Surviving the Floods of Change in Logistics and Apparel With Mick Mankowski

Tao of Pizza Podcast

Michael (Mick) Mankowski is the Managing Partner of Symphony Investment Partners, a global boutique for M&A strategy and licensing. In his role, he works with partners to identify strategic acquisitions and partnerships and develops licensing opportunities and strategies. Mick is also the President of SBL, Symphony Investment Partners’ licensing arm. Over the past 8 years with SBL, he has generated over $2.5 billion in licensed product sales for various footwear, apparel, and consumer products brands, including Fila, Body Glove, and Gotcha.

In this episode…

The logistics space has undergone significant changes since the introduction of automated technology and DTC fulfillment methods. Customers expect personalized and same-day services, so businesses must expand their logistics solutions to keep up with the demand. How can you pivot and innovate in this volatile industry?

With decades of experience building and managing an apparel business, Mick Mankowski lost millions of dollars worth of inventory in a flood. After a business partner fully reimbursed him for his materials, Mick recognized the immense value of relationships with suppliers and other partners, allowing him to return the favor by helping his partner acquire customers. These relationships also allow you to navigate changing dynamics like the advent of 3PL, which requires you to borrow suppliers’ warehouses for expedited shipping in DTC models. By consistently adding value to your professional relationships, you can capitalize on opportunities to meet demands effectively.

In today’s episode of The Tao of Pizza Podcast, Mark Hiddleson invites Michael “Mick” Mankowski, the Managing Partner of Symphony Investment Partners, to talk about how he navigates the shifting consumer goods landscape through relationship building. Mick shares the crucial moments that shaped his business approach, an in-depth explanation of the licensing business model, and how to become a buyer-focused salesperson.