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PODCAST EPISODE: The Advantage of Being Small, Mighty, and Fast within HP
Supply Chain Now
Episode 844

This episode was recorded at the 18th annual Reverse Logistics Association Conference and Expo in Las Vegas, the center returns management, reverse logistics, and more.

Host Scott Luton was joined by Julie Ryan, Senior Manager of North America Returns and Remarketing with HP, and Reid Ginzel, Remarketing Program Manager at HP.

Their team handles forecasting, planning, and determining a strategy for the returns that are likely to come back. They also work with HP’s customers on return requests, approvals, and remarketing and selling products again with HP’s warranty.

In this conversation, Julie and Reid talk about:

  • How the HP remarketing team turned the pandemic into an opportunity to increase awareness of their brand internally
  • The strategy that goes into determining which channel refurbished goods should be placed in
  • Tracking shifts in demand and return patterns

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The Advantage of Being Small, Mighty, and Fast within HP

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Intro/Outro (00:03):

Welcome to supply chain. Now the voice of global supply chain supply chain now focuses on the best in the business for our worldwide audience, the people, the technologies, the best practices, and today’s critical issues. The challenges and entities Stay tuned to hear from those making global business happen right here on supply chain now.

Scott Luton (00:31):

Hey, good morning by Scott Luton with supply chain. Now, welcome back to the show here today. We are broadcasting from the 18th annual reversal logistics association conference. Next, the center of the universe for all things, returns management and reverse logistics. At least this week right here in Vegas, I’m joined by a couple of fantastic featured guests. One repeat guest. We got Julie Ryan, senior manager, uh, north America returns and remarketing with HP, Julie, how you doing? Hi.

Julie Ryan (00:58):

Good. Glad to be back.

Scott Luton (00:59):

It is great to see you. I’ll tell you the world changed in the last couple years.

Julie Ryan (01:02):

A little bit,

Scott Luton (01:04):

Looking forward to revisit with you. And you brought a friend. Yes. Reid Ginzel remarketing program manager also with HP. Yes,

Reid Ginzel (01:12):

Absolutely. Great. First time here, RLA and glad to be here.

Scott Luton (01:15):

Fantastic. Welcome. Welcome. You’re amongst friends. That’s right. Great to have. We love a repeat guest. So, um, before we get down to, uh, we’ve been calling it super the day, right? Returns management, reversal logistics, as the big themes before we get there, let’s rekindle our knowledge of one Julie Ryan and our new friend re Gisel. So Julie, tell us where you grew up. Give us some context there.

Julie Ryan (01:38):

Well, I have a little bit of color here. Yeah, because, um, I was the product of a corporate America dad. Okay. So born at outside of Chicago, lived in Detroit, outside of Detroit, Iowa Fargo, North Dakota, really Fargo and landed in Texas, my senior year in high school. So I think my claim to fame is I went to three high schools in three states. Right.

Scott Luton (02:04):

So how so? Uh, so many questions, a little time of all those cities you mentioned as great cities. Yes. What was, uh, what was your most endearing one?

Julie Ryan (02:12):

Chicago. And we still try and get back every couple of years and it’s, uh, really the, the city like shore drive, but the Chicago deep dish pizza

Scott Luton (02:23):

I’m with you. I’m I

Julie Ryan (02:24):

Love fan.

Scott Luton (02:25):

I love Chicago. We’ve been a couple times in the early fall before it gets really cold. And you can sit outside and eat. Yes. At farmer festival. All this stuff. Yes. The pizza you name it. It’s such a great, great city.

Julie Ryan (02:35):

Love the city. Wouldn’t wanna go today though. No, it’s cold. I bet. I bet.

Scott Luton (02:40):

Re how about you? I think yours, it’s a little easier, more history. Is

Reid Ginzel (02:44):

That right? It’s not quite as exciting as Julie, so to speak, but I was actually born and raised, landed in Texas day one for Reed. Okay. And, uh, grew up in Cypress, Texas. It’s a Northwest suburb of Houston lived there my entire life. It’s grown massively and I’ve gotten to see that expansion. And we actually like it so much that I got married. We rooted ourselves in Cyprus and we have two kids that are hopefully going to continue to grow up in Cyprus,

Scott Luton (03:09):

Further laying down your roots. How old are your children?

Reid Ginzel (03:12):

We have a three year old and a one year old, a three year old girl and a one year old boy,

Scott Luton (03:15):

Man. Those are exciting ages.

Reid Ginzel (03:17):

We’re in the thick of it right now.

Scott Luton (03:19):

Awesome. Uh, one quick follow up question. So Cypress, uh, you lots of growth right outside of Houston. What’s one thing that Cypress is known for beyond having, uh, the, the Genzel kids running around.

Reid Ginzel (03:32):

So little known fact is it’s actually the third largest school district in Texas, right behind Houston ID. And Dallas is it’s it’s, it’s very big school district. So

Scott Luton (03:42):

You weren’t kidding when it comes to growth?

