Supply Chain Now Radio
Episode 166

Episode Summary

In the first interview from the SCAC AIAG Supply Chain & Quality Conference in Charleston, South Carolina, Scott, Greg, and Beau Groover of The Effective Syndicate welcomed Suzanne Dickerson of SC Council on Competitiveness and Maureen Woolshlager of Vector Global Logistics, to Supply Chain Now Radio.

Episode Transcript

[00:00:00] It’s time for Supply Chain Now Radio Broadcasting live from the Supply chain capital of the country. Atlanta, Georgia Supply Chain Now Radio spotlights the best in all things supply chain the people, the technologies, the best practices and the critical issues of the day. And now here are your hosts.

 

[00:00:29] Hey, good morning. Scott Luton here with you live on Supply Chain Now Radio. Welcome back to the show. We are coming to you once again today from the AIAG SCAC Supply chain & Quality Conference in Charleston, North Charleston, South Carolina. This conference is dedicated to the world of automotive and we’ve been meeting with many of the leading industry thought leaders that have been participating here over the last day and a half or so. But first, big thanks to our conference broadcast sponsor of the EFFECTIVE SYNDICATE for making our coverage possible. The EFFECTIVE SYNDICATE helps companies win by optimizing process and developing winning cultures. You can learn more at the effective syndicate dot com. Quick programming note. Like all of our series on Supply Chain Now Radio, you can find all replays on a variety of channels Apple podcasts, SoundCloud, Spotify, YouTube and wherever else you find your podcast. As always, we’d love to have you subscribe, so don’t miss anything. So let’s welcome in our esteemed co-hosts here today. We have Mr. Greg White, regular co-host Supply Chain Now Radio and a serial supply chain, tech entrepreneur and trusted advisor. Greg, how are you doing? I’m doing great. Seems like we’ve been talking a lot about cereal lately. We have. We have. But is this true in your case? Right. You can’t shy away from a a wide variety of successful entrepreneurial ventures.

 

[00:01:46] As I’ve told many people, I’m not an entrepreneur because I’m exceptionally talented. I’m an entrepreneur because I’m otherwise unemployable.

 

[00:01:54] Good.

 

[00:01:56] Still, that would also say hello to Bo Gruber, founder and president of the Effective syndicate and co-host of our Leadership Matters series here on Supply Chain Now Radio. Bo, how you doing? I’m doing great. Good morning, everybody. You know, we had a great day yesterday, so I think we did seven interviews and in all of them covered different aspects of what’s going on here with a lot of us led to automotive, a lot of us related to the in Supply chain. And while we were worn out heading back to the hotel last night, what a great day of inspiring thought leadership, I thought.

 

[00:02:28] I agree. I think, look, there was we learned a lot a lot of different angles. I think a lot of people think of Supply chain as that one thing. Right. Right. But there are a lot of different angles, cybersecurity, customs, trade policy, you know, ports and trucks and just everything. Also, we learned a little bit about generational transition. And I have a new newly upbeat view of the future after talking to Mike Mouse from South Carolina Ports. That’s a very talented young man. Is true and passionate.

 

[00:03:06] And that was other. I think one of my other interests, you know, we do 10 episodes or 10 interviews in a single day. We don’t always get a consistent level of passion. But every single one, every single person that sat in these chairs yesterday was loving what they were doing and and knew there why. I thought that was really intriguing. And I think we’re gonna continue with this session here today. We’ve got no pressure. Right. Well, we’ve got a repeat guest that we really enjoyed meeting are having on the show several months back up at the upstate. Now we’re down here in Charleston. So Suzanne Dickerson, director of Logistics at the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness, also knows Sally up as SC Competes. Good morning, Suzanne.

 

[00:03:48] Hey, doing good morning. Great to be here. Thanks for having me back.

 

[00:03:52] Great to have you back. Really enjoyed you hosting us up at our car up in the upstate. Gosh, how about six while back? Yeah. This year it’s right here. Yeah. You had a great conversation with our friend Chuck Baker, the absolute Chuck Baker, longtime Supply chain volunteer leader at Apex, ACM leader and enjoyed our conversation there. And we. We get we’ve got two great guest today. So we’ll also welcome Maureen Woolshlager, business development executive with Vector Global Logistics Maureen. Hey, Don.

 

[00:04:25] Thank you for having me.

 

[00:04:27] Absolutely. We’ve enjoyed I’ve enjoyed this is your first conference down here as well.

 

[00:04:31] Yes, it is my first time on the radio, too.

 

[00:04:34] Hey, doing great so far.

 

[00:04:37] You are in good hands with a lot of kindred spirits around this table. And I think there’s a lot of neat stories and even initiatives you’re going to share. So Suzanne and Maureen, welcome. Great to have you back on this show. All right. So with that said, Suzanne, we want to put you on the spot first. Tell us more about yourself and your background that led, you know, your journey to leading to where you are today.

 

[00:04:59] Thank you so much. I am not only here today because I’m on the board of the South Carolina Automotive Council, but I’m a 20 year automotive veteran, and once you get that in your blood, you don’t get it back out. So even though we’re focused on SC Logistics and supporting the robust Logistics economy in South Carolina, you can’t do that here in our state with three hour. Without being focused on the automotive industry. Just like aerospace, you know, South Carolina, by I think any measure has been wildly successful in recruiting world class companies to come and do business here. About three and a half years ago, we also recognize that we need to have a team of people waking up every day thinking about how did they move their goods in now and across the state. Right. And so the timing is great. We’re investing two billion dollars. I’m sure Mike talked about this yesterday in port infrastructure, New England ports expanding, inland ports deepening and widening the Charleston Harbor. And so then there’s a team of us at the Council on Competitiveness that are thinking about what else do we need to do to help the Logistics companies in the state, because all of that’s critical. It’s really the backbone. And I think of, you know, what makes doing business in South Carolina great for automotive and aerospace companies.

