How to Build a Marketplace and Digitize the Farmers Market with Dan Brunner

Dan Brunner is an expert in supply chain, logistics, and fulfillment. Dan was an early employee at Kiva Systems before Amazon acquired them in 2012 for $775 million. For the last 6 years, he has been at Market Wagon , a company that operates local online farmers markets, delivering local food directly to consumers. Market Wagon was recently ranked 680 on the Inc 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in the country. Dan Bruner, co-founder and CEO of Market Wagon, discusses the innovative approach of the Indianapolis-based online farmers market. Market Wagon leverages supply chain management and a unique, locally-focused logistics model to deliver fresh local food directly to consumers. In the episode, Dan shares insights on the complexities of e-commerce logistics, the value of forming early relationships with potential investors, and the importance of maintaining an agile, lean business model. He talks about Market Wagon's expansion strategy, the changing landscape of digital marketing, and his vision for the future of the company. Be sure to check out these great clips from the show: 02:07 The Journey of Dan Bruner 08:21 The Birth of Market Wagon 11:32 Challenges and Growth of Market Wagon 18:48 Understanding Supply Chain and Logistics 19:52 The Unique Model of Market Wagon 25:31 Choosing Vendors and Sourcing Products 27:25 Understanding the Price Hike in Groceries 27:56 The Role of Software Algorithms in E-commerce 28:07 The Challenge of Value Preference in Online Shopping 28:49 The Future of E-commerce: Personalized Shopping Experience 29:14 The Battle of Algorithms in Online Shopping 30:05 The Future of E-commerce Businesses 30:21 The Importance of Supply Chain Management in E-commerce 30:58 The Role of Third-Party Logistics in E-commerce 31:27 The Future of Market Wagon 32:43 The Impact of Market Wagon on Small Businesses 33:33 The Role of Gig Drivers in Delivering Premium Experience 34:49 Innovations Driving Supply Chain 38:09 Building a Successful Marketplace 39:53 The Unvalley Trend in E-commerce 44:43 The Future Expansion of Market Wagon 45:39 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg . In our conversation with Dan, you will learn about: ➡️ From Engineering to E-Commerce: The Evolution of a CEO- Dan Brunner's story is one of innovation and adaptability. With an engineering background, Dan transitioned into business and software roles, riding the wave of the early dot-com era. His tenure at Kiva Systems, a robotics company later acquired by Amazon, armed him with deep insights into warehouse automation and logistics. 🔮 The Future of Online Groceries and Market Wagon- Dan is optimistic about the future, citing the growing demand for online groceries and consumers' desire to know the source of their food. Market Wagon's commitment to quality over price competitiveness positions it well in the market. ⚠️Restructuring for Resilience- In the summer of 2022, Market Wagon underwent a transition that resulted in a leaner, more focused team. Dan stressed the importance of maintaining a strong company culture and the role of transparency in communicating company goals. Despite the challenges of internal restructuring and the pressure of external recognition, such as being listed on the Inc 5000, Dan expressed confidence in his team's resilience and adaptability. If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here . It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much! Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg and Nate Spangle, Head of Community at Powderkeg . Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today. Interested in starting your own Podcast? Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you're a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg .