Supply Chain Now
Episode 514

Episode Summary

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott and Greg welcome Karin Bursa and Jamin Alvidrez for the Supply Chain Buzz, to discuss the top news in supply chain for the week.

Episode Transcript

Intro (00:00:05):

It’s time for supply chain. Now broadcasting live from the supply chain capital of the country. Atlanta, Georgia heard around the world, supply chain. Now 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.

Scott Luton (00:00:40):

Hey, good morning. I can say morning, Scott and Greg white with you here on supply chain. Now welcome to the Turkey day episode the Monday before Thanksgiving day. Greg, why? How are you doing? I am doing well. Thank you. I’m very thankful for Thanksgiving. Yeah, I am too. Um, yeah, I was thinking over the weekend. I’m not sure if it was a social media exchange or whatnot, but you know, historically challenging year, um, you know, nothing’s gone right for, for a whole bunch of people. Right. But it makes it, at least it makes me and my family want to double down and be extra grateful to what has gone right. And what we have and, and the people in our life that has made it, you know, made things possible. So I think this is going to be a special, special Thanksgiving, you know, I think, um, what’s really cool.

Scott Luton (00:01:30):

And I have to think Korean bursa, who will think in person shortly for this. Um, but our little adventure at the empty stocking fund has my youngest daughter searching for things to do, to help people, not just during the holidays, but just in general. And, um, you know, that’s her, that’s her thing. So I’m glad she enjoys it. It’s so fulfilling to help people. You get out of it far more than you give. So agreed. Love it. Great points. Hey, Larry Klein has already with this pier, with this Erin. Great to have y’all here. Cigar, uh, Kishor from India is with us. I think first time via LinkedIn and host way hosts way making it happen out there. Running drive in live stream hosts way. Right? Well, no, he, he runs a business. He runs a business. He does, he, Oh, I guarantee you pray. Teak is great to have you back with us.

Scott Luton (00:02:31):

Uh, and Kayvon of course, Victor from Dublin, Dublin. So hello to all of y’all. Uh, great to have you here on the latest edition of the buzz every Monday at 12 noon, Greg, and usually a slew of other folks featured guests, join us for, uh, to walk through some of the biggest developments across global supply chain today, Greg, we are raising the bar. We have two outstanding, special guests joining us about through, uh, Kerryn, bursa and Jane. Um, uh, Jayman Al um, Alvidrez I got a practice that Alvidrez two of our favorite people, uh, Kerryn and Jaymin are gonna, uh, join us about 1225 talking, uh, how COVID is, is changing digitization between with, with consumers and, and where they purchase things. Yeah. We’re gonna be talking about black Friday. We’re going to be talking about, Hey, where are all the containers you name it? Yeah. So look forward to that. Hey, quick programming note, Greg, before we dive in. So to our audience, if you enjoyed today’s live stream, be sure to check out our podcasts. You can search for them and subscribe for free wherever you get your podcasts. From today, gray, we published an outstanding episode featuring the geek plus team bots. And bullwhips is what we entitled it. Great episode. You can check and check that out

Greg White (00:03:54):

Podcast from Martin Racine. I like, I like when you asked Martin Messina question, because when, when the answer is no, this is Mark’s answer. No,

Scott Luton (00:04:04):

He tells it

Greg White (00:04:05):

Like he does. He tells the truth. That’s

Scott Luton (00:04:07):

Right. Hey, we’ve got a ton of folks tuned in

Greg White (00:04:14):

Cloudiest. Yep. So her in here,

Scott Luton (00:04:17):

Edwin. Hello, Edwin. We have Michael Avra. Mike, appreciate the connection with Scott North. Look forward to connecting with him. Claudia freed is back. We gotta get Claudia back on a live stream. Hope this finds you and your family. Well, Gary Smith is, uh, hello from the Roslyn bunker annex. Huh? How about that? Very great to connect last weekend. So Greg Gary is going to make a guest appearance on this week in business history. So stay tuned on that. Awesome. Looking forward to that. Patrick Kelly, the produce industry podcasts. That’s right. Yeah. Sony is back with us. Greetings from Nigeria T squared. Of course he holds out YouTube for the supply chain team. We appreciate that.

Greg White (00:05:01):

Thank you for doing that. Edward Murphy.

Scott Luton (00:05:03):

Good afternoon. Hello Edward. Uh, ad non where’d he go, man. They they’re moving so quick. My finger cannot keep up with the whole gang here, but uh, great to have everyone here and I’m looking forward to diving into the headlines. All right. So one quick announcement, Greg. So tomorrow we’ve been talking about it for quite some time. Two yes. 2020 st. Picks virtual conference achieving perfect 2020 supply chain vision hashtag not just another webinar. Join us. We are pleased to be sharing some of our key takeaways from 2020 and hashtag trivia’s bat. We’re gonna be hosting one of the most competitive, uh, trivia games

Greg White (00:05:52):

Yet, Greg, it’s a rare duo that can provide you with supply information and education and then take you through trivia. So we’re going to give you some takes on what we’ve seen in the last year, and we’re going to encourage you not to look back at what our takeaways from the previous year where we’ve had Scott, we’ve had so many companies or organizations and media outlets asking us what is our prediction for 2021? And I’m just like, I’m not ready.

Scott Luton (00:06:26):

Oh gosh, but y’all join us. It’s going to be a promise that it’s going to be an outstanding session, uh, event with our great friends, Jenny Froom and the safe picks team. Once they load just a couple other folks real quick, professor AA says happy national aviation history month. He where’s, he hailed from Greg. I think

Greg White (00:06:45):

It could be which talk Kansas goes shocks. Yeah, we’re getting a new basketball coach or others. Other was a bad boy, meaning to some of the players

Scott Luton (00:06:55):

Can’t have that. Can’t have that. And you also can’t do a live stream without our dear friend in Canada, hailing from Canada, David, our emotional

Greg White (00:07:04):

Support Canadian. Thank you, David

Scott Luton (00:07:06):

Agreed. Um, all right. So what we need to do here is, uh, dive right into the headlines. So, uh, we’ve got, uh, no shortage of stories Greg, to talk about today, but I want to lead off it. It’s Greg white takeover day here at the buzz, uh, which is exciting thing, but I’m going to get a quick story. And before we get started, I love Greg. I’m a, I’m a sucker for solid practical use cases of technology, especially blockchain, because there’s so many debates around blockchain. This is a good one. So a little backdrop Mongolia. If you don’t know your geography, it’s a landlocked country in East Asia. You got Russia to the North and you’ve got China to the South. It’s also one of the largest and most sparsely populated countries in the world. I think it’s the 18th largest country in the world, but not a large population.

Scott Luton (00:07:58):

So of course, very remote, but that’s not stopping Mongolian goat herders from utilizing blockchain. So get this, Greg, this is in a story from Sarah Marie at financial times. A great, great article. Y’all got to check this out. So the herders are using a mobile phone app developed by convergence.tech, which is out of Toronto and the app leverages blockchain and what it allows the herders to document and make more money. But the document that our goats are not using overgrazed land, which, you know, will, it can lead to some adverse climate change stuff that companies don’t want to be, uh, don’t want to source from. So since it allows a herders, a document that our goats are using non overgraze land, it allows them to charge more for the Kashmir that the goats produce, what a beautiful, simple, uh, automated, uh, exam application of leveraging supply chain technology, even in the most, you know, some of the more remote parts of the world. I think it’s a beautiful, simple use case. So

Greg White (00:09:04):

I don’t know if you’ve seen long way round, which, uh, you and McGregor and Charlie Borman did in 2004, but they go through Mongolia and, and you want to talk about remote. I mean, it’s hard to have a perspective for how not just remote, but how, uh, left behind this entire country is. And, uh, for them to be utilizing a technology like this is really important, really important and really impressive. And I’ve seen other applications they’re using it for herding cattle to make sure that they’re not promoting erosion by, uh, by overgrazing and also fish to make sure that they’re ethically caught. So not, I don’t know that it’s this particular company, but it’s an incredibly valuable technology and it’s as close as something that almost everyone has, which is a phone so easily, easily accommodated love it.