Reid Ginzel (03:43):

No, not at all. That’s pro over 10 high schools. It’s probably closer to 12 or 13 high schools in SIFA school district. All

Scott Luton (03:50):

Right. Well, um, one other thing, little tidbit we picked up on you re uh, from our dear friend, the one only Tevin E Taylor is that you’re also a fellow Texas, a and M fan and maybe alum

Reid Ginzel (04:01):

Too. That’s correct. Graduated from Texas a and M a fourth generation Aggie. So I almost didn’t have a choice. It shows me

Scott Luton (04:09):

Fourth generation Aggie. Um, so as we’re getting around to my next question, favorite sports team Aggie’s clearly is number one, is that that’s

Reid Ginzel (04:16):

Correct. And to be specific, probably the Johnny Manzel era. I mean, I was a student during that time and there wasn’t anything more exciting than going and watching Johnny, especially as he was progressing through the season and see right. How special that was.

Scott Luton (04:28):

He was a giant killer wasn’t he? He was So well, there’s gonna be some big days coming up from what we tell that Tevin was making some, uh, broad predictions yesterday with us. They signed, I think number one class for college football. That’s you’re doing some big things. So we’ll see how that plays out. Maybe that will factor into your big, bold prediction we’re gonna get from you later in the show.

Reid Ginzel (04:49):

That’s a good call. Okay.

Scott Luton (04:50):

All

Julie Ryan (04:50):

Right. Good.

Scott Luton (04:51):

All right. So Julie, bring you back in, as we were, as we kind of wrap up this little, getting to know your section on the front end, your favorite sports team.

Julie Ryan (04:58):

So, um, I follow of sports. I enjoy sports because I had a brother and a dad who did, and I have a, what I call a sports addict, husband love sports. So I’m probably loyal to the rockets and they’re NBA champion. Yeah. He’s the rockets

Scott Luton (05:18):

Math. I think they won back to back. They did nineties. Right’s right.

Julie Ryan (05:23):

Yep. And, uh, my husband actually went to one of those games really. And then of course our Astros

Scott Luton (05:29):

Astros yeah. Series Talented, talented Astros team. Okay. Well, let’s get down to business. Uh, we’ve talked kind of home towns or home regions, Navy Julie, with yours. We’ve talked sports teams. Let’s talk about the year that keeps on. Right. We’ve learned so much as a business, as humanity. You name it beyond in 2021. It gave us Eureka moments by the truckload. Oftentimes. So, uh, back with you, uh, Reid, give me one Eureka moment that 2021 gave you,

Reid Ginzel (05:57):

I would say, increasing our brand with, inside of HP. Okay. Finding new ways to connect. Not everybody knows what our team does in returns management and revers logistics. So getting our reach out there, and that almost happened naturally with COVID because there was so much of a need for product. Right. And where do they need to turn to find it? Our team right here within HP,

Scott Luton (06:17):

Right. Everybody, uh, needed more and more equipment home offices. They, they grew, we talking about growth and, and sprawling home offices. I bet y’all are keeping up with hot demand. Huh?

Reid Ginzel (06:27):

Absolutely.

Scott Luton (06:29):

Um, alright. So how about you, Julie? When we think of U moments

Julie Ryan (06:32):

Kind of picking up of what Reed said, but with the forward team, they had short supplies. So they had some inventory just recently was the best example of that was sitting in with windows 10. Yeah. Well, Microsoft released windows 11, so they needed to rework ’em. They learned of our capabilities of our partners. So we brought them in re re, worked them, loaded them with when, um, 11 and got ’em out for a shopping network that we are all familiar with before their launch. Right. So that was a really great insight to be able to partner with them

Scott Luton (07:12):

And give the people what they want is when I’m here. Right.

Julie Ryan (07:15):

And when they want it and we have the supply and the

Scott Luton (07:18):

Yes. Uh, and, and now folks are more aware per your, what you were shared earlier. Read. They’re more aware of what HP can do in that brand brand awareness. Um, let’s talk about what you do more specifically at HP. So Julie, let’s start with you. What, in your role, uh, as senior manager, north America returns and remarketing, where do you spend your time?

Julie Ryan (07:36):

So I lead the end-to-end team, Canada and us that we begin with the forecasting and the planning, the strategy of what the returns are gonna come back. We work with our customers on their return requests, approvals in the middle, the operations includes crediting remanufacturing, and then the tail end of remarketing and selling it back with the HP warranty. Man,

Scott Luton (08:00):

That’s like three full plates. Julie,

Julie Ryan (08:02):

It’s a good end to end team because we’re, we’re small, but mighty and can work fast. Yeah. And we’re really like a business within a big business, so it’s nice,

Scott Luton (08:13):

Good, old planning and forecasting. We love, we love that when it comes to supply

Julie Ryan (08:17):

Chain. Right. And that has been quite a challenge and an interest with this whole pandemic.

Scott Luton (08:22):

I bet. So that we could probably produce a whole series. Oh, totally. On that. Let’s go round. Yeah. Um, alright. So re what about you in your role?

Reid Ginzel (08:28):

So on the tail end of what Julie’s describing, there would be the re remarketing strategy. So once we have figured out Julie’s team done the planning, the forecasting, the operational piece, the refurbishment, once we have items that have come back to us, we have to figure out where in the channel, if we want to put it in the channel, what do we want to do with that product? So we have a team under Julie that manages that entire strategy, and we execute on that strategy of, do we wanna put it here in the channel? Do we have other alternatives that we can utilize for that product? So that’s what we, we’re always trying to look for increasing HP market share by what we do with the return side of the business.

