Interview with Hugh Sinclair
Hugh Sinclair
JUNE 17, 2024 | 00:38 | Episode 16
Simplifying Logistics in the E-commerce Industry with founder Hugh Sinclair
Jothy and Hugh Sinclair, the founder of Commerce Blitz, discusses the challenges of logistics in the e-commerce industry and how his SaaS company provides a solution. He explains the importance of managing inventory and distribution to avoid missing sales and losing inventory. Sinclair emphasizes the need for simplicity in logistics software and how Commerce Blitz offers a user-friendly interface. He also discusses the competitive market and differentiates his company by offering customization and maintenance services. Sinclair shares his goals of empowering small businesses and potentially being acquired by a larger company in the future.
ABOUT MY GUEST
Hugh Sinclair, Chief Executive Officer CommerceBlitz
Hugh brings a wealth of expertise in audio-visual installation management to the table. His extensive background includes hands-on experience in overseeing large-scale AV installation projects for prestigious clients like the United Nations and Morgan Stanley. During his time working on these projects, he gained valuable insights, such as the recognition that the trucks transporting equipment were equipped with generators and power supplies, and the road cases used for equipment storage sometimes held higher value than the equipment itself. It was during this period that he initiated the development of an inventory system, collaborating with a team to meticulously track AV equipment and the associated road cases, ensuring a precise record of their whereabouts.
This early foray into inventory management set the stage for Hugh's subsequent venture into the business world. He joined forces with partners to establish an online apparel and clothing company, applying similar principles from his AV experience to create a robust inventory and order management system that catered to approximately 400 brands.
In 2019, recognizing his true strengths in logistics chain management and software development, Hugh founded CommerceBlitz. The primary objective of this endeavor was to craft a highly refined software model tailored for multi-channel order processing, inventory management, and distribution coordination systems.
Summary
Jothy and Hugh Sinclair, the founder of Commerce Blitz, discusses the challenges of logistics in the e-commerce industry and how his SaaS company provides a solution. He explains the importance of managing inventory and distribution to avoid missing sales and losing inventory. Sinclair emphasizes the need for simplicity in logistics software and how Commerce Blitz offers a user-friendly interface. He also discusses the competitive market and differentiates his company by offering customization and maintenance services. Sinclair shares his goals of empowering small businesses and potentially being acquired by a larger company in the future.
Takeaways
Logistics is a critical aspect of the e-commerce industry, and managing inventory and distribution is key to avoiding missed sales and lost inventory.
Simplicity is crucial in logistics software, and Commerce Blitz offers a user-friendly interface that allows users to easily manage their inventory and sales channels.
Customization and maintenance services set Commerce Blitz apart from its competitors, providing a tailored solution for businesses of all sizes.
The goal of Commerce Blitz is to empower small businesses and level the playing field in the e-commerce market.
In the future, Commerce Blitz aims to be acquired by a larger company in the ERP, supply chain, or 3PL warehouse space.
Sound Bites
"Logistics is where you make all your money, but it's also where you lose all your money."
"Simplicity was the hardest part. Most systems out there are very complicated, but it's really about where is this product, I have to ship it."
"Word of mouth has been our main source of customers, and we're nearly at 200 customers now.”
Links
Hugh’s company CommerceBlitz: https://commerceblitz.com/why-commerceblitz/
Please leave us a review: https://www.podchaser.com/AdventuresOnTheCanDo
The book Think Like a Startup Founder (early access): https://www.manning.com/books/think-like-a-startup-founder
Jothy’s site for speaking, podcasting, and ruminating: https://jothyrosenberg.com
Jothy’s non-profit foundation The Who Says I Can’t Foundation: https://whosaysicant.org
Jothy’s TEDx talk on why people with a disability over-achieve: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNtOawXAx5A
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:08 The Big Idea Behind Commerce Blitz
07:11 Simplicity and Customer Satisfaction
08:28 Building a Customer Base and Product Market Fit
11:42 Differentiation and Market Segmentation
15:09 Product and Services Business Models
16:26 Company Size and Expansion
27:34 The Importance of Grit
36:52 The Future of Commerce Blitz