Scott Luton (00:09:59):

There’s going to be so much more, um, power and, and change that, that these technologies are going to drive, especially as, uh, as folks and, and organizations and people wrap their heads around, you know, where they can really drive value rather than just be the project of the mop. So I love this, I love articles like this, um, because it really challenges all of this, that, that don’t have excuses of being remote and, and L it does. It’s not a good fit, you know, really think differently. So, great story here. Great writing, uh, Sarah and a financial times team. All right. So Greg, uh, let’s hit just a couple of comments before, uh, the Greg white take over. So it’s a Darth, let me see if I can drop this out real quick. He, um, so he looks like he is about to launch a bright, uh, supply chain career.

Scott Luton (00:10:45):

So we get this question a lot, Greg, and, and we want to challenge our art, our community, and our audience, the best in the world. They always bring it, Hey, y’all, y’all drop, uh, some advice and some suggestions to Siddharth in the comments and, and certainly connect after today’s live stream. Um, you know, we all will to help folks shorten that learning curve when jumping into the supply chain industry. So great to have you Siddharth and we will figure that out. Also Kishore looks like, uh, he’s a mechanical engineering student. He wants to do a master’s in supply chain management. So how will life be after getting into supply chain management? Hmm. All right, Greg, I’m gonna put you on the spot. What’s a quick and simple answer.

Greg White (00:11:28):

How will, uh, well, it will be neither quick, nor simple. That’s how your life will be. It will be exceedingly complex, um, and term and long range. But I got to tell you it’s, it’s the, it is the career of the future. Yes. Flooding into the industry in terms of, of innovation in terms of technology. And then in terms of additional companies getting into the physical foray and fray of supply chain

Scott Luton (00:11:59):

Put in Kishore, if you, if you love a good challenge and evolving challenge, lots of technology, uh, lots of relationships, uh, and, and really, you know, pulling together and to make the consumers happy, you know, kind of a United mission, you are going to love supply chain. All right. It’s a lot of good stuff there. Let’s keep, let’s dive into the second headline here today, Greg, where we’re going to be talking about shipping direct to consumers. Tell us.

Greg White (00:12:25):

Yeah. So we’re going to have a couple stories about retail since it’s the holiday season, or at least I’m in the holiday mood. Uh, we are putting up our Christmas decorations earlier than in, in white family history. So, uh, actually before Thanksgiving, so I’m in the holiday weekend records. Here we are, it’s a war, it’s a year of change. So from the newsroom, Scott, uh, this is, uh, a story, uh, from Carolyn Jansen at, uh, at retail dive. And she talks about direct con direct to consumer brands and the potential long-term implications for the brand. So of course COVID and the seismic societal disruption in response to it, uh, were a huge boost to DTC direct to consumer brands. Those brands Harry’s, uh, Casper, uh, you probably can think of a thousand of them where you order the product on their site or their website or their Amazon or Walmart site.

Greg White (00:13:26):

And it’s shipped direct to you. You don’t go to a store. You don’t necessarily always go through, uh, even another online retailer with these companies. So because consumers limited their physical shopping and because e-commerce deliveries, um, were delayed and costs increased. And the, and, and also because the strain has not really subsided in the eight months, since there’s people questioning the viability of, of direct to consumer look, these brands, they struggle to meet, uh, consumer expectations for fast and free delivery. And part of the problem is that they’re prone to be deprioritized. Remember those days, Scott deprioritized by Amazon, because you’re not essential, right. Because Amazon wanted to ship their product instead, allegedly. Um,

Scott Luton (00:14:23):

And that wasn’t far that that was what just, it feels like six years ago, but I was probably just four or five months.

Greg White (00:14:28):

Yeah. Yeah. Um, and they’re also prone to being shut out by the parcel carriers, right? There’s all, you know, we talk about this all the time. There’s rates are going up, parcel carriers, profits are at an all time high. Their stocks are exploding, and yet they continue to push the burden to, to suppliers and to the consumer. So that’s an issue and they can’t count on those parcel, uh, carriers. And of course, last mile challenges with the carriers with alternate carriers and returns, returns are a big issue. So one of the things that this article talks about, and I think this is great encouragement for direct to consumer brands is, you know, they need to break free and find some innovative ways to overcome, uh, all of these challenges. So here are three, here are three things that are, that are talked about in the article and it’s worth a read by the way, uh, creating brand expectations and consumer experience that helps consumers, weight feel like the wait is worth it. So if it’s, if your brand is that powerful in your experience, aside from delivery, is that strong, then you can get away with a few extra days to deliver. Uh, I can think of brands that I, I would wait a few extra days for. And I’m sure that if you work hard, you can do that. I know one brand

Scott Luton (00:15:53):

Interviewed, we interviewed him a few weeks ago, Sweetwater. I know you’re a big fan of, of not just of their products, but how they approach a customer customer

Greg White (00:16:02):

Spirits, right? Yeah, no doubt. I mean, you know, E I feel like it, you know, whenever I need advice, I can call Ian [inaudible] at Sweetwater, who is my assigned, uh, customer rep and ask him what I need. I mean, he, he did the research to identify, I’ve got, hopefully got it coming. Um, hopefully it’s coming as a present a new, uh, condenser Mike coming that he says, this is the perfect fit for your voice. So, um, we’ll see. And you, you all will be the judge, but in regards to returns, right, preempting the need for returns. If your products are big or, uh, they take a tough delivery or assembly, or if it’s a, a physical fit, not physical leaf it product, but a product that has to fit when it arrives, give, give consumers the ability to make sure that it does in fact fit them before they order it.

Greg White (00:17:01):

That is really critical because 30 to 40% of e-comm comes back. And then of course there are actually brands taking on in-house delivery themselves. And if not that then, because that’s, that’s a big fit if you’re selling furniture or some sort of assembled product of other type. But if, if not that type of product, then there are plenty of other carriers out there besides the usual suspects. Um, you know, there’s, there are last mile delivery companies, believe it or not, the Amazon last mile delivery companies are all independently owned, local businesses. They are not owned. They are franchised or licensed, whichever it is by Amazon. So support local and, and use them. But there’s also bring and various and sundry other last mile delivery companies that can really help you out there. Look, this is it’s worth a read. Um, if you have a small brand or interested in small brands, or, you know, just want to see some new ideas, uh, that frankly could help anyone of any size in the last mile.

Scott Luton (00:18:08):

So I got to share a couple of these comments real quick, Greg. Um, and let’s see your first one, the first one comes from, uh, Dave and he says, working as Platt. Shane is like the best night of drinking and the hanger from it, hang over from it all at once. It seems to be lots of agreement there. Um, now clay has a serious comment, uh, and clay is a customer experience. Expert is also my brother, which makes him the best expert. But, uh, he says, he thinks it’s less about waiting more about setting the right expectations and living up to them great point.

Greg White (00:18:42):

It is. I mean, and, and, you know, you can actually create anticipation in the waiting if the product and the experience is that good people are willing to do it. They, they actually consider it a badge of honor. If the brand experience is right. Yeah. I had to wait a couple extra days, but it was worth it not to have X junkie product instead. Right. Yeah. Great point.

