CPQ Podcast

Frank Sohn

The CPQ Podcast is your go-to source for all things Configure-Price-Quote (CPQ). Each episode features in-depth interviews with industry leaders, innovators, and practitioners who share real-world insights, strategies, and success stories. Whether you're in Sales Ops, RevOps, IT, or Product Management, this podcast helps you stay ahead in the evolving CPQ landscape — from CPQ tools and processes to digital selling, product configuration, pricing strategy, and Quote-to-Cash trends. Tune in to expand your CPQ knowledge, explore new solutions, and hear from the voices shaping the future of B2B sales automation.

  1. 3D AGO

    Aleran Software with Tarak Patel: Sustainable Innovation in Connected Commerce

    In this CPQ Podcast episode, host Frank Sohn speaks with Tarak Patel, Sr. Vice President of Product and Technology at Aleran Software, about how Aleran is bringing sustainable innovation to Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) and digital commerce. Aleran’s Connected Commerce platform is designed for mid-size manufacturers ($20M–$1B) and their channel partners. Built on headless, API-first, cloud-native architecture, the platform integrates with leading ERP systems(SAP, Epicor, Microsoft Dynamics, Infor, Acumatica and more) and CRM solutions (Salesforce, SugarCRM). It also offers native eCommerce, pre-built connectors, Avalara tax, payment gateways, and shipping integrations—helping companies move beyond spreadsheets and home-grown tools. Tarak explains how Aleran supports CTO and ETO products, with a feature- and rules-based configuration engine, plus AI-driven guided selling and automated product content generation. With low-code/no-code flexibility and an average 2-month implementation, manufacturers can achieve fast ROI. Beyond technology, Tarak shares insights on trust-based leadership, Aleran’s rapid growth, and how his philosophy of “sustainable innovation” drives both the company and his personal life—including golfing with his two teenage sons. 👉 Listen in to learn how Aleran is shaping the future of CPQ and B2B commerce. 🔗 Learn more about Aleran Software at https://www.aleran.com/  📬 Contact Tarak on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarak-patel-a6aa434/

    32 min
  2. SEP 21

    Resolto Configon: CAD-Driven CPQ for SMBs and Enterprises

    In this episode of the CPQ Podcast, host Frank Sohn sits down with Matthias Radner of Resolto, a Festo company, to discuss his journey from face-to-face mattress sales to enterprise CPQ software. Matthias shares how early lessons in customer interaction shaped his approach to selling Configure, Price, Quote solutions, and why patience is key in long sales cycles—like when a customer signed an offer he created four years earlier. Listeners will hear about Resolto’s Configon CPQ platform, designed for both SMB plug-and-play deployments (with average implementation times of just four weeks) and enterprise-level projects worth €400K–€500K. Matthias explains the importance of CAD integration via Cadenas, their unique use of Google Blockly-style rule building, and how Resolto works closely with parent company Festo to shape its roadmap, including upcoming AI-driven innovations. Beyond technology, Matthias opens up about his personal passions—from competing in international hip hop dance championships to playing tennis for relaxation today. The conversation also explores Resolto’s growing footprint across DACH, Italy, the Netherlands, the US, and Japan, and why industries like machine engineering and electrical devices are key focus areas. If you’re interested in visual product configurators, CAD-driven CPQ solutions, and strategies for simplifying complex product sales, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving world of CPQ. 🔗 Learn more about Resolto's Configon Solution  https://www.configon.com/en/  📬 Contact Matthias on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthias-radner/  Contact Matthias via email matthias.radner@resolto.com

    34 min
  3. AUG 3

    Composable, Headless, AI-Driven: What’s Next for CPQ at ServiceNow

    In this episode of the CPQ Podcast, we dive deep into one of the most talked-about moves in the CPQ space—ServiceNow’s acquisition of Logik.ai for a reported $500 million. I’m joined by Anandan “AJ” Jayaraman, VP of the Lead to Cash portfolio at ServiceNow, and Christopher Shutts, Co-Founder and CEO of Logik.ai, for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes conversation. Together, we explore what this acquisition means for the future of CPQ (Configure, Price, Quote), CRM, and Revenue Operations. Discover why Logik.ai’s composable, headless architecture, world-class configuration engine, and Amazon-like user experience caught ServiceNow’s attention. Learn how the combined power of AI-driven quoting, Salesforce and Shopify integrations, and a unified ServiceNow platform is setting a new standard for modern CPQ. Chris shares how the acquisition talks began around Christmas 2024 and what it was like working with ServiceNow’s leadership—including inspiration from CEO Bill McDermott’s Winner’s Dream. AJ reflects on his global journey across India, Israel, and the U.S., and explains how CPQ is at the heart of modern enterprise selling. Whether you’re in sales ops, revenue management, CRM architecture, or enterprise technology, this episode delivers key insights on: Why CPQ is core to digital selling How AI is transforming CPQ for sales reps and admins alike What this means for Salesforce, Shopify, and standalone customers Subscribe now and stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving CPQ and Revenue Tech landscape. 🔗 Learn more about ServiceNow and Logik at https://www.logik.io/ 📬 Contact Chris on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-shutts-0622237/ or email christopher.shutts@servicenow.com  📬 Contact AJ email anandan.jayaraman@servicenow.com