Scott Luton (09:03):

I gotcha. Sounds like you’re, uh, executing smart business where you know, where the demand is, is one of things y’all look at, right. And

Reid Ginzel (09:08):

That’s exactly what we have to look at is where’s the demand, where’s the best place for us to put that product.

Scott Luton (09:13):

And it, it changes do y’all do, y’all find it changes regularly. Is there, is there, uh, a couple of hallmark things you can lean on and then the rest speak to the change in channels? Well,

Reid Ginzel (09:22):

There’s never a cookie cutter approach, so you always have to adapt and we touch everything. That’s something that’s unique about our organization is that some of the business units, they only focus on monitors. They might focus on desktops. We have to be, be prepared to touch every single piece of it.

Scott Luton (09:36):

Wow. Okay. Uh, so you don’t get any sleep at night. It sounds like me. I mean, I can only,

Reid Ginzel (09:42):

For me, that’s due to kids, not so much.

Julie Ryan (09:45):

All

Scott Luton (09:45):

Right. So let’s, we’ve talked about your roles. Let’s kind of broaden things out when it comes to reverse logistics, returns management, you know, while we’re here this week in our universe for that space is right here in Vegas at early conference expo. What’s one thing or two things that you’re focused on in that space right now, Julie.

Julie Ryan (10:05):

Well, one of the big things is hybrid workers, right? Not only are we HP employees working from home, but the world is all of us. Yeah. The world is, so what pro are, can we target from a development and a design, but in particular for us, it has shifted who we’re selling to and the demand for that. So making sure we’re on top of supplying and pricing and putting intentionally putting notebooks, docking stations, the monitors, the product that our customers need in their homes to equip their employees,

Scott Luton (10:41):

Man. So we, we sat here, I wanna say February 20, was it 20, 20? Right. Last time we were actually on another side of, uh, exhibition hall and little, did we know just a few weeks later, two weeks later? Yeah. A few weeks later, because really X, which followed this conference just by a few weeks, as I recall, and two years everything’s changed. Right. But that was our last in-person event for prob for probably 18 months. Wow. You know, and kind of some of the changes y’all are speaking to yep. The changes that your teams and HPS had to react to, and then put a plan together to meet people and consumers where they want to be.

Julie Ryan (11:18):

Yeah. And our, in our corporate customers, right? Yeah. That’s been the big demand. They they’ve gotta have product for their employees to work.

Scott Luton (11:26):

That’s right. Employee experience. Okay. Read. How about you, when you, when your survey again, reverse logistics, it’s returns management, uh, I’m not gonna throw you all in there. I’m a big nerd for this kind of stuff. So you y’all might conjoin me in my fandom, but one or two of the things that you’re tracking.

Reid Ginzel (11:42):

Well, kinda like you’re talking about fandom. We are seeing the resurgence of PC gaming in the industry, and I have a passion for that. So I can relate to that. And what we saw early on was there was PC gaming was very prominent in the early phases of gaming now, or later on, it got into console gaming. Right. And we had the Xbox, all those different brands. And then now we’re seeing everything is shifting back to the PC gaming. And we’ve seen very rapidly the amount of PC console or PC that have gone out PC gaming that have on out. And as we can see on the macro side of, of the trend, where as those shipments on the Ford side increase, we’re going to naturally get more returns back. Right. And so understanding that market being able to tap into the right places within that market is something that we’re highly interested in following. And as a avid gamer, uh, it, it have passion

Scott Luton (12:31):

For it. Right. Okay. I got, gotta follow up with a question there, right? Yeah. I grew up with a Sega Genesis, uh, and then a PlayStation and, and now my son is, uh, a Nintendo switch. Thank you very much. That’s his, that’s his, that’s his passion and he’s discovered Fortnite. And to hear him strategize with his friends, his Fortnite game, it is, is awesome. But it it’s, it’s blown up to your

Reid Ginzel (12:55):

Point and what’s great about the gaming is it’s a, like you mentioned, you can connect with your friends virtually, which is something that happened a lot during COVID. You couldn’t always get out and play with your friends outside. So what did you do? You connected with them virtually? Yes. And gaming allows people to do that. And it’s not something that everybody understands. They think you need to connect via social media gaming is another great outlet for that.

Scott Luton (13:14):

Okay. One more follow up question to this. Your, your favorite game read

Reid Ginzel (13:19):

Probably probably call the duty war zone. Okay. The good battle. Royal I’ll call a duty franchise. It’s great. So that would be my answer for that, but there’s a lot of games that I like to participate in.

Scott Luton (13:28):

Awesome. Awesome. We’ll see about your, your kids. They may follow right in your footsteps who knows. Might have competitions and tournaments in the Genzel. I could household. Okay. We’ve run the gamut here, but anything else based on both of y’all shared anything else before we get into a bold fearless prediction. Okay. All right. So re um, break out your mighty mighty crystal ball and give us a big bold prediction for 2022. So, as

Reid Ginzel (13:53):

We talked about in the Eureka moment, one of the things that we have to do within HP is get brand recognition within HP. What we do, and we’re seeing as we have supply constraints, as well as the whole entire shift in products with HP is now not so much as a device, but as a service. And as we’re seeing that HP’s rolling out more service based programs have to in returns, be able to adapt to that as well. And I think we’ve had a lot of opportunities to be able to, to collaborate with different business units and take returns and be able to remanufacture them with those same service requirements that they have on the new side, which then also allows the new side to tap into our products. Cuz it’s the same offering.

