Image of [Part 1] Navigating Tariffs, China, and E-Commerce Supply Chain Pivots with Wylie Robinson of Rumpl

[Part 1] Navigating Tariffs, China, and E-Commerce Supply Chain Pivots with Wylie Robinson of Rumpl

  • May 05, 2025
  • |
  • The Après Business Podcast

In this episode of The Après Business Podcast, host Becca Babicz sits down with Wylie Robinson, co-founder and former CEO of Rumpl, to explore how his outdoor blanket company is weathering major tariff shifts and rethinking its China-based supply chain. Learn how Wylie and his team are navigating sourcing challenges, global logistics, and unpredictable regulations while maintaining brand integrity. If you're an e-commerce entrepreneur or product-based founder looking to future-proof your operations, this candid conversation is a must-listen.

 

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Quoteables:

“We’re planning the business like the inventory we have now is the only inventory we’ll have this year.”
 – Wylie Robinson

“You can’t wait for the rules to change—you have to build the plan with the rules you’ve got today.”
 – Wylie Robinson


What You’ll Learn:

  • How to restructure your supply chain in response to geopolitical disruptions like U.S.-China tariffs.
  • The differences between country of origin vs. country of transformation in product manufacturing.
  • Why dual sourcing and long-term supplier relationships are essential in physical product businesses.
  • How to make tough decisions about channel prioritization when inventory is limited.



Key Takeaways from This Episode:

  • Plan for the present: Make decisions based on current facts, not what might happen.
  • Supplier loyalty matters: Long-term partners can make or break your ability to pivot quickly.
  • Inventory flexibility = survival: Understanding where to push or pause inventory is key in uncertain times.
  • You don’t need all the answers: Even a seasoned founder is still learning on the fly—and that’s okay.


People and Resources Mentioned in This Episode:


Connect with Becca:


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