Secret Life of Inventory

Inventory can make or break a business, but managing it isn’t just about crunching numbers—it’s about strategy. In this episode, we're joined by the inventory legend, Jon Schreibfeder, President of Effective Inventory Management (EIM) and author of Achieving Effective Inventory Management (now in its 7th edition).

With over 45 years of experience guiding thousands of companies worldwide, Jon shares practical insights that help businesses rethink their approach to stock.

We cover:
• How to decide which products deserve a spot in your inventory
• Identifying and eliminating obsolete or unwanted stock
• Common causes of st...

Trade policies and tariffs can be overwhelming, but they have a real impact on your bottom line. BDC’s Director of Economic Research, Arnaud Franco, breaks down exactly what SMBs (small to medium-sized businesses) need to know to navigate U.S.-Canada trade with confidence.

Arnaud walks us through why tariffs exist, how they impact different industries, and what compliance really looks like. Plus, he shares practical strategies for managing inventory, optimizing supply chains, and running daily operations more smoothly.

Whether you’re running your first small business or looking to refine your operations, this epis...

In this episode, we dive into the complete product journey—from the initial spark of an idea to the moment your product finally hits the market. Joining us is Matt, our Head of Business Development at inFlow, who brings over 10 years of hands-on experience turning innovative hardware concepts into real, successful products.

Matt shares firsthand stories and practical insights from his decade of leading inFlow’s transition from a software-focused company to one that also builds its own hardware—including products like our signature Smart Scanner and the brand new inFlow portable printer.

We’ll explore...

Barcodes are everywhere, but what do you really need to start using them effectively in your business? In this episode, we break down the essential hardware for barcoding, from scanners to label printers and everything in between. Learn the differences between stationary, handheld, and wearable barcode printers, plus key factors to consider when choosing the right one for your workflow.

We also discuss how barcode software ties it all together—because having a scanner and printer isn’t enough without the right system to track your inventory. If you’re looking to optimize your operations with barcodes, this e...

If you’re new to manufacturing, inventory management can feel overwhelming—but we’re here to break it down! We’ll start with the basics of a Bill of Materials (BOM)—a detailed list of all the parts, components, and raw materials needed to make a product. We’ll also cover the role of barcoding systems in tracking inventory and how they can reduce errors and save time. Finally, we’ll explore how MRP (Material Requirements Planning) software ties it all together, helping you stay organized, track progress, and make smarter decisions.

Whether you’re running a small workshop o...

Join us as we chat with Tina Nguyen, the founder of XXL Scrunchie & Co. What began as a handmade Christmas gift quickly grew into a thriving business—one that even caught the attention of Dragon’s Den investors!

In this episode, Tina shares her journey from a mural artist to running XXL Scrunchie in a warehouse, the challenges she’s faced, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. We also dive into how she’s built a strong community around her brand and her thoughts on US tariffs and their impact on small businesses.

Tune i...

The holiday season is just around the corner, and for small business owners, it’s the most important time of the year! In this episode, we’ll guide you through essential strategies to prepare your inventory for the holiday rush and ensure your business is ready to thrive. Learn how to forecast demand, organize your stock, work with suppliers, and avoid common inventory pitfalls.

Whether you’re an e-commerce shop or brick-and-mortar store, these tips will help you stay ahead of the curve and make this holiday season your best yet! 💡🎄

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for mor...

Are you thinking about starting your own HVAC business or taking your current one to the next level? In this episode, we dive deep into the strategies and steps you need to know to build a thriving HVAC company. From understanding the essentials of starting an HVAC business to how to effectively manage inventory and scale, this podcast covers it all.

Stay tuned for more episodes on entrepreneurship, business growth, and industry insights!

0:00 - Teaser
0:16  - Intro
1:08 - What is HVAC Inventory Management?
1:50 - What are examples of poor inventory management? How d...