Scott Luton (14:34):

Hmm. Love that, that. So we’re gonna see a lot more of it. Right,

Reid Ginzel (14:37):

Exactly. Right. So you’re gonna see, as we’ve seen throughout, COVID more reliance on our team. You’re gonna see, I think a big increase in that within the next year.

Scott Luton (14:46):

I love that. Ask you a quick follow up question. Yeah. Clearly HP has invested in the talent and the operations to be able to handle and process returns and get ’em back out in the marketplace. We need more companies to kind of follow HP’s lead. There would, I mean, easy softball question, but would you agree?

Julie Ryan (15:03):

Oh totally. Yeah. I, and I think more and more companies and industries are recognizing the importance to invest in a reverse team because of the margin and the, the loss and the opportunity with sustainability. Yes. Circularity, whatever the word you wanna use within your company. It’s really, really important.

Scott Luton (15:28):

Agree. And consumers demand it more and more. Yeah. Right. Okay. Wait, it’s been so cool to check back in with you after a couple years, re nice to meet you. I mean that, uh, sounds like HP got another great team member and uh, the PR sous, Texas, let’s make sure folks can connect with both of you all though. So Julie, you first, how can they connect

Julie Ryan (15:47):

With you? So best way to connect is LinkedIn. Okay.

Scott Luton (15:50):

All it’s easy

Julie Ryan (15:51):

To lead out Ryan.

Scott Luton (15:52):

Yeah. Yeah. I’m so jealous of Microsoft. I’m so

Julie Ryan (15:54):

Pretty jealous.

Scott Luton (15:55):

All right. How about you re

Reid Ginzel (15:56):

Same thing with me? You can find me on LinkedIn Reed Goel. There’s probably not too many of them out there, but if there are look for the guy with red hair

Scott Luton (16:03):

Awesome. And the a and M alum

Reid Ginzel (16:05):

  1. Exactly right. Awesome.

Scott Luton (16:07):

Okay. Well big, thanks to Reed Goel remarketing program manager and Julie Ryan senior manager for north America returns and remarketing. Both with HP. Great conversation. We’ll we’ll do, let’s do it again. Let’s let’s not wait two years next time.

Julie Ryan (16:21):

I, I like that. Awesome. I like that. Awesome.

Scott Luton (16:23):

Y’all enjoy the rest of, for having us us. Hey listeners. Hopefully you enjoy the conversations as much as I have. Make sure you connect with Reed and Julie on LinkedIn and elsewhere. We’ll have the links, the show notes of the episode page. I hopefully enjoy the conversation. Hey, make sure you find supply chain now wherever you get your podcast from most importantly, Hey Scott Luton, challenging to do good to give forward. Be the change that’s needed on that note. Next time. Right back here at supply chain now. Thanks everybody.

Intro/Outro (16:49):

Thanks for being a part of our supply chain. Now check out all of our programming@supplychainnow.com and make sure you subscribe to supply chain. Now anywhere you listen to podcasts and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. See you next time on supply chain. Now.

Kristi Porter

Host, Logistics with Purpose

Kristi Porter is VP of Sales and Marketing at Vector Global Logistics, a company that is changing the world through supply chain. In her role, she oversees all marketing efforts and supports the sales team in doing what they do best. In addition to this role, she is the Chief Do-Gooder at Signify, which assists nonprofits and social impact companies through copywriting and marketing strategy consulting. She has almost 20 years of professional experience, and loves every opportunity to help people do more good.

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Tevon Taylor

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Tevon Taylor is a dynamic leader at Pegasus Logistics, where he has made significant contributions to the company’s growth and innovation in the logistics industry. With a background in supply chain management and operations, Tevon combines strategic thinking with hands-on experience to streamline processes and enhance efficiency.  Since joining Pegasus Logistics, Tevon has been instrumental in implementing cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices, driving the company toward a more eco-friendly approach. His leadership style fosters collaboration and empowers teams to excel, making him a respected figure among colleagues and industry peers.  Outside of work, Tevon is passionate about mentorship and actively engages in community initiatives, sharing his expertise to inspire the next generation of logistics professionals. His commitment to excellence and continuous improvement has positioned him as a key player in shaping the future of logistics at Pegasus.

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Vin Vashishta is the author of ‘From Data To Profit’ (Wiley 2023). It’s the playbook for monetizing data and AI. Vin is the Founder of V-Squared and built the business from client 1 to one of the world’s oldest data and AI consulting firms. His background combines nearly 30 years in strategy, leadership, software engineering, and applied machine learning.

