Ever wonder why some stores convert browsers into buyers while others struggle despite decent foot traffic? This eye-opening conversation with Mark Ryski, founder of HeadCount Corporation and author of Store Traffic is a Gift, reveals how retailers and brands are missing a massive opportunity hiding in plain sight.

At its core, store traffic represents the ultimate denominator and demand signal for physical retail. Yet surprisingly, only about half of retailers today actually track it properly, instead relying on transaction counts that miss crucial insights about non-buying visitors. Mark explains why this oversight leads to misaligned staffing, missed conversion opportunities, and ultimately, lost sales.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Mark reveals how dramatically conversion rates can vary within the same retail chain – from as low as 30% to as high as 75%. These "super converting" stores hold the secrets to chainwide improvement, offering practical lessons that can be replicated across locations. For brands and suppliers, understanding traffic patterns provides leverage when negotiating promotional opportunities and helps quantify the true exposure their products receive.

Perhaps most compelling is Mark's perspective on friction in the shopping journey. While retailers endlessly discuss the importance of reducing friction, most lack effective methods to measure it. Conversion rates provide that measurement, highlighting exactly when and where customers abandon their shopping journey. By tracking hourly traffic and conversion, retailers can pinpoint precisely when friction occurs and take targeted action to address it.

For anyone involved in physical retail – whether you're managing stores, developing products, or analyzing performance – this conversation will transform how you think about traffic data and its strategic value. Tune in to discover practical ways to treat traffic as the precious gift it truly is and unlock the full potential of your physical retail presence.

What happens when high-achieving leaders neglect to lead themselves? In this eye-opening conversation, executive coach Irene Ortiz-Glass pulls back the curtain on the hidden struggles of top performers and reveals the profound connection between personal history and leadership effectiveness.

Irene shares her powerful personal journey from childhood trauma to corporate success to complete burnout, demonstrating how our origin stories shape our leadership approaches. "What got you here didn't start today—it started 10, 20 years ago," she explains, highlighting how early experiences create the mindsets we bring to our leadership roles.

The discussion explores our "maladaptive" modern work environment, where constant connectivity and back-to-back meetings trigger chronic stress responses that impair decision-making. Leaders who thrive have learned to be intentional about energy management, creating clear boundaries while maintaining high performance. Irene provides practical insights on creating psychological safety for teams, explaining how threat responses trigger the "amygdala hijack" that prevents authentic engagement and strategic thinking.

For listeners feeling overwhelmed, Irene offers a starting point: ask yourself what you truly want, examine your core values, and honestly assess whether your daily activities align with those values. "The happiness factor in life is feeling connected to what matters to you," she notes, challenging the notion that success requires sacrificing personal well-being.

Whether you're leading a team through organizational change or seeking greater balance in your own leadership journey, this conversation provides both the neuropsychological framework and practical tools to become more effective. Ready to transform your approach to leadership? Start by understanding your own story.

The retail media landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, with AI technology reshaping how brands connect with consumers on retail platforms. At the forefront of this revolution stands AdFury.ai, a groundbreaking startup built from day one as an artificial intelligence company focused on solving retail media's most pressing challenges.

Becca Shaddox and Brandon "BV" Viveiros join the podcast to share their journey building AdFury.ai. With Becca's 17 years of technology experience at Walmart and BV's extensive background spanning from Nokia to Saatchi & Saatchi X, this leadership team brings uniquely relevant expertise to the retail media AI space. What sets them apart isn't just their impressive credentials, but their firsthand understanding of the inefficiencies and opportunities in retail media advertising.

AdFury's AI platform addresses a critical pain point for brands and agencies: creating relevant, high-performing display advertisements for retail media networks with unprecedented efficiency. Rather than requiring creative teams to produce countless variations of ads manually, their system allows brands to upload assets and guidelines once, then leverages generative AI to produce optimized creative at scale. The platform incorporates a continuous feedback loop, learning from performance data to improve future creative generation.

Starting with Walmart's retail media network but with plans to expand to other retailers, AdFury.ai is strategically positioned in Northwest Arkansas—the retail capital of the world. This location provides invaluable access to brands, agencies, and retail partners, creating a perfect environment for rapid iteration and growth. Their roadmap includes expanding beyond static display ads into video, connected TV, and social media formats.

For brands struggling with the complexity and resource requirements of retail media advertising, AdFury.ai represents a compelling solution that lowers barriers to entry while improving performance. As both retail media and AI continue their explosive growth, this team is uniquely positioned at the intersection of these transformative technologies.

Ready to transform your retail media advertising? Visit https://www.adfury.ai/ to learn how their AI platform can help your brand achieve greater efficiency, consistency, and performance in the rapidly evolving retail media landscape.

The business landscape is transforming before our eyes. What began as marketing buzzwords—sustainability, transparency, and brand purpose—have rapidly evolved into essential elements of successful commerce. But why this shift, and what does it mean for the future of retail?