 

[00:06:21] Absolutely. And last time you’re on the show, you talked about how just a few years from now how much more Logistics infrastructure and and providers is going to be needed here in the state. Right out. Does all the Greene now.

 

[00:06:33] So, you know, when we look at the writing on South Carolina’s wall, we’re expected to move at least 60 percent more freight in 2040 than we do today. And so that’s the thing that we think about every morning when we wake up and how we’re going to do that. I’ll talk a little bit more about, you know, we think technology for sure plays a role in that. But, you know, we need to make sure that the companies that are in the Logistics industry here, existing Logistics companies, are getting what they need. And in some cases, like, you know, DHL and others who are come into the state newly for the first time, really with a big investment in Dorchester County, real close to here. You know, that’s all part of the it’s going to be part of the success story.

 

[00:07:21] So any before we shift back over to Maureen and kind of get her story and learn more about Vector, what else what makes a SC Competes so unique as relates to the mission and the offerings? And how does your role play into that?

 

[00:07:34] Yeah. So I think there really isn’t anything quite like the Council on Competitiveness where we have business led industry cluster initiatives in partnership with state agencies. So for example, in the SCA Logistics organization, we not only have a number of private sector partners both on the supplier, shipper and carrier side, but three state agencies, the state of South Carolina Port Authority, the South Carolina Department of Transportation and the South Carolina Department of Commerce. And so you have all these people at the table on a regular basis talking about what’s really going on in the trucking association. We shouldn’t forget, by the way, national truck driver prefabs. You know, and so. So you’re not discussing what needs to be done in any kind of a vacuum, right? You have everybody at the table that you need to have to be able to move things forward quickly and effectively. And I think that’s a distinguishing factor for the Council on Competitiveness.

 

[00:08:37] Agreed. And and, you know, for as long as we have been collaborating on different things and in learning more about SC Competes, I love the practical nature of what DA are doing. There’s so many groups that are not throwing stones, anyone else. But we love practical application of things that work and help really meaningfully drive growth in South Carolina and elsewhere. OK, so let’s talk about Maureen. Let’s talk about your background and your journey into where you are today.

 

[00:09:08] Okay. Well, I started a long time ago in the McMaster car supply company. I worked for them. Some people I’ve heard of them, they’re absolutely no good says. Yeah, well, they are, but they’re they’re really quiet and private. So a lot of times, you know, people haven’t heard of them. And I transition into Supply chain Logistics Consulting. And I did that. And I worked for a small company for a while and had some really phenomenal projects, mainly in the food and restaurant industry. And I took a break for a little bit. I had some kids and lived in Europe for a little bit. And when I came back, I was able to find Vector. And it’s a phenomenal company to work for. We do our small in the. We do importing, exporting. If you have one box or one container. One hundred containers. We can help you get that in and out and help you with the whole process. But it’s a really great. Ready to work for and I’m so excited to be a part of it. And Victor’s doing it. Doing it globally, right? Yeah. Yeah. All over the world we do. Not just in and out of the United States. Yeah.

 

[00:10:08] So now that’s all. It’s your role. What you love most about what you do it, Victor.

 

[00:10:13] I love that. Really? I have control over my own schedule and who I want to work with.

 

[00:10:18] So when I see an opportunity, I have free rein to go and try and pursue that opportunity. I’m not given a directive on that as to who I should work with or I can only work with big companies or I work with the largest, you know, big box retailer. I can do a lot of work with NGOs and non-profits. And we work with companies large and small and we do a segment of their business or maybe all of it. So I like the ability to go and choose who I work with and really pursue that and have that freedom to develop those relationships.

 

[00:10:49] You know, we had a good fortune to have dinner with with. You mean Greg had dinner with you the other night down here as we got here in town for four Charleston. And what I loved about what you were sharing is that you really look for those cultural fits, right? Yeah. The companies that that are doing business the right way, that that’s when you’re short priority items, when you’re you’re.

 

[00:11:08] Yeah. Figuring out who to work with. Right. Yeah, we do. We like to partner with companies who kind of share our vision to give back and in that manifest itself in a lot of different ways. So I’ve personally developed lesser companies that I want to go and try and pursue and work with because they share values in that way. And so I’m working on that slowly. It’s a pretty unique level of freedom. I mean. Yeah. Right. To be able to do that. Yeah. It’s a really great work culture. We have equality of where it Daryl and I were talking about you. When you walk into an unwelcoming or toxic work culture, you really notice and you really dread going to work in factories is really I don’t feel that way about. We’re big fans.

 

[00:11:48] We have we have a lot of Logistics. Yeah. Yeah.

 

[00:11:52] So real quick and we we want we want to share while we why we’re big fans of actor. But I know you’re a big culture guy and you love cultural stories. Weigh in on what you just heard. Maureen there. I hope I’ll need is it. If you’re Enrique or if you’re your party leadership leadership team at Vector to hear an ambassador for the culture, they have it fantastic.

 

[00:12:15] I mean, I think the leadership principle is always the leader or leadership team should define what’s important and why it’s important. And then they had to get the heck out of the way and let people go do it. And what you’re describing is you’ve got a lot of leeway, a lot of freedom to say, hey, here’s my target, here’s my clients, here’s why I’m going to go make this happen. Right. And because of that, it’s a self driven energy. Instead of pounding on you to go hit your number and make your calls and reach your target. So it’s music to my ears like them. I’m excited to learn more about that.