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Karin Bursa

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Karin Bursa is the 2020 Supply Chain Pro to Know of the Year and the Host of the TEKTOK Digital Supply Chain Podcast powered by Supply Chain Now. With more than 25 years of supply chain and technology expertise (and the scars to prove it), Karin has the heart of a teacher and has helped nearly 1,000 customers transform their businesses and share their success stories. Today, she helps B2B technology companies introduce new products, capture customer success and grow global revenue, market share and profitability. In addition to her recognition as the 2020 Supply Chain Pro to Know of the Year, Karin has also been recognized as a 2019 and 2018 Supply Chain Pro to Know, 2009 Technology Marketing Executive of the Year and a 2008 Women in Technology Finalist. 

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Sofia Rivas

Host, Supply Chain Now en Espanol

Sofia self-identifies as Supply Chain Ambassador, her mission is to advocate for the field and inspire young generations from diverse backgrounds and cultures to join the industry so that thought diversity is increased and change accelerated. Recognized as Linkedin Top Voice and Linkedin Community Top Voice in Supply Chain Management, as well as Emerging Leader in Supply Chain by CSCMP 2024, Top Women in Supply Chain by Supply & Demand Executive 2023, and Coup de Coeur Global Women Leaders in Supply Chain by B2G Consulting in 2021. 

Public speaker at multiple international events from keynotes and panels, to webinars and guest lectures for bachelor's and master's degrees, discussing topics such as sustainability, women in the industry, technology and innovation. Writer at different online magazines on logistics, supply chain and technology. Podcast host and guest on different recognized programs in the industry. Sofia has more than 5 years of experience from academic research and field studies to warehouse operations, demand planning and network design. She has worked in manufacturing, airport operations, e-commerce retail, and technology hardware across Latin America, North America and Europe. 

Currently working as Supply Chain Network Design and Optimization Manager at HP within their Global Supply Chain and Logistics team. 

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Marcia Williams

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Marcia Williams, Managing Partner of USM Supply Chain, has 18 years of experience in Supply Chain, with expertise in optimizing Supply Chain-Finance Planning (S&OP/ IBP) at Large Fast-Growing CPGs for greater profitability and improved cash flows. Marcia has helped mid-sized and large companies including Lindt Chocolates, Hershey, and Coty. She holds an MBA from Michigan State University and a degree in Accounting from Universidad de la Republica, Uruguay (South America). Marcia is also a Forbes Council Contributor based out of New York, and author of the book series Supply Chains with Maria in storytelling style. A recent speaker’s engagement is Marcia TEDx Talk: TEDxMSU - How Supply Chain Impacts You: A Transformational Journey.

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Jake Barr

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An acknowledged industry leader, Jake Barr now serves as CEO for BlueWorld Supply Chain Consulting, providing support to a cross section of Fortune 500 companies such as Cargill, Caterpillar, Colgate, Dow/Dupont, Firmenich, 3M, Merck, Bayer/Monsanto, Newell Brands, Kimberly Clark, Nestle, PepsiCo, Pfizer, Sanofi, Estee Lauder and Coty among others. He's also devoted time to engagements in public health sector work with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. At P&G, he managed the breakthrough delivery of an E2E (End to End) Planning Transformation effort, creating control towers which now manage the daily business globally. He is recognized as the architect for P&G’s demand driven supply chain strategy – referenced as a “Consumer Driven Supply Chain” transformation. Jake began his career with P&G in Finance in Risk Analysis and then moved into Operations. He has experience in building supply network capability globally through leadership assignments in Asia, Latin America, North America and the Middle East. He currently serves as a Research Associate for MIT; a member of Supply Chain Industry Advisory Council; Member of Gartner’s Supply Chain Think Tank; Consumer Goods “League of Leaders“; and a recipient of the 2015 - 2021 Supply Chain “Pro’s to Know” Award. He has been recognized as a University of Kentucky Fellow.

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Marketing Coordinator

Laura Lopez serves as our Supply Chain Now Marketing Coordinator. She graduated from Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Occidente in Mexico with a degree in marketing. Laura loves everything digital because she sees the potential it holds for companies in the marketing industry. Her passion for creativity and thinking outside the box led her to pursue a career in marketing. With experience in fields like accounting, digital marketing, and restaurants, she clearly enjoys taking on challenges. Laura lives the best of both worlds - you'll either catch her hanging out with her friends soaking up the sun in Mexico or flying out to visit her family in California!

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Marty Parker

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Marty Parker serves as both the CEO & Founder of Adæpt Advising and an award-winning Senior Lecturer (Teaching Professor) in Supply Chain and Operations Management at the University of Georgia. He has 30 years of experience as a COO, CMO, CSO (Chief Strategy Officer), VP of Operations, VP of Marketing and Process Engineer. He founded and leads UGA’s Supply Chain Advisory Board, serves as the Academic Director of UGA’s Leaders Academy, and serves on multiple company advisory boards including the Trucking Profitability Strategies Conference, Zion Solutions Group and Carlton Creative Company.

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Tandreia Bellamy

Host

Tandreia Bellamy retired as the Vice President of Industrial Engineering for UPS Supply Chain Solutions which included the Global Logistics, Global Freight Forwarding and UPS Freight business units. She was responsible for operations strategy and planning, asset management, forecasting, and technology tool development to optimize sustainable efficiency while driving world class service.