In this illuminating conversation, Scott Benedict welcomes Bryan Welch, a veteran media and brand leader spearheading the Consumer Impact Summit coming to Bentonville this September. Together, they explore how purpose-driven commerce is reshaping consumer expectations and business practices worldwide. Welch offers a fascinating perspective: business as a concept is relatively young—only about 250-300 years old—and has been in a kind of "adolescence" where maximizing profit was the sole priority. Now, as consumers demand more, business is maturing into a more conscious, multifaceted approach.

The discussion reveals how younger generations are fundamentally changing the retail equation. Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers rarely make purchasing decisions without considering broader impacts, and they're willing to forego products entirely if they believe consumption would harm society or the environment. Meanwhile, digital platforms have democratized access to consumers, allowing purpose-driven brands to share compelling stories directly with their audience. As Welch aptly notes, "Today every company is a media company," and those with authentic missions have particularly powerful stories to tell.

The Consumer Impact Summit (September 16-18 at The Ledger in Bentonville) will bring together approximately 300 attendees and 45 speakers from companies ranging from multinationals to innovative startups. Topics will include sustainable supply chain management, impact-focused financial relationships, innovations in packaging, and more—all centered on the belief that commerce can and should make a positive difference in the world.

Want to be part of the retail revolution that's creating positive change? Join forward-thinking leaders at the Consumer Impact Summit and discover how your business can thrive while making a meaningful impact. Register at https://consumerimpactsummit.com/

Northwest Arkansas stands as a testament to what's possible when talent, opportunity, and collaboration converge in unexpected ways. What began with Walmart's explosive growth has evolved into a dynamic ecosystem that many now recognize as the retail value chain capital of the world.

"This region pedals downhill," explains Graham Cobb, managing partner at Emeraude, capturing the forward momentum that characterizes the area. Unlike communities that coast on past successes, Northwest Arkansas constantly pushes forward, embracing innovation while building on its core strengths. These strengths include an unparalleled density of supply chain expertise and a business culture where accessibility trumps hierarchy.

The ripple effects of this environment are evident in the entrepreneurial ventures taking root. Fieldbook Venture Studio, with managing partner Josh Stanley, exemplifies this spirit, having launched five startups focused on different aspects of the retail value chain. From connecting brands with retailers to product innovation for consumer packaged goods companies, these ventures leverage the region's unique advantages while creating new opportunities for growth.

What truly sets Northwest Arkansas apart, however, isn't just business opportunity but quality of life. As Graham articulates with his philosophy to "help folks earn more, learn more, and live well," the region offers a holistic approach to success. Mountain biking trails, world-class art museums, and a vibrant culinary scene complement the professional advantages, creating an environment where work and life enhance rather than compete with each other.

For those curious to experience this ecosystem firsthand, Embark Retail Innovation Summit on September 16th offers a perfect entry point. Featuring CPG founders, retail experts, and thought leaders sharing their stories in an intimate setting, the event embodies the collaborative spirit that has made Northwest Arkansas successful. Beyond formal sessions, this event is one part of the greater Retail Innovation Week that is hosting events all through September 15th to the 18th, where attendees can explore the region's outdoor offerings, cultural institutions, and network with industry peers in a relaxed environment.

Whether you're an established CPG brand looking to innovate or an entrepreneur seeking fertile ground for your next venture, Northwest Arkansas offers unique advantages worth exploring. Use promo code BEACON for 25% off Embark Summit tickets, with proceeds benefiting the Chamber of Commerce.

What separates truly effective leaders from those who merely manage? Leadership expert Steve Graves reveals the answer with three powerful differentiators that will transform how you approach leadership challenges.

"Facilitating is not leading," Graves explains, challenging the common misconception that collaborative leadership is always effective leadership. While facilitation ensures everyone feels heard, true leadership requires making definitive calls on direction, speed, risk tolerance, resource allocation, and culture—sometimes against popular opinion. This becomes increasingly crucial as leaders ascend organizational hierarchies, where feedback diminishes while decision complexity multiplies.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Graves reveals his second insight: "No strategic plan will self-execute." Drawing from decades coaching CEOs across industries, he's witnessed brilliant strategies fail simply because they remained documents rather than becoming action plans. Andy Wilson reinforces this with compelling stories from his Walmart career, highlighting how execution culture made the difference between market leaders and followers.

Perhaps most counterintuitively, Graves asserts that "inspiration is not a substitute for leadership." While inspirational qualities benefit leaders, they cannot replace the sometimes difficult work of confrontation and accountability. The most effective leaders balance "a whisper in the ear, a pat on the back, and a kick in the tail"—knowing when each approach serves their team best.

Wilson shares a powerful example from his time with Sam Walton, revealing how the retail legend's humility became his greatest leadership strength. By recording store associates' ideas, ensuring follow-up, and implementing improvements, Walton created an execution machine where frontline insights drove company-wide innovation.

Whether you're leading a small team or a global organization, these timeless principles will help you avoid the "incremental descent into poor judgment" that derails even promising leaders. As Graves concludes, "People only implement what they understand and buy into," and creating that understanding is the essence of leadership that delivers results.