Scott Luton (00:19:05):

Um, going back to your last mile, Michael’s pointing out a wall street journal article about last mile last week. Huge problem is damages on returns. You know, there’s been a lot that the whole return space talking about me and thrown for a loop, um, here in the pandemic environment, we’re going to touch more on that in our reverse logistics series coming up. Um, pray teaks says, uh, David, let’s see here, I’ll go back to [inaudible]. Yeah. Uh, Pristiq says, must watch what a company named takeoff has done to deal with making profits from IE grocery, by dealing with last mile delivery. I recently posted that on one of the, on one of his LinkedIn posts. So make sure you’re connected to teak only LinkedIn, so you can check out content like that. And then Michael says, another issue is if someone orders for the same product, different sizes of colors, we’ve talked about this before. How does a company determine how much of that revenue to realize? Otherwise revenue will continue to be overstated, good point there. And, uh, one quick shout out, Sylvia says greetings from Charleston, sending out one nation coffee and homemade cranberry relish for our customers. Love that Sylvia. I don’t want them, I don’t want it on my Turkey sandwich, but I bet it is delicious, right, Greg? No.

Greg White (00:20:23):

Well, sorry. It turned into Marcus, you there for a second. Um, I hate cranberry of any kind. Um, so yeah. Uh, but I really appreciate Judaism Sylvia’s skills, sorry. And if anyone can make it edible, she can,

Scott Luton (00:20:36):

Uh, agreed. She is a magical in that, uh, in the cooking kitchen

Greg White (00:20:43):

In laboratory, we believe so though. We’ve never gotten any actual and I’m not, I’m not challenging. I’m not shamelessly. Yeah. Like if you’ve got any extra Merv here, but we’ve never gotten any actual product, so we can verify that

Scott Luton (00:21:01):

Extra blueberry jam hanging out in the kitchen, uh, Sylvia and they’re on a production line. Send it our way. Okay. So Greg, let’s dive into this third story. We’re having too much fun shipping from stores. Is it going to last post pandemic?

Greg White (00:21:17):

So, uh, interesting. So this is an article from gin, a Miller at, um, retail dive. Oh, sorry. No, she’s in she supply chain dive, man. We’ve hit them all. We’ve hit all the dives today, trifecta. Um, and she talks about whether ship from store is viable and with some discussion on, on things that can make it. So, so she talks with Cory Berry CEO of best buy about their plans to make 250 stores hubs for delivery. All of their stores are equipped to do e-commerce delivery. And if you think back long enough in e-commerce best buy was one of the first and most hard hit disrupted retailers back when showrooming, there is a blast from the past showrooming is the biggest e-commerce sin. People would go to best buy. I know because I’ve done it. And my wife did it, which is what gave me one of the ideas for how we solve that at blue Ridge.

Greg White (00:22:12):

But, um, you walk in the store and you look at the product on the shelf and you decide whether you’re going to buy it in the store or buy it online. And you could actually do both, you know, you go and and say, yep, really like the picture of that television. And then you’d go find it somewhere cheaper and buy it online. So they were one of the most early disrupted companies. They reacted very, uh, significantly and dramatically and effectively. I think there was a time when a best buy was having a real struggle with that sort of thing. And they adapted, um, very well. Uh, you know, one of the, the article quotes, a number of voices who say, you know, on a talk about the difficulty of fulfillment from store and whether it’s viable and many believe that it’s not common opinion. However, and I think that would be common in this group, right?

Greg White (00:23:07):

And the whole world is that e-comm is here to stay. And that the blip up that we’ve seen in e-commerce while we may not hold onto it all, when people can actually go back to a physical store, uh, that, that the trend has been accelerated for. Good. Yup. So, you know, my argument on this and I’ll just make this really brief, it’s a great and brief article. Look, the experts are not wrong on some of these fronts, but as retail rents plummet, and that logo that you’re seeing right there is really important. But as retail rents, inevitably plummet, uh, ship from store is for these retailers stores is right where Amazon wishes, they could be right to make timely delivery because they’re out in industrial parks and on the edge of cities and these are in what they call, um, super centers or, um, Oh my gosh, I forgot the name.

Greg White (00:24:02):

There they’re either in traditional malls or in those big strip malls where it’s just gigantic stores, right. And bed bath and beyond. I mean, frankly really, is there any reason to set foot in a bit bed bath and beyond store? It’s not unlike staples, there’s nothing there that you need to see or really physically touched to decide that you might want to buy or not, not that much. Right. I mean, they’re, they’ve got a whole section in that store on as seen on TV and an entire, you know, and in fact, I think the whole store could be sold as seen on TV. So they’re big stores, uh, they’re jam packed with product over over-packed I would argue, but that does make them. And because they’re in these super centers that does make them a great facility for shipping from store they’re really there. They really could be if they know how to do it in a good way. And one of the things that they talk about in the article is sort of a false structure that was built, that we’ve talked about before Scott, where, um, retail commerce and e-commerce are two separate entities, which would never have been to begin with, um, and certainly should not be now. And I think a lot of retailers are coming to that realization. Well, you know, we’ve heard forever about

Scott Luton (00:25:16):

SKU, SKU rationalization, which is nothing new, but we’ve heard a lot more about it in 2020. I think we’re going to hear a lot about

Greg White (00:25:24):

Rationalization. You got it, you got to use it,

Scott Luton (00:25:25):

And it’s got a big, have a great return, uh, in this e-commerce age.

Greg White (00:25:30):

Well, um, and, and that’s, what’s going to drive retail rents down. I mean, it’s already happening in malls, right? Malls are turning into 55 and up. So let me, let me share a couple of comments, hospital, housing facilities, right? Yep.

Scott Luton (00:25:43):

Uh, to Noosh we are getting your comments. I apologize. It’s a bit off topic. Um, uh, SAP EWM consultant and wants to start working on industry 4.0, we’d welcome you to, to join the community and bouncing the questions off the community here and stay tuned. We’re going to have a,

Greg White (00:26:01):

Um, um, a

Scott Luton (00:26:03):

Rear development live stream with some experts in the, in the weeks ahead. So stay tuned for that. So we’re not ignoring you. We’re just trying to stay

Greg White (00:26:10):

EWM I don’t know what he does

Scott Luton (00:26:13):

Is maybe I’m sure we’ll find out that acronym. Yeah. Um, let’s see here. Pierre says, you know, we’ve talked about service merchandise ahead of their time. Okay.

Greg White (00:26:21):

Way ahead of their time, but agreed what a great model that is. Pierre. I love that. And yeah.

Scott Luton (00:26:28):

Ehrenfried is with us. Aaron was a former veteran voices, uh, featured guests, not too long ago. Aaron says Omni channel is bound to increase. The more you, the more use you can get from a physical location, the higher, the return on investment. If a physical store, as a distribution center that is cost savings. And then

Greg White (00:26:48):

One point, yep. Go ahead.

Scott Luton (00:26:50):

One final point here from Mike aver, McKinsey and company released a pandemic study back in March, where they predicted online retail to continue because a lot of the older population who have not adopted online ordering has been forced into the space and they now see the convenience shifting their buying habits, moving forward, completely up. We’ve seen that, uh, with, with friends and family,

Greg White (00:27:13):

Because I believe one of the people they quote saying it’s not feasible. It’s really lots. Lots of depends on who you talk to. Uh, I’m sorry. Carney, Carney. Sorry. Okay. Same difference. Same difference. All right. So one of those firms that tells you how to do it, but not helps you do it. Yes.

Scott Luton (00:27:36):

No shortage of opinions, own, own, um, all things retail in this e-commerce age and the, the intersection of e-commerce growth in the pandemic is fascinating. So let’s hit on a spinal story.

