In this interview, Ben Hopkins discusses:

• A bit about his time in US Air Force in the backseat of an F-15E Strike Eagle
• His background in Fulfillment Centers and Distribution Centers (FC/DC)
• What motivated him to launch The Warehouse Underground Podcast and website
• The best thing about working in an FC/DC?
• Which type of people excel in an FC/DC?
• His favorite leadership book and quote

Ben Hopkins is a USAF Veteran who spent time as a Weapons Systems Officer in the back of an F-15E Strike Eagle. Currently, he is the Founder and host of The Warehouse Underground🦺Website & Podcast Series🎙️REAL talk for warehouse, distribution center, & fulfillment center professionals of all levels around the globe!

Ben is a battle tested proven leader and "results getter" in the world of warehouse/distribution and operations.

He has multi-site leadership experience nationwide simultaneously (CA, WI, PA, TN.) Two ERP and WMS implementations. Planned and designed 200,000 square foot green field distribution center to include use of 21st century automation with conveyor belt actuated sortation, multi-level pick modules, and VNA racking preparation.

Ben has grown, developed, and promoted countless warehouse and distribution mangers, floor leaders, and inventory control specialists.

Prefer to watch the video?

Check out the 37th episode of the "Real People Getting Real Results!" interview series featuring Ben Hopkins interviewed by Mack Story under the playlist titled "Real People Getting Real Results! on the Blue-Collar Leadership YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@BlueCollarLeadership

Be sure to subscribe while you're there, and tap the 🔔 to be notified of future video releases in this series.

#leadershiptips #leadershippodcast #leadershipmindset #success #warehousemanagement #warehouseoperations #leadership #bluecollarleadership #logistics

In today’s hyper-connected world, your social media presence isn’t just personal anymore; it’s often the first impression a hiring manager gets before they even open your resume.

What you post, like, or comment on can quietly signal your professionalism, judgment, and emotional maturity (or the lack thereof).

A single ill-timed rant, a subtle dig at your boss, or an old spring-break photo that never got untagged can instantly move your application from the “yes” pile to the trash without you ever knowing why.

The good news is that avoiding the most common pitfalls is straightforward once you know what recruiters are quietly screening for.

By keeping your online voice positive, authentic, and drama-free, you protect your reputation, you not only safeguard your current job search but also build a personal brand that makes opportunities come to you.

In this episode, I dive into the seven subtle (and not-so-subtle) social media habits that silently sabotage even the most qualified candidates, and exactly how to clean up your digital footprint before it costs you your next big role.

#socialmediatips #leadershippodcast #jobsearchtips

Mack Story unpacks the subtle yet powerful ways distrust creeps into relationships, both personal and professional, often without us realizing it.

By sharing practical strategies, Mack equips listeners to recognize and counteract distrust, fostering stronger, more resilient connections with their teams and loved ones.

Mack explains how seemingly minor actions—like forgetting to say thank you, ignoring a colleague, or taking someone’s efforts for granted—can create distrust faster than trust is built, as distrust taps directly into our emotions.

Drawing from personal anecdotes, like his appreciation for his wife Ria’s cooking, Mack illustrates how automatic or accidental distrust accumulates over time, especially with those closest to us. He emphasizes that without intentional trust-building efforts, relationships risk deteriorating into divorce, workplace conflicts, or stagnation, using real-world examples to highlight the stakes in blue-collar environments.

Mack challenges leaders to offset unintentional distrust by actively building trust through consistent, caring actions, such as acknowledging others’ contributions or showing genuine respect.

Mack contrasts the ease of reconnecting with old friends—where trust remains intact due to time apart—with the daily erosion that occurs in close relationships when trust isn’t nurtured.