In this special episode of This Week in Business History, host Scott W. Luton shares the inspiring business journey of his beloved grandfather: Leroy “Dick” Winton Rutland. Throughout his life, Dick Rutland represented the ‘gold standard’ in terms of professional integrity and action-based, servant leadership. He was a dedicated employee at Winn-Dixie and Kimberly-Clark, providing an example that now lives on – at scale – through Supply Chain Now’s organizational values. Like most people, Dick Rutland was loyal to a few brands – the Solo Cup Company and Buick in particular – and his relationship with their products serve as emblematic reminders of his personal values. Among the key lessons we learn in this week’s episode are:
- Don’t let anything go to waste if you can avoid it, even if it means eating chitlins or handwashing a ‘disposable’ cup
- Strive for balance between work and family, making your own luck and opportunities as you can
- Let your actions speak for themselves, doing the right thing for its own sake, not the attention it may garner
More Podcast Episodes
consumer behavior
Podcast
November 14, 2025
The Buzz: Insights on Holiday Consumer Behavior
Is your supply chain ready for the holidays? Today, hosts Scott Luton and Karin Bursa break down the biggest challenges shaping global supply networks this season — from tariff uncertainty and inflationary pressures to shifting consumer expectations and the ongoing semiconductor shortage. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by OMP! Scott and Karin are joined by Chris Butler, CEO of National Tree Company, to explore how consumer behavior continues to evolve, including the accelerating move toward online shopping and the rising demand for fast, reliable delivery during peak holiday periods. Together, they discuss: The ripple effects of tariffs and inflation on pricing, availability, and inventory management How the semiconductor crisis is reshaping automotive supply chains worldwide The growing role of artificial intelligence in improving supply chain agility and decision-making Strategies for maintaining resilience and responsiveness in a volatile market Listen in as we unpack what’s driving today’s supply chain challenges — and how leaders can stay ahead of the curve this holiday season and beyond. This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Karin Bursa, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. Additional Links & Resources Check out all the great resources and information mentioned during the…
disruptions
Podcast
June 17, 2024
Unveiling Supply Chain Innovation: Deep Dive and Expert Perspectives
Innovation and disruption are constants in the supply chain game. In this episode, hosts Scott W. Luton and Kevin L. Jackson, alongside special guests Greg Buzek from IHL Group and Vignesh Balasubramanian from Microsoft, dive deep into the pivotal role of generative AI in revolutionizing supply chain management. Understand the significant inefficiencies in current transportation logistics, with over 50% of trucks less than half full, and how AI can turn this challenge into a substantial efficiency gain. Our experts share real-world applications from Microsoft, highlighting AI’s role in enhancing planning and forecasting capabilities, adapting to changing data, and optimizing logistics to cut costs and improve delivery times. Vignesh’s personal anecdotes from the COVID-19 pandemic illustrate the importance of preparedness and strategic adaptation in the face of geopolitical and weather-related disruptions. Looking toward the future, we discuss strategies like nearshoring, the lasting impact of supply chain disruptions on inflation and consumer experiences, and the critical importance of maintaining clean and ready data for AI optimization. Gain valuable insights, practical strategies, and a compelling call to action to embrace AI-driven innovations to stay competitive in today’s volatile market.