Tandreia held similar positions at the business unit level for Global Logistics and Global Freight forwarding. As the leader of the Global Logistics engineering function, she directed all industrial engineering activies related to distribution, service parts logistics (post-sales support), and mail innovations (low cost, light weight shipping partnership with the USPS). Between these roles Tandreia helped to establish the Advanced Technology Group which was formed to research and develop cutting edge solutions focused on reducing reliance on manual labor.

Tandreia began her career in 1986 as a part-time hourly manual package handling employee. She spent the great majority of her career in the small package business unit which is responsible for the pick-up, sort, transport and delivery of packages domestically. She held various positions in Industrial Engineering, Marketing, Inside and On-road operations in Central Florida before transferring to Atlanta for a position in Corporate Product Development and Corporate Industrial Engineering. Tandreia later held IE leadership roles in Nebraska, Minnesota and Chicago. In her final role in small package she was an IE VP responsible for all aspects of IE, technology support and quality for the 25 states on the western half of the country.
Tandreia is currently a Director for the University of Central Florida (UCF) Foundation Board and also serves on their Dean’s Advisory Board for the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Previously Tandreia served on the Executive Advisory Board for Virginia Tech’s IE Department and the Association for Supply Chain Management. She served on the Board of Trustees for ChildServ (a Chicago child and family services non-profit) and also served on the Texas A&M and Tuskegee Engineering Advisory Boards. In 2006 she was named Business Advisor of the Year by INROADS, in 2009 she was recognized as a Technology All-Star at the Women of Color in STEM conference and in 2019 she honored as a UCF Distinguished Aluma by the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Systems.

Tandreia holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Stanford University and a master’s degree in Industrial Engineering and Management Systems from UCF. Her greatest accomplishment, however, is being the proud mother of two college students, Ruby (24) and Anthony (22).

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Billy Taylor

Host

Billy Taylor is a Proven Business Excellence Practitioner and Leadership Guru with over 25 years leading operations for a Fortune 500 company, Goodyear. He is also the CEO of LinkedXL (Excellence), a Business Operating Systems Architecting Firm dedicated to implementing sustainable operating systems that drive sustainable results. Taylor’s achievements in the industry have made him a Next Generational Lean pacesetter with significant contributions.

An American business executive, Taylor has made a name for himself as an innovative and energetic industry professional with an indispensable passion for his craft of operational excellence. His journey started many years ago and has worked with renowned corporations such as The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (GT) leading multi-site operations. With over 3 decades of service leading North America operations, he is experienced in a deeply rooted process driven approach in customer service, process integrity for sustainability.

A disciple of continuous improvement, Taylor’s love for people inspires commitment to helping others achieve their full potential. He is a dynamic speaker and hosts "The Winning Link," a popular podcast centered on business and leadership excellence with the #1 rated Supply Chain Now Network. As a leadership guru, Taylor has earned several invitations to universities, international conferences, global publications, and the U.S. Army to demonstrate how to achieve and sustain effective results through cultural acceptance and employee ownership. Leveraging the wisdom of his business acumen, strong influence as a speaker and podcaster Taylor is set to release "The Winning Link" book under McGraw Hill publishing in 2022. The book is a how-to manual to help readers understand the management of business interactions while teaching them how to Deine, Align, and Execute Winning in Business.

A servant leader, Taylor, was named by The National Diversity Council as one of the Top 100 Diversity Officers in the country in 2021. He features among Oklahoma's Most Admired CEOs and maintains key leadership roles with the Executive Advisory Board for The Shingo Institute "The Nobel Prize of Operations" and The Association of Manufacturing Excellence (AME); two world-leading organizations for operational excellence, business development, and cultural learning.  He is also an Independent Director for the M-D Building Products Board, a proud American manufacturer of quality products since 1920.

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Allison Giddens

Host

Allison Krache Giddens has been with Win-Tech, a veteran-owned small business and aerospace precision machine shop, for 15 years, recently buying the company from her mentor and Win-Tech’s Founder, Dennis Winslow. She and her business partner, John Hudson now serve as Co-Presidents, leading the 33-year old company through the pandemic.

She holds undergraduate degrees in psychology and criminal justice from the University of Georgia, a Masters in Conflict Management from Kennesaw State University, a Masters in Manufacturing from Georgia Institute of Technology, and a Certificate of Finance from the University of Georgia. She also holds certificates in Google Analytics, event planning, and Cybersecurity Risk Management from Harvard online. Allison founded the Georgia Chapter of Women in Manufacturing and currently serves as Treasurer. She serves on the Chattahoochee Technical College Foundation Board as its Secretary, the liveSAFE Resources Board of Directors as Resource Development Co-Chair, and on the Leadership Cobb Alumni Association Board as Membership Chair and is also a member of Cobb Executive Women. She is on the Board for the Cobb Chamber of Commerce’s Northwest Area Councils. Allison runs The Dave Krache Foundation, a non-profit that helps pay sports fees for local kids in need.

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Sofia Rivas Herrera

Host, Supply Chain Now en Espanol

Sofia Rivas Herrera is a Mexican Industrial Engineer from Tecnologico de Monterrey class 2019. Upon graduation, she earned a scholarship to study MIT’s Graduate Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management and graduated as one of the Top 3 performers of her class in 2020. She also has a multicultural background due to her international academic experiences at Singapore Management University and Kühne Logistics University in Hamburg. Sofia self-identifies as a Supply Chain enthusiast & ambassador sharing her passion for the field in her daily life.

