Blind Spots & Bottlenecks: Unmasking the Hidden Enemies of Supply Chain with Briana Birkholz
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
Release Date: 04/25/2025
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_outline
Freight Downturn: What Winners Do to Gain Ground with Nick Klingensmith
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
In “Freight Downturn: What Winners Do to Gain Ground”, and , the Founder of Stride Motivation, discuss how professionals can adopt an endurance athlete's mindset to overcome fear, rejection, and self-limiting beliefs in the face of a challenging freight market. About Nick Klingensmith After being thrown out of a Las Vegas hotel in a drunken haze, jeopardizing his career and relationships, had to make a change. A 4-time cancer survivor, type-1 diabetic, recovering alcoholic with herniated discs, nerve damage and sleep apnea, he defies it all when he finds Obstacle Course Racing. Refusing...
info_outline
Warp is The LTL Network of the Future with Daniel Sokolovsky
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
In “Warp is The LTL Network of the Future”, and , the Co-Founder and CEO of Warp, discuss how Warp's technology-powered freight network is modernizing LTL logistics across the U.S. by connecting shippers, cross-docks, and carriers through a single operating system to enable flexible, efficient, and highly visible freight movement. About Daniel Sokolovsky is the Co-Founder and CEO of Warp, a technology-powered freight network modernizing LTL logistics across the U.S. He grew up in the world of freight. His parents ran a courier business, so missed ETAs, late-night scrambles, and broken...
info_outline
From Farm to Fork: A Broker's Guide to Food Safety and Cold Chain Logistics with Brian Hastings
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
In “From Farm to Fork: A Broker's Guide to Food Safety and Cold Chain Logistics”, and , the CEO and Co-founder of Veritas Logistics, discuss the critical role of human-centric logistics and strong partnerships in ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of food. About Brian Hastings is the CEO and Co-founder of Veritas Logistics, a third-party logistics firm founded in 2020 that prioritizes people and operates with core values of truth, partnership, passion, positivity, and service to provide customized transportation solutions. With over 15 years in the freight brokerage...
info_outline
CHAINge, AI and the Future of Freight with Bart A. De Muynck
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
In “CHAINge, AI, and the Future of Freight”, and , an industry expert and thought leader with over 30 years of supply chain and logistics experience across the globe, discuss how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are reshaping the logistics landscape and what the future holds for global freight. About Bart A. De Muynck stands as an accomplished industry expert and thought leader, boasting over three decades of global supply chain and logistics experience. His distinguished career includes significant roles at major international companies such as EY, GE Capital, Penske...
info_outline
Safeguarding Your Shipments: Denim's Insights on Fraud, Payments, and Carrier Vetting with Chad Capooth
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
In “Safeguarding Your Shipments: Denim's Insights on Fraud, Payments, and Carrier Vetting”, and , VP of Operations at Denim, discuss the evolving landscape of freight fraud, payment challenges, and how Denim provides comprehensive solutions to ensure financial and operational security for freight businesses. About Chad Capooth is the VP of Operations at Denim. He brings over 15 years of experience in strategic planning, business growth, and operations leadership. At Denim, he leads operational strategy, leveraging deep expertise in factoring, credit underwriting, and portfolio management...
info_outline
Navigating the Numbers: Tariffs, AI, and the Future of Supply Chains with Corey DeSantis
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
In “Navigating the Numbers: Tariffs, AI, and The Future of Supply Chains”, and , BDO’s Logistics and Transportation Subject Matter Expert, discuss the evolving landscape of global trade, the transformative power of artificial intelligence, and strategies for building resilient supply chains for tomorrow. About Corey DeSantis serves as BDO’s Logistics and Transportation Subject Matter Expert, supporting clients in manufacturing, automotive, telecommunications and food manufacturing. Corey improves the condition of BDO’s clients through making data-driven decisions to optimize...