    43 min
  4. JUL 27

    Transforming CPQ with Constraint Logic & Revenue Cloud Advanced – Don Khamapirad, CEO of Veloce

    In this episode of the CPQ Podcast, we welcome Don Khamapirad, CEO of Veloce Apps, to explore how modern CPQ solutions are evolving for complex industries like manufacturing, life sciences, business services, and fintech. Don shares his journey from Oracle and Apttus/Conga to leading multiple startups through growth stages—and now driving Veloce’s transformation from a software provider to a full-service Salesforce Revenue Cloud implementation partner. You’ll hear insights on: Why constraint-based configuration is key to solving large-scale quoting challenges How Salesforce Revenue Cloud Advanced supports multi-layer configurations and up to 100,000 quote lines Where AI fits into the CPQ process, especially in speeding up quote creation and improving customer response times How Veloce delivers CPQ success with 5–18 month projects, deep Salesforce alignment, and a focus on high user adoption The five major use cases Veloce solves, including SAP upgrades and complex pricing transformations Don also shares a personal side—his love for archery with his daughter and his excitement about building industry connections at Dreamforce this October. If you're navigating the shift to Salesforce Revenue Cloud Advanced, or tackling complex quoting problems, this episode is packed with practical takeaways. 🔗 Learn more about Veloce at https://veloceapps.com/  📬 Contact Don on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/donkhamapirad/

    32 min
  5. JUL 13

    🎙 From Blueprint to Breakthrough – Bill Barlas on CPQ, HubSpot & Xait CPQ

    In this episode, we sit down with Bill Barlas, Co-Founder and Solution Architect at Quick2Bid, a fast-growing system integrator specializing in CPQ solutions for mid-market manufacturers and enterprise service providers. With over 10 years of CPQ experience, Bill shares his unique journey—from working on his first CPQ project at a plumbing company using Blueprint CPQ (now Xait CPQ) to building a consulting firm that tailors every solution from the ground up. We dive into: How Quick2Bid balances Xait CPQ, HubSpot CRM, and PandaDoc to deliver high-impact quoting solutions Why demand for product configuration on HubSpot is surging—and how they're meeting it The top 3 business drivers for CPQ buyers today: quote velocity, quote accuracy, and faster onboarding The shift away from Salesforce CPQ—and what customers are looking for instead Where AI fits into CPQ workflows (and where it doesn’t) How Quick2Bid delivers projects—time & materials for CPQ, fixed price for HubSpot Plus, we get personal: Bill opens up about his martial arts practice, homeschooling his three kids, and how his mother and Kevin Geraghty (Blueprint CPQ co-founder) helped shape his career. If you're selecting a CPQ solution or want to understand the evolving CPQ landscape—from 2D visual quoting to AI-driven insights—this episode is packed with real-world insights and practical takeaways. 🔗 Connect with Bill: LinkedIn: William Barlas Email: bbarlas@quick2bid.com 📍 Meet him at HubSpot INBOUND in San Francisco

    32 min
  6. JUL 6

    CPQ for the AI-Native Era – Chargebee’s Take with Nikhil Muralitharan

    In this episode of the CPQ Podcast, we’re joined by Nikhil Muralitharan, Senior Director of Product Marketing at Chargebee, to explore how modern CPQ solutions are evolving for software and digital service businesses. Nikhil shares his unique journey from software engineering to product marketing leadership—and how his career path mirrors his personal theme of "connecting the dots." We dive deep into Chargebee’s API-first, modular CPQ platform, built to support hybrid sales motions like PLG and sales-assisted selling—without maintaining separate catalogs or tech stacks. With customers ranging from $3M to $150M in revenue across the UK, Europe, ANZ, and North America, Chargebee offers out-of-the-box integrations with Salesforce, HubSpot, NetSuite, Sage Intacct, and over 60 other systems. Nikhil also discusses: Their AI-generated quote summaries and vision for CPQ in an AI-native world Why sales and finance teams should operate from a shared data foundation Chargebee’s approach to billing-first CPQ architecture, SOC 1/SOC 2 and ISO 27001 compliance A new guided selling experience launching later this year Their 6-stage implementation methodology and fast go-live timelines If you're looking for a CPQ solution designed for digital growth, flexible pricing models, and enterprise-grade compliance—this episode is a must-listen. 🔗 Learn more about Chargebee CPQ at https://www.chargebee.com/cpq 📬 Contact Nikhil on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikhilmuralitharan/  or via email nikhil@chargebee.com  Micro-demos of Chargebee CPQ: [Ungated] https://www.chargebee.com/cpq/demo/

    32 min
4.9
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

The CPQ Podcast is your go-to source for all things Configure-Price-Quote (CPQ). Each episode features in-depth interviews with industry leaders, innovators, and practitioners who share real-world insights, strategies, and success stories. Whether you're in Sales Ops, RevOps, IT, or Product Management, this podcast helps you stay ahead in the evolving CPQ landscape — from CPQ tools and processes to digital selling, product configuration, pricing strategy, and Quote-to-Cash trends. Tune in to expand your CPQ knowledge, explore new solutions, and hear from the voices shaping the future of B2B sales automation.