574: Building a Thriving Supply Chain Community for Operational Excellence
Welcome to this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast featuring Charles Cushing, Founder of StartOps, a specialized community for supply chain, CX, and finance operators at omnichannel brands. In this conversation, Charles shares how his past experiences managing operations at a fast-growing e-commerce startup led him to build a network to provide operators with critical peer-to-peer insights. StartOps addresses common issues in operations, from vendor selection to career development, by connecting professionals in a curated, referral-based environment. As we move through 2025, Charles reveals what’s top of mind for operators and how community-driven support and technology insights are shaping the future of operations.
How Community Helps to Navigate Operational Challenges
StartOps emerged from Charles’s own need to find answers quickly, while scaling operations from fewer than 10 employees to over 300. Initially, operators lacked resources for straightforward operational questions, like recruitment strategies or software selection. “Every single day, I had questions that I just wished I could talk to someone about,” Charles explained. The community now serves as a crucial platform, especially during unpredictable events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling operators to tackle unprecedented challenges collaboratively and efficiently.
The Power of Community Insights in Vendor Selection
One of the standout benefits of StartOps is the ability for members to obtain unfiltered insights into vendor selection—a vital aspect of modern operations. According to Charles, “the delta between what’s on someone’s website and how things actually are under the hood can be huge.” Operators can confidently make significant financial and strategic decisions by providing direct peer insights. Charles emphasizes that “the only good source of true information is other operators,” highlighting the indispensable value of community-driven intel.
Current Trends and Operator Concerns for 2025
Interestingly, many operational discussions focus on detailed, practical questions rather than broad strategic themes. For instance, community members frequently inquire about specifics such as “the flexibility of scanning GTIN 12 versus GTIN 14 for master case labels.” Still, certain themes like inventory planning, 3PL partner selection, and adopting new technologies are perennial topics. Charles notes, “operators are incredible early adopters,” often serving as essential partners for emerging tech solutions. This trend underscores the agility and strategic advantage mid-sized operations have in embracing innovation.
Key Takeaways:
- Peer-to-peer knowledge sharing significantly enhances operational decision-making.
- Vendor selection intel from community peers dramatically reduces risk and uncertainty.
- Practical, detailed operational questions are central to the community’s values.
- Mid-sized operations uniquely benefit from the quick adoption of new technologies.
- Burnout and the hidden job market present ongoing career challenges for operators.
Listen to the episode and leave your thoughts in the comments.
Guest Information
For more information on StartOps, click here.
To connect with Charles on LinkedIn, click here.
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For more information about supply chain communities, check out the podcasts below.
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