The wholesale club industry stands as one of retail's most fascinating success stories. Despite economic fluctuations and retail disruption, Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ's Wholesale Club continue to thrive through their unique business models and evolving strategies.

Michael Clayman, publisher of Warehouse Club Focus, who has spent nearly three decades analyzing and documenting the wholesale club industry, reveals the four pillars that have sustained wholesale clubs: consistently low prices that justify membership fees, superior product quality, membership revenue that flows directly to the bottom line, and the "treasure hunt" merchandising strategy that keeps members coming back regularly. These elements existed before COVID-19, but the pandemic accelerated growth as clubs remained open during lockdowns and became trusted resources for essential items.

Each operator has carved out a distinctive competitive position. BJ's operates at higher margins (16.5%) compared to Costco and Sam's Club (both around 11%), positioning itself between traditional warehouse clubs and grocery stores. This allows BJ's to remain price-competitive on branded items while generating higher margins elsewhere, particularly through private label products. Sam's Club differentiates through technology and convenience with Scan & Go shopping, pizza delivery, curbside pickup, and home delivery handled by their own employees rather than third parties. Meanwhile, Costco maintains unwavering margin discipline, proving that low prices drive massive sales volume – their average annual sales per location have doubled over 15 years to approximately $260 million.

The analysis also explores how all three chains have decreased their focus on business members over time, finding consumer items generate higher sales volumes. We examine PriceSmart's successful international expansion across Central America, Latin America, and the Caribbean, achieving remarkable productivity despite smaller store footprints by following the same low-price, high-quality formula.

For suppliers aiming to succeed in this channel, Clayman offers crucial advice: visit the clubs frequently to observe merchandising innovations across all departments and never underestimate their relentless focus on maintaining low prices, which remains the foundation of their business model regardless of other strategic initiatives.

Join us as we explore the transformative partnership between corporate giants Walmart and Procter & Gamble (P&G) in this captivating episode. Guided by the experiences of Tom Muccio, we delve into the essence of “collaborative disruption.” 

This principle has shaped the way these two companies have learned to work together, impacting retail and supply chain dynamics significantly.

Listeners will uncover how trust and open communication can catalyze success, as Tom shares with host Andy Wilson real-life anecdotes that illustrate the hurdles overcome through mutual respect. The conversation covers significant learning moments, emphasizing the importance of putting teams together to address challenges cohesively. 

Moreover, we discuss how putting the customer first—both at Walmart and P&G—led to innovative practices that transformed their operations. Insights into the flowcharting process reveal how visibility into business processes allowed for improved efficiencies and quick wins. 

As we face ever-evolving market challenges, the lessons gleaned from this partnership shine a light on the importance of adaptive strategies that ensure continuous collaboration and growth. 

Let's lean in as we dissect the principles of collaborative disruption and inspire listeners to re-energize their business philosophies. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review!

Walmart's journey from being the king of basics to becoming a credible fashion contender represents one of retail's most fascinating transformations. Former SVP and General Merchandise Manager of Omni Apparel Merchandising at Walmart, Deanah Baker, sits down with Senior Analyst at Talk Business & Politics, Kim Souza, to unpack how the retail giant built a nearly $30 billion apparel empire and why it's just getting started.

The conversation reveals the strategic foundation that made Walmart's fashion evolution possible. Beginning around 2017 with a courageous "SKU diet" that eliminated 30% of offerings, followed by game-changing RFID implementation that revolutionized inventory accuracy, Walmart methodically built credibility before venturing deeper into fashion territory. These moves weren't merely operational tweaks but fundamental shifts in how the company approached apparel.

Today's Walmart fashion story includes New York design teams, collaborations with designers like Brandon Maxwell, and AI-powered trend forecasting that cuts weeks from the design-to-shelf timeline. The newly launched Weekend Academy tween brand exemplifies their commitment to staying relevant in fast-moving fashion categories while maintaining the value proposition customers expect.

Despite impressive progress, challenges remain, particularly in the online shopping experience, where delivery times for fashion items can lag behind competitors. Yet the timing for Walmart's fashion push couldn't be better, as traditional competitors face operational hurdles and younger consumers increasingly mix high and low price points in their wardrobes.

Does Walmart's "Who Knew" campaign signal a turning point in consumer perception? Can the retail giant overcome delivery challenges to compete effectively in the time-sensitive fashion space? Listen as our experts explore these questions and share insider perspectives on what's next for America's largest retailer as it continues its fashion transformation.

Ever wonder why that item you desperately wanted was out of stock online but sitting unsold on a store shelf across town? The culprit might be hiding in outdated inventory management systems that many retailers still rely on.

Modern retail demands seamless omnichannel experiences, but achieving this requires more than just slick customer-facing apps. Behind every successful retail operation lies sophisticated inventory management technology—the unsung hero determining whether products are available when and where customers want them.

