We live in a consumer driven world. $2.5T worth of products are imported annually, representing 15% of U.S. GDP. It’s time companies become fully connected to the people who make and move our products, and look for ways to improve the way we plan, buy, and move them around the world.
First Things First is a supply chain show with a focus on the first mile, hosted by industry thought leader and Mercado CEO Robert Garrison.
Each episode, Rob invites a guest to share their insight on how businesses can better navigate the complexities of the global supply chain by automating and connecting their first mile operations.
Available wherever you get your podcasts.
First Things First… The number one place to discuss, question, and learn all things first mile.
Tune into First Things First as Mercado CEO Rob Garrison hosts the final episode of the series! Rob is joined by Pete Mento, Senior Vice President of Compliance at Traffic Tech and former Global Head of Products and Procurement at Wayfair.
This episode Rob and Pete will be sharing their predictions for the 2023, diving into their perspectives on technology in the global supply chain and sharing the one thing they would fix in the import supply chain.
14 Dec 2022
Ep 11: When Supply Doesn't Equal Demand
First Things First… The number one place to discuss, question, and learn all things first mile.
Tune in to Ep. 11 of First Things First as Mercado CEO Rob Garrison is joined by John Fitzgerald, the Vice President of Business Development at project44. This episode will dive into the lack of digitization across the supply side of the supply chain and the parallel of how digitization has drastically improved the demand side of the industry.
9 Nov 2022
Ep 10: An Importer's Guide On What Not To Do
First Things First… The number one place to discuss, question, and learn all things first mile.
Tune in to Ep. 10 of First Things First as Mercado CEO Rob Garrison is joined by Scott Felsenthal — CEO of leading family-owned and family-run home wholesaler Whitmor. This episode will dive into the critical role that the import supply chain plays in the success of leading businesses like Whitmor, and provides first-hand insights into what not to do.
11 Oct 2022
Ep 9: Transformation Through Technology
First Things First… The number one place to discuss, question, and learn all things first mile.
Tune in to Ep. 9 of First Things First as Mercado CEO Rob Garrison is joined by Eric Johnson — international technology guru and senior technology editor for the Journal of Commerce.
If you're curious about technology and how it can (and has) made huge waves in the import supply chain, then click the sign up link below! You can join Rob and Eric by tuning in on Tuesday, October 11th. Get involved and drop your questions for Rob & Eric in the chat!
14 Sept 2022
Ep 8: Supply Networks are Shifting
First Things First… The number one place to discuss, question, and learn all things first mile.
Tune in to Ep. 8 of First Things First as Mercado CEO Rob Garrison is joined by international thought-leader and founder of Tompkins Ventures, Jim Tompkins.
If you're interested to hear how supply networks have changed as a result of the pandemic and how there is still a lot of room for improvement, then make sure you give this one a listen!
10 Aug 2022
Ep 7: Supply Chain is More Than Meets the Eye
First Things First… The number one place to discuss, question, and learn all things first mile.
Tune in to Ep. 7 of First Things First as Mercado CEO Rob Garrison is joined by industry expert and founder of Trade Facilitators, Dan Gardner. In previous shows, we've covered the significant changes the supply chain has faced in recent years, however few have lived the ins and outs (as well as the ups and downs) as much as this week's guest Dan. Offering an interesting perspective on the implications for the future of trade and the incredible opportunities facing a beleaguered industry, this show is set to be a fascinating one!
13 Jul 2022
Ep 6: Educating An Industry Stuck In The 80's
First Things First… The number one place to discuss, question, and learn all things first mile.
In this episode Mercado CEO Rob Garrison is joined by President and CEO of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, Mark Baxa.
The session provides a great discussion on the vital role education plays within the global supply chain and its ability to provide a solid foundation for both newcomers to the industry and experienced supply chain professionals alike.
15 Jun 2022
Ep 5: Tomorrow's Importers Must Do Things Differently
First Things First… The number one place to discuss, question, and learn all things first mile! Tune in to Ep. 5 of First Things First as Mercado CEO Rob and Debbie Ryan from LogicSource explore the life of a supply chain professional, react to all your questions, and discuss topics including:
The biggest challenges that importers have had to face
Top advice for those looking to start their career in the global supply chain
Exciting innovations and trends in the world of supply chainHit that "attend" button to catch the chat live (or catch up on-demand) and tap in with any comments you have for Rob and Debbie
11 May 2022
Ep 4: Adjustments to the Supply Chain Are Needed
First Things First… The number one place to discuss, question, and learn all things first mile
Tune in to Ep. 4 of First Things First as Mercado CEO Rob and Mark Seal from Emser Tile explore the current state of the supply chain, react to all your questions, and how:
Supply chain struggles have impacted companies since May 2020
Adjustments made at Emser Tile to overcome the challenges
What lies ahead for businesses recovering from the past 2 years
13 Apr 2022
Ep 3: We Need to Digitize the Supply Chain
First Things First… The number one place to discuss, question and learn all things first mile.
Tune into this months episode of First Things First as Mercado CEO Rob and Julian Counihan from Schematic Ventures explore the “new ways” of the supply chain, react to all your questions, and delve into:
The highs and lows of the supply chain since Julian started investing
Supply chain segments and technologies that we’re excited about
Why the supply chain is such a hot topic amongst investors right now
9 Mar 2022
Ep 2: The Supply Chain Isn’t What it Used to Be
First Things First: The number one place to discuss, question and learn all things first mile.
In this episode, Mercado CEO Rob catches up with Dave Anderson from Supply Chain Ventures as they explore the "old ways" of the supply chain and what's hot right now in the supply chain investment world. Follow us on LinkedIn to be notified about our next live event or follow the links below to catch up on the latest episode.
Explore Mercado at https://mercadolabs.com (https://mercadolabs.com)
Follow us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/merc... (https://www.linkedin.com/company/merc...)
Connect with Rob at https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertwga... (https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertwga...)
10 Feb 2022
Ep 1: We Need To Chat About The First Mile
First Things First:The number one place to discuss, question and learn all things first mile
Tune in this month as Mercado CEO Rob and Sourcing Journal Founder Eddie react to all your questions and pinpoint:
Why every importer needs to have a first mile strategy
The importance of digitizing the global supply chain
How the supply chain is shaping up in 2022 and beyond
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