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Kim Reuter

Host

From humble beginnings working the import docks, representing Fortune 500 giants, Ford, Michelin Tire, and Black & Decker; to Amazon technology patent holder and Nordstrom Change Leader, Kimberly Reuter has designed, implemented, and optimized best-in-class, highly scalable global logistics and retail operations all over the world. Kimberly’s ability to set strategic vision supported by bomb-proof processes, built on decades of hands-on experience, has elevated her to legendary status. Sought after by her peers and executives for her intellectual capital and keen insights, Kimberly is a thought leader in the retail logistics industry.

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Katherine Hintz

Creative Director, Producer, Host

Katherine Hintz, MBA is a marketing professional who strives to unite her love of people with a passion for positive experiences. Having a diverse background, which includes nonprofit work with digital marketing and start-ups, she serves as a leader who helps people live their most creative lives by cultivating community, order, collaboration, and respect. With equal parts creativity and analytics, she brings a unique skill set which fosters refining, problem solving, and connecting organizations with their true vision. In her free time, you can usually find her looking for her cup of coffee, playing with her puppy Charlie, and dreaming of her next road trip.

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Vicki White

Controller

Vicki has a long history of rising to challenges and keeping things up and running. First, she supported her family’s multi-million dollar business as controller for 12 years, beginning at the age of 17. Then, she worked as an office manager and controller for a wholesale food broker. But her biggest feat? Serving as the chief executive officer of her household, while her entrepreneur husband travelled the world extensively. She fed, nurtured, chaperoned, and chauffeured three daughters all while running a newsletter publishing business and remaining active in her community as a Stephen’s Minister, Sunday school teacher, school volunteer, licensed realtor and POA Board president (a title she holds to this day). A force to be reckoned with in the office, you might think twice before you meet Vicki on the tennis court! When she’s not keeping the books balanced at Supply Chain Now or playing tennis matches, you can find Vicki spending time with her husband Greg, her 4 fur babies, gardening, cleaning (yes, she loves to clean!) and learning new things.

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Donna Krache

Director of Communications and Executive Producer

Donna Krache is a former CNN executive producer who has won several awards in journalism and communication, including three Peabodys.  She has 30 years’ experience in broadcast and digital journalism. She led the first production team at CNN to convert its show to a digital platform. She has authored many articles for CNN and other media outlets. She taught digital journalism at Georgia State University and Arizona State University. Krache holds a bachelor’s degree in government from the College of William and Mary and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of New Orleans. She is a serious sports fan who loves the Braves. She is president of the Dave Krache Foundation. Named in honor of her late husband, this non-profit pays fees for kids who want to play sports but whose parents are facing economic challenges.

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Joshua Miranda

Marketing Specialist

Joshua is a student from Institute of Technology and Higher Education of Monterrey Campus Guadalajara in Communication and Digital Media. His experience ranges from Plug and Play México, DearDoc, and Nissan México creating unique social media marketing campaigns and graphics design. Joshua helps to amplify the voice of supply chain here at Supply Chain Now by assisting in graphic design, content creation, asset logistics, and more.  In his free time he likes to read and write short stories as well as watch movies and television series.

Mary Kate Love

VP, Strategy & Operations & Host

Mary Kate Love is currently the VP of Strategy and Operations at Supply Chain Now focused on brand strategy and audience + revenue growth. Mary Kate’s career is a testament to her versatility and innovative spirit: she has experience in start-ups, venture capital, and building innovation initiatives from the ground up: she previously helped lead the build-out of the Supply Chain Innovation Center at Georgia-Pacific and before that, MxD (Manufacturing times Digital): the Department of Defense’s digital manufacturing innovation center. Mary Kate has a passion for taking complicated ideas and turning them into reality: she was one of the first team members at MxD and the first team member at the Supply Chain Innovation Center at Georgia-Pacific.

Mary Kate dedicates her extra time to education and mentorship: she was one of the founding Board Members for Women Influence Chicago and led an initiative for a city-wide job shadow day for young women across Chicago tech companies and was previously on the Board of Directors at St. Laurence High School in Chicago, Young Irish Fellowship Board and the UN Committee for Women. Mary Kate is the founder of National Supply Chain Day and enjoys co-hosting podcasts at Supply Chain Now. Mary Kate is from the south side of Chicago, a mom of two baby boys, and an avid 16-inch softball player. She holds a BS in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

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Katherine Hintz

Director, Customer Experience

Katherine is a marketing professional and MBA candidate who strives to unite her love of people with a passion for positive experiences. Having a diverse background, which includes nonprofit work with digital marketing and start-ups, she serves as a leader who helps people live their most creative lives by cultivating community, order, collaboration, and respect. With equal parts creativity and analytics, she brings a unique skill set which fosters refining, problem solving, and connecting organizations with their true vision. In her free time, you can usually find her looking for her cup of coffee, playing with her puppy Charlie, and dreaming of her next road trip.