In this enlightening conversation, OnePint.ai CEO Das Pattathil and Chief Business Officer Anshuman Jaiswal reveal how their company is revolutionizing retail operations through AI-powered inventory management. They explain why many growing brands struggle with basic spreadsheet-based systems that worked during startup phases but become major liabilities as operations scale.

The discussion dives into three critical benefits of modern inventory systems: driving top-line growth by preventing stockouts, reducing fulfillment costs through optimized inventory placement, and improving cash flow by minimizing excess inventory. Beyond these tangible benefits, the experts highlight how AI applications in inventory management have evolved from basic forecasting to sophisticated decision-making systems that determine optimal inventory placement and automate critical supply chain decisions.

For retailers considering technology investments, Pattathil and Jaiswal emphasize that inventory management systems represent foundational capabilities that enable all other retail technologies to work effectively. They warn about "the cost of doing nothing"—how delaying these crucial investments creates mounting operational challenges as businesses expand to more channels and markets.

Whether you're running a small B2C brand or managing a mid-sized retail operation, this episode offers valuable insights into how modern inventory technology can transform your business. Listen now to discover why smart inventory solutions powered by AI are no longer optional but essential for retail success.

Speed has become the defining challenge of modern marketing, as veteran CMO Erika Jolly Brookes reveals in this eye-opening conversation. Drawing from her 30 years of experience in technology marketing, Erika shares how artificial intelligence is dramatically compressing timelines and revolutionizing the way marketers understand their customers.

"I downloaded 10-15 customer calls, uploaded them into our AI instance, and got a complete buyer persona framework in three minutes that used to take three months," Erika explains, demonstrating how AI is transforming marketing workflows. This acceleration matches what's happening across industries, where companies like Walmart are using AI to cut months from product-to-customer timelines.

Beyond technology, Erika emphasizes the critical human element of marketing leadership. She details how building trust through vulnerability and personality understanding creates high-performing teams. "Understanding the full cycle of each individual's personality is really important because not everybody needs to be the same," she notes, explaining how differences in working styles can become strengths when properly understood.

Today's marketers face the challenge of communicating across multiple generations, both within teams and among customer segments. As Erika observes, "The workforce today is more multi-generational than it ever has been," creating fragmentation in communication styles and preferences. This diversity requires marketers to develop nuanced strategies rather than one-size-fits-all approaches.

As CMO of EnergyCap, Erika now helps organizations manage utility costs through data analysis and AI, demonstrating how technology can transform overlooked aspects of business operations. Her insights offer valuable guidance for marketers navigating an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving landscape.

Artificial intelligence is transforming manufacturing, and Squint stands at the forefront of this revolution with technology that preserves critical expertise while empowering operators to achieve unprecedented quality standards.

When Andy Wilson met Devin Bhushan, CEO of Squint, he immediately recognized the transformative potential of Devin's approach to industrial AI. As factories face a generational workforce turnover, decades of institutional knowledge risk disappearing forever. 

Squint's solution? Using AI to effectively "download the minds" of experienced operators before they retire.

The technology works by recording operators performing complex tasks, then instantly generating comprehensive standard operating procedures through AI analysis. 

New operators receive step-by-step guidance through augmented reality, with the system overlaying instructions directly onto their physical environment. When mistakes happen, the system provides immediate, discreet correction, preserving operator confidence while ensuring quality standards.

Perhaps most revolutionary is Squint's approach to quality control. For a century, manufacturers have relied on statistical sampling methods developed in 1924. Squint's AI visual inspection capabilities enable 100% quality verification rather than partial sampling, making inspections instantaneous, objective, and consistent. 

As Bhushan explains, "For the first time, you can have that impossible combination of better, faster, and cheaper."

Unlike traditional industrial systems that prioritize efficiency over user experience, Squint creates consumer-grade interfaces that consolidate complex systems into a single, intuitive platform. 

The results are remarkable – one chemical manufacturer eliminated all operational errors within three weeks of implementation. Operators even develop personal connections with the AI, giving it nicknames like "Lil Bro."

The philosophy behind Squint echoes Sam Walton's belief that happy employees do better work and stay engaged. By focusing on the operator experience, Squint isn't just improving quality and efficiency – it's creating a more satisfying work environment where people feel confident and valued. 

Connect with Devin on LinkedIn or visit squint.ai to discover how AI can transform your manufacturing operations.

Ever wondered what happens to all that valuable customer data when your audience interacts with your brand on TikTok or Instagram? It disappears into the social giants' algorithms, leaving you paying more for less engagement and limited insights. 

This is exactly the problem Rahul Sheth set out to solve with Genuin, a revolutionary platform that gives brands their own white-label social media experience.

Drawing from his impressive background spanning multiple successful tech ventures—DigitalOcean, SoCure, and Carbine—Rahul has created technology that allows any brand to integrate a TikTok-like vertical video feed directly into their website or mobile app. 

The results are striking: users spend an additional 16.4 minutes engaged with brands' content, all while the companies collect valuable first-party data about their customers' preferences and behaviors.

