Apkudo's Podcast

Could a "Carfax for phones" eliminate billions in waste from the device supply chain?  Flavio Rossi, Apkudo advisor and wireless industry veteran with experience at T-Mobile, Asurion, and as co-founder of Rexy Resale, discusses the critical work of the CTIA Reverse Logistics and Service Quality Group. The challenge? Multiple grading languages create confusion and erode trust in device trading. "You could have company A describe their device as a grade A, while company B would describe that same device as a grade B," Rossi explains. With major players like Apple, Samsung, and Verizon collaborating, the group has released five revisions since 2019. Rossi reveals humans are only 50% accurate at grading—can automation and standards like Device Passport finally create the "Carfax for phones" that the industry desperately needs?  Flavio Rossi is an advisor to Apkudo and a seasoned wireless industry veteran with decades of experience spanning network infrastructure, carriers, and reverse logistics. His career includes leadership roles at Alltel, Verizon, Asurion, and a long tenure at T-Mobile, where he was first introduced to Apkudo in 2014 during the MetroPCS acquisition. In 2019, Rossi partnered with Apkudo to co-found Rexy Resale, which has grown to operate three facilities serving major carriers and OEMs across the US. He is an active member of the CTIA Reverse Logistics and Service Quality Group, working to standardize device grading across the industry.  In this episode:  (00:00) Introduction of Flavio Rossi and his wireless industry journey  (02:31) CTIA grading standards and the reverse logistics working group  (05:31) Evolution from revision one to five addressing device innovation  (10:08) Automation removes subjectivity, humans only fifty percent accurate  (12:40) Cost savings through trust, eliminating redundant grading and waste  (15:53) US standards influence global markets and device passport initiative  Send us your comments, ideas for future shows, and feedback. Subscribe to catch future episodes, and share this episode with someone who might be interested!   Resources:  Flavio Rossi LinkedIn Rexi Resale Apkudo Device Passport Apkudo LinkedIn Apkudo Second Sense Podcast   

Join Apkudo’s Allyson Mitchell (VP of Sustainability) as she welcomes Andrew Kroeger, Co-Founder of CypherBlk. Andrew reveals how his company solved what seemed impossible: testing and grading Apple Watches without a physical port. When Apple removed diagnostic ports from the Series 7, reverse logistics companies faced a crisis. Manual processes destroyed margins. Kroeger's background in data centers and cybersecurity led him to recognize the larger sustainability implications—60 million metric tons of e-waste annually. "We have to do such a better job partnering to keep up," he explains. How did CypherBlk crack the code? What role does Apkudo's platform play in scaling this innovation across the industry?  Andrew Kroeger is Co-Founder of CypherBlk, a company specializing in portless device diagnostics and data sanitization for smartwatches and wearables. With over 25 years in technology, Andrew previously led teams at CDW and worked extensively in data centers and cybersecurity before entering the reverse logistics space eight years ago at Blancco. His work focuses on solving critical gaps in device lifecycle management while addressing the environmental and social impacts of e-waste. Through CypherBlk's partnership with Apkudo's ecosystem, Andrew is helping scale innovative solutions that enable accurate testing, grading, and data erasure for devices once considered impossible to process efficiently.  In this episode:  (00:00) Andrew Kroeger and CypherBlk ecosystem partnership  (00:55) From VAR sales to sustainability in reverse logistics  (10:42) Cracking the Apple Watch Series 7 portless diagnostics challenge  (22:09) Scaling smartwatch solutions through Apkudo's platform integration  (25:48) Collaborative future of device lifecycle and circular economy  (28:43) Industry mindset shift from competition to cooperation  Send us your comments, ideas for future shows, and feedback. Subscribe to catch future episodes, and share this episode with someone who might be interested!   Resources:  Andrew Kroeger LinkedIn Apkudo LinkedIn Apkudo  Second Sense Podcast