Greg White (00:27:48):

W let me wrap, let me wrap that up just a little bit, because I got to the point that Aaron made, uh, omni-channel multi-channel whatever. Look I have been saying for years, and I think it’s time has come. There is no retail commerce. There is no e-commerce, there is no Omni or multichannel. It’s just commerce. Right? I think the time has come for us just to call it commerce or just call it retail. There’s no need to discern anymore. Right? It, it, it is. And especially as this article talks about, if it all happens from the store or all happens for the consumer, considering how the consumer wants to shop, it’s just commerce. Right? What, won’t that be a great day? Aaron, when we don’t have all these terms that we have to Wade through. Agreed. All right, now let’s talk about this now.

Scott Luton (00:28:36):

Let’s talk about drivers. Go ahead,

Greg White (00:28:38):

Greg. Well, first of all, I would have joined the Marines. If I got to drive something to look like that for the rest of my career. That is cool looking look. Um, so Jim Stinson in, in transport, dive again, another deep dive trifecta. Yeah. Shares. He shares a story about how to tackle the driver shortage, right? Uh, the industry expects the drivers drivers shortage to increase. We’re attacking it. A number of different ways. And firms have expressed interest in recruiting drivers with experience in the armed forces. In fact, the story, it really starts with a story. I’m not sure that Jim is not also writing a memoir or a, or a novel or something, because the way that this starts is more story than article, which is, uh, was engaging. He, he talks about Rick Miller and his journey as a Marine veteran in the industry.

Greg White (00:29:32):

And Miller says, it’s a, it’s a natural fit. You get to see the United States and explore it. Now think about this as a fit. And they go through all this in article, which is very brief, but definitely worth, worth the read. Um, fleets of course see the drivers shortage growing in coming years, and they’re attacking it multiple ways, not exclusive of autonomous vehicles, carriers like XPO in 2021 expect to hire 6% of their new drivers from the pool of vets. And one of the things they talk about in this article, which is just brilliant on the road or on a mission, there’s similar dynamics. I mean, thinking about it, it requires discipline, improvisation, adaptation, and the ability to overcome obstacles. They are getting also, these carriers are getting on base prior to a military personnel exiting or, or, or becoming veterans why, while they’re still on active duty.

Greg White (00:30:31):

So if you’re an active duty military or a vet listen up because, you know, if you think about it, driving is a brother or sisterhood, um, and it’s an exclusive batch of folks doing something vital for the nation. So what, what could be more natural than that? You know, and as I was reading through the article, it really hit me that, uh, you know, the similarities, I mean, not at all, not at all the same level of danger or risk or, uh, but there are a lot of those dynamics, right? If you’ve ever stopped at a, at a truck stop, you know, that’s attached to a Dunkin donuts or something to grab a handful of tasty snacks on the road, you can watch it happen. I mean, you can literally see it happen. So

Scott Luton (00:31:20):

10 on the back, great place is YouTube got no shortage of channels or truck drivers are documenting their journey. And it is fascinating to see what they have to put up with what they have to navigate and, and, you know, to make it happen, to make that mission happen. So really appreciate that whole community of our truck driving population. But yeah, if you’re a military member and certainly a veteran there’s opportunities that abound and really quick before we bring in our two featured guests, speaking of, uh, veterans, Troy Boozer, and I served in the air force together, Troy is a salt of the earth people. I connected with him over the weekend. He’s going to be joining us for a veteran voices episode in December. And, um, I’m telling you that people like Troy, uh, not only get stuff done, but they help others get, get, get stuff done. And, um, the special individuals. So Troy, great to have you here for a moment and look forward to December. Okay. So Greg, no shortage of things to talk about, but we’ve got some really cool stories to talk with. Uh, Corinne bursa who hosts our tech talk digital supply chain podcast, and Jaman, Alvidrez host of our logistics and beyond you ready to bring them in

Greg White (00:32:29):

Let’s swoosh. Let’s do it.

Scott Luton (00:32:34):

Hey, Hey, good afternoon. Jayman Corrine. How are we doing? I’m doing great.

Karin Bursa (00:32:40):

It’s always good to get switched over.

Jamin Alvidrez (00:32:43):

Yeah, I love it.

Scott Luton (00:32:44):

It’s a small things in life.

Jamin Alvidrez (00:32:46):

I’ve never ceased to be amazed by it.

Scott Luton (00:32:49):

I was replacing some kitchen light bulbs over the weekend and it took me three hours. I needed to get my 11 year old to help me out. But once they finally worked and clicked and we knew that the, a, it wasn’t the socket, that was a bad, uh, you know, small things in life. We appreciate. All right. So on that note, Greg, uh, that was some of where we spent. That was the more aspect. My weekend is some, some home improvement projects. Uh, before we dive into all the great things that’s taking place in industry Kerryn. Give me one highlight from your weekend.

Karin Bursa (00:33:21):

Well, I’m surprised we didn’t see it at the home Depot this weekend. Cause ours was all about, uh, some home improvement projects, but the big win is we got the projects done and we didn’t add anything to the list of additional product projects on the, uh, in the process. So that’s a big win

Scott Luton (00:33:42):

And y’all spending time on the river. I think I, I saw, uh, some kayaking or canoeing a week or two ago. So yeah.

Karin Bursa (00:33:48):

Yes, yes, yes. Not last week. Not just the weekend past, we did not, but, uh, yeah, if I want to see my husband on the weekends lately, I’ve gotta be on the water with him.

Jamin Alvidrez (00:34:01):

Love it, man. You need a thermal kayak,

Scott Luton (00:34:07):

Have you back, uh, really enjoyed your most recent episode, which we’ll touch on maybe after we get through this and these news developments. Okay. Jay man. Great to have you back. You’re on West coast time. So you’re up early to Adam, uh, this week. Give me one highlight from your weekend.

Jamin Alvidrez (00:34:23):

Yes, it’s, it’s great to be here. Um, I’m actually gonna share three quick hitters. USC Trojans won, uh, the Kansas city chiefs one and the, the third. And this is really the, the ultimate highlight. Um, my son who’s eight is always super hyper and as he likes sports and activity and all that, but it’s not really been into playing catch because he just kind of gets bored or distracted. Well, this weekend he asked me to play catch with him and, uh, he was really, he was really into it. So, wow. Um, that was a huge highlight because I I’m convinced there’s nothing better for a relationships than just get old game of catch love that that is so true. And, and it looks like your arm has not fallen off. So that’s good all to you in that, that, that is very true

Scott Luton (00:35:15):

Theme. Again, simple things in life in challenging times like this. All right. So Greg, we are going to die. So it sounds like both, y’all had a wonderful weekend by the way. And thanks for spending some of your Monday morning with us, Greg, we’re going to dive right in and where are we starting?

Jamin Alvidrez (00:35:31):

That’s a great question, Scott, because I thought you were going to ask me about something.

Greg White (00:35:40):

So let’s do that. So before we, before, let’s just go with it. Roll the professional. This one, right. We roll with the punches here at supply chain now. So Greg, give me one highlight from your weekend. My morning walk on Saturday was, was a highlight, got up early, got to see a sunset. Um, if you follow me on Instagram, you can see it. Um, I reported it maybe a day or two late, but, uh, I have to do that because otherwise people, you know, crowd around if they know exactly where I am. Uh, but it was great. I mean, it was foggy. It was cool. Um, I took my big dog for a walk, not the little dog or shenanigans the cat got, if you can walk cats, you got, so I took my big tough cat and my big dog and we saw deer. I mean, it was amazing. We were the first people at the park and we were there for awhile. So it was, yeah, that was great. Love that. It’s always nice to unplug. So, and, and I enjoyed the videos and some other images, sunrises that you’ve been sharing. So it’s nice breathe a breath of fresh air. All right. So speaking of, you know, staying plugged in great segue unplanned there, Greg, the COVID 19 crisis, uh, digitizing these consumer relationships. So Kerryn, tell us more.

