If you’ve ever dreamed of launching a physical product—turning an idea into something tangible—you’ve probably noticed how overwhelming the process can feel. Manufacturing, sourcing, quality control, logistics, global suppliers…every step has layers most founders never see until they’re already in trouble.

In a world where disruptions happen daily and the global economy shifts without warning, the founders who succeed aren’t just innovative—they’re prepared.

Today’s guest, Kerim Kfuri, brings more than two decades of global supply chain expertise spanning technology, retail, spirits, sports equipment, and beyond. As Founder & CEO of The Atlas Network, he and his team help companies navigate the often-chaotic process of bringing products to market—handling everything from factory selection to QC, logistics, and end-to-end production.

Kerim is also the author of Supply Chain Ups and Downs, creator of The Supply & Demand Show, and the first U.S.-based verified supplier and ambassador for Alibaba—giving him a uniquely global, modern perspective on how products really get made.

In this episode, Kerim breaks down the mindset, knowledge, and strategies every founder needs before they ever produce a thing.

The Hidden Challenges New Founders Overlook

Kerim’s path into supply chain didn’t start in manufacturing—it began with years spent in finance, regulation, consulting, and entrepreneurship. But everything changed the first time he stepped into a factory in China and saw ideas becoming reality on the production line.

From that point forward, one truth has shaped his entire philosophy:

Most founders fail not because the idea is bad, but because they don’t know what they don’t know.

The wrong supplier. No quality control. Assuming timelines will hold. Not understanding cultural expectations. Failing to anticipate disruptions.

Kerim explains how founders can dramatically reduce risk by choosing vetted suppliers, putting “eyes and ears” on the ground, and building processes that protect them from expensive mistakes. Even seasoned brands struggle when entering new categories—so first-time founders need even more support.

Successful product creation starts with education, clarity, and the right partners.

AI, Disruption, and the Future of Product Development

Global supply chain challenges aren’t rare—they’re constant. Weather, politics, tariffs, port closures, labor strikes, pandemics…founders can’t avoid disruptions, but they can prepare for them.

Kerim believes these moments of chaos often spark innovation. When materials change, or routes shift, companies are forced to rethink how products are made—and sometimes what emerges is stronger, smarter, or more profitable than before.

He also shares how AI is reshaping the entire supply chain ecosystem:

• AI-powered sourcing tools that match founders to the right factory instantly
• Autonomous warehousing, trucking, and drone delivery
• Emissions-optimized shipping routes
• Instant business plans and market analyses generated from a single idea

But with innovation comes caution. Kerim emphasizes that AI must be a tool—not a substitute for human wisdom, experience, and guardrails.

At the center of it all is the mindset he teaches clients: a limitless mindset—one that looks for possibility, not restriction.

Enjoy this episode with Kerim Kfuri…

Soundbytes

08:18 – 08:26 “Sometimes it’s in the face of chaos that we have true opportunity. It all comes from having the right mentality as you come into global supply chain.”

14:37 – 14:49 “You have to be the cheerleader. You go to bed with your successes and your failures, and then get up the next day and do it again.”

Quotes

“These disruptions aren’t doomsday situations—you have to see the opportunity inside them.”

“You can’t build a supply chain by guessing. Passion is great, but knowledge is what protects your business.”

“Entrepreneurship isn’t for the faint of heart. You have to get up every day ready to fight for your idea.”

“If you scale too quickly, you risk diluting your service. Growth only works when it’s intentional.”

Links mentioned in this episode:

From Our Guest

Website: https://kerimkfuri.com/

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerimkfuri/

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