The beauty of Genuin's approach lies in its ability to keep the entire customer journey within the brand's ecosystem. Rather than sending potential customers off to research products on Google or watch reviews on YouTube, brands can now host all this discovery content in-house. 

For retailers like Walmart or consumer brands like Nike, this means deeper connections with customers, more personalized experiences, and ultimately, better conversion rates. 

As Rahul explains, "We are transforming the cost into revenue" by giving brands unlimited inventory for video content that would otherwise be pushed to external platforms.

Looking toward the future, Genuin aims to democratize social media by creating a network effect across hundreds of brands, allowing them to share audiences in relevant, targeted ways. 

Whether you're a massive retailer or a startup launching your first product, Genuin's platform offers something revolutionary: control over your audience and ownership of your customer relationships in a world where both have become increasingly rare.

Want to learn more about regaining control of your brand's digital presence? Visit megenuine.com or connect with Rahul directly on LinkedIn to discover how your company can build its own social media experience.

Sam Walton's legacy has evolved far beyond big-box discount stores into a technological powerhouse that few consumers fully recognize. 

Host Andy Wilson sits down with Kim Souza, a veteran journalist on the Walmart beat, to explore some of the retailer's latest developments.

The "Who Knew" marketing campaign reveals what Walmart has become - a company capable of delivering goods via drone in 30 minutes, employing artificial intelligence shopping assistants, and building alternative revenue streams through advertising and data ventures.

During Walmart's recent shareholders meeting and associate celebration, leadership showcased a remarkable balancing act between technological advancement and human investment. 

While competitors focus primarily on automation, Walmart pours billions into employee development programs that transform store associates into well-paid technicians. Their Associate to Tech program represents this philosophy perfectly - six weeks of training followed by apprenticeship that can elevate workers into $70,000 roles, fundamentally changing lives while building loyalty. 

The retail giant's strategic evolution extends to capturing the next generation of shoppers. With the upcoming Weekend Academy apparel line targeting 8-10 year old "Gen Alpha" consumers and AI shopping assistant "Sparky" catering to digitally-native shoppers, Walmart positions itself for decades of growth. 

Their acquisition of Vizio and expansion of advertising businesses provide insulation against market pressures like tariffs while enabling continued price competitiveness.

Perhaps most telling is Walmart's new Northwest Arkansas campus - a physical manifestation of their future-focused mindset designed explicitly for productivity and collaboration. 

Their Global Security Operations Center epitomizes this forward thinking, monitoring potential disruptions worldwide and enabling rapid response to disasters, often arriving before government agencies. Despite the nostalgia of leaving their original headquarters, the new facility embodies what Sam Walton valued most: listening to people and empowering them to serve customers better.

Want to experience the retail revolution firsthand? Visit Bentonville to see how Walmart is redefining what's possible in retail while staying true to its people-first roots. What aspect of Walmart's transformation surprises you most?

What if the future of retail is already happening somewhere else in the world? Nick Harbaugh, known to many as "The Retail Nomad," takes Scott Benedict on a fascinating journey through global retail landscapes, challenging American retail assumptions with every border he crosses.

Having traveled to 30 countries documenting retail at the street level, Nick shares eye-opening observations about how innovation flourishes in unexpected places. 

From Bangkok's massive high-tech malls where traditional payment methods have been completely replaced by seamless "Just Walk Out" technology to Latin American markets where personal customer service creates intimate shopping connections, the conversation reveals how diverse retail can be around the world.

"I felt like Fred Flintstone walking into the Jetsons," Nick remarks about his experiences in Southeast Asian retail environments, highlighting how some international markets have leapfrogged the United States in retail technology implementation. 

We explore how cultural differences significantly impact everything from store design to merchandising approaches—even the definition of "fresh food" varies dramatically across markets.

The discussion unveils ingenious solutions to unique market challenges: how retailers in Costa Rica overcome the absence of formal street addresses, or how Brazilian malls integrate supermarkets, post offices, and banks to serve populations without personal vehicles. 

These necessity-driven innovations offer valuable lessons about customer-centric thinking that could benefit American retailers.

Nick emphasizes that forward-thinking about design, materials, and maintenance becomes crucial when operating internationally, and leaves us with a powerful insight about retail's future: those who fail to seamlessly integrate technology with exceptional customer experiences risk becoming "the Blockbusters or Radio Shacks of the world."

Join us for this global retail exploration and discover where tomorrow's innovations are already happening today. 

Follow Nick's adventures on YouTube by searching for "The Retail Nomad" or connect with him on LinkedIn.

Ever wonder why your size is never on the rack when the website says "in stock"? That frustrating disconnect between what retailers think they have versus what's actually available has plagued the industry for decades—until RFID technology changed everything.

In this revealing conversation with retail veteran Mike Graen, we explore how a single technology implementation transformed Walmart's apparel business and set new standards across the retail landscape. 

With 42 years of experience spanning Procter & Gamble, Walmart, and consulting roles, Mike provides a masterclass in how technology adoption must be driven by customer needs, not the other way around.