Karin Bursa (00:37:03):

Yeah. So this comes to us from a McKinsey and company that has done some great research, uh, in the area of, um, digitization of business. Um, and also in consumer behavior, uh, especially around COVID-19, but this is super interesting because in a seven month period, so seven months, Greg, you’re going to appreciate this. And just seven months, uh, we have seen the adoption of digital business for customer interactions, as well as operations, supporting those, um, by as much as a 58% increase, if you look at those numbers there for North America, going from 41% to 65%, that’s amazing. That is absolutely amazing. So in seven months, these businesses have achieved what historically would have taken them three to four and perhaps for some seven years in transition. So you talk about accelerating and embracing digital transformation to some pretty interesting numbers.

Greg White (00:38:09):

It’s about time too. Don’t you think? Curry?

Karin Bursa (00:38:12):

I, I do. I do, but you can see. So, you know, we had a couple of very flat years and then 2019 showed some growth that I’m sure most businesses were, um, really happy about. Uh, but not nearly the kind of growth that we’re seeing here in 2020 and in such a compressed period of time. I think we’ve really had a tipping point.

Greg White (00:38:35):

There’s been a couple of,

Scott Luton (00:38:36):

There’s been numerous early adopters, and I bet they’re really, uh, you know, think of QuickBooks. And I think of BNH audio video, you know, folks that really have figured out that, that how to digitize successfully what consumers are looking for, especially in both of those examples and others is when you’re looking to get help with products or know on the FAQ page. You don’t, there’s not what you’re looking for there. And you can just pop up a quick and easy chat, you know, with, with a real individual that really help navigate you through your problems rather than sitting on hold for 15 minutes, to get someone that will transfer you to someone that would transfer you to someone. There are some early adopters that are really getting it done, right. Kerryn. Yeah,

Karin Bursa (00:39:18):

I agree completely. And, uh, and we’re seeing the consumer, or even in the business to business environments, we’re more comfortable interacting that way. So there’s two sides of that relationship. So I think we’re, we’re feeling served efficiently. We’re getting the information we need as, as being on the consuming base or the customer side of that equation. And then from a business perspective, able to get a good, consistent, um, experience out for, for the customers and suppliers is very important as well. Excellent.

Scott Luton (00:39:54):

All right. Uh, Jayman Greg, any quick comment before we keep driving here,

Greg White (00:39:58):

I love the real quick, the point about a consistent experience. I think that’s often what’s missing and can be, uh, so vital. So that’s, I think that’d be a huge, positive,

Scott Luton (00:40:08):

Great point, Jamie, you know, if you know, it’s like, it’s like I’ll lead, you know, Chick-fil-A raise your hand if you never have consistent experiences, regardless of where you go. I mean, that has been, that’s such a power card to play for that company. Um, so I completely echo your point there. Jamie and Greg, your last comment before we hit Kerryn. Second story.

Greg White (00:40:30):

Yeah. Well, I think, uh, as Curran said, I think it’s as encouraging that consumers are adopting as much as the companies. Right? Um, I, I think it’s an, I mean, it’s an important aspect of retail as we go forward. Like we were talking about just before, um, w whether you’re concerned about the ease, the comfort, the customer experience, climate change, whatever it is, man, if you can, if you can buy from bed, bath and beyond, or whomever, staples, whomever without leaving the house, I mean, you should right.

Scott Luton (00:41:06):

Agreed. Uh, let’s say a lot of the few folks before we hit the next door here, Mervyn misses notification, but Hey, you’re here and that’s all that matters. Mervin. Great to have you hope this finds you well, dr. VAs has joined us a couple of times, greetings from bang, uh, Bangalore India. Great to have you and PA are going back to the topic much like the self-checkout mentality, people interacting directly with the transaction without the human variable, right?

Greg White (00:41:31):

Yeah, that’s it. I was interesting. That was kind of a thought I had is you said the chat thing, I avoid that chat at all costs. I would really have the information in the technology, but so many companies enable both and, and that’s critical because I mean, all consumers are different, so

Scott Luton (00:41:48):

I must be the lazy version. I want it spoonfed to me or slow. Maybe I’m just that slow. We’ll see. Um, yeah,

Greg White (00:41:57):

Lazy because I would buy the wrong thing and just send it back if they gave me free returns. Right. A lot of, I think a lot of consumers do that.

Scott Luton (00:42:06):

Greed, I think just that little, you know, tongue in cheek response there back and forth, you know, while there’s some great generalities, when it comes to consumers, uh, in the commerce space, I didn’t put an IL net for just for you, Greg, but also there’s some different, you know, different scenarios. There’s some differences in how we do want certain information and what products and those relationships, so excellent article there, Korean, um, let’s, let’s speaking of, uh, digitization, let’s talk about, uh, black Friday and some of the trends that are occurring. What are you seeing?

Karin Bursa (00:42:40):

Absolutely. You guys have been dancing around this for a good 20 minutes, but this says our life has changed. And in fact, um, again, McKinsey and company did this research, uh, and the headline is about that online shopping experience. So earlier this morning, I heard once again, the CDC is recommending that we not be in crowded shopping centers, shopping, plazas, et cetera. Um, and that we take advantage of other methods. So I would say that this particular research here, which represents North America, so about a third of the respondents from North America, about a third are from China, and then the other third is European. Um, so it’s a, it’s a very interesting mix with 3,600 respondents that we see a pretty consistent, um, moved to getting more and more comfortable online. So Greg, you were talking about that just a minute ago with people who have not shopped online or getting used to it, or getting used to curbside pickup. If you look at Target’s numbers last week, super impressive. Um, and they’ve done a really good job with that curbside pickup process as well. So it looks like, uh, people are going to be shopping. Um, it looks like black Friday incentives or black Friday week or black Friday month. All depends on which retailer you’re accepting the 20 20th black Friday. But, um, but what’s interesting is that only 2% of the respondents that’s 2% said that they would not participate in these online promotions through the holidays. So only 2% of that hundred. You got it.

Greg White (00:44:23):

I’d rather pay more or, I mean, when w when we’re at the logic, is there that’s interesting. Hmm.

Karin Bursa (00:44:29):

No, no, but I it’s, I show balance at, in the, uh, you know, in the survey base, right. Not everybody was a hundred percent behind it, but, uh, but super interesting to see the growth, to see the, um, the continued participation in different promotions. And we’ll assume that those promotions are going to stimulate, stimulate, stimulate purchases as they’re designed to do. Yeah.

Scott Luton (00:44:52):

Hey, going back to, um, one of y’all mentioned target and they’ve have gotten so much great press. I gotta admit I don’t shop there very often, but it seems like, you know, from a variety of sources, they’re one of the companies that has really gotten their, uh, pandemic e-commerce strategy store, operation strategy. Right. And executed well, is that, is that the general consensus here?

Jamin Alvidrez (00:45:14):

Well, I should hope so because they’ve spent 10 times as much as anyone else on the effort. So, yes, I think so from the point of a customer who I’m always having to run there for something, they have made it just so simple with how they’ve set up, not just curbside, but, you know, they’ll have the way the stalls are set up. They’re very responsive and quick and bringing the, the items to your vehicle. So I’ve found that experience to be, um, not just, you know, a good experience with what we’re facing and the added safety, but just going forward. I think that’s a bell. They, they’re not going to unranked cause it’s way too convenient.

Scott Luton (00:45:53):

I liked that phrase. I’m gonna steal it as a bill. You can’t unring that.