 

[00:12:45] Miura of the book, Why Work Sucks. I have not. OK. We are. We have to read it. And it just talks about. It’s like a performance driven. Yes. Results oriented culture. And so it’s you know, you really appreciate and want to work when you go into work because you’re focused and you’re not distracted with other things are going on. So if it’s in the middle of the day and you have to go do something, you know, I don’t feel like there’s this sideways glances or worry about what my colleagues are thinking or or what I’m doing. It’s like, nope, I’m gonna go do my run right now or I’m going to go volunteer at my kid’s school. But, you know, I am I’m able to focus on that. But then when I go into work, wherever that is, at home, in the office, at a coffee shop and with a customer, I’m focused on that and I’m not feeling like I should be doing something else. Yes. So it’s a really good book. And we read it so we can kind of have that way as we approach our day. Mm hmm.

 

[00:13:32] Great. So really neat. Company Vector Global Logistics. Our studio is hosted by Victor in Atlanta in West Atlanta, King Plow facility, which is really is like testimony to the circular economy. Yes. So more folks need to be aware of King Plow in Atlanta and ran regionally because I think it really serves as a model for for repurposing really character architecture. Yeah.

 

[00:13:58] You know, I mean, it’s it’s a great environment, right. The King family who started the King Plow company in 1982, they still own they still own the building. And it has transitioned to an event space, work, lives, space. You know, office successfully.

 

[00:14:18] Yeah. Why is it successful? And it’s a great environment. Yes. Very energizing. And a great restaurant. Yeah.

 

[00:14:24] Yes. Best empanadas in Atlanta. All right. And at stations that are not like it’s like. Yeah. This is on the paid endorse. We have no connections other than that.

 

[00:14:36] Right. About. OK. So let’s get kidding aside. Let’s get back and Suzanne. There’s several things that your team is working on and driving and leading that we really we love. And we believe that more groups like yours coast to coast, if not globally, but certainly coast to coast need to take on some of these projects. But let’s start with the easier stuff. So you’re here today. This is our first time at the AIG SCAC event here, nor Charles. I think this is the third year of doing that as a partnership. What have been some of your your key takeaways so far?

 

[00:15:09] So I’ve loved the diversity of the agenda. You know, every yesterday we had everything from, you know, educational and workforce best practices from some of South Carolina’s, you know, companies are doing business here in both rural and urban areas. Some of these were phenomenal. I don’t know if you guys heard the for example, the Scheffler program, you know, where they’re paying for people to work and go to school. You know, for the first two years, full time employees. I mean, that is a phenomenal best practice. It reminds me of things I saw when I lived and worked in Germany. That’s a very real Jenny. Right. Exactly. The dual system, right? Yeah. It’s great to see those kinds of things come here. I also thoroughly enjoyed the discussion about, um, from the gentleman from Volvo Cars who are one of our US who Logistics partners talking about their supply chain and how important, you know, some of their new strategies are going to be for all of the expansion and the big visionary plans that they have going forward and how how the Supply chain Automotive is really changing. All right. You know, it’s not just your component suppliers anymore today. It is, you know, Silicon Valley and Apple and Google and Microsoft and everybody else. And, you know, we were looking at the future. Right. I felt like we were getting a glimpse into the future. And then, you know, kind of rounding out the day yesterday. The discussion about the new Trident Tech Centers, Aeronautical Training Center, both for aerospace and automotive. Right. I think everywhere you look at what I walked away last night out of here thinking, you know, everywhere you look, somebody is doing something great. In the state to try to, you know, make sure that we have the talent that we’re going to need in the future and the kind of companies in the supply chain for the industries that are doing business here. It was really a nice way to walk away. You kind of, you know, leave the room with a smile on your face.

 

[00:17:13] Absolutely. Good news. And speaking of Volvo Cars USA, Carl Hooper is on the show here yesterday. And fifteen hundred folks they are currently employing and they’re going to grow to 4000 just around the corner. Right. With the launch of the next line. Yeah. That score. Amazing story. So that’s great. That’s what a successful win, not just for the state, but regionally. It’s just not the same. So beyond this week’s events, Suzanne, you’ve got a slew. That’s coming up. But in particular, the Logistics Tech talk is back down here in Charleston in October.

 

[00:17:48] Tell us about that. Yeah. Thank you. So, you know, I mentioned earlier the writing on our wall with the 60 percent increase in projections of freight movement in 2040. So what we know is you’re going to need to have technology solutions to help you get there. Right. And our we feel like, you know, part of our mission has been to highlight and feature what some of those trends are for our Logistics economy here. So three and a half years ago, we started thinking about what if we just did a dedicated event on technology solutions for Logistics and that became so popular that this year we had to actually do two. We had a lot of requests and some demand to also do one in the upstate, which we did back in June. But we still love partnering with the International Trade Conference, which starts on October 21st this year with the state of the Puerto Dress and then a great program that’s been put together by that organization. And we’ve been booked ending that the last three years. So and we hope to, you know, have Supply chain radio now be with us.

 

[00:18:52] We do there again.

 

[00:18:53] And, you know, it’s gonna be a great event. I mentioned DHL coming to this day and coming to this region. Actually, they will be providing the keynote that day actually with three people, a little trifecta and keynote, which I think it’s very cool. We have Volvo trucks coming to talk about some of their truck tuning. We’ll have FedEx talking about some of their new electrification strategies. And then we’d love to feature startups that are in the technology space. As South Carolina. We have two of those shipped chain out of Greene, which is focused on block chain technology solutions for shipping and logistics. And then you can’t do anything without thinking about talent. Right. So we have a company that’s using artificial intelligence for predictive hiring for Logistics companies and they’re going to demo their technology. So. Well, you know, we feel like we’re we’re really hitting, you know, the technology, trade, talent, transportation, you know, all of the major trends that are going on in Logistics today. So. You won’t want to miss that. Please see us. We’ll be at the Guilford Center with the trade conference, October, October.

 

[00:20:04] All right. That’s right. And for folks that are interested in registering, they can go to your your L.