The journey began when Walmart's apparel department faced exclusion from the company's growing curbside pickup services due to notoriously inaccurate inventory. With inventory accuracy hovering around 60% (meaning 4 out of 10 items shown as available actually weren't), the customer experience was suffering. 

When RFID was finally implemented, it revealed actual inventory was 30% lower than shown in systems—a sobering reality check that ultimately led to better customer experiences and increased sales.

What makes this story particularly valuable is how it demonstrates the critical importance of cross-functional leadership. This wasn't just a technology project—it was a change management initiative requiring buy-in from merchandising, store operations, IT, and suppliers. The implementation transformed not just inventory accuracy but how teams worked together across traditional organizational boundaries.

Looking ahead, Mike shares exciting possibilities for retail technology: truly frictionless checkout experiences, AI-powered inventory management, and a future where store associates are freed from data collection tasks to focus entirely on customer service. 

Whether you're a retail professional, technology enthusiast, or curious consumer, this episode offers valuable insights into how businesses can successfully navigate technological transformation.

What happens when you apply CIA intelligence-gathering methods to America's trucking industry? 

Ryan Joyce, former intelligence operative turned freight tech entrepreneur, has created something extraordinary with GenLogs—a nationwide network of roadside cameras that's revolutionizing how companies track, validate, and secure freight transportation.

The system is disarmingly simple yet profoundly impactful. Cameras placed along major highways from Pennsylvania to California capture images of every commercial vehicle that passes by. 

Advanced AI extracts identifying information in real-time, enabling passive tracking of truck movements across the country without requiring driver participation or specialized equipment. 

The results are transformative: missing trailers found in seconds, fraud schemes exposed, and unsafe carriers identified before they can cause accidents.

The statistics are sobering. One insurance provider reported that 43% of their claims now involve fraud or theft, costs that ripple throughout the entire supply chain. GenLogs offers a powerful countermeasure by providing objective validation of carrier identities and movements. 

In one compelling example shared during the interview, Joyce described how his team uncovered a carrier that continued operating a truck four hours after being placed out of service for dangerous brake issues—the same violation that had tragically killed Joyce's own grandfather years earlier.

Beyond security, GenLogs provides unprecedented lane intelligence, helping shippers identify qualified carriers they never knew operated on their lanes. This expanded competition drives better rates and service levels. T

he platform even allows users to examine carriers' equipment quality and strap work for flatbeds, offering insights that were previously impossible to obtain without physical inspections.

 "GenLogs 2.0" will enhance capabilities from fleet-level to VIN-level data, unlocking even more granular insights about carrier compliance and safety. For shippers concerned about potential liability from carrier violations, this intelligence could prevent the next $100 million lawsuit from a preventable accident.

Ready to transform your transportation visibility? Visit GenLogs.io today to find lost assets (free for up to three recovery attempts) or book a demo to experience this groundbreaking technology firsthand.

Some people leave footprints that shape an entire community. Cameron Smith was one such individual—a visionary who transformed Northwest Arkansas's business landscape through genuine connections and a commitment to elevating others.

Our milestone 100th episode brings together Wayne Callahan (former leader at SC Johnson and Heinz) and Eric Howerton (entrepreneur and founder of Podcast Videos) to celebrate Cameron's extraordinary legacy. 

Their personal stories reveal how a pharmaceutical recruiter who "knew literally nothing about retail" in 1995 became an indispensable cornerstone of the supplier community through curiosity, authenticity, and relentless relationship-building.

What made Cameron special wasn't just his business acumen but his genuine approach to people. As Wayne recalls from their early friendship, "Cameron did a nice job understanding the cultures of companies," helping build teams that won Vendor of the Year seven times for SC Johnson. 

Eric shares how Cameron would call him unexpectedly just to check in: "That meant so incredibly much to me... he was attentive and legitimately did what he said he was going to do."

Beyond his professional achievements, Cameron's community impact stands as his most enduring legacy. From his significant involvement with the Cancer Challenge to his co-founding of Doing Business in Bentonville, he embodied servant leadership. 

As the podcast continues his vision—now reaching audiences in over 100 countries—we remain committed to demystifying omni-channel retail through trusted, authentic content.

Whether you're part of the Northwest Arkansas business community or joining us from across the globe, this episode offers powerful insights on leadership, community-building, and creating a legacy that outlasts you. 

Subscribe to Doing Business in Bentonville and join our mission to advance omni-channel retail while honoring the values Cameron Smith instilled in all of us.

Trust, time, and transparency form the backbone of the most successful business partnerships in retail. 

Drawing from 35 years of working together, Terry Trofholz and host Deanah Baker unpack what makes supplier-retailer relationships truly effective in today's complex business environment.

They begin by acknowledging a challenge many businesses face: with increased responsibilities and the pressures of omnichannel retail, finding time for meaningful collaboration has become harder yet more essential than ever. Both veterans share candid observations about how the fundamentals of business relationships haven't changed despite the evolving landscape.

