Tariffs, trade uncertainty, and shifting energy demands are colliding with rapid advances in AI, medtech, and advanced manufacturing. At the same time, companies are racing to fill hundreds of thousands of open roles, rethink how they attract talent, and modernize permitting and policy frameworks that haven’t kept pace with innovation. The result is a U.S. manufacturing sector on the verge of a new chapter, but only if leaders can unlock the right mix of policy, people, and technology. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton sits down with Jay Timmons, President and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), and Kathy Wengel, Executive Vice President, Chief Technical Operations and Risk Officer at Johnson & Johnson, live from the Innovation Summit North America 2025, powered by Schneider Electric. Together, they unpack NAM’s comprehensive manufacturing strategy and the conditions needed for American industry to thrive. Scott, Jay, and Kathy explore how permitting reform, energy leadership (including nuclear), and trade certainty impact investment decisions on the factory floor, from small manufacturers to multinational enterprises. They discuss the urgent need to expand the workforce pipeline, especially for veterans and non-traditional talent, and why modern manufacturing careers offer both purpose and prosperity.…

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton and special guest co-host Tevon E. Taylor welcome Lori Boyer, Head of Content Marketing at EasyPost, to unpack the post-purchase experience (tracking, claims, and returns) and how owning these moments drives loyalty and repeat purchase. Drawing on fresh consumer research, Lori explains why reliability and flexibility now outrank “free,” why brands, not carriers, are held responsible for delivery outcomes, and how proactive notifications can double as high-performing marketing touchpoints. Together, the panel dives into practical plays shippers can run today: cutting “where is my order?” calls with automated, branded tracking; removing friction with one-click USPS claims filing; and turning adverse events into brand-building recoveries. They also explore modern return realities. From fraud and “keep-the-item” policies to sustainability pressures, and how to reduce returns at the source with better product information, sizing guidance, and segmentation. If you ship anything in 2025, this fast-moving conversation is a field guide to protecting your brand promise after the buy button. This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Tevon Taylor, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton.   Additional Links & Resources Check out all the great resources and information mentioned…