 

[00:20:10] That’s right. Which is LLC Logistics industry dot com.

 

[00:20:14] Fantastic. So before we we we get back Maureen and talk about some of the things it’s initiatives that they’re leading at Vector. We won’t talk about a special project that we were talking in the warm up that that we have collaborate on previously, and that is the supply chain awareness programs you are doing in schools in South Carolina, which is like taking off like hot bar.

 

[00:20:34] Yeah. So, you know, first of all, thank you, Scott. You know, a couple of us road trips to Georgia last year and looked at the Supply chain one to one game that you were rolling out for fourth and fifth graders there. And we loved it so much. We said that’s a great thing we should be doing in our state as well. And so LLC Logistics has really picked up that ball and run with it from a organizational point of view. But we couldn’t do what we’re doing in the schools without some of our private sector partners. Michelin sponsor, the last ones we did in the upstate Continental will be sponsoring those in the fall and this sorry in the spring and this fall and the Maritime Association is sponsoring we I think we have six or seven schools lined up between now and the end of the year where we will be rolling out with professionals, supply chain professionals who are taking time out of their busy day to come and spend time with fourth and fifth graders introducing them to Supply chain. And it is so fun and so rewarding to see their eyes light up and go, oh, it’s not just, you know, ordering something from Alexa, but how what happens after I order it from Alexa? How does it get to my front door? It’s it’s been great. And so, you know, thank you for the collaboration and the partnership on that.

 

[00:21:56] You bet. And, you know, it is great to hear and evidently understand that hot fire is not a phrase. It’s wildfire. And I won’t do it justice because it really the amount of traction I’ve gotten in such a short amount of time. Thank you, Malcolm. Malcolm Birgit to kiss me on my toes. That’s a tough job. But the amount of time of attraction I’ve had in such a short amount of time and the amount of folks are willing to help out by going into schools and then the the folks like Michelin and Continental and the Maritime Association, they get behind these efforts. This is exactly what this is. This is what makes, I believe, supply chain really rewarding in the the things that you learn from the students. I mean, that’s what we’ve learned in Georgia as we’ve gone in so many schools, you know, we thought we’re gonna be sharing with them. But now we’re the ones learning. You know, it’s very, very interesting project. But kudos. All the success you’ve had seven schools went down in the year only on top of which I’ve already done. Great to hear that. So how can folks, if they want to help and get involved, whether it’s volunteering or supporting the effort in there, maybe their local county or what have you. Just reach out.

 

[00:23:05] Yeah, absolutely. So if they go to the Web site and see Logistics industry dot com, they can either reach out to me directly or to our new deputy director, Taylor Jackson, who’s Charleston based. And she’s really just taken off with the the low country schools. And we couldn’t be happier. You know, South Carolina is a relatively small state, but it still takes a lot of doing the right to get with the schools. And and kudos to the schools for being, you know, open to having us come in and kind of take their kids away for an hour and a half and talk to them about Supply chain. But they’re all really open to it. And you’re right that the kids know so much more than you think they know. When you go in there, you know, they want to talk about, you know, cybersecurity. Yeah, let’s talk about that. We need you in that business.

 

[00:23:53] Yes. Well, and we should give a half Father Chet Baker and Chuck Bass here. He was an early, early adopter. He’s been working with the Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week for like 20 years, going up there, talking business with, I think, high schoolers. That’s right. So he is very passionate about giving back. And Chuck and Suzanne are quite a one two punch here. So looking forward to having your back on and kind of hearing how the program evolves and as you engage more, more students. So, yeah, we’d love to come back. Absolutely. All right. Sam Maureen along the same lines. You know, Victor is also very active in community and in industry and doing things beyond just doing business is a key part of the M.O.. So tell us more about one of your favorite projects that you’ve been involved in.

 

[00:24:39] One of my favorite projects that I was involved in. I really like to run.

 

[00:24:42] And if you say I’m passionate about it, that I’m interested in running a pass, Miles, that I think I have to do that, too. I check the spreadsheet better and passionate about better you than me. Sure. I’ll be listening to the last one hundred and thirty nine episodes as Supply Chain Now Radio. High cars to get me through that tomorrow. If I were running 18 miles, I could do that. Yeah. Yeah. All of them. Yeah. Yeah, exactly. That check.

 

[00:25:08] But we I really enjoy an active lifestyle. And so I partnered with Enrique. You guys now. And we did a team building event in March in Atlanta. And we brought in most of our team from all over the place, about 25 of us. And they did the five K, the 10K and half marathon and vector brought everybody in. And we got matching shirts and everybody got up and medal, you know, in the dark, took Marta in while I participated in it. And so that was certainly they didn’t have to change. Some people really like just going to Atlanta for the week to. But definitely it was something that we believe in, letting each person kind of choose their own their own path and they want to do and how they want to give back. And so I I think all my colleagues are happy. I think a couple of them that were thanked me for getting them out there in the middle of the night, in the middle of the dark, had to go run the race. But that was something that meant a lot to me that that our team is like, yeah, okay, we’ll do that and we’ll support that. So that wasn’t a slight giving back into specifically a charity or an organization, but it was kind of everybody giving back to themselves in a way to be out there.

 

[00:26:20] But that’s that’s just one of the numerous things, you know, in regards can come on the show for a month to go in from helping families fight cancer. Yes, especially in childhood cancer to us, just a slew of special needs program. Right. And then I think you also donate 100 meals for every container.

 

[00:26:42] Yeah. Yeah, we do. And we do that through serve the organization I serve. And I’ll tell you, yesterday or the day before our team in Atlanta all went out to Decatur and helped pack up a bunch of medical supplies that we were shipping for a customer to go to Africa. So we did it as a team building event. And so everybody carpooled out there. They help the customer get the materials ready.