Karin Bursa (00:45:59):

I like it.

Scott Luton (00:46:01):

Cool. All right. So Korean, uh, your take quick take on target.

Karin Bursa (00:46:06):

So yeah, absolutely. I think, I think that, um, you know, we’ve been watching target for the last couple of years is they’ve looked at, at really changing, um, the omni-channel experience, if you will, or adding new services to, uh, to differentiate themselves in the market. I think they did a great job of, um, you know, the curbside pickup, the buy online pickup in store, uh, fairly early in this process, they’ve been able to leverage it. Uh, and as Greg mentioned, they’ve been investing. So they’ve been kind of a benchmark for other retailers to look at, to see what’s working and, uh, and what maybe they should prioritize from a rollout perspective.

Scott Luton (00:46:47):

Yep. Well said, uh, one final thought here on retail experiences, before we move over into containers and get a couple of comments from the audience, uh, I was in, um, in the store over the weekend, getting, picking up these light bulbs. And it’s amazing, uh, all of these gains digital, uh, customer experience wise, but a lot of the in store shopping, especially questions about products so much has not changed. And, and it makes you want to stay home and just get the right product shipped out to you. But I digress.

Jamin Alvidrez (00:47:17):

All right. That’s an excellent point, Scott, that experience.

Karin Bursa (00:47:25):

Yeah. And Greg, I was at Costco late yesterday, late on, um, and guess what they were out of paper and paper towels all over again. I mean, not a single, you know, not a single offering in the store, which shocked me, uh, to see all over again, that we’re still having a problem, you know, as people get anxious with, um, the increasing number of COVID cases, again, uh, that stockpiling is underway, but the supply chain still is not as responsive as it needs to be in those areas.

Greg White (00:47:57):

Yeah. The one in your house was out on Friday afternoon. So, um, we did, we did Friday date night at our favorite place because where we live, it’s up on top of this huge Hill, it overlooks an airport. You can watch planes land in the sun. That’s pretty cool. There’s nothing like a slice of horrible Costco pizza. And, um, and watching the sunset. Yeah. Love that. What they were telling customers was they were out as soon as even, you know, Costco has a strict policy, one per membership, not even per customer, right. You can’t take two carts and try to trick them. Um, so they, they were out immediately upon receiving it that morning, Friday morning. Gosh.

Scott Luton (00:48:49):

All right. Uh, so much good stuff to talk about there or challenging stuff. Uh, want to say hello to a few folks, get a couple of comments. Lisa Fenton, excellent thought leader, supply chain thought leader checkup. Check her out on social media says hello from California out in your neck of the words there Jaman

Greg White (00:49:04):

That’s. Canada has fantastic. A great follow is always positive. Very, very helpful.

Scott Luton (00:49:11):

My apologies, how y’all know that’s Canada versus,

Greg White (00:49:14):

Uh, I’ll tell you why. This is how obsessive compulsive I am. I can tell that what she did was put a flag in her post. LinkedIn hates those flags from the emotive, and it changes them to that in a little bit smaller font

Scott Luton (00:49:28):

Folks. Greg white does not miss a single thing as a perfect illustration. You didn’t miss anything.

Greg White (00:49:34):

Um, I, I don’t miss Lisa Lisa’s reports of what she’s doing and where she is and her pictures of her mornings. So I’m a lot less jealous this time of year than I am in the summertime

Scott Luton (00:49:48):

Cold weather. Well, regardless. Great to have you, Lisa. Um, Samson is tuned in from Nigeria. Great to have you, Samson. David is talking about the consumer experience. Hey, he just wants accuracy. Hey, I hear you loud and clear there for sure. Uh, Mervyn says Tesco has both of those, but the self-checkout leads to queuing to Gary Smith says, well, Chick-fil-A is here on long Island. It’s just not the same as in the South.

Greg White (00:50:15):

My pleasure.

Scott Luton (00:50:21):

I can hear Amanda laughing at that. Greg said you hit Mark there. John, John [inaudible] says, Hey, the shopping has already begun. At least in his household. I’m with you. Um, let’s say clay says many leading retailers are focused on leveraging the mobile digital channel in store to close that gap. Lowe’s is a great example, you know, clay, and it’s an excellent point. Maybe next go round. I’m going to have to check out the, uh, uh, the blue store.

Jamin Alvidrez (00:50:49):

If we got your brother on here to talk about customer experience, could you to like play nice or would you be like, mom, he’s touching me.

Scott Luton (00:50:57):

So I know it, I only know it’s a consumer clay knows it knows the discipline and knows it from the, uh, the knowledge side. So, but regardless that’s like, that’s, that’s a great conversation idea. We’ll have to ask. Okay.

Jamin Alvidrez (00:51:10):

I, you know, I can sit in the front seat and go, Hey, don’t make me stop this car.

Scott Luton (00:51:18):

I love that. Love that. Um, all right. So, uh, as much as I hate to do it, let’s move to the next door here. So Jaymin our resident, transportation, logistics expert, host of logistics and beyond, gosh, there’s so much going on. Uh, and, and one of the burning questions is where’s all the containers. So tell us more Jaman

Jamin Alvidrez (00:51:38):

Yes. If I was a little more savvy with, uh, technology, I would have had some version of a dude. Where’s my car, uh, slide where’s my container. And the short answer is probably hanging out on the water, uh, off, just off the coast. Um, so we know a lot of, uh, the reasons for, for disruption in the supply chain that, that we’ve all discussed. And what we’re seeing in the container market is a few things, um, related to the pandemic, a shortened, uh, peak season with some of the delays and then, then rush orders and, uh, you know, the port of long beach in Los Angeles, uh, which is a good barometer for, uh, all the, the state side ports. Uh, they in October had their busiest month in their 114 year history and November is not let up. And in fact, last week I went out there a couple of times to, to check it out for myself there in long beach and Los Angeles.

Jamin Alvidrez (00:52:42):

And you look out at the water and you see, uh, get ready for this word. I recently learned it. So I’m excited to use it a flotilla of ships out there, and I counted about 12 of them. And if you’re thinking there’s about 20,000 plus cans on each ship, we’re talking about just casually, just off, uh, one of our ports over a quarter million, uh, plus containers, just hanging out there, floating, waiting to come in. So, uh, it is, it is packed at the ports and they they’re stacked to their max, uh, which is, uh, uh, six high at least here in Southern California, uh, with, with fire codes. So I imagine other ports were always very conservative, probably go higher, but apparently because they’re stacked higher than that. Uh, and so we’re just, we’re bursting at the seams and the short answer of, of when there’s relief.

Jamin Alvidrez (00:53:44):

When will that be? Uh, there’s a few things going into play. The, um, uh, I always get it wrong. The FMC, uh, the federal maritime commission, they have started, uh, an investigation to really analyze how the ports are handling, uh, containers and turning them around because aside from just sheer delays and the costs and, and troubles that go along with that is the cost of demurrage and other accessorial. And so it’s really putting a hurting, uh, on everyone alike. And so they’re, they’re looking into that and then we’ll be enforcing some, uh, practices to make sure that we’re either operating as efficiently as we can, uh, or, or making some changes, because right now, on average, uh, for every three and a half containers, that’s coming in, we’re only sending one back. So we are, we’re really creating, um, I’m not wildly good at math, but that’s gonna put a kink in, in, uh, the access of, of containers and, um, from everything I’m hearing.