The conversation dives deep into what builds trust between partners. When a supplier takes on a major program, they're essentially being entrusted with a significant portion of the retailer's success—affecting sales goals, department performance, and even personal compensation. This responsibility creates a natural alignment of interests: suppliers succeed when retailers succeed, creating a virtuous cycle of growth.

Perhaps most valuable are their insights into navigating challenges. From late deliveries to underperforming products, they discuss how transparent communication—especially delivering bad news promptly—distinguishes exceptional business partners. Terry shares a compelling story of facing a potential business crisis when losing a major licensing agreement, and how Walmart's collaborative approach helped transform that challenge into an opportunity that ultimately doubled their business.

The retail veterans make clear that strong collaboration doesn't mean avoiding tough negotiations. What it does mean is building enough mutual understanding and respect that both sides recognize their shared interests in long-term success. As the retail landscape continues to be dominated by giants like Walmart and Amazon, those retailers who can optimize their supplier partnerships gain a critical competitive advantage.

What's your experience with business collaboration? Have you seen the benefits of investing in strong partnerships? Share your thoughts and join the conversation.

The digital marketing landscape has transformed dramatically, with brands pivoting from traditional tactics to sophisticated digital strategies across platforms like email, social media, search, and retail media. But how can brands—especially smaller ones—effectively navigate this complex ecosystem without massive budgets or specialized teams?

Shaun Brown, founder and CEO of BirdDog, joins us to reveal the strategies that are democratizing digital marketing success. With over 20 years of experience working with global CPGs and deep expertise in performance media, Shaun identified a critical gap in the market: while big agencies excel at brand-building and performance shops master channel optimization, few understand how to leverage the game-changing 1P data now available through retail media networks.

What makes this conversation particularly valuable is Shaun's focus on making sophisticated marketing capabilities accessible to brands of any size. While enterprise clients command attention, thousands of small and mid-market brands struggle to compete effectively in digital spaces. BirdDog's mission—to help these brands access and utilize the same data, technology, and AI tools as their larger competitors—represents a significant democratization of digital marketing power.

Shaun challenges conventional wisdom throughout our discussion, arguing that traditional metrics like ROAS and TACOS should take a backseat to incrementality and new-to-brand acquisition. His advice on product detail page optimization before media spend, his insights on the consolidation of retail media networks, and his refreshingly straightforward "boring wins" philosophy provide actionable guidance for marketers at every level.

Whether you're managing digital marketing for a Fortune 500 company or a small challenger brand, this episode delivers a master class in how to find and convert the audiences that matter most in today's digital marketplace. Listen now to discover why, as Shaun puts it, "every dog has its day—and so should every brand."

Four Walmart veterans with a combined 126+ years of experience gather to reveal how the legendary Saturday Morning Meeting became the cultural cornerstone that transformed American retail forever.

The conversation feels like stepping into a time machine to witness retail history firsthand. Andy Wilson hosts Arthur Emmanuel (38 years at Walmart), John Reeves (22 years), and Dallas Dobbs (36 years) as they share intimate stories about the weekly gathering that Sam Walton himself called "the very heart of Walmart culture."

What made these meetings so powerful? The veterans explain how they created a competitive advantage - while other retailers took weekends off, Walmart leaders gathered every Saturday morning to share insights, celebrate heroes, address weaknesses, and communicate strategy. By Monday, store managers had already implemented changes while competitors were just starting their week.

The unpredictability kept everyone engaged yet slightly nervous. Sam might suddenly sit at your table and ask about your department's numbers. Executives and buyers came prepared with "cheat sheets" of metrics, knowing they might be called upon without warning. The meetings balanced serious business with entertainment - from talent shows to Easter hat parades - creating an atmosphere that kept hundreds of managers returning each week with enthusiasm.

Most importantly, these gatherings reinforced principles still guiding Walmart today: listening to store associates ("Our best ideas come from clerks and stock boys"), maintaining strong supplier partnerships ("be firm but be fair"), and focusing relentlessly on merchandise excellence through programs like VPI (Volume Producing Item).

Whether you're a retail professional, business leader, or someone fascinated by how America's largest company was built, these firsthand accounts offer priceless insights into how culture becomes a competitive advantage. What leadership principles from Walmart's golden era could transform your organization today?

Terry Trofholz takes host Deanah Baker on a fascinating journey through five decades of retail evolution, offering rare insights from both sides of the desk—as buyer and seller—during some of the most transformative periods in American commerce.

Beginning in 1973 as a buyer's assistant in Omaha, Terry's career trajectory mirrors the massive shifts that reshaped how Americans shop and how products reach consumers. 

He vividly recalls when iconic brands like HealthTex and Levi's manufactured entirely within the United States, witnessing firsthand as globalization gradually decimated domestic production until less than 2% of apparel remained American-made. 

As he explains the complex factors behind this shift—from labor costs to government subsidies—Terry offers nuanced perspective on whether reshoring is feasible and what a "Western Hemisphere" approach to manufacturing might look like.