 

[00:27:06] One area I did not I was here. I think I saw you. Yeah. I was running a Wal-Mart.

 

[00:27:13] But they all went out there and then participate in that. And they went out to lunch. And then everybody some people went home, work from home, and then others kind of went back to the office. So it’s a very I don’t want I want to get the impression that we’re not working hard because we are a vector, but we do. We’ve seen yeah, we do value the opportunity to give back. And however that whatever your passion is or how rare that is, you know, to encourage your colleagues and your friends and family to do that to me, they’re really supportive of that.

 

[00:27:38] And one of the things that jumped out when you were talking about the running the organizing group run, if you think about a healthy culture, it’s not just you come into the office and it doesn’t suck. Right. I mean, the right to the bottom. Wrong. Yeah, but it’s holistic and any more with electronics the way they are. You can’t separate work in life anymore. Jerai. It’s a facade. If you think you are so incorporating, then I mean I give you guys kudos because. Well, taking care of yourself is an important part of our culture. Let’s make that part of who we are. And here’s a way that you can participate and do this as a group. I think that’s fantastic.

 

[00:28:12] Yeah. And I think especially with what we’re doing, I mean, we’re working with customers all over the world. So the expectation is not that I have my phone and I answer it at 3:00 in the morning if somebody from China calls me or anything like that. But certainly, you know, it’s difficult to get away from the electronics when we’re working with. Well, you know, with people all over the world at any because everybody’s in a different time zone. And so to be able to step away and say, yep, I’m gonna go volunteer my kid’s school right now, I’m going. You know, we’re gonna go pack meals in the middle of the day because I think they did it yesterday. You know, 10:00 or 11:00 in the morning. It afforded that opportunity. So then, you know, everybody went back and hunkered down and caught up. It wasn’t as though we just turned our lights off for the day. But I think everybody felt really great about what they did and then give them a renewed perspective, come back to them. Right.

 

[00:29:00] So let’s make sure folks can can get rich out based on something they’ve heard. They want to compare notes when they all have question for one year organizations, some Maureen. How do how can folks get in touch with you a vector if they want to get in touch with us?

 

[00:29:15] If you’re on LinkedIn, you can find us under Vector Global Logistics or if you look under my name, you could link up with me. Maureen. Woolshlager.

 

[00:29:23] Give you an a plus if you can spell or jerai.

 

[00:29:29] There’s no C and then you can find us on Facebook. I’m harder to find on Facebook. I bought on Instagram. I don’t remember our handle at the moment because I’m not on there yet, but, uh, that’s one of my tasks making me.

 

[00:29:45] So yeah. So a wide variety of ways, including vector geo dot com. Yes. Right. Yes. Okay. Great. And Suzanne. I know. Well I mean scale. You sure. I think you shared South Carolina largest. Six industry dot com. Yeah, that’s one friend.

 

[00:30:01] There you can also always look at the council website, which is SC Competes dot org. And then, you know, our tech talk is up. So if you just Google a C Logistics tech talk, you’ll find this year’s Eventbrite page. Please go there and register. We want to see you. You don’t want to miss the program we’re putting on on October 3rd.

 

[00:30:22] Absolutely. Sounds like a great one. And it’s interesting. That’s right. It’s what a wonderful reason to come back. Well, thanks so much to both of you all. I appreciate the. Which I’ll share to hear today, but also appreciate what you are doing in industry. So big thanks to Suzanne Dickerson, director of Logistics at the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness and Maureen Woolshlager, business development executive with Vector Global Logistics. Thanks so much. All right. I’ll sit tight for a second. We’re going to wrap up on a couple other events that we’ve got coming up. And there’s two we want to kind of take a little detailed view into. And then first one is coming up a week from today. Tell us about the non 20 executive roundtable. Yes.

 

[00:31:06] So we’re excited about it. Speaking of Emory, earlier we’ve partnered with Emory professor named Robert his engine and he talks about strategic business work like so the elements of a good strategy. So we’re partnering up with him. I’m going to co host or co keynote with him. He’s you know, we talked about the elements of a good strategy. I’ll be talking about the elements of good world class execution. And we’re excited about it. So if folks are interested, I hope they will reach out to me or the Supply Chain Now Radio Avenue.

 

[00:31:36] You can choose a note to connect at Supply Chain Now Radio dot com and we will send you more information. Okay. And Miura coming up on October 9th.

 

[00:31:46] Yeah, well, we’re going to do doing Georgia Manufacturing Summit with our friend Jason Moss. Right. It’s gonna be the ninth at Cobb Galleria. About a thousand people from nine hundred ninety one. Exactly. Is that what it is right now? Okay. And counting so. Well, I figure Alex will sign up shortly.

 

[00:32:06] And I think he’s right. He’s really good at getting people over the line when you put your eggs at a couple actually numbers.

 

[00:32:15] But anyway, representing some of the 10000 manufacturers in Georgia and the companies that do business with them. So you don’t have to be a manufacturer. But it’s really interesting group of folks. And we’re going to be broadcasting live. And these two fellows here, Scott and Bowe, are going to be conducting panels as well. Right. So excited. We got some really interesting people on your panels and then a couple of secret, top secret guests on this on the show. We’ve got a couple of trade ministers from a couple of our foreign neighbors.

