Explore every episode of the podcast Fulfillment Unpacked

What does it really take to grow a 3PL without drowning in debt—or losing money on “cheap” decisions?

In this episode of Fulfillment Unpacked, Scott Harward sits down with Nate Schisler, co-founder of Maven Circular and operator of MFR, a specialty 3PL focused on returns. Nate brings a rare mix of enterprise experience from brands like Lululemon and hands-on lessons from bootstrapping his own 50,000-square-foot warehouse.

We dive into:

• Why you should think of returns as cash, not cost
• The hidden risks of taking the “cheapest” option in logistics
• How to balance revenue and space when scaling a 3PL
• The mindset shift operators need to survive in today’s market

If you’re running a warehouse or working with 3PLs, this conversation will help you see where growth opportunities—and risks—really are.

Subscribe to Fulfillment Unpacked for more stories and strategies from leaders in the logistics and fulfillment industry.

Too many 3PLs burn cash and time chasing the wrong warehouse management system (WMS). In this episode of Fulfillment Unpacked, Scott Harward sits down with Casey Winans—founder of Fullstride and veteran WMS consultant—to break down the biggest mistakes 3PLs make, why timing matters more than hype, and how to actually set your warehouse up for scale.

Inside the conversation:
- The most outrageous WMS purchase story Casey has ever seen
- Why sub-$10M 3PLs struggle with software adoption
- How to know when you’re duct-taping systems vs. building for growth
- The tech trends that are overhyped—and the ones about to change the game
- What Casey would fix first if given $250,000 to overhaul a warehouse

If you run a 3PL—or are on the brink of upgrading your systems—this episode will help you cut through the noise, avoid seven-figure mistakes, and choose the tech path that actually matches your business.

Running a 3PL isn’t about packing boxes—it’s about trust. In this episode of Fulfillment Unpacked, host Scott Harward talks with Seth Gilland and Gifford Pace from Fulfillment Strategies International (FSI) about the realities of running and scaling a 3PL.

Together, they unpack:

- Why fulfillment is never “slow” (and how missed deadlines destroy margin)
- How to build trust and long-term partnerships with clients
- The biggest red flags that warn a client is about to leave
- When to say no—and why walking away can protect your business
- The cultural shift from corporate logistics (UPS) to entrepreneurial 3PL

If you’re a 3PL operator, warehouse leader, or fulfillment professional, this conversation will help you avoid costly mistakes, strengthen client relationships, and run a smarter warehouse.

👉 Subscribe to Fulfillment Unpacked for more real stories, practical lessons, and strategies for warehouse leaders.

Bill Carlin went from selling millions on Amazon to running Shipmate Fulfillment — a 3PL that’s built on communication, community, and surviving the wildest peaks in e-commerce.

In this episode of Fulfillment Unpacked, Bill shares:

 - How he pivoted from merchant to 3PL founder
 - Why communication is the #1 key to handling sales spikes
 - Behind-the-scenes stories from COVID toilet paper craziness to delivering 200,000 Christmas gifts
 - How networking with other operators leads to game-changing ideas

Whether you’re a warehouse operator, e-commerce seller, or logistics pro, you’ll walk away with strategies you can use to improve operations and build lasting partnerships.

 Subscribe for more real stories and strategies from 3PL operators and industry leaders.