info_outline
The Threads of Trade: How Global Events are Reshaping Cotton Logistics with Michael Symonanis
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
In “The Threads of Trade: How Global Events are Reshaping Cotton Logistics”, and , Director of Strategic Network at Louis Dreyfus Company, discuss how global events are reshaping cotton logistics, leveraging Michael’s dual perspective as a BCO and former ocean carrier, and the importance of collaboration and data transparency. About Michael Symonanis doesn’t just move containers - he moves conversations forward. With 30+ years in international container shipping, Michael brings a rare dual lens as both a BCO and former ocean carrier. Now in his 20th year at Louis Dreyfus Company, he...
info_outline
REPOST: Beyond the Tracks: The Next Frontier of American Rail with Martin Lew
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
and discuss beyond the tracks: the next frontier of American rail. Martin is CEO at , a tech-enabled rail logistics provider with a team of experienced rail professionals, an extensive network of partners, and a best-in-class technology platform that simplifies the movement of freight and creates a competitive advantage. About Martin Lew is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Commtrex, the largest tech-enabled logistics platform in North America (US, Canada, and Mexico) for shippers to directly connect with railroads, transloaders, storage facilities,...
info_outlineBriana Birkholz and Joe Lynch 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
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, full-service solutions. Briana’s extensive experience in driving innovation, strategic development and execution consistently delivers outstanding results for third-party logistics companies.
About SPS Commerce
SPS Commerce is the world’s leading retail network, connecting trading partners across the globe to optimize supply chain operations for all stakeholders in the retail ecosystem. The company enables data-driven partnerships through innovative cloud-based technology, customer-centric service, and a team of accessible industry experts—allowing clients to focus on their core business. With over 45,000 recurring revenue customers spanning retail, grocery, distribution, supply, manufacturing, and logistics, SPS Commerce powers a vast and growing global retail network.
Key Takeaways: Blind Spots & Bottlenecks: Unmasking the Hidden Enemies of Supply Chain
- Briana Birkholz and Joe Lynch discuss blind spots & bottlenecks: unmasking the hidden enemies of supply chain. The hidden enemies include the following:
- Inconsistent Time to Revenue: The Silent Growth Killer - Lengthy onboarding processes erode cash flow and strain customer relationships, highlighting evolving customer expectations. SPS Commerce's "plug-and-play" solutions drastically reduce onboarding time from months to days.
- The Cost of Chaos: Inconsistent Order Intake - Managing orders through disparate channels (phone, email, portals, PDFs) breeds errors and jeopardizes SLAs due to human error. SPS Commerce standardizes order formats for improved efficiency and control.
- Decoding Retailer Complexity: Unravel the challenges of adhering to intricate retailer requirements (packing slips, labels, routing guides, ASN timing) and the costly consequences of non-compliance (chargebacks, damaged relationships, lost shelf space). SPS Commerce automates document generation and validation to ensure first-time compliance.
- SPS Commerce is the world’s leading retail network, connecting trading partners around the globe to optimize supply chain operations for all retail partners. SPS Commerce brings the following advantages:
- Industry Leader in Cloud-Based EDI Solutions: SPS Commerce specializes in cloud-based supply chain management, helping retailers, suppliers, and logistics providers automate and streamline their operations through advanced EDI and data analytics tools.
- Demonstrated Consistent Growth as a High-Performing Public Company: SPS Commerce has a long and consistent track record of growth, primarily organic, underscoring its position as a strong performer on NASDAQ (ticker: SPSC).
- Global Presence with Local Support: Headquartered in Minneapolis, SPS has expanded internationally with offices in major cities like Toronto, Melbourne, Amsterdam, and Hong Kong, supporting a worldwide customer base with localized service.
- Growth via Smart Acquisitions: Strategic buys like Data Masons, InterTrade, and SupplyPike have allowed SPS to broaden its tech stack and deepen its value across the retail supply chain ecosystem.
- Recognized for Culture and Innovation: Known for its positive workplace environment, SPS was ranked the best large workplace in Minnesota in 2015 and continues to invest in talent and innovation to drive forward-thinking supply chain solutions.
Learn More About Blind Spots & Bottlenecks: Unmasking the Hidden Enemies of Supply Chain
Arcadia Cold Storage & Logistics Case Study
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
- If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues.
- The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast
- Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube