Find your Source

About Find your Source

This podcast is to help both the Manufacturer and the Company looking to develop their own products or bring them to another manufacturer. We deal with both sides and will help you work towards a Win/Win true partnership. It is not easy but it is doable. Come along with us and understand how you can get more Customers (Profit) and/or get true relationship manufacturers that are invested in your success and think of you first. Reduce your risk, improve your plans and take better control of where your business is going.

Publisher

DSP Enterprises

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

2 Jun 2025

Latest episode

14 Oct 2025

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   14 Oct 2025

   Episode 012: Getting Your Feet Wet at a Small Regional Trade Show—A Practical Playbook

   🎧 Episode 012 Summary Stephen shares a field report on how to get your feet wet at a small regional trade show. The win isn’t in hard-selling—it’s in researching ahead, asking smart questions, and listening for hidden fits (including sister divisions you wouldn’t spot from the booth sign). He shows how to turn the default “no” into a warm “maybe” by clarifying who their customers are, what’s slow, and where they have gaps—then setting clear next actions on the spot and following through. Bonus: small shows let you meet everyone, gather richer intel, and land credible warm introductions that shorten the sales cycle. ✨ Enhanced Summary Getting Your Feet Wet at a Small Regional Trade Show—A Practical Playbook Prep beats pitch. Pre-map booths and do quick research so you arrive with hypotheses—but stay open. Smaller shows are a gift: you can actually talk to everyone. Lead with discovery, not discounts. Start with, “Tell me about your company—who do you sell to and what’s changing?” Today’s realities (slow orders, excess inventory, tariffs, consolidation, labor/freight pressure) reveal where you can help. Hunt for non-obvious fits. Conversations often expose sister divisions or adjacent categories. Use those warm internal handoffs to bypass generic gates and talk to the right buyer faster. Bring value as “ease of doing business.” Yes, cost matters—but your differentiator is removing hurdles: simpler onboarding, cleaner distribution adds, private-label options, and practical answers to annoying pain points. Private label & add-on lines. If they already sell in a category, propose PL variants or adjacent SKUs that drop into existing channels without heavy retraining. Lock the plan while you’re still at the booth. State expectations clearly: “I’ll send X by Friday; you’ll intro me to Y; we’ll review Z specs next week.” Then follow up exactly when you said you would. Anchor to your foundations. Use your Episode 008 framework to keep both sides winning and put agreements in writing—even a brief recap email is momentum. Bottom line: At small shows, curiosity + execution wins. Do the homework, ask better questions, spot hidden doors (divisions/partners), and write down who does what by when. That’s how you turn aisle chats into real opportunities—without hard-selling. 📬 Questions or ready to take your next step? Visit the “Work With Me” tab at findyoursource.pro to connect with Stephen directly.

2. 

   7 Oct 2025

   Episode 011: Kitting & Bundling – When to Keep It In-House and When to Outsource

   In this episode of Find Your Source, Stephen breaks down one of the most overlooked—and most operationally complex—parts of product fulfillment: kitting and bundling. Whether you’re assembling e-commerce sets, promotional packs, or sub-assemblies for manufacturing, the big question remains: Should you do it in-house or outsource it? Drawing from decades of supply chain and manufacturing experience, Stephen walks through how to make that decision strategically—balancing control, cost, speed, and scalability. He also shares a comprehensive checklist used by top-performing companies to evaluate outsourcing partners and maintain operational excellence. 💡 What You’ll Learn: How to decide whether in-house or outsourced kitting makes sense for your operation What factors truly impact cost, quality, and lead time The 10-point checklist for outsourcing success: Define scope clearly — packaging specs, ownership, and process flow Vet your partner — capabilities, certifications, stability, and references Maintain data control — traceability, dashboards, and reconciliation Set quality standards — QA checklists, sample approval, and defect thresholds Communicate consistently — weekly cadence calls and escalation paths Structure contracts wisely — transparent pricing, SLAs, and exit terms Optimize logistics — co-location, cross-docking, and replenishment cadence Ensure compliance and security — NDAs, insurance, and business continuity Track and improve — KPIs, CAPA reviews, and quarterly performance meetings Plan for scale — modular setups, redundancy, and multi-site flexibility Stephen emphasizes that successful outsourcing isn’t about giving up control—it’s about creating systems that maintain it, even when you’re not the one assembling every box. 📬 Ready to refine your operation?Visit the “Work With Me” tab at findyoursource.pro to connect with Stephen for help auditing your fulfillment process, selecting kitting partners, or setting up in-house workflows that scale.

3. 

   25 Sept 2025

   Episode 010: Contract Packaging or Co-Packer 3rd party time?

   ✨ Episode 010 Enhanced Summary Episode 010 tackles a key question for entrepreneurs and manufacturers alike: Is it time to use contract packagers or co-packers? Stephen Peterson breaks down the decision-making process, helping listeners understand when outsourcing makes sense and how to structure agreements for long-term success. Key Insights: When to use them: Ideal for startups or new product launches where demand is uncertain and you don’t want to tie up cash in equipment or facilities. Co-packers can handle everything from specialized packaging to fulfillment, letting you focus on marketing and sales. Why to use them: They bring expertise, compliance (FDA, EPA, food safety, etc.), and efficiency. Their buying power and experience in packaging design often lower overall costs while ensuring quality. Cost models: Decide whether to use a cost-plus model (detailed bill of materials plus agreed margin) or a flat fee per unit/day. Cost-plus offers more transparency and opportunities to share in savings as volume grows. Bill of Materials (BOM): Always request a detailed BOM. This clarity helps you understand where costs are coming from and how you can strategically reduce them—whether through packaging choices, volume discounts, or labor efficiencies. Storage as a tool: Don’t overlook warehousing as a negotiation point. Free or extended storage terms can create meaningful savings without asking the co-packer to cut into their margins. Stephen’s bottom line: Using co-packers strategically can accelerate growth, protect your cash, and give you flexibility—provided you go in with clear expectations, written agreements, and a focus on win-win outcomes. 📬 Questions or ready to take your next step? Visit the “Work With Me” tab at findyoursource.pro to connect with Stephen directly.

4. 

   18 Sept 2025

   Episode 009: How to negotiate better prices- Not the way you think!

   Episode 009 of Find Your Source focuses on the art of negotiating better prices through relationships, not pressure tactics. Stephen stresses that manufacturers have real costs—labor, raw materials, packaging, and infrastructure—and simply pushing for price cuts rarely works. Instead, the key is to: Build genuine relationships: Go beyond the contract table—talk about their goals, future plans, and challenges. A strong personal connection often opens the door to honest business discussions. Understand their business: Learn their processes, pain points, and legacy costs. By stepping into their shoes, you’ll see where costs are locked in and where efficiency gains are possible. Bring fresh ideas: Look for ways to enhance their business—introduce new packaging options, highlight automation opportunities, or share sourcing contacts that lower their costs. Create true win-win outcomes: When you help a manufacturer become more efficient or more profitable, you earn the right to share in the savings while securing long-term supply and stronger trust. Stephen’s takeaway: Negotiating isn’t about squeezing margins—it’s about collaboration, creativity, and fairness. When you approach it this way, you’re not just getting a better price; you’re building partnerships that last. 📬 Questions or ready to take your next step? Visit the “Work With Me” tab at findyoursource.pro to connect with Stephen directly.

5. 

   28 Aug 2025

   Episode 008: Foundational conversations every company should have with a new manufacturer or customer before talking price or terms

   Episode 008 of Find Your Source dives into the critical early discussions that build strong manufacturer–customer partnerships. Stephen stresses that long-term success doesn’t start with price haggling—it begins with clear expectations and mutual respect. Key takeaways include: Define responsibilities upfront: Don’t leave gray areas about packaging, labeling, kitting, or storage. Spell out what’s included in a “landed cost” and who handles freight, consumables, and labor. Focus on fairness and mutual wins: A deal that leaves one side squeezed is not sustainable. Manufacturers need margins, customers need reliability, and both should profit. Plan for scale and flexibility: Discuss how costs change with volume, and have backup production options (“Plan B”) to avoid disruptions. Get everything in writing: Use contracts, terms, and even memorandums of understanding to prevent surprises and protect both sides. Quality and consistency are non-negotiable: Establish standards, inspection processes, and tolerances that everyone can agree to. Stephen’s message is simple but powerful: success comes when both sides win. By putting everything in writing and anticipating challenges before they arise, companies can build relationships that last, rather than one-time transactions that collapse under pressure. 📬 Need help applying these ideas? Visit the “Work With Me” tab at findyoursource.pro to connect with Stephen for consulting, process audits, and tailored growth strategies.

6. 

   20 Aug 2025

   Episode 007: Benchmark your COGS with the best practice in your Industry to get the best results

   In this episode of Find Your Source, Stephen Peterson dives deep into Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) and how manufacturers can sharpen their financial edge by truly understanding and benchmarking their costs. Stephen explains the three key components of COGS—direct materials, direct labor, and overhead—and stresses the importance of categorizing them correctly to avoid overstating profits or underestimating waste. From raw materials and freight to production labor, utilities, and factory overhead, he breaks down where costs can hide and how they should be tracked. But knowing your numbers is only the beginning. Stephen emphasizes: Benchmark against industry best practices to uncover inefficiencies. Build strong, detailed budgets for COGS and track them against actuals. Focus on the low-hanging fruit first—big-ticket items and obvious waste—before chasing pennies. Continuously improve over time rather than expecting perfection right away. Involve stakeholders and your CPA to ensure accuracy, compliance, and long-term credibility. He warns against cutting corners, noting that buyers in mergers and acquisitions will uncover missing costs and adjust valuations accordingly. Instead, businesses should aim to create a transparent, efficient, and scalable cost structure that not only drives profitability but also makes them more attractive to investors and buyers. Stephen closes with encouragement: start where you are, improve piece by piece, don’t get discouraged, and remember that small consistent improvements compound into big results. 📬 Questions or ready to take your next step? Visit the “Work With Me” tab at findyoursource.pro to connect with Stephen directly.

7. 

   15 Aug 2025

   Episode 006: Can an Old School Business Use AI to Become More Valuable, Efficient, and Sale-Ready?

   Episode 006: Stephen Peterson shares how even “old school” businesses can harness AI—specifically tools like ChatGPT-5—to document processes, capture institutional knowledge, and dramatically improve efficiency. Using his step-by-step SOP creation method, Stephen shows how recording key roles, interviewing staff and management, and layering in AI-generated clarity can: Increase efficiency & cut costs by reducing unnecessary touchpoints. Protect against employee turnover by making every position replaceable through clear documentation. Boost business value for private equity or sale by showing scalable, transferable processes. Identify & fix bottlenecks in operations and supplier relationships. Engage employees by involving them in process improvements, leading to buy-in and even promotions. Stephen explains why SOPs aren’t just “paperwork” but a business’s secret sauce—critical for attracting investors, ensuring continuity, and uncovering hidden growth opportunities. He also warns this is a time-intensive but high-return investment that can pay off in efficiency, margins, and sale price. 📬 Need help applying these ideas? Visit the “Work With Me” tab at findyoursource.pro to connect with Stephen for consulting, process audits, and tailored growth strategies.

8. 

   6 Aug 2025

   Episode 005: Supplier Maintenance takes work from both Parties

   🎙 Episode 5: Supplier Maintenance – The Secret to Scaling Smart How do you justify taking time to talk with your suppliers when everyone’s already overwhelmed? In this episode, Stephen shares why making time for supplier relationships is exactly how you gain a competitive edge. Too many companies only call their suppliers when there's a problem. But what if you could be the partner they look forward to working with? The kind of customer they prioritize, share ideas with, and invest in? Drawing from real experiences scaling to 8 figures, Stephen shares proven techniques for building mutual trust with manufacturers—relationships that pay off tenfold over time. Whether you're negotiating better pricing, improving lead times, or co-developing new products, supplier maintenance isn't a chore—it's a strategy. 💡 What You’ll Learn: How to build long-term supplier relationships that give you leverage Why being a “great customer” unlocks better deals and better service Simple ways to add value to your suppliers (and why it pays off) How to navigate cost pressures, automation, and supplier consolidation Why showing up (literally) still matters—yes, even in a digital world ✅ BONUS: Stephen introduces his new "Work With Me" tab at findyoursource.pro. He’s now offering direct consulting—whether it's process audits, staff training, or live coaching at trade shows. If you or your team want to level up your sourcing game, this could be the opportunity to finally find your source.

9. 

   17 Jul 2025

   Episode 004: Maximizing Manufacturing Capacity with Strategic Customer Relationships

   🎙 Episode 4: Stay in Your Niche – The Smart Way to Grow Without Breaking What Works In this episode of Find Your Source, Stephen dives into one of the most important (yet most ignored) growth strategies: staying in your lane. When you're scaling a product line or maximizing your manufacturing capacity, it’s tempting to take on anything that comes your way. But saying “yes” to every opportunity can quickly lead to overextension, poor quality, and burned partnerships. Stephen explains why staying focused on your core niche—and finding compatible extensions—is the key to sustainable growth. Using real-world examples (from windshield wiper blades to washer fluid to brake fluid), Stephen shows how knowing your niche helps you become a preferred customer to manufacturers—and how manufacturers can use their own excess capacity wisely. 💡 In This Episode: How to become the least painful customer your manufacturer has (and why that matters) Why manufacturers should avoid chasing every customer and stick to what they do best How businesses can expand wisely into adjacent niches that don’t derail operations What makes a customer valuable beyond order size Why "the riches are in the niches"—and how to identify yours ✅ PLUS: Stephen shares insights on how manufacturers can use downtime wisely, what buyers should ask before choosing a new production partner, and why diversification doesn't mean dilution. 📬 Want hands-on help?Check out the new “Work With Me” tab at findyoursource.pro. Whether you need a sourcing partner, a process audit, or someone to walk the trade show floor with your team and coach them on live vendor conversations—Stephen is here to help. And yes, he loves to talk.

