The traditional textile industry has long been governed by “tribal knowledge,” which is a world of physical Rolodexes and unverified promises where finding a reliable factory was more about luck than logic. Ricky Ho, the founder of SourceReady, is leveraging his unique pedigree as a third-generation apparel manufacturer and ERP innovator to dismantle this archaic model. By replacing the “Yellow Pages” approach of search-based marketplaces with a “cognitive layer” built on customs data and AI-driven verification, Ho is enabling brands to navigate the complexities of modern trade with unprecedented speed and transparency. Here, Ho explains the importance of verified discovery and why the future of procurement lies in a partnership between the human strategist and the “overnight AI operator.” Sourcing Journal: You grew up in a family textile business and later built a successful ERP company.…