 

[00:32:49] Yes. You’ve got a trick. You’ve got the more sensitive conversations. You believing them than we do. Well, I told you, I think you all know what would have. So here’s here’s. But here’s the kidding aside. Here’s a really cool thing that the GM has done. We all know or if you’ve been listenership, you certainly know the challenges that our veterans face as they’re transitioning out of active duty and looking for jobs in the private sector. Or maybe they have transitioned out and they’ve just started working and they’re building their professional network, which as a veteran, I know I saw firsthand that challenge. Jason and Jason Moss, CEO of the Georgia manufacturing alliance, has freed up 50 seats for free, no strings attached for our veterans to come out and and register. So if you’re a veteran listening to this podcast, you can go to Georgia manufacturing alliance dot com and use the promo code, go to the events tab, register for the summit use event Code USA vet and it’s going to be a free seat. And that is a very generous gesture that Jason May did. He is a fellow Air Force veteran as well. Out of my stuff like that. Deeds, not words. OK, so we’re gonna be flipping the counter a little bit. We’re gonna be in Austin in November at the 2013 Logistics CIO Forum, the reverse Logistics Association conference, next bow in Vegas in February. And of course, Moto X 2020 in Atlanta in March.

 

[00:34:12] And the Atlanta Supply chain Awards as well, which they’re hosting, which is fantastic.

 

[00:34:15] And by the way, Moto X is free to go to. They’re expecting 35000 folks when a shows supply chain trade shows in North America. Moto X show dot com. Okay. We have jammed a lot of great content in about 46 minutes. So we’re getting under even our tech time.

 

[00:34:33] It’s a little bit less than that. So both got the clicker over here. I’ll go out. I’m still running the timer. Now we’re gonna have to tell you what tech time means.

 

[00:34:42] So I go in the next episode, the next episode.

 

[00:34:45] But to our listeners, be sure to check out other upcoming events, replays of our interviews, other resources at Supply Chain Now Radio dot com. You can find us an Apple podcast, SoundCloud. All the leading sites were podcasts can be found. Be sure. Subscribes subscribers, you don’t miss anything big. Thanks to Suzanne, Suzanne and Maureen for joining us here today. Greg and Beau, we’re going to stick around. We’re going to continue our coverage of the AIG SCAC conference here in North Charleston on behalf the entire team. The entire team. Though, Friday morning, this is Scott Luton. Wish you a wonderful weekend ahead. And we will see you next time on Supply Chain Now Radio. Gates about.

Would you rather watch the show in action?

Watch Scott, Greg, and Beau as they interview Suzanne Dickerson and Maureen Woolshlager for SCNR Episode 165 in Charleston, South Carolina at the AIAG SCAC Supply Chain & Quality Conference.

Featured Guests

Suzanne Dickerson joined the SC Council on Competitiveness in 2016 after serving for 8 years as the Director for International Business Development at Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR). Suzanne’s experience includes 20 years in the automotive industry: 12 years within BMW working in the fields of corporate sustainability, innovation management and long-term strategic and structural planning. She began her career with BMW in Munich Germany at corporate headquarters upon completion of the Bosch Foundation Fellowship Program. Suzanne speaks fluent German and is also a Fellow of the BMW Foundation Leaders Forum. Suzanne serves as Vice President of the multi-state Southern Automotive Women’s Forum and is a Board Member of the South Carolina Automotive Council. Locally, Suzanne is a Board member on the Roper Mountain Science Center and a Fellow of the Riley Institute Diversity Leadership Program. The South Carolina Research Authority awarded Suzanne the Knowledge Economist Award in 2013 and in 2015, Suzanne was the recipient of the Clemson Women in Leadership Award. In 2018 Suzanne joined the South Carolina Manufacturers Extension Partnership Executive Board. Learn more about the SC Council on Competitiveness here:  https://sccompetes.org/

Maureen Woolshlager started her career at McMaster-Carr’s Management Development Program working in sales, marketing, distribution operations, finance and accounting. After McMaster-Carr, she spent a year managing operations in one of Target Corporation’s warehouses before finding a role within a small management consulting company in Denver, Colorado. She worked on large projects for international food and restaurant companies and advised on account management, business development, operations management, warehouse operations, continuous improvement and distribution center operations, and procurement/supplier/inventory optimization. She has spent the last 9 years living in Belgium & Germany where her husband has been stationed as a US Army officer. Maureen has her B.A. from Emory University. She earned a certificate in Management & Marketing from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania & her M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix. Learn more about Vector Global Logistics here: https://vectorgl.com/

Beau Groover is Founder and President of The Effective Syndicate. He has been working with manufacturing and operations-focused organizations for over 20 years, primarily focused on developing bullet-proof processes and teams that are built to win.  Beau has helped organizations save millions of dollars while also improving those companies’ customer experiences and building high-performing teams that continue to drive the business forward.  He has developed his approach and strategy over years of working with some of the biggest companies in multiple levels within the organizations, including The Coca-Cola Company, Nordson Corporation, and Westrock (formerly RockTenn). Just prior to launching The Effective Syndicate in 2015, Beau served as the Director of Lean Supply Chain at Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC. Connect with Beau Groover on LinkedIn and learn more about The Effective Syndicate here: https://www.theeffectivesyndicate.com/

Hosts

Greg White

Principal & Host

Scott W. Luton

Founder, CEO, & Host

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Kim Winter

Host, Supply Chain Now

The founder of Logistics Executive Group, Kim Winter delivers 40 years of executive leadership experience spanning Executive Search & Recruitment, Leadership Development, Executive Coaching, Corporate Advisory, Motivational Speaking, Trade Facilitation and across the Supply Chain, Logistics, 3PL, E-commerce, Life Science, Cold Chain, FMCG, Retail, Maritime, Defence, Aviation, Resources, and Industrial sectors. Operating from the company’s global offices, he is a regular contributor of thought leadership to industry and media, is a professional Master of Ceremonies, and is frequently invited to chair international events.

He is a Board member of over a dozen companies throughout APAC, India, and the Middle East, a New Zealand citizen, he holds formal resident status in Australia and the UAE, and is the Australia & New Zealand representative for the UAE Government-owned Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), the Middle East’s largest Economic Free Zone.

