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
decarbonization
Podcast
December 17, 2025
A Bold, New, Decarbonized Future: A Conversation with Steve Wilhite
Global supply chains are facing a dual transformation, an accelerating shift toward clean energy and a rapid evolution in AI-driven decision-making. As companies navigate rising expectations for sustainability, transparency, and resilience, leaders are rethinking how ecosystems come together to reduce emissions, digitize operations, and unlock new forms of value. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton sits down with Steve Wilhite, Executive Vice President of SE Advisory Services at Schneider Electric, live from the Innovation Summit North America 2025. Drawing on more than three decades of experience across energy management and sustainability strategy, Steve offers a rare inside look at how Schneider Electric is helping organizations tackle decarbonization at scale. Scott and Steve explore the leap forward enabled by AI-native platforms, the growing power of supply chain–wide renewable energy programs, and why collaborative intelligence, where humans and autonomous agents work together, will shape the next decade of transformation. They also highlight real-world examples from Levi Strauss & Co., Marks & Spencer, Walmart, and other global brands that are redefining how ecosystems mobilize around climate action. This episode is hosted by Scott Luton, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. Additional Links & Resources…
industrial metaverse
Podcast
March 27, 2024
Industrial Metaverse: Exploring Virtual Frontiers in Industry
As businesses strive to adapt to an increasingly digital world, the industrial metaverse is emerging as a powerful tool for achieving competitive advantage. From Caterpillar’s virtual reality lab to Microsoft’s integration of generative AI in supply chain management, organizations worldwide are embracing the industrial metaverse to drive innovation and enhance decision-making. In this new episode of Supply Chain Now, sponsored by Microsoft, join hosts Scott W. Luton and Kevin L. Jackson in an engaging exploration of the industrial metaverse and its profound impact on various industries. From revolutionizing product development to optimizing supply chain management, discover how businesses are leveraging this transformative technology to drive innovation and achieve extraordinary outcomes. Listen in and learn: Exactly what the industrial metaverse is, its benefits, and practical applications How the industrial metaverse strengthens teams by enabling seamless collaboration and empowering individuals to make faster, more confident decisions The importance of embracing new technologies and leveraging them to stay ahead in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape Valuable insights from Scott and Kevin, and their experiences and interactions with industry leaders navigating the complexities of the industrial metaverse. Tune into this informative episode as we demystify the industrial metaverse and learn how it’s reshaping industries…