Today we’d like to introduce you to Serkan Selcuk
Hi Serkan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Antalya, Turkey, a beautiful beach town known for its tourism. Like many students, I worked in the tourism industry to earn my first income. But while I was surrounded by hospitality and travel, I became fascinated by something else—the sheer volume of products moving behind the scenes to support everyday life. From the food served at hotels to the materials used in construction, everything had to be sourced, transported, and managed. That’s when I started thinking about the bigger picture—how these products impact not just businesses but also the environment.
Wanting to make a difference, I studied Environmental Engineering in Antalya. My goal was to find sustainable solutions for reducing the negative effects of consumer goods. Ironically, my career took me into industries that weren’t always known for sustainability—automotive, consumer goods, and fashion—but I saw firsthand how these businesses were evolving to be more efficient, waste less, and operate responsibly. Studying engineering gave me problem-solving skills, but I wanted to apply them in a way that made businesses both profitable and sustainable.
That’s what led me to pursue an MBA in Germany, where I discovered the power of supply chains. Every product we use has a value chain behind it—one that can be optimized for efficiency, cost, and sustainability. My first corporate role was in supply chain management at a German car manufacturer, where I learned the complexities of global logistics. This experience ignited my passion for the field, and I decided to take it further by earning a Master’s in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from the University of Sydney in Australia.
Australia was a turning point for me—not only did I gain deep expertise in supply chain strategy, but I also met my mentor and future business partner. I worked with him across Australia and New Zealand, gaining experience in large-scale operations, inventory planning, and logistics optimization. Eventually, an opportunity in the United States led me to Minneapolis, where I launched my own logistics and supply chain consulting practice.
Now, with over 12 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of working with global brands like Nike and Coca-Cola, as well as fast-growing startups and e-commerce businesses. The world of logistics has changed dramatically, especially with the rise of e-commerce and the increasing cost of transportation and fulfillment. My work today focuses on helping businesses optimize their supply chain, reduce costs, and improve efficiency, whether they’re looking to scale, select the right 3PL partners, or improve their procurement and logistics strategy.
Looking back, my journey has been shaped by curiosity—starting from a beach town in Turkey, through Europe and Australia, to now advising businesses in the U.S. Supply chain isn’t just about moving products—it’s about designing smarter, more sustainable, and more profitable business models. And that’s what I love helping my clients achieve.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? Definitely not—but that’s what made the journey so valuable.
Living, studying, and working in four different countries came with its fair share of challenges. In Germany, I had to learn German just to get through daily life, all while studying in English. In Australia, I juggled full-time studies with work, which was tough but pushed me to manage my time, adapt quickly, and handle pressure. Every challenge along the way felt like an uphill climb, but I saw them as opportunities to grow rather than roadblocks.
The same goes for my career in supply chain and logistics. It’s a vast field, and I didn’t just stick to one corner of it—I actively navigated through different roles to build a well-rounded skill set. That meant learning new tools, software, and techniques, often through trial and error. And let’s just say, some lessons were learned the hard way!
I’ll never forget one of my early mistakes as an inventory and distribution planner—I planned shipments that exceeded truck capacity, which put a serious strain on the warehouse team and drivers. That day, I saw firsthand how a mistake on paper can cause real struggles for the people on the ground. It was humbling and taught me a crucial lesson: supply chain isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people.
Over the years, I’ve worked alongside warehouse workers, truck drivers, forklift operators, airport and port staff, learning from their challenges and experiences. These moments shaped my perspective—logistics isn’t just about efficiency, it’s about teamwork. The best strategies don’t come from spreadsheets alone; they come from understanding how operations really work on the ground and respecting the people who keep things moving.
All of these experiences have made me a better leader and problem solver. I’ve learned to build and lead high-performing teams by focusing on collaboration, communication, and empathy. Challenges will always be there, but now I see them as stepping stones to becoming better at what I do—both as a supply chain professional and as a leader.
As you know, we’re big fans of Middlebank Consulting Group. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At the core, my business is all about helping companies get their products to their customers in the most efficient way possible. Whether it’s a manufacturer supplying their goods to retailers or an e-commerce brand shipping orders directly to shoppers, I make sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.
I started my consulting practice in 2022, inspired by my time with Middlebank Consulting Group, one of New Zealand’s longest-running logistics and supply chain consulting firms. With over 25 years of experience behind their legacy, I wanted to bring that same level of expertise to the U.S. market. Since then, I’ve been helping businesses optimize their supply chain, reduce logistics costs, and set up the right fulfillment and shipping strategies—especially as the demand for e-commerce continues to grow.
What I Do & Who I Help
Think of me as the problem solver for all things logistics. I work with brands of all sizes, from startups to fast-growing businesses, to help them:
* Find cost-saving opportunities in their logistics and fulfillment operations
* Choose the right partners for warehousing, shipping, and freight
* Negotiate better contracts with suppliers and logistics providers
* Structure their inventory and order fulfillment strategy to scale efficiently
* Take over full management of their logistics operations (4PL services) so they can focus on growing their business
For example, an emerging e-commerce brand may reach out because they’re growing fast but struggling to keep up with customer orders. I help them build a fulfillment strategy that scales, find the best logistics partners, and set up systems to track key performance metrics—so they don’t have to figure it out the hard way.
What Sets Me Apart
Unlike many consulting firms that offer one-size-fits-all solutions, I take a custom approach to every business. My process starts with an in-depth analysis of a company’s current operations, using AI-driven tools to analyze logistics data from their ERP, e-commerce platforms, and logistics providers. With over 12 years of expertise, it doesn’t take long for me to spot inefficiencies and unlock cost-saving opportunities.
I’m also proud that my business has grown almost entirely by referrals. Many companies come to me when their margins are getting eaten up by rising logistics costs—but the best time to set up the right strategy is before it gets to that point. My clients have saved huge amounts of money from what they were paying before working with me, and that success spreads fast.
At the end of the day, I love helping businesses scale efficiently, giving them the tools and strategies they need to operate smoothly while keeping their costs in check. If your business is growing and you’re unsure if your logistics setup can keep up, let’s talk—I’d love to help you get ahead of the challenges before they slow you down!
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Minneapolis has a unique charm that makes it such a great place to live and work. My favorite times of the year are spring and fall—the trees turn beautiful shades of red and gold, wildlife isn’t far from the city, and there’s just something about the crisp air that fills me with energy. I also love how friendly people are here. Seeing smiles on strangers’ faces and exchanging greetings while out and about isn’t something you get in every city, and it always makes my day.
Of course, the winters can be long and cold, but I’ve learned to adapt and embrace them (layers are key!). The only thing I’d say I like least is that Minneapolis is quite far from my home country, but that’s not really a big issue—I love to travel, and soon there will be direct flights to Turkey, which will make trips back to my (other) home even easier!
Pricing:
- Free consultation is available for anyone reaching out via email or phone
- info@middlebank.org
- 503-888-5458
Contact Info:
- Website: https://middlebank.org
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlebank-consulting-group/
