Behind the Warehouse Doors: 9 Operations Secrets from Barrett’s VP of Ops
Katherine Wroth • June 2, 2025
If you’re a high-growth brand evaluating 3PLs, there’s one thing you deserve: real answers from the people who run the floor.
I caught up with Bill Johnson, Regional VP of Operations at Barrett Distribution Centers, to ask the questions every brand should consider — from automation and accuracy to culture, planning, and what really sets a great 3PL apart.
Here’s what he had to say:
1. Innovation Every Brand Should Know
“Our Locus Robotics system has been a game changer,” Bill shared. “We’ve seen faster pick times, quicker pack-outs, and improved labor metrics. We’re even piloting robotics for putaway now.”
Why it matters: Automation isn’t just a buzzword. At Barrett, it’s delivering measurable impact, especially during peak.
2. How to Keep Ops Running Smoothly (Especially During Peak)
“It all comes down to planning,” Bill said. “We work closely with our customers on forecasting, ramp up labor early, and create a schedule that matches capacity with demand.”
Why it matters: Smooth operations lead to fewer delays and better customer experiences. Your 3PL should be ready before the volume hits.
3. The Top Trait to Look for in a 3PL
“Accuracy, speed, and cost control. Brands need to ask: How will this 3PL deliver orders faster, reduce errors, and save me money?”
Bonus advice: Always visit the facility before signing on.
4. What Clients Are Most Surprised to Learn
“Our culture. Visitors are blown away by how invested our employees are. They know our clients’ brands and care deeply about the work.”
Why it matters: Culture drives performance. It shows up in service, accuracy and communication.
5. Going Live in 30 Days? It’s Possible.
“We had a client who needed to launch fast. From signed contract to first order out was 30 days — full integration, setup, the works. We made it happen.”
Why it matters: Your 3PL should move at the speed of your business.
6. Operational Excellence, Defined
“It’s doing things right the first time. From onboarding to pick/pack/ship — and then continuously improving to lower costs.”
7. Supply Chain Trends to Watch
“There’s a lot of noise out there. Look for solutions tailored to your business, not just the flashiest tech. And ask for proven results.”
8. Balancing Speed and Quality
“It’s not about rushing — it’s about setting the right pace. You need fast fulfillment and accuracy. One without the other won’t cut it.”
9. What Sets Barrett Apart?
“Our people. They’re embedded in the business, care about the customers and drive our success.”
Final Thought from Bill:
“Data drives everything. From setup to automation — we make informed decisions based on real numbers, not guesses.”
Are you ready for a partner who treats your brand like their own?
Contact us to schedule a complimentary supply chain consultation with our experts today.
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FRANKLIN, Mass., Aug. 11, 2026 — Barrett Distribution Centers , a leading third-party logistics provider specializing in eCommerce fulfillment, announced a new partnership with PAHI Footwear , an emerging footwear and wellness brand focused on balance, stability and confidence. Barrett is providing omnichannel warehousing, fulfillment and managed transportation services from its Memphis fulfillment campus to support PAHI's direct-to-consumer, independent retail and mass retail channels. "As a growing brand, choosing the right fulfillment partner was a big decision for us," said Luke Schapfel , logistics manager at PAHI. "From the beginning, Barrett took the time to understand our business and where we're headed. Their team was responsive, easy to work with and genuinely invested in helping us build the right foundation for growth. That gave us confidence we had the right partner." The implementation began in late 2025 with a phased rollout. Barrett first onboarded PAHI's direct-to-consumer (D2C) business before expanding support to independent retailers and national retail partners throughout the second and third quarters of 2026. "Barrett has a successful history working with emerging apparel and footwear brands and helping them scale across omnichannel programs," said Scott Hothem , senior vice president of customer solutions at Barrett. "We're excited to support PAHI as it builds its presence in the U.S. market from our Memphis fulfillment campus. We look forward to helping the brand grow across both direct-to-consumer and retail channels." Barrett currently supports approximately 500 SKUs of men's and women's footwear for PAHI across direct-to-consumer, independent retail and mass retail channels. The partnership provides PAHI with a scalable fulfillment foundation as the brand continues to grow across channels. About PAHI Footwear PAHI was born from a simple yet powerful vision: to create footwear that combines comfort, innovation, and stability. The brand was founded to meet the growing need for footwear that offers not only style but also balance and support, empowering people to move with confidence throughout their daily lives. Drawing inspiration from the 5000-year-old twin-hull boat technology, PAHI introduced the P.O.R.T. system, revolutionizing how shoes provide balance. About Barrett Distribution Centers Since 1941, Barrett has provided customized third-party logistics (3PL), direct-to-consumer (DTC) eCommerce fulfillment, omnichannel distribution, managed transportation solutions and retail compliance for clients across all industries, with a focus on apparel & footwear, health & beauty, consumer packaged goods (CPG) and education. Barrett continues to be a leading 3rd party logistics provider in North America, known for superior execution, customer engagement and direct access to senior leadership decision makers. As a member of Inc's fastest growing companies list 15+ times, Barrett is big enough to do the job and still small enough to deeply care about your business. Brands interested in a new 3PL partnership may contact Barrett directly here . Media Contact: Faith Artieda Marketing Content Specialist faith.artieda@barrettdistribution.com