Join us as we sit down with Monica - the inspiring owner of SnaptureThis, a thriving gift shop known for its unique paper goods and community collaborations. She shares her journey of starting a small business from scratch, while navigating the challenges of selling her products online and managing multiple retail stores. We also dive into the backstory of her podcast, Sip It, where she explores the world of small businesses and the cafe scene in Toronto. Plus, she opens up about the balancing act of taking on a new full-time job while continuing to grow her business.
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Discover valuable career advice for aspiring supply chain professionals and explore best practices for demand forecasting! From industry expert and founder of MVC Logistics Academy, Professor Maria Rodriguez, who was also named one of the top Women in Supply Chain by Supply & Demand Chain Executive Magazine! She explains the importance of demand forecasting in inventory management and recommends tools and techniques to predict future demand accurately.

Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your supply chain career and master demand forecasting!

Follow MVC Logistics Academy:
https://www.youtube.com/@MVCLogisticsAcademy/videos
https://www.instagram...

Let's break down the fascinating world of consignment, including: the basics of consignment, how agreements work between sellers and consignors, and the benefits and drawbacks of using consignment for buying and selling.

Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to sell your products, a buyer seeking unique finds, or just curious about the process, this episode has something for everyone. Get ready to learn, laugh, and maybe even get inspired to try consignment yourself!

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful episodes. Hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest content!
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In this episode, we have a special guest, the Director of GS1 US, Jonathan Gregory! Join us as we explore the intricate world of supply chain logistics, discussing the importance of standardization, the future of barcodes/RFIDs, and advice for new businesses looking to adhere to industry standards.

Whether you're a seasoned logistics professional or simply interested in the inner workings of the supply chain, this episode promises valuable insights that can transform the way you perceive inventory management.

Be sure to subscribe to stay tuned for more!

0:00 Teaser
0:04 Intro
1:30 Who...

The terms "wholesaler" and "distributor" are often confused and used interchangeably in the supply chain. Wondering about the real differences are between the two? In today's Secret Life of Inventory episode, we'll explore the fundamentals of a supply chain, the key differences between wholesalers vs. distributors, and practical tips on how you can find the right distributor. Comment below if you have any topics you'd like us to cover next, and be sure to subscribe and hit the bell for notifications to stay tuned for more!

0:00 Teaser
0:13 Intro
0:56 What is a supply chain?
2:24 Why...

Join us in this insightful episode as we dive deep into the world of barcoding and discover how you can create your own barcode system. Whether you're a small business owner looking to streamline inventory management or an enthusiast eager to learn more about the technology behind barcodes, this episode has something for everyone.

0:00 Teaser
0:13 Intro
1:24 What are barcodes?
2:40 How do barcodes work?
4:30 How do you create barcodes?
6:32 What are the pros and cons of creating your own barcodes?
9:59 The different types of barcode symbology
13:53 How much does it cost...

In episode two, we share the fundamentals of mastering retail inventory management. Discover proven best practices and real-world case studies like why did Forever 21 go bankrupt? What happened to Kmart and Sears? And how does Walmart stay as one of the top retail giants?

Get ready to be educated and entertained with insights on inventory management. Subscribe to stay tuned for more!

0:00 – Teaser
0:10 – Intro
0:57 – What is Retail Inventory Management?
3:25 – Types of Retail Inventory
6:39 - What are the Benefits of Effective Retail Inventory Management?
10:31 - Best Practices for Business Owners
12:48 - Real-W...

Are you a business owner in need of better inventory management? Well, we can help! In this episode, we're here to teach you the fundamentals of inventory management and common techniques used to effectively manage stock. From cutting costs to improving productivity, stay tuned to learn the best practices and how you can improve your workflow today!

0:00 - Intro
1:07 - Who are we?
2:14 - What is inventory management?
3:46 - Why is inventory management important?
6:10 - Different types of inventory techniques
6:36 - ABC analysis
7:50 - Batch tracking
8:40 - Bulk shipment
9:02...