What happens when two specialized companies share data to create a complete technology ecosystem?  Join Apkudo’s Allyson Mitchell (VP of Sustainability) as she welcomes Josh Beasley. Josh serves as partner and president of both Quick Ship Brands and Early Upgrade, two companies operating within the Powered by Apkudo ecosystem. With over 20 years of combined company experience, Quick Ship specializes in high-value device remarketing while Early Upgrade processes 2 million pieces of electronic equipment monthly for end-of-life recycling. Josh explains how these complementary businesses create a complete technology lifecycle solution without compromising expertise at any stage. "Finding one company that can manage them all and manage them all well, it doesn't exist," he notes. The conversation explores how standardized data sharing through the Apkudo ecosystem enables better decision-making across the supply chain. Can collaboration replace the inefficiencies of siloed operations? Josh shares his vision for modernizing industry standards to match the pace of technological advancement.  In this episode:  (00:00) Josh Beasley and his dual company roles  (04:34) Josh's background from marketing internship to tech industry leadership  (09:31) The powered by Apkudo ecosystem and benefits of standardized data  (19:57) Supply chain complexity and managing devices across multiple partners  (27:56) Industry standards evolution and sustainability in device lifecycle management  (34:30) Closing thoughts on redefining end of life standards  Send us your comments, ideas for future shows, and feedback. Subscribe to catch future episodes, and share this episode with someone who might be interested!   Resources:  Early Upgrade Quick Ship Brands  Apkudo LinkedIn Apkudo Second Sense Podcast  

How do you successfully implement automation solutions across 30+ countries with different regulations, logistics challenges, and cultural expectations?  Join Apkudo’s Allyson Mitchell (VP of Sustainability) as she welcomes Charles Stewardson, Head of EMEA Implementation at Apkudo, who brings three decades of tech services experience to discuss the complexities of automation implementation. With roles spanning HP, Ingram Micro, and DHL, Charles offers unique insights into transforming business operations through scalable automation. "The foundation of successful automation is for everybody to understand how it's gonna change existing processes," he explains. Charles reveals how Apkudo's comprehensive playbook covers everything from logistics planning to local team recruitment. What makes the difference between success and failure? The collaborative mindset from day one. How do you handle equipment that won't fit in elevators or power requirements that fall short? Charles shares real-world solutions that turn potential disasters into learning opportunities for future implementations.  In this episode:  (00:00) Introduction of guest Charles Stewardson and his EMEA role  (01:41) Charles's background in tech services over thirty years  (03:07) Understanding the broad scope of automation implementation processes  (08:27) Critical preparation steps before equipment mobilization begins  (11:06) Real world stories from successful and challenging implementations  (14:38) Final thoughts on collaborative partnerships in automation  Send us your comments, ideas for future shows, and feedback. Subscribe to catch future episodes, and share this episode with someone who might be interested!   Resources:  Apkudo LinkedIn Apkudo Second Sense Podcast 

How is real-time data keeping more phones out of landfills and in customers' hands? Join Apkudo’s Allyson Mitchell (VP of Sustainability) as she welcomes John Hebert, Executive Vice President for Technical Program Management, and Stephen Mattson, Director of Support and Training at Apkudo. The team reveals the complex world of device repair vendor management. With over 20 years in telecommunications and 18 years in mobile devices respectively, they explain how carriers manage the intricate network of OEMs, repair centers, and return facilities. "We were managing significant inventory levels through spreadsheets by email," Hebert explains, highlighting the manual chaos that once dominated the industry. Their discussion covers how real-time automation has transformed vendor relationships, reduced repair turnaround times, and improved device circularity. How does better data visibility change everything from customer satisfaction to environmental impact?  In this episode:  (00:00) Introduction of guests John Hebert and Stephen Mattson  (00:42) Background experiences in telecommunications and mobile device industry  (01:58) Device journey from first life to second life  (05:13) Challenges facing vendor managers in repair processes  (13:03) How automation improves vendor manager efficiency  (18:25) Future developments in partner portal communication  Send us your comments, ideas for future shows, and feedback. Subscribe to catch future episodes, and share this episode with someone who might be interested!   Resources:  Apkudo LinkedIn Apkudo Second Sense Podcast 

How can data standardization drive both operational efficiency and environmental benefits?  Join Apkudo’s Allyson Mitchell (VP of Sustainability) as she welcomes Tim Esteb (Director of Customer Experience) back to the podcast to explore how one global tech enterprise revolutionized its IT asset recovery process. From warehouses filled with unused devices to a streamlined, automated system for managing returns, this social media and hardware company faced massive challenges across multiple continents. "Prior to the Apkudo platform, this all lived within email inboxes," Tim explains. Through data standardization and API integrations, they processed 40,000 devices while achieving remarkable outcomes. The focus on freight logistics, reusable packaging, and sustainability led to warehouse downsizing and significant environmental benefits. How can automated device recovery drive both operational efficiency and cost savings for your organization?  In this episode:  (00:00) Introduction of guest Tim Esteb, discussion of recent platform updates  (01:30) Global tech customer overview and device footprint challenges  (02:19) Pre-Apkudo situation with manual warehouse processes and data issues  (03:22) Priority one: standardizing data and automating device recovery processes  (07:02) Customer experience improvements through API integration and automation  (11:07) Sustainability benefits including warehouse downsizing and reusable shipping materials  Send us your comments, ideas for future shows, and feedback. Subscribe to catch future episodes, and share this episode with someone who might be interested!   Resources:   Apkudo LinkedIn Apkudo Second Sense Podcast 

What happens when second-life tech becomes second nature for businesses and consumers?  Join Apkudo’s Allyson Mitchell (VP of Sustainability) as she introduces Second Sense, the newly rebranded podcast from Apkudo that dives deep into the complex world of mobile device supply chains and sustainable technology solutions. Allyson introduces this fresh take on device lifecycle management, exploring the intricate network behind connected devices—from logistics and diagnostics to testing, grading, and resale. The podcast tackles three fundamental questions: How does data shape supply chain decisions? What does this mean for sustainability goals? And how are experiences changing for companies, customers, and the planet? With expert insights from across the industry, Second Sense provides real stories about the future of sustainable technology.  In this episode:  (00:00) Introducing the newly renamed Second Sense podcast, exploring mobile device supply chains and sustainable solutions for second-life technology  (00:26) How Second Sense rethinks device lifecycle management through data-driven decisions and examines the complex network behind connected devices  (01:19) Three Core Questions: data impact, sustainability goals, and changing experiences for companies and customers  (01:57) Future Episodes Preview  Send us your comments, ideas for future shows, and feedback. Subscribe to catch future episodes, and share this episode with someone who might be interested!   Resources:  Apkudo LinkedIn Apkudo  Second Sense Podca

What if your sustainability initiative could simultaneously reduce costs, increase asset recovery, and support educational opportunities for underserved communities?   Join Apkudo’s Allyson Mitchell (VP of Sustainability) as she speaks with Ben Jones, Executive Vice President of Enterprise Takeback, about a transformative device recovery program implemented for a major US airline. Ben shares how they helped the airline transition from manual spreadsheets and limited visibility to a comprehensive platform solution that achieved a remarkable 97% asset recovery rate across 110,000+ devices. You’ll hear the surprising details about how innovative approaches like employee purchase programs exceeded expectations with nearly 50% adoption among pilots, while also highlighting the significant environmental benefits of extending device lifecycles.  Ben explains how the airline's global, constantly-moving workforce presented unique challenges that led to creative solutions now benefiting customers across industries. The discussion covers the evolution of electronic flight bags from 35-pound paper manuals to iPads, the implementation of a transparent commercial model, and exciting future developments including remote wipe capabilities and robotics automation. This episode offers valuable insights for IT and mobility professionals managing enterprise device fleets, particularly in hybrid or distributed workforce environments.  In this episode:  (00:00) Introduction and overview: Allyson Mitchell introduces special guest Ben Jones to discuss airline device recovery.  (06:13) Commercial model transformation: Implementing a new consignment approach and recover platform to solve the airline's device tracking challenges.  (09:02) Surprising adoption results: Pilot device buyback rates exceeded expectations, reaching nearly 50% versus the predicted 5%.  (10:46) Measurable business impact: Impressive metrics include 97% recovery rate across 110,000 devices and $3 million in returned value.  (14:50) Social impact initiatives: Donation program with Aerospace Center of Excellence helps underprivileged students pursue careers in aviation through device reuse.  (19:08) Innovation roadmap: Exciting future developments including remote wipe capabilities, robotics automation, and further sustainability enhancements.  Send us your comments, ideas for future shows, and feedback. Subscribe to catch future episodes, and share this episode with someone who might be interested!   Resources:  Ben Jones LinkedIn Apkudo LinkedIn Apkudo Apkudo Podcast 

