Meet Jeff Ludwin!

Jef has built his career working for unicorn companies such as FreshDirect, Blue Apron, and JUUL, focusing on sourcing, procurement, and manufacturing.

We talked with Jeff to learn more about how he likes to help the companies he works with:

What's something you're Top 10% at as an operator?

I excel at building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers, a skill I consider crucial in the world of operations, especially for startups. I've learned that viewing yourself as a marketer to suppliers is essential. Unlike established companies, you're not just making a transaction; you're selling your company's potential.

My approach involves collaborating closely with the marketing team from day one at a new company. I always talk with the marketing team first. This helps me craft compelling messages that showcase why our company is the ideal partner for suppliers.

I believe this marketing mindset is key to securing better terms, improving supplier performance, and driving overall success. It's important to highlight a company's strengths and future growth potential to engage suppliers effectively. Just as marketers build customer loyalty, we in the supply chain need to build long-term relationships with our suppliers.

What are a few of the projects you've led that you're most proud of?

My career has been marked by several unique and impactful projects across different industries:

🐟 At FreshDirect, I took an unconventional approach to strengthening the supply chain. I spent a week at sea aboard a harpoon swordfish boat in Nova Scotia. This hands-on experience was aimed at improving the direct supply chain into NYC. It allowed me to connect with fishermen and learn firsthand about our food system. This project not only improved supply chain efficiency but also provided valuable insights into sustainable fishing practices.

🧑‍🍳 At Blue Apron, I led a significant scaling operation. I stood up a dedicated manufacturing facility in Kodiak, Alaska, partnering with the largest domestic seafood producer. This facility was designed to process more than 100,000 packages of seafood weekly, a feat that required intricate logistics planning and execution. The project significantly enhanced Blue Apron's ability to deliver fresh, high-quality seafood to customers across the country.

🌱 Perhaps one of my most impactful projects was at JUUL. I built direct supply chains with nicotine supply partners in India, Brazil, the Philippines, and Ireland. This global operation resulted in securing and contracting over 20% of the world's global nicotine supply. The scale and complexity of this project showcased my ability to navigate international markets and manage critical supply chains on a global level.

What kinds of opportunities are you looking for?

I'm exploring full-time and consulting supply chain leadership opportunities at purpose-driven, early to mid-stage startups. I'm particularly interested in companies that have found their product-market fit, are gearing up to scale, and need a strong leader to build and expand their supply chain.

My target company profiles include:

• Early to mid-stage startups aiming for significant growth ($20M+ in revenue)

• Purpose-driven CPG companies focused on better-for-you products

• Innovation-centric businesses

• Preference for the food industry

I'm open to locations in DC, CA, and CO, and I'm comfortable with hybrid or remote work arrangements.

Want to meet Jeff?

You can get in touch with him via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreyludwin/