Hi, I’m Jim Kitts.
I’ve spent 25+ years running and engineering warehouses, and fixing them when they break.
At Staples, I took a 35,000-order-a-day e-commerce building from $2M over budget to $2M under in one year. Productivity nearly doubled, and safety went from one of the network’s worst sites to one of the best. Read the story →
Most struggling warehouses don’t have a technology problem. They have a standards, leadership, and data problem that shows up in the numbers. I help operators see their building clearly, in the data and on the floor, and build a plan to fix it.
Whether you’re over budget, outgrowing your space, or bracing for peak, I can help you figure out what’s actually going on and what to do about it.
Get a one-week operations review →
Warehouse Whisper is where I share what I’ve learned: practical strategies and tools for running leaner, safer, smarter operations.
Let’s get to work.
— Jim
Recent Posts
Red Tree Leadership: Grow Beyond the Warehouse
Leadership doesn’t start with a title — it starts with self-awareness.
Red Tree Leadership is where I share the lessons, stories, and moments that shaped my approach to leadership — the hard days, the turning points, and the growth that comes from discomfort.
In the bustling world of e-commerce profits, where convenience meets rapid delivery, businesses constantly seek strategies to streamline operations. However, hidden costs can significantly erode your bottom line.
From unexpected shipping fees to inventory accuracy. These unseen expenses can quietly consume a substantial portion of your revenue, often without warning.
We’ll show you where to look for potential savings.
Ever feel like you’re constantly chasing down tasks in your warehouse? Let’s figure out how to work smarter and not harder, if you want to get better.
Do you want to know why your 5S program is failing miserably? This blog will explain why your accountability approach isn’t going to work.
This blog post is direct and to the point with satire included. If you are uninterested in strong opinions or language, it is best to skip this blog post.
Warehouse Whisper Site Organization
We create all of our content in house with image creation using Artificial Intelligence – because let’s be honest, who wants to see more pictures of a warehouse? The content is divided into seven sections. They are:
Design
This section discusses warehouse layout and space planning, design best practices, product flow necessities, and personnel flow. We’ve also added blogs about racking and shelving options, mezzanine usage, and office space inside and outside the warehouse. We provide everything you need to know about setting up your warehouse.
Optimize
We cover warehouse best practices, including WMS options and setup, inbound and outbound planning tools, location types and sizes, SKU slotting with ABC analysis, inbound strategies, storage elements, picking best practices including bulk or non-conveyable products, case picks, each picks, and reserve picks.
Cost
Everyone is looking to reduce warehouse costs, especially in our current economy. After surviving the challenges of the Great Recession in 2008, we would classify ourselves as an experts in cost management. From measuring the right KPIs to using Lean and Six Sigma to reach stretch goals, we have a lot to share.
Inventory
Most people have no idea how much capital resides in a warehouse. From cell phones and TVs, apparel, and home goods, there’s a lot of investment in your hands. Are you using the right technology to handle this responsibility?
People
One of our most important topics is making your operation a Great Place to Work. Blog articles in this section include safety, housekeeping and organization, associate engagement, warehouse management, leadership hires, associate hires, and warehouse training.
Technology
Discover how the logistics landscape is transforming in 2024 with unstoppable technology. Learn where cutting-edge technology meets efficiency, reshaping the future of supply chains forever.
