Paul Jarrett on Leading a 3PL: Insights on Inside Gift & Home Podcast

Part 1 of Paul Jarrett's Journey from Bulu Box to a Leading 3PL

I first sat down with Dawn Grooters about a month ago, and I swear we have crossed paths before. While we couldn't pin it down, we both went to Iowa State around the same time and could name a few people we knew and places we used to frequent (but that's just the Midwest for ya). Regardless of whether we met in the past, we had plenty to talk about in the present.

Dawn Grooters, Paul Jarrett, and Jenna Brende (Paul's Executive Assistant) sit down for an intro call before recording the episode!

Dawn's work in the Gift & Home industry is fascinating—she helps businesses grow through smart sales strategies, which often aligns with the kind of companies Bulu serves.

In Part 1 of our chat on her Inside Gift & Home podcast, we dove into my entrepreneurial journey, from launching Bulu Box in 2012 to transforming Bulu into a leading 3PL logistics company specializing in multichannel order fulfillment. If you’re in consumer packaged goods (CPG), kitting, or e-commerce, you know how essential it is to get things where they need to go—quickly, accurately, and without breaking the bank. Bulu’s story has always been about solving those problems to level the playing field for brands of any size, starting with logistics.

One of the highlights of our conversation was the evolution of Bulu and what it’s like co-owning a business with my wife, Stephanie. Spoiler: it’s not always easy, but it is always worth it. From dividing responsibilities to leveraging each other’s strengths, we’ve learned how to build momentum in both our business and our personal lives. I shared advice for anyone thinking about working with family, including a big takeaway: establish boundaries and processes early. Otherwise, family dinners might turn into boardroom debates (trust me, nobody wants that).

We also talked about the critical role relationships play in building a business. At Bulu, we’ve been fortunate to partner with incredible brands and companies over the years. Those connections didn’t just happen—they were built on trust, shared goals, and a whole lot of persistence. Whether you’re in Gift & Home, CPG, or logistics, the power of relationships is a universal lesson. The more you invest in them, the more they pay off.

If you’re looking for actionable takeaways for your business, I think you’ll find a lot to chew on in this conversation. Whether it’s tips on teamwork, insights into kitting and order fulfillment, or lessons from navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, there’s something here for everyone.

Dawn and I had so much ground to cover that this is just the beginning. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll dive even deeper into building momentum, scaling a business, and the lessons I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way).

In the meantime, tune in to Part 1 of our conversation here.

Part 2 of Paul Jarrett Leading Bulu as a 3PL

Dawn and I had such a great conversation, that we split it into two episodes on her podcast. Part 2 focuses on the cutting-edge tools and strategies that set us apart in the logistics industry.

Whether you're in the Gift & Home sector, CPG Industry, or beyond, this episode offers valuable advice for improving your operations and relationships with 3PL providers.

We cover how Bulu utilizes technology and a client-friendly dashboard to simplify omnichannel order fulfillment, expert tips for brands working with 3PLs to enhance collaboration and ensure a seamless experience, and Paul Jarrett's parting insights on leading and building a successful business and fostering meaningful connections.

Packed with practical tips and thought-provoking ideas, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to optimize their logistics and strengthen their business operations. Don't miss the conclusion of this insightful two-part series!

Here's the link to listen.

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts—what’s your biggest takeaway from this episode? Drop me a comment here on the Paul Jarrett website, on LinkedIn or shoot me a message.

Let’s keep the conversation going.

Stay bold,

Paul

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If you want to get connected with Dawn Grooters and her team at Broken Vessel Sales, schedule a call by ⁠clicking here⁠.