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Trisha Cordes

Administrative Assistant

Trisha is new to the supply chain industry – but not to podcasting. She’s an experienced podcast manager and virtual assistant who also happens to have 20 years of experience as an elementary school teacher. It’s safe to say, she’s passionate about helping people, and she lives out that passion every day with the Supply Chain Now team, contributing to scheduling and podcast production.

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Amanda Luton

Vice President, Production

Amanda is a seasoned production and marketing professional with over 20 years of experience across diverse industries, including retail, healthcare, and digital marketing. Throughout her career, she has worked with notable organizations such as Von Maur, Anthropologie, AmericasMart Atlanta, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Currently, Amanda manages, produces, and develops digital content for Supply Chain Now and its clients, delivering modern, engaging solutions for a wide range of audiences.

A former Vice President of Information Systems and Webmaster on the Board of Directors for APICS Savannah, Amanda also founded and led Magnolia Marketing Group, a successful digital marketing firm. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, reading, listening to podcasts, and spending time with her family.

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Mary Kate Soliva

Host, Veteran Voices

Mary Kate Soliva is a veteran of the US Army and cofounder of the Guam Human Rights Initiative. She is currently in the Doctor of Criminal Justice program at Saint Leo University. She is passionate about combating human trafficking and has spent the last decade conducting training for military personnel and the local community.

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Enrique Alvarez

Host of Logistics with Purpose and Supply Chain Now en Español

Enrique serves as Managing Director at Vector Global Logistics and believes we all have a personal responsibility to change the world. He is hard working, relationship minded and pro-active. Enrique trusts that the key to logistics is having a good and responsible team that truly partners with the clients and does whatever is necessary to see them succeed. He is a proud sponsor of Vector’s unique results-based work environment and before venturing into logistics he worked for the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). During his time at BCG, he worked in different industries such as Telecommunications, Energy, Industrial Goods, Building Materials, and Private Banking. His main focus was always on the operations, sales, and supply chain processes, with case focus on, logistics, growth strategy, and cost reduction. Prior to joining BCG, Enrique worked for Grupo Vitro, a Mexican glass manufacturer, for five years holding different positions from sales and logistics manager to supply chain project leader in charge of five warehouses in Colombia.

He has an MBA from The Wharton School of Business and a BS, in Mechanical Engineer from the Technologico de Monterrey in Mexico. Enrique’s passions are soccer and the ocean, and he also enjoys traveling, getting to know new people, and spending time with his wife and two kids, Emma and Enrique.

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Kevin L. Jackson

Host of Digital Transformers

Kevin L. Jackson is a globally recognized Thought Leader, Industry Influencer and Founder/Author of the award winning “Cloud Musings” blog.  He has also been recognized as a “Top 5G Influencer” (Onalytica 2019, Radar 2020), a “Top 50 Global Digital Transformation Thought Leader” (Thinkers 360 2019) and provides strategic consulting and integrated social media services to AT&T, Intel, Broadcom, Ericsson and other leading companies. Mr. Jackson’s commercial experience includes Vice President J.P. Morgan Chase, Worldwide Sales Executive for IBM and SAIC (Engility) Director Cloud Solutions. He has served on teams that have supported digital transformation projects for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the US Intelligence Community.  Kevin’s formal education includes a MS Computer Engineering from Naval Postgraduate School; MA National Security & Strategic Studies from Naval War College; and a BS Aerospace Engineering from the United States Naval Academy. Internationally recognizable firms that have sponsored articles authored by him include Cisco, Microsoft, Citrix and IBM.  Books include “Click to Transform” (Leaders Press, 2020), “Architecting Cloud Computing Solutions” (Packt, 2018), and “Practical Cloud Security: A Cross Industry View” (Taylor & Francis, 2016). He also delivers online training through Tulane University, O’Reilly Media, LinkedIn Learning, and Pluralsight.  Mr. Jackson retired from the U.S. Navy in 1994, earning specialties in Space Systems Engineering, Carrier Onboard Delivery Logistics and carrier-based Airborne Early Warning and Control. While active, he also served with the National Reconnaissance Office, Operational Support Office, providing tactical support to Navy and Marine Corps forces worldwide.

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Scott W. Luton

Founder, CEO, & Host

Scott W. Luton is the Founder and CEO of Supply Chain Now, the #1 voice of Supply Chain. Supply Chain Now is an award-winning global digital content platform dedicated to the global supply chain industry and its robust community. At the heart of the platform, is the almost daily Supply Chain Now podcast, which has hit podcast leadership charts in over 60 countries. With over 20 years of extensive experience in the end-to-end supply chain, Scott has become a recognized global thought leader in the industry. His insights have been featured in major publications such as The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and CNN. In 2024, Thinkers360 named him the #1 Global Thought Leader and Supply Chain Influencer. Additionally, Supply & Demand Chain Executive recognized him as a Supply Chain Pro to Know in both 2019 and 2025, and he has also been recognized by RateLinx, ISCEA, and other organizations for his industry leadership. 

Scott is a proud United States Air Force veteran, having served on active duty from 1994 to 2002. Since transitioning to civilian life, he has been committed to supporting the veteran community through various initiatives.

Under Scott's leadership, Supply Chain Now has grown into the premier source of industry insights, offering a variety of content including podcasts, livestreams, webinars, and virtual events that engage a global audience. His passion for fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing continues to drive the platform's success.

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