"There's a huge opportunity to reclaim scarce resources through urban mining of what's inside these phones, tablets, laptops. We have to move away from the linear consumption model - take, make, waste - that we've had for 250 years." - Tony Altmann, Head of Circular Innovation at Apkudo  Join Apkudo’s Allyson Mitchell (VP of Sustainability) as she speaks with Tony Altmann, Head of Circular Innovation at Apkudo, about transforming the connected device industry through circular economy principles. Tony explains how Apkudo's platform helps customers across the supply chain—from OEMs and carriers to device processors and enterprises—recapture value while reducing environmental impact. With 82 million metric tons of e-waste projected by 2030 and five billion unused phones sitting in drawers worldwide, the conversation highlights the urgent need for improved recovery systems and the $8 billion in gold alone that could be reclaimed through proper urban mining.  Tony shares insights from Apkudo's 2024 Impact Report, revealing how the company processed 16 million devices last year—preventing 6,100 tons of e-waste, avoiding 1.1 million tons of CO2 emissions, and reclaiming approximately $23 million worth of gold. The discussion explores how sustainability challenges including data availability, trust, and communication are being addressed through Apkudo's analytics platform. For businesses across climate, energy, and technology sectors, the episode offers valuable perspectives on how companies can align environmental goals with financial performance while creating competitive advantage through circular innovation.  In this episode:  (00:00) Introduction and Background: Tony Altmann shares his financial expertise in renewable energy, explaining how sustainability must make business sense for CFOs to drive real change.  (04:30) E-Waste Challenges and Opportunities: Discussion of urban mining potential, recovering $8B in gold from unused devices, and the geopolitical importance of reclaiming rare earth minerals.  (06:13) Industry Ecosystem Solutions: How carriers, OEMs, processors, and enterprises can collaborate to extend device lifecycles and improve circularity across the value chain.  (13:18) Overcoming Sustainability Barriers: Tony outlines three key challenges—data availability, trust in metrics, and effective communication—that companies must address for progress.  (26:49) Impact Results and Future Direction: Apkudo's 2024 report highlights processing 16M devices, preventing 6,100 tons of e-waste, and avoiding 1.1M tons of CO2 emissions.  Send us your comments, ideas for future shows, and feedback. Subscribe to catch future episodes, and share this episode with someone who might be interested!   Resources:  Tony Altmann LinkedIn Apkudo LinkedIn Apkudo Apkudo Podcast 

How are leading companies transforming quality management from a cost center into a strategic advantage?  Join Apkudo’s Allyson Mitchell (VP of Sustainability) as she welcomes Manoj Sabhnani, Chief Operating Officer at Apkudo. With over 25 years in the wireless industry, Manoj illuminates the critical role quality managers play in determining a device's fate between its first and second life. With experience spanning carriers, OEMs, and infrastructure development, he explains how quality management directly impacts customer satisfaction, return rates, and ultimately, profitability. Manoj emphasizes that while quality departments are often viewed as cost centers, their work translates to measurable ROI through reduced returns and logistics costs.   Discover how quality managers navigate complex challenges including disconnected data systems, manual processes, and cross-stakeholder collaboration. Manoj details how Apkudo's Device Intelligence platform has revolutionized quality management through real-time dashboards, predictive analytics, and seamless collaboration features that save quality managers up to 20% of their time. The conversation highlights the sustainability implications of quality improvements and how reducing "bounce rates" for refurbished devices delivers millions in savings while decreasing environmental impact. This episode offers valuable insights for professionals across the connected device ecosystem seeking to optimize operations and lead in sustainable device management.  In this episode:  (00:00) Introduction and Background: Manoj Sabhnani brings over 25 years of wireless industry experience to Apkudo, working across carriers, OEMs, and infrastructure to understand quality management challenges from multiple perspectives.  (05:03) Key Quality Processes and Challenges: Critical processes quality managers oversee including first article inspection, early warning processes, and device triage, while managing disconnected systems and manual data collection.  (10:15) Daily Operations and Collaboration: Manoj details a typical day for quality managers, highlighting their work with multiple stakeholders, data management responsibilities, and the need to take timely action on quality insights.  (15:35) Quality ROI and Business Impact: How quality teams demonstrate ROI through reduced returns, decreased logistics costs, and improved sustainability metrics, translating into millions in annual savings.  (24:01) Technology Solutions and Future Innovations: Apkudo’s Device Intelligence platform integrates disparate systems with real-time dashboards and cross-stakeholder collaboration, plus upcoming innovations in predictive analytics and sustainability metrics.  Send us your comments, ideas for future shows, and feedback. Subscribe to catch future episodes, and share this episode with someone who might be interested!   Resources:   Manoj Sabhnani LinkedIn Apkudo LinkedIn Apkudo Apkudo Podcast