re:COGs: Supply Chain | Inventory | Manufacturing | Finance

re:COGs: Supply Chain | Inventory | Manufacturing | Finance

Welcome to re:COGs, the podcast about inventory management, supply chain and and the fundamentals of operations for consumer brand owners. I’ll be your host, Mike Gelb, where we will learn about how the top consumer brand owners and operators think about production expansion as they scale.

Recent Episodes

DUDE Wipes Recap Episode with Pranay Srinivasan and Kam Lasater
Oct. 30, 2025

DUDE Wipes Recap Episode with Pranay Srinivasan and Kam Lasater

In this episode, we recap our conversation about the integration and application of AI and large language models (LLMs) within the operations of DUDE Wipes. The discussion features Pranay Srinivasan and Kam Lasater00:00 Introduction to DUDE Wipes and AI00:42 Understanding AI vs. LLMs04:00 Exploring RPA Bots and AI Agents07:57 Building Effective AI Agents20:23 Challenges of Data Integration23:50 The Future of MCP and AI Integration35:18 Adopting AI in Organizations44:13 Conclusion and Final Thoug
Scaling Healthy Snacks: Insights from Chomps' SVP of Operations, Jason Dols
Oct. 30, 2025

Scaling Healthy Snacks: Insights from Chomps' SVP of Operations, Jason Dols

In this episode of the MFD Pod, host Mike interviews Jason Dols, the Senior Vice President of Operations at Chomps, a leading healthy meat snack brand. Jason shares his in-depth expertise on how Chomps manages its intricate supply chain, from sourcing and manufacturing to inventory control. The discussion covers vital topics like managing inventory cycles, supply chain strategies, demand planning, and how Chomps balances inventory to prevent overextending. Jason provides valuable insights into t
Transforming Operations with AI: Inside DUDE Wipes' Innovative Journey with Greg Brown
Sept. 18, 2025

Transforming Operations with AI: Inside DUDE Wipes' Innovative Journey with Greg Brown

In this episode of the MFD Pod, host Mike Gelb and guest co-host Pranay speak with Greg Brown, VP of Operations at DUDE Wipes, about how the company is integrating AI into its operations. They discuss the initial experimentation with AI tools, specifically ChatGPT, and the subsequent creation of AI agents like Diesel Dan to optimize logistics and streamline processes. The conversation covers the practical aspects of embedding AI into company culture, the challenges and benefits of using AI in sm
Navigating International Expansion: Insights from Alex Yancher, CEO of Passport Shipping
Aug. 3, 2025

Navigating International Expansion: Insights from Alex Yancher, CEO of Passport Shipping

In this episode of the Inventory Success Podcast, host Mike Gelb interviews Alex Yancher, co-founder and CEO of Passport Shipping. They explore how Passport Shipping helps D2C and marketplace businesses expand internationally by handling shipping and logistics. Alex shares the initial inspiration behind Passport Shipping, the complexities of international shipping, and their unique approach to solving these challenges. They also discuss when it makes sense for brands to go international, the rol
Trade Thursday: Part 8
July 18, 2025

Trade Thursday: Part 8

Join Mike, the community manager at Manufactured (MFD), along with PNE and Hamad, as they delve into the complexities of sourcing, financing, and managing inventory across 25 countries and multiple industries. This episode tackles the impact of recent trade tariffs and geopolitical tensions on small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Discover how companies can navigate the uncertainty, understand their supply chains better, and effectively plan for the future. Learn about counter-sourcing, free
Epic Growth: The Strategy Behind Kevin Espiritu’s Gardening Empire
June 26, 2025

Epic Growth: The Strategy Behind Kevin Espiritu’s Gardening Empire

In this episode of the re:COGs, we sit down with Kevin Espiritu, founder of Epic Gardening.Kevin shares the story behind the brand's evolution from a hydroponic gardening blog to a flourishing YouTube channel and e-commerce venture. They explore Kevin's journey as a multi-platform content creator, his transition into the world of consumer products, the challenges of scaling a media-driven e-commerce business, and the strategic acquisitions that fueled Epic Gardening's growth. Tune in to learn ab