With DTC sales in the US tripling over the past six years, shouldn’t more brands deliver products right to customers’ doors? What about if your products are bulky, made of metal, and often weigh more than 100 lbs?

Today, hear how Blackstone Products, an outdoor griddle company, serves consumers through both B2B and DTC channels to maximize their reach in the marketplace. Joining Michelle and Alex from Blackstone is Supply Chain and Procurement Manager, Tom Newman. Having recently celebrated his one-year anniversary with the company, Tom has an extensive history of ensuring large items are delivered safely and reliably.

In this episode, Tom highlights the importance of paying attention to the most minute details, how critical of a link overseas manufacturing partnerships are, and what steps Blackstone takes to meet the demands of both their product channels.

If you’re hungry, make sure you eat before putting on this episode, as the discussion also goes on to cover what sort of meals the team at Blackstone tests their griddles with. Stay tuned to the end of the episode to find out what Tom’s favorite slope is out in Utah and what is on his mind regarding the future of Blackstone Products.

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Guest Bio

Tom Newman is the Supply Chain and Procurement Manager of Blackstone Products. He has been with the organization since March of 2022, and had loved the time he’s spent with the team. The Blackstone Griddle came from the idea that while grilling is a global passion, at every BBQ there’s always something that needs to be cooked inside, thus separating people from one another. So the outdoor griddle was born in 2008, with the company experience massive growth year after year since.

Prior to Blackstone Products, Tom was the Director of Supply Chain Planning and Execution for iFit, a fitness company that pairs its workout equipment with a mobile application. Additionally, he’s held roles at Campbell Scientific, Orbit, and General Motors. Needless to say, Tom has plenty of experience delivering large-scale items to customers.

One huge advantage that Tom has had in his supply chain career? He decided to study Mandarin after his first experience in Taiwan back in college. Throughout his career, he’s spent about 20 years in China, and credits this connection for allowing him to strengthen his relationships with overseas partners over the years.

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Guest Quote

“Supply chain is one of those agnostic fields where you bring whatever career background, whatever knowledge you have. And it will aid you in your work with supply chain. Come one, come all. It's open to anyone and you bring whatever knowledge you have and you apply it, and then you add to it.” - Tom Newman

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Time Stamps

*(2:51) A problem found in testing

*(6:19) All about the Blackstone Griddles

*(8:47) How is Blackstone doing DTC?

*(12:25) Making B2B easier

*(14:45) Pros and cons of direct import

*(16:36) Why manufacturing is critical

*(21:50) Tom’s experience overseas

*(26:36) Career advice

*(28:10) Speed round

*(30:52) Parting words about the future