Featuring Doug Draper, Director of Business Development at Inland Star Distribution Centers
A discussion with a 25-year logistics veteran about industry transformation, customer expectations, technology adoption, and emerging trends in warehousing and supply chain management.
Doug Draper is the Director of Business Development at Inland Star Distribution Centers with 25 years of logistics experience spanning small parcel at Airborne Express through freight forwarding to warehousing.
The logistics industry has accelerated dramatically over 25 years. Speed, client expectations, and cutting-edge approaches have transformed what success requires.
Listen first, then solve. Understanding customer problems before jumping to solutions builds better relationships and outcomes.
Inland Star's employee ownership structure creates intrinsic motivation beyond hourly wages. When everyone owns a piece, everyone cares more.
Data empowers faster, more accurate responses. Performance measured is performance gained—in a non-confrontational way.
Initial concerns about surveillance gave way to viewing video data as educational. The shift in perspective changed everything.
Documenting shipment condition prevents disputes and enables faster problem resolution with customers.
Expect industry consolidation following COVID-era excitement, plus emerging opportunities in reverse logistics and returns management.
"Speed...client expectations of what they want when they want it, and creativity and cutting-edge approaches."
"Listen...figure out what their problems are, then go to features and benefits."
"Data is empowering...you can respond more quickly and more accurately."
"Performance measured is performance gained...in a non-confrontational way."
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