vs Walmart with Rick Watson
Amazon’s Retail Strategy with Rick Watson
Fanatics Adopts American Eagle Quiet Platforms for Same-day/Next-Day