Jamin Alvidrez (00:54:50):

And, and as you can see down the line, uh, not to really expect anything to change, uh, at least before Chinese new year, we’re through Chinese new year, which will be, uh, 20, 21 about mid February, um, best case. So that’s what we’re seeing. So, so buckle up and, and, uh, be, you know, talking to some of the, uh, truckers that pick up at the ports and things they’re getting paid to do the same job, but it just got harder because everything just by nature of sheer, uh, being crowded, it’s tighter, it’s busier. And so, uh, just like this time of year showing empathy to, uh, your man, your, your FedEx, your ups man, or woman, uh, same with our drivers. It, it is a tough going in out of the ports right now, a lot, a lot of delays and, and traffic.

Scott Luton (00:55:41):

Excellent point. That’s the one that’s when I wish I had one of those, um, those buzzers, like they’ve got on the ESPN game shows as folks make great points. I can add points. I would, I would give you a hundred points for that. Jayman because, you know, as we’ve learned, those are essential members of the, the countries and the global workforce, right. They protect the psyche. They, they allow us to S to, to quarantine and they allow us to, you know, get stuff we need while you’re not going to the stores, if you don’t want to, or, you know, going to the stores and have what you need there on the shelves. So really appreciate that point. Um, so w I want to share Greg and Kerryn before we get you to respond, and we’ll share a couple of these comments. Claudia says afflicted and a bell. You un-ring mr. Jaman his own fire. I agree. Michael says wall street, journal quotes, average weight of 4.7, eight days for containers to be handled highest since 2016. And by the way, Greg, uh, to the team here. So patchy now reporting live from the scene, by the way we got, we got, we got a reporter at the docks. We gotta get, um, you paint that picture of all those ships waiting to get handled. We gotta get, uh, some imagery of that for supply chain pal, more to come there.

Jamin Alvidrez (00:56:53):

My monitor can, you can still get out of the house in California. Jaman I mean, I mean, unless you’ve got something to do with the governor, I’m not sure that unless the governor invites me to go out for a nice dinner or a casual,

Scott Luton (00:57:08):

Well, that’d be good. It would be neat shots to get a Sylvia says, Hey, it’s time for all water service from Asia to come to Charleston. And she’s got hashtag Charleston strong, uh, no back locks. Uh, Michael says, ports are sending empties back because demand is so high in China that they don’t have time for containers to go inland to fill with us exports. So they send them back empty back across the ocean. Wow. Um,

Jamin Alvidrez (00:57:35):

So let’s bridge, is the shortage only here in the States chairman, or is it in the supply chain in total or what, no, the supply chain in total it’s, uh, uh, causing kinks, uh, around the world. And in fact, that’s part of what, uh, the Chinese government’s really gotten involved in and stepped up to, and, and trying to both essentially keeping, uh, people from just using cans and just profitable lanes, or that are quicker turnarounds and rather, uh, sticking to some guidelines and, and so that we can get essential things and keep business business flowing. And not just, uh, not just trying to cherry pick, uh, as it were, uh, the lanes they’re chipping in, but it’s a global, uh, situation that’s starting to come to the fore.

Scott Luton (00:58:22):

Hmm, wow. And David echoes that it is in the supply chain in general. Um, all right. So looking forward to getting, you know, keeping our finger on the pulse of that developing story. Gosh, it’s, that’s a bunch of sand in the gears, for sure. Especially this time of year, um, really enjoyed having you both own kind of presenting, you know, some different stories from different angles and of course, getting your European V as part of that, uh, Greg, it really, it adds a great spin on the buzz. Doesn’t it?

Jamin Alvidrez (00:58:54):

Yeah. They’re much more professional than I am. I really like here and, uh, from yeah, from our team. Right. This is fantastic.

Scott Luton (00:59:07):

All right. On that note, we’re going to be hearing a lot more from Kerryn and Jamie let’s, as we wrap this segment up, let’s hear what’s going on with tech talk, digital supply chain. What should we looking for? First of all, if you haven’t the

Karin Bursa (00:59:22):

Podcast that we did with Laura Siri, a real supply chain industry trailblazer, you have got to listen to it. I guarantee you you’re either going to identify with some of the challenges that she ever came or you’re going to be inspired by them one or the other. So take a listen to a, to what one of the industry’s trailblazers shared with us recently, and then we’ve got lots of other good topics coming up as well. Um, some more information on the COVID-19 response and a little innovation that’s happened, um, lagged by supply chain. So, uh, look forward to, uh, to sharing a couple of those stories, as well as some, um, some insider tips around sales and operations planning. So lots of good topics on the horizon and looking forward to sharing that with our team here and all of our community

Jamin Alvidrez (01:00:11):

Outstanding, uh, Laura interview with Laura was outstanding. It was Alice too, over the weekend, so much good stuff there that will inspire anybody. So great show Kerryn asked Laura questions that nobody had ever asked her before.

Karin Bursa (01:00:26):

Crazy.

Jamin Alvidrez (01:00:27):

Why did we not know these things? Cause nobody’s ever asked before? So great job there. The origin story on supply chain superheroes. Excellent. Uh, Korean, and we’re, it looks like we’re dropping the link to that episode in the notes. So keep it coming. Fantastic. Tech talk. All right. Jayman you certainly have been juggling all kinds of stuff. And the content keeps coming from logistics and beyond what’s next, uh, the next episode, or we have a Mike Mimi who shares his perspective on, uh, logistics and the third-party logistics world. Uh, truly one of the most passionate people around sales. Uh, it’s even more than, than just a logistics and transportation, truly about sales. And, uh, he is an absolute practitioner of the cold call and crushes it, and he’s, he’s very successful. And so it’s great to get into his mind and see, not, not just the X’s and O’s of how he does it, but what his thinking is and how he, he stays refreshed and, and fired up all the time to go out and find those that he can partner up with and then best serve them.

Jamin Alvidrez (01:01:34):

So I found it to be very fascinating, outstanding, good stuff. They’re looking forward to that at that probably will be published next Monday or Tuesday, and we should get that confirmation soon after a Turkey owned Thursday, but a lot of good stuff from Jayman and from Kerryn on their respective series. Again, tech talk, a digital supply chain, podcasts and logistics, and beyond, you can find that easily. If you go to supply chain now.com and go to the programs page all in one place there, and you can subscribe and check out past episodes. All right, Greg, before we have Kerryn and, and depart and get back to their content factories, where they run a tight ship, uh, any final comment from you? Well, you know, what this

Greg White (01:02:20):

Really brings to the forefront of my mind is that these are trained supply chain professionals, right? These are not talking heads. This is not theoretical for Korea. They are living the supply chain life right now. And, um, I, I think that is so valuable to get those kinds of perspectives, right? I mean, these are no former meteorologist not that there’s anything wrong with meteorologist, but we are talking about with the weathers. Um, I think, I mean, I think it’s important that these are practitioners with gifts and with the gifts that they have to draw excellent information out of people who are in the industry doing it too. That’s just so powerful to me. And it just struck me just this instant. Like we don’t speak four times a week, you know, I don’t get to see you in this environment that much. So I’m really, uh, you know, happy to have you with us, happy for this to be yet another offering for our community. And, um, I’m proud of it, frankly. Yeah.

Scott Luton (01:03:21):

Good stuff. All right. So all the best. Thanks so much for joining us. Karin bursa Jaymin. Alvidrez, uh, you’ll have a wonderful week and we’ll see you really soon.

Greg White (01:03:31):

Hey, take care guys. Bye. Bye.