The conversation provides an insider's view of how mass merchants revolutionized retail through everyday low pricing strategies, with Terry recounting candid conversations from the 1980s when suppliers first grappled with Walmart's disruptive business model. 

Equally illuminating are his reflections on sustainability innovations at Interdeco, where cutting-edge technologies now transform manufacturing waste into new products through regenerated cotton processes and facilities powered by renewable energy.

Perhaps most valuable is Terry's account of the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on retail, delivering a masterclass in how the industry navigated unprecedented challenges. He details the overnight acceleration of e-commerce adoption, growing approximately 50% between 2019-2021, and the subsequent scramble as companies adapted distribution systems designed for truckload shipments to handle individual orders. 

The resulting omnichannel transformation forever changed merchant roles, requiring them to simultaneously manage exponentially more SKUs across multiple platforms.

Want to understand how American retail reached its current state and where it might be heading next? Listen to this conversation with someone who didn't just witness the evolution—he helped shape it.

Meet Generation Alpha – children born after 2010 who are already reshaping retail landscapes globally. In this eye-opening conversation with Madison McBride, senior analyst at McMillanDoolittle and member of the Young Ebeltoft Group, we uncover surprising insights about tomorrow's power consumers.

While you might assume these young consumers are too young to matter yet, the data tells a different story. With over 80% of Gen Alpha already wielding pocket money and significant influence over family purchasing decisions, they're not just future customers – they're present ones. What's particularly fascinating is that despite being the first generation raised entirely in a digital world, Gen Alpha actively seeks meaningful in-person shopping experiences.

The research, spanning 6,000 respondents across 15 countries, reveals this generation's unique shopping behaviors and brand expectations. They engage with companies through non-traditional channels like gaming platforms, social media, and influencer content. Brands like Claire's, Chipotle, and Allo are setting new standards with interactive experiences that seamlessly blend digital and physical worlds.

For retailers and brands, the message is clear: building authentic relationships with Gen Alpha today is essential for future success. This requires creating compelling in-store excitement, fostering genuine connections through partnerships, producing engaging short-form content, and developing seamless technology integration across all touchpoints.

Ready to prepare your business for retail's next frontier? Discover the complete Ebeltoft Group Gen Alpha study and position your brand to thrive with tomorrow's consumers.

Bentonville, Arkansas has become an unexpected hub for global supply chain innovation. At the Plug and Play event downtown, innovators, corporate leaders, and venture capitalists gather to tackle some of the industry's most pressing challenges.

Josh Saffran opens by explaining how Plug and Play connects corporations facing supply chain challenges with startups offering innovative solutions. With 400 attendees and keynote speaker Shelley Simpson of JB Hunt, the atmosphere buzzes with possibility as entrepreneurs and industry giants share a single space.

The conversations throughout the day reveal a common thread - artificial intelligence is transforming supply chain from warehouse floors to corporate boardrooms. 

We meet Devin Bhushan from Squint AI, whose technology lets companies record factory operations on video and automatically generate step-by-step guides with augmented reality assistance. 

Kate Powell shares how Tyson Ventures is seeking AI innovations through their annual Demo Day competition, while international investor Meir from Maniv VC hunts for entrepreneurs with fresh approaches to breaking into fragmented markets.

Perhaps most memorably, supply chain expert Dr. Matt Waller describes his "Supply Chain Hot Wings Challenge," where executives from JB Hunt and Tyson Foods answer technical questions while consuming increasingly spicy chicken wings. As he puts it, both supply chain management and hot wings "require strategy, resilience, and a willingness to cry in front of other people."

Despite the technological focus, every speaker emphasizes the continued importance of human expertise. 

Alex Rhodeen from Georgia Tech's ATDC reminds us that while AI brings tremendous value, "supply chains are still going to be human-dependent." The future isn't about replacement but enhancement - making complex jobs easier through thoughtful innovation.

Dive into these back-to-back snippet interviews with attendees, and enjoy yhr special on-site bonus epsiode from DBB!

Are you ready to learn how to successfully sell your products on Walmart's extensive marketplace? This episode features insightful discussions with Lane Carruth from SellCord as we unravel the secrets to getting your products into one of the largest retail spaces in the world. 
Whether you're new to selling or a seasoned entrepreneur seeking to expand your reach, this episode offers practical strategies and expert insights to guide your journey. 
Lane shares her experience as an expert in Walmart's unique selling landscape. We explore the best practices for product optimization, including the essential factors that affect visibility on Walmart's platform compared to others like Amazon. 
You'll discover the importance of refining product listings, understanding the algorithms, and adapting your marketing strategies to meet the evolving expectations of today’s omnichannel consumers.
In this engaging conversation, we also discuss initiatives like Walmart's Open Call program, which gives new and innovative brands a pathway to success. Lane explains how to leverage these opportunities effectively for launching your products and growing your business. Tune in now to equip yourself with the knowledge that can help make your products successful on Walmart!
Join us on this journey to transform your business dreams into reality by mastering Walmart's ecosystem. 
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