Latest episode

Supply Circles: A Masterclass in SME Supply Chains with Russell Gibbons, Co-Founder Huds and Toke Pty Ltd.

Listen in to get an amazing insight into how one family has gone taken an idea from start-up to international business in just 10 years. Huds & Toke is a pet food company based on the Sunshine Coast, with a great story to tell.

Co-founder Russell Gibbons provides a masterclass on the keys to building vertically integrated businesses with complex omni-channels pathways to market. This is a must-listen episode for ALL business managers. It’s a great insight into taking an idea and a market opportunity to a successful business.

Podcast host James Scotland does a fascinating deep dive into the business with Russell. They discuss:

  • The market opportunity, and the owner’s clear-eyed ability to verbalise the target market segment: both domestically and in the U.S.
  • An insight into the global pet food market and how Huds & Toke adds value to the target sector.
  • Innovative ways to create and build a brand that accurately reflects the values of the business – including a creative and surprising approach to deciding on a company name (it’s a magical and heart-warming story).
  • How to make a husband-and-wife team work as a strong management team, and how to make building a business a lifestyle.
  • The decision protocols around the selection of channels to market that suit the business and adds value (including an amazing story of Krispy Kreme dog treats).
  • How not to be blinded by ‘dazzling lights’ and ‘big opportunities’ that aren’t as good as they initially seem.
  • The keys to creating a vertically integrated business from regional Australia.
  • The constant challenge of cashflow, including an excellent approach to using debt collection as a way to create strong relationships with customers.
  • The challenge of sustainable product packaging.
  • And much much more.

A wonderful masterclass of business management today. Not to be missed.

For more on Huds & Toke, click here.

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James Scotland

After a long career in multiple aspects of supply chain management, corporate training and business advisory, James brings a business improvement mindset to his role as General Manager of Supply Chain Resilience for Ai Group. A skilled communicator and adviser, James has been involved with Oil & Gas, the Defence industry and supply chain across the board for over 40 years.

James has a Masters degree in International Management and a partially completed Doctor of Business Administration. He says he'll get around to finishing it when he retires.