10. 

    2 Jun 2025

    Episode 003: Is it time for multiple Manufacturers?

    Wouldn't it be nice to have options? How about reducing costs of transportation? How do you have the uncomfortable conversation with your Manufacturer? Can you get past the ego?

11. 

    2 Jun 2025

    Episode 002: Using Trade Shows to grow your business

    🎙 Episode 2: Stop Getting Ghosted – How to Actually Talk to Decision Makers In this episode of Find Your Source, Stephen tackles a frustration many businesses face: no one returning your calls, and U.S. manufacturers that just can’t seem to compete with pricing from China, India, or Vietnam. But here’s the truth—if you want to find better options, build real partnerships, and stop spinning your wheels, you’ve got to go beyond the inbox. Stephen shares proven, boots-on-the-ground strategies that get you face-to-face with the people who can say yes—and that one yes could change everything. 💡 What You’ll Learn: Why decision makers aren’t calling back—and what to do about it How to cut through the noise and get real conversations started The power of face-to-face meetings (yes, even in 2025) How to fill your pipeline with solid contacts, not cold leads Why hearing 100 “no’s” is still a win if it leads to the right “yes” Stephen emphasizes that sourcing success takes persistence, confidence, and getting in front of the right people—not just sending another email. 📬 Need help making those connections?Visit the “Work With Me” tab at findyoursource.pro to explore how Stephen can help you build your network, prepare for key conversations, and walk the trade show floor with strategy and confidence.

12. 

    2 Jun 2025

    Episode 001: Relationships

    🎙 Episode 1: Trust Is a Two-Way Street – Building Real Partnerships with Vendors and Customers In this episode of Find Your Source, Stephen tackles one of the most overlooked success factors in business: trust. Whether you’re dealing with a supplier or a customer, relationships thrive when both sides feel respected—and collapse when one side always has to “win.” Stephen shares how to create mutually beneficial, long-term partnerships by shifting your mindset away from short-term victories and toward shared goals. The result? More stability, better deals, fewer surprises—and people who actually want to work with you. 💡 What You’ll Learn: Why you don’t have to “win” every deal to succeed How to avoid being treated poorly without getting defensive The importance of being consistent, honest, and communicative Simple but powerful ways to become someone others want to partner with How to plan for the future with your partners, not in spite of them Stephen reminds us that it’s not always easy—but it is simple. Treat others how you’d want to be treated, show up consistently, and build a foundation of trust brick by brick. 📬 Want guidance on your own vendor or customer relationships?Head over to the “Work With Me” tab at findyoursource.pro to see how Stephen can support you with audits, coaching, trade show strategy, and more.

13. 

    2 Jun 2025

    Episode 000: What does Find your Source mean?

    🎙 Episode 0: Welcome to Find Your Source – Your Guide to Smarter Sourcing with Stephen Peterson In this kickoff episode, meet your host Stephen Peterson, a sourcing expert with over 30 years of hands-on experience building profitable product lines, trusted manufacturing partnerships, and resilient supply chains. This isn’t just another podcast about business—it’s your go-to guide for navigating the real-world challenges of manufacturing, sourcing, and scaling physical products. Whether you're just starting or already selling, Find Your Source is here to help you level up. Stephen lays out what you can expect from this show—and from him—as he teaches you how to: Improve margins by making smarter sourcing decisions Find reliable, long-term partners (not just vendors) Avoid “price-only” customers who hurt your business Add backup manufacturers without breaking trust Build a supply chain that works for you, not against you Create lasting, human-centered business relationships that grow with you 💡 This Podcast is For You If… You’re tired of being reactive instead of strategic You want to bring your products to market faster and more reliably You’re looking to future-proof your business by working smarter, not just harder 🔧 With practical stories, proven tactics, and real advice from someone who’s been in the trenches, Stephen will show you how to take control of your sourcing and build a business that lasts. 📬 Let’s Connect:Use the “Work With Me” tab at findyoursource.pro to connect directly with Stephen. Whether you need sourcing strategy, help managing suppliers, or a second set of eyes on your current setup—he’s here to help you win.

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Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

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Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.