Scott Luton (01:03:37):

You just never know if that swoosh is going to be just right in time or not, but clay that miss a beat clay and a man of course are behind the scenes today, making sure we answer questions and get links out. Well, they appreciate all that they do, um, full show and, and we couldn’t dive as deep into some of those stories that we wanted to could we, Greg,

Greg White (01:03:58):

But, you know, I think we got through a lot. That was a lot of stories in we’ve gone way over before, right? I’m not going through that much. It was great to get Kerryn and Jameson’s perspective today. The audience both appreciates it and really appreciates how, how powerful that is. So,

Scott Luton (01:04:19):

Uh, Sylvia says she’s going to be on board. The Hapag-Lloyd Bessel, Yanni and express in Savannah, Georgia on December 4th is zero empty equipment. Vessel is at a hundred percent full capacity from Asia. All right, good news. I think

Greg White (01:04:36):

Sylvia tell us how high they stack them. She and she will. Yeah. Oh, the, uh,

Scott Luton (01:04:46):

Kim winter is with us, the legendary Kim winter. And great to have you here with us, Kim. I know it’s a what,

Greg White (01:04:56):

Yeah. So

Scott Luton (01:04:57):

Hope this finds you well, Kim. All right. So Greg, I’ve got one more thing I want to share with the audience here before we sign off. And that is this neat quote I came across. So, you know, uh, on this week in business history, we tackled the Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade, kind of the Genesis. Um, and also we kind of touched little bit about where Macy’s is as a business, uh, and, and some of the choices they have to make moving forward also learned what ragamuffin day was. And you have to listen to the podcast. That was a big, big deal back in the early, early, the late 19th century to early 20th century. Um, but nevertheless, so a lot of companies like Macy’s and their leadership teams, you know, this quote really comes in play and it’s from Amelia Earhart. The most difficult thing is the decision to act.

Scott Luton (01:05:45):

The rest is merely tenacity. And it really, you know, folks is time to ask, pass time to act, you know, uh, with the geek plus folks that we publish here today, you made a great point, Hey, for when it comes to automation and robotics, it’s long past time to act, right. But companies still, and I’m not pointing at a Macy’s here, but companies still in many ways are kind of hedging their bets, trying to figure out if they’re going to act or if they’re not going to act. And they’re kind of floating, Greg, do you see a little bit of that too?

Greg White (01:06:18):

Do you really want to ask my opinion? So

Scott Luton (01:06:20):

Do give it to us the final hot take before we call it a ship. Yeah.

Greg White (01:06:23):

I think, I think Macy’s time has passed, frankly. And they, I mean, they are in their last, the last throws of, of, of their days. Um, in fact, it’s interesting timing because it seems like I just saw an article last night or today about they need to, they need to go deeper in terms of, um, finding funding to, uh, yet again, so they do have some decisions to make, you know, what I really like. And at the same time, I’m really perplexed perplexed by that Amelia Earhart quote, because the decision to act tenacity is staying with something. Right. I, I wonder it makes me wonder, you know, I love words. It makes me wonder if they didn’t use to use tenacity differently. Interesting. When Amelia Earhart was talking about, because she almost makes it seem like tenacity is not a good thing.

Scott Luton (01:07:19):

That’s, that’s a fair point. That is a fair point. Don’t pick on Amelia

Greg White (01:07:25):

Because

Scott Luton (01:07:26):

She from Wichita, isn’t Amelia from canned or she’s from Kansas at least. Right?

Greg White (01:07:31):

Uh, that’s an, it’s embarrassing to say that. I don’t know that. Well, that’s a great, she is in case anyone’s wondering just,

Scott Luton (01:07:41):

Uh, well, let’s say we had a couple of folks join us here late and uh, Oh, actually Malcolm just got to us, uh, AK clay, Phillips Atchison, Kansas is where actually she is from. Yeah. Um, let’s see here,

Greg White (01:07:55):

By the way, in the ATSs Atchison, Topeka, Santa Fe railroad.

Scott Luton (01:07:59):

Nice, uh, doctor bum Pinza Zimmerman is back with us first name Rhonda. Great to have you looks like we’ve got a little issue with getting some notifications out to our community, but great to have you here. Um, and let’s see here, Pat says apart the logistics delay it’s even noticeable the increases in logistics costs up to 30% that I can face and see a current time. Also a big challenge for every industry. Now, I guess in terms of the overall logistics costs, good point there

Greg White (01:08:32):

No final mile, right. I mean, as the big parcel carriers line, their pockets at the expense of consumers and retailers. Yep.

Scott Luton (01:08:42):

All right. So what a great episode chock full of content and hot takes and also a little bit of levity that’s important every day of the week, but certainly on Mondays, uh, hopefully all enjoyed, uh, Jaman and Kerryn stopping by and sharing some of what’s on their mind, as well as some things we’re working on with their podcast series. I know I did Greg. Uh, if folks are looking for more information, more content, more, uh, resources, information on navigating through these challenging times, of course, especially from a supply chain standpoint, check us out@supplychainnow.com where we serve the voice of supply chain and make sure all these voices are heard. Um, but Greg, one final comment from you before we sign off today, what was the one thing, what was the one thing, whether it’s from one of the stories or from some of the exchanges or some, you know, something maybe from the comments, what’s one thing that stands out from the buds here today.

Greg White (01:09:40):

Yeah. Uh, to me, uh, uh, and maybe it’s just cause I’m in the spirit, it’s thankfulness, I’m thankful for these people that join us every week and all the time. It seems, I’m thankful for the team that we have at supply chain. Now I’m thankful that we are able to be the voice of supply chain and that we’re able to get the word out on so many broad topics, right. We don’t talk about transportation or just tech or just, uh, human capital or whatever we talk about at all. And I think that that is I’m thankful for the opportunity to be able to do that, to impart and gain knowledge from the industry. Um, that, I mean, that’s, that’s the overwhelming feeling that I have today, right? Yeah.

Scott Luton (01:10:20):

I’m a double down on that as we end, it’s all about gratitude and, and, and the team, the community, how engaged and what we hear when we learn from our community, uh, the folks that show up in livestreams all the time. That’s, that’s the most rewarding part about this journey. And as well as being able to, you know, spotlight in our own way, uh, some of the stories, some of the challenges, some of the people that are in the trenches, that’s our mission and our community, you know, helps us carry that out each and every day. So a big thanks, uh, on behalf of our entire team here at supply chain. Now we really want to wish each of you wherever you are. Um, if you celebrate Thanksgiving or if you don’t hope you have a wonderful week, and for those that do, uh, gather or huddled down or, or, you know, wherever you are this Thursday, I hope y’all have a wonderful meal.

Scott Luton (01:11:10):

You can unplug a bit, hopefully reconnect with the family. We’ve a list from our kids. Uh, since we don’t think we’ll be going anywhere, a list of things that they’d like to get done. And Greg, we’ve got to bring these three kids into our planning sessions. They really were own. It really drives in the country car tours of Atlanta, this, that, and the other. So, but kidding aside, hopefully, you know, on behalf of our entire team, have a wonderful Thanksgiving. We’re grateful for each of you that participates with us and, and brings all of your knowledge and experiences to the table. And Greg we’d be remiss if we didn’t of course, issue the challenge. Hey, do good gift forward. Be the change that’s needed and own that note. We’ll see you next time here on supply chain. Now

Would you rather watch the show in action?

Watch as Scott and Greg welcome Jamin Alvidrez and Karin Bursa to Supply Chain Now through our YouTube channel.

Featured Guests

Jamin Alvidrez’s unique perspective, love of people and positive energy lead him to found Freight Tribe. Freight Tribe helps companies and people of Supply Chain & Logistics showcase what makes them special. He began his career in Supply Chain, Freight & Logistics in 2004. For the past 16+ years he has focused his passion in the Third Party Logistics world. Jamin prides himself on his diverse experience working on all sides of the business during his time at CH Robinson, FreightQuote, and AgForce Transport.

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. 

Hosts

Greg White

Principal & Host

Scott W. Luton

Founder, CEO, & Host

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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 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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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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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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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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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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