A triathlete and ex-professional rugby player, Kim is a qualified (IECL Sydney) executive coach and the Founder / Chairman of the successful not for profit humanitarian organization, Oasis Africa (www. oasisafrica.org.au), which has provided freedom from poverty through education to over 8000 mainly orphaned children in East Africa’s slums. Kim holds an MBA and BA from Massey & Victoria Universities (NZ).

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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.

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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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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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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Kim Reuter

Host, The Freight Insider

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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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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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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Demo Perez

Host, Supply Chain Now en Espanol

Demo Perez started his career in 1997 in the industry by chance when a relative asked him for help for two just weeks putting together an operation for FedEx Express at the Colon Free Zone, an area where he was never been but accepted the challenge. Worked in all roles possible from a truck driver to currier to a sales representative, helped the brand introduction, market share growth and recognition in the Colon Free Zone, at the end of 1999 had the chance to meet and have a chat with Fred Smith ( FedEx CEO), joined another company in 2018 who took over the FedEx operations as Operations and sales manager, in 2004 accepted the challenge from his company to leave the FedEx operations and business to take over the operation and business of DHL Express, his major competitor and rival so couldn’t say no, by changing completely its operation model in the Free Zone. In 2005 started his first entrepreneurial journey by quitting his job and joining two friends to start a Freight Forwarding company. After 8 months was recruited back by his company LSP with the General Manager role with the challenge of growing the company and make it fully capable warehousing 3PL. By 2009 joined CSCMP and WERC and started his journey of learning and growing his international network and high-level learning. In 2012 for the first time joined a local association ( the Panama Maritime Chamber) and worked in the country’s first Logistics Strategy plan, joined and lead other associations ending as president of the Panama Logistics Council in 2017. By finishing his professional mission at LSP with a company that was 8 times the size it was when accepted the role as GM with so many jobs generated and several young professionals coached, having great financial results, took the decision to move forward and start his own business from scratch by the end of 2019. with a friend and colleague co-founded IPL Group a company that started as a boutique 3PL and now is gearing up for the post-Covid era by moving to the big leagues.

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Mary Kate Love

VP, Marketing

Mary Kate Love is currently the VP of marketing 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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Adrian Purtill

Host, Logistics with Purpose

Adrian Purtill serves as Business Development Manager at Vector Global Logistics, where he consults with importers and exporters in various industries to match their specific shipping requirements with the most effective supply chain solutions. Vector Global Logistics is an asset-free, multi-modal logistics company that provides exceptional sea freight, air freight, truck, rail, general logistic services and consulting for our clients. Our highly trained and professional team is committed to providing creative and effective solutions, always exceeding our customer’s expectations and fostering long-term relationships. With more than 20+ years of experience in both strategy consulting and logistics, Vector Global Logistics is your best choice to proactively minimize costs while having an exceptional service level.

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Kevin Brown

Host, Logistics with Purpose

Kevin Brown is the Director of Business Development for Vector Global Logistics.  He has a dedicated interest in Major Account Management, Enterprise Sales, and Corporate Leadership. He offers 25 years of exceptional experience and superior performance in the sales of Logistics, Supply Chain, and Transportation Management. Kevin is a dynamic, high-impact, sales executive and corporate leader who has consistently exceeded corporate goals. He effectively coordinates multiple resources to solution sell large complex opportunities while focusing on corporate level contacts across the enterprise. His specialties include targeting and securing key accounts by analyzing customer’s current business processes and developing solutions to meet their corporate goals. Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn.

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Jose Miguel Irarrazaval

Host, Logistics with Purpose

Jose Manuel Irarrazaval es parte del equipo de Vector Global Logistics Chile. José Manuel es un gerente experimentado con experiencia en finanzas corporativas, fusiones y adquisiciones, financiamiento y reestructuración, inversión directa y financiera, tanto en Chile como en el exterior. José Manuel tiene su MBA de la Universidad de Pennsylvania- The Wharton School. Conéctese con Jose Manuel en LinkedIn.

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Nick Roemer

Host, Logistics with Purpose

Nick Roemer has had a very diverse and extensive career within design and sales over the last 15 years stretching from China, Dubai, Germany, Holland, UK, and the USA. In the last 5 years, Nick has developed a hawk's eye for sustainable tech and the human-centric marketing and sales procedures that come with it. With his far-reaching and strong network within the logistics industry, Nick has been able to open new avenues and routes to market within major industries in the USA and the UAE. Nick lives by the ethos, “Give more than you take." His professional mission is to make the logistics industry leaner, cleaner and greener.

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Allison Giddens

Host, Logistics with Purpose

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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Billy Taylor

Host of Dial P for Procurement

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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Tandreia Bellamy

Host, Supply Chain Now

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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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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Scott W. Luton

Founder, CEO, & Host

As the founder and CEO of Supply Chain Now, you might say Scott is the voice of supply chain – but he’s too much of a team player to ever claim such a title. One thing’s for sure: he’s a tried and true supply chain expert. With over 15 years of experience in the end-to-end supply chain, Scott’s insights have appeared in major publications including The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and CNN. He has also been named a top industry influencer by Thinkers360, ISCEA and more.

From 2009-2011, Scott was president of APICS Atlanta, and he continues to lead initiatives that support both the local business community and global industry. A United States Air Force Veteran, Scott has also regularly led efforts to give back to his fellow veteran community since his departure from active duty in 2002.

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Greg White

Principal & CMO, Supply Chain Now
Host of Supply Chain Now and TECHquila Sunrise

When rapid-growth technology companies, venture capital and private equity firms are looking for advisory, they call Greg – a founder, board director, advisor and catalyst of disruptive B2B technology and supply chain. An insightful visionary, Greg guides founders, investors and leadership teams in creating breakthroughs to gain market exposure and momentum – increasing overall company esteem and valuation.

Greg is a founder himself, creating Blue Ridge Solutions, a Gartner Magic Quadrant Leader in cloud-native supply chain applications, and bringing to market Curo, a field service management solution. He has also held leadership roles with Servigistics (PTC) and E3 Corporation (JDA/Blue Yonder). As a principal and host at Supply Chain Now, Greg helps guide the company’s strategic direction, hosts industry leader discussions, community livestreams, and all in addition to executive producing and hosting his original YouTube channel and podcast, TEChquila Sunrise.

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Chris Barnes

Principal, Supply Chain Now
Host of Supply Chain is Boring

Talk about world-class: Chris is one of the few professionals in the world to hold CPIM-F, CLTD-F and CSCP-F designations from ASCM/APICS. He’s also the APICS coach – and our resident Supply Chain Doctor. When he’s not hosting programs with Supply Chain Now, he’s sharing supply chain knowledge on the APICS Coach Youtube channel or serving as a professional education instructor for the Georgia Tech Supply Chain & Logistic Institute’s Supply Chain Management (SCM) program and University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Center for Professional Education courses.

Chris earned a BS in Industrial Engineering from Bradley University, an MBA with emphasis in Industrial Psychology from the University of West Florida, and is a Doctoral in Supply Chain Management candidate.

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Tyler Ward

Director of Sales

Tyler Ward serves as Supply Chain Now's Director of Sales. Born and raised in Mid-Atlantic, Tyler is a proud graduate of Shippensburg University where he earned his degree in Communications. After college, he made his way to the beautiful state of Oregon, where he now lives with his wife and daughter.

With over a decade of experience in sales, Tyler has a proven track record of exceeding targets and leading high-performing teams. He credits his success to his ability to communicate effectively with customers and team members alike, as well as his strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

When he's not closing deals, you can find Tyler on the links or cheering on his favorite football and basketball teams. He also enjoys spending time with his family, playing pick-up basketball, and traveling back to Ocean City, Maryland, his favorite place!

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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 CiscoMicrosoft, 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 UniversityO’Reilly MediaLinkedIn Learning, and Pluralsight.  Mr. Jackson retired from the U.S. Navy in 1994, earning specialties in Space Systems EngineeringCarrier 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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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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Kelly Barner

Host of Dial P for Procurement

Kelly is the Owner and Managing Director of Buyers Meeting Point and MyPurchasingCenter. She has been in procurement since 2003, starting as a practitioner and then as the Associate Director of Consulting at Emptoris. She has covered procurement news, events, publications, solutions, trends, and relevant economics at Buyers Meeting Point since 2009. Kelly is also the General Manager at Art of Procurement and Business Survey Chair for the ISM-New York Report on Business. Kelly has her MBA from Babson College as well as an MS in Library and Information Science from Simmons College and she has co-authored three books: ‘Supply Market Intelligence for Procurement Professionals’, ‘Procurement at a Crossroads’, and ‘Finance Unleashed’.

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Constantine Limberakis

Host

Constantine Limberakis is a thought leader in the area of procurement and supply management. He has over 20 years of international experience, playing strategic roles in a wide spectrum of organizations related to analyst advisory, consulting, product marketing, product development, and market research.Throughout his career, he's been passionate about engaging global business leaders and the broader analyst and technology community with strategic content, speaking engagements, podcasts, research, webinars, and industry articles.Constantine holds a BA in History from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and an MBA in Finance & Marketing / Masters in Public & International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh.

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Amanda Luton

Vice President, Production

Amanda is a production and marketing veteran and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience across a variety of industries and organizations including Von Maur, Anthropologie, AmericasMart Atlanta, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Amanda currently manages, produces, and develops modern digital content for Supply Chain Now and their clients. Amanda has previously served as the VP of Information Systems and Webmaster on the Board of Directors for APICS Savannah, and founded and managed her own successful digital marketing firm, Magnolia Marketing Group. When she’s not leading the Supply Chain Now production team, you can find Amanda in the kitchen, reading, listening to podcasts, or enjoying time with family.

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Clay Phillips

Business Development Manager

Clay is passionate about two things: supply chain and the marketing that goes into it. Recently graduated with a degree in marketing at the University of Georgia, Clay got his start as a journalism major and inaugural member of the Owl’s football team at Kennesaw State University – but quickly saw tremendous opportunity in the Terry College of Business. He’s already putting his education to great use at Supply Chain Now, assisting with everything from sales and brand strategy to media production. Clay has contributed to initiatives such as our leap into video production, the guest blog series, and boosting social media presence, and after nearly two years in Supply Chain Now’s Marketing Department, Clay now heads up partnership and sales initiatives with the help of the rest of the Supply Chain Now sales team.

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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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Chantel King

Social Media Manager

My name is Chantel King and I am the Social Media Specialist at Supply Chain Now. My job is to make sure our audience is engaged and educated on the abundant amount of information the supply chain industry has to offer.

Social Media and Communications has been my niche ever since I graduated from college at The Academy of Art University in San Francisco. No, I am not a West Coast girl. I was born and raised in New Jersey, but my travel experience goes way beyond the garden state. My true passion is in creating editorial and graphic content that influences others to be great in whatever industry they are in. I’ve done this by working with lifestyle, financial, and editorial companies by providing resources to enhance their businesses.

Another passion of mine is trying new things. Whether it’s food, an activity, or a sport. I would like to say that I am an adventurous Taurus that never shies away from a new quest or challenge.

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Lori Sofian

Marketing Coordinator

Lori is currently completing a degree in marketing with an emphasis in digital marketing at the University of Georgia. When she’s not supporting the marketing efforts at Supply Chain Now, you can find her at music festivals – or working toward her dream goal of a fashion career. Lori is involved in many extracurricular activities and appreciates all the learning experiences UGA has brought her.

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Katherine Hintz

Sales and Marketing Coordinator

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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