Ep. 97 AI, Supply Chains, and Scaling with Charles Rodriguez
3/24/26
Most entrepreneurs focus on sales and customers while their supply chain management quietly creates chaos behind the scenes. On DO GOOD X, army veteran and founder Charles Masters Rodriguez reveals how operational efficiency, AI in supply chain, and standard operating procedures can transform a struggling business into a scalable powerhouse. Whether you are a solo founder or leading a growing team, Charles delivers actionable insight on cash flow management, supplier diversification, and why lean processes are the future of entrepreneurship.
In This Episode
- 00:00 Charles shares his journey from his military service to founding a bootstrapped seven-figure wholesale distribution company
- 06:55 Charles defines supply chain management and breaks down the three pillars: visibility, measurability, and reliability
- 11:56 Discussion on how AI in supply chain can automate procurement workflows and the importance of operational efficiency
- 18:53 Charles reflects on lessons learned as a solo founder and why hiring earlier protects your business's scaling momentum
- 25:27 Resource roundup: diagnostic questions for supply chain visibility and how to measure unit economics for profitability
- 33:42 Charles recommends several books and advice for veteran entrepreneurs entering entrepreneurship
- 37:08 Off the cuff segment: Charles shares the habits, leadership lessons, and faith that shaped his entrepreneurial journey
Key Takeaways
💎 Supply chain visibility is the foundation of a healthy business. If you cannot see and track your systems, you cannot measure or improve them, and your ability to scale will always be limited by what you cannot control.
💎 AI in supply chain is a force multiplier for small businesses, but technology is only as powerful as the workflows underneath it. Build and document your processes first before introducing any automation tools or software solutions.
💎 Unit economics and knowing your numbers are not optional for founders. Understanding the true cost of every product or service you deliver is what separates profitable, scalable businesses from ones that generate revenue but never build real wealth.
About The Hosts
Kimberly R. Daniel
Kimberly R. Daniel catalyzes entrepreneurs and organizations to do good. She is co-founder and project director of DO GOOD X, a community that provides programs and support for faith-driven social entrepreneurs whose businesses focus on positive Change.
Kimberly also helps purpose-driven organizations clarify and design compelling brand and communication strategies. With over 15 years of experience developing and leading communications efforts, it is her commitment to produce effective processes and create authentic, “sticky” brands that are community-centered.
In addition, Kimberly has nearly 10 years of experience as a certified life coach and has facilitated workshops, spoken to communities, and written about innovation and entrepreneurship centered on social impact. She is co-author of A Way Out of No Way: An Approach to Christian Innovation (2021).
In any aspect of her work, she is deeply passionate about purpose, meaning, and the common good.
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Stephen Lewis
Stephen Lewis is the president of the Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE) and creator and co-founder of DO GOOD X, a start-up accelerator for diverse Christian social entrepreneurs. He is an organizational change strategist and a leadership development specialist, focused on inspiring the next generation of faith-inspired leaders and entrepreneurs to live and work on purpose. Stephen is the co-author of Another Way: Living and Leading Change on Purpose (2020) and A Way Out of No Way: Approach to Christian Innovation (2021).
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