Navy Veteran David Trenholm inherited two things from his family that ultimately helped him succeed. One was a solid blue collar work ethic and the other was a multi-generation tradition of service in the United States Navy.
David served in the Navy for over 20 years, but his service did not end with that phase of his life. Today he is an Assistant Vice President at Bank of America and sits on the board of Directors with Operation New Uniform where he helps new Veterans find careers in the private sector.
In this interview, David speaks with host Mary Kate Soliva about:
• How his path from enlisted service to the officers’ program ultimately helped him stay connected to the sailors around him
• What it felt like to fly missions over Iraq and Syria as the caliphate fell
• The cultural fit considerations that Veterans should keep in mind as they transition from the military to jobs in the private sector
Intro/Outro (00:02):
Welcome to Veteran Voices. A podcast is dedicated to giving a voice to those that have served in the United States Armed Forces on this series jointly presented by Supply Chain now and Vets to industry. We sit down with a wide variety of veterans and veteran advocates to gain their insights, perspective, and stories from serving. We talk with many individuals about their challenging transition from active duty to the private sector, and we discuss some of the most vital issues facing veterans today. Join us for this episode of Veteran Voices.
Mary Kate Soliva (00:48):
Hello everyone. This is Mary Kate Soliva here with you. Hosts of Veteran Voices in partnership with Military Women’s Collective, over with Marina Redneck, doing great things over there. And also with the Guam Human Rights Initiative, where you can find more about them. At guam hri.org. This streaming Veteran Voices is part of the supply chain now family where you can tune in wherever you get your podcast from. Really excited to kick off this year with an incredible guest and dear friend of mine, an amazing also Navy veteran. He served over 20 years in the United States Navy and he wears numerous, many hats, but he’s also assistant vice president over at Bank of America and also does incredible work on the board of Directors with Operation New Uniform. So if you join me in welcoming David Trenholm, thank you so much for joining me today, David.
David Trenholm (01:49):
Hey, Mary Kate, happy to be with you today.
Mary Kate Soliva (01:52):
Yeah, I’m super excited. I was like, who am I going to talk to next on Veteran Voices? And as some of our return listeners know, or maybe our new listeners don’t know, this podcast is about interviewing veterans who are continuing to serve beyond the uniform. And you know, I was sticking my head together with Marina Ick, founder of Military Women’s Collective, and I was like, who should we interview next? And we’re like, David, gotta get David on list. So David, here you are sitting here so I can pick your brain and share with the world some more about you. So I love kicking off the show with some pep, some motivation. Get everyone caffeinated this morning with a favorite motivational quote. So hope you have one ready. You have a favorite motivational quote you’d like to share with us?
David Trenholm (02:40):
Maybe not a quote, but one of my biggest things is a Seal Admiral Beach at a college. And the one he talked about is setting goals for each day. And number one, make your bed, start up every day, get that first goal done and knock that off the list. And then continue building and achieve knocking out goals every day. Oh,
Mary Kate Soliva (02:57):
I love that. I actually, actually, gosh, and I’ve seen that speech before and it’s really moving, but I think he got me on this traction of let’s make my bed every morning. And then I’m just disappointed when I look at it. Cause I do think about that and just something that simple. And I think it is, past year I heard a lot of folks saying Small wins, small wins. And that wasn’t something that I really understood or really thought to think about as much until this past year. Like coming out of the pandemic, people were like, we just wanna get small wins. And I think something as simple as making your bed, you’re like, that’s your small win for the day and come back and like, I accomplished something. So definitely love that. And not that we’re gonna go way, way back. Sometimes I feel like I end up dating my veterans when I say how many years they served <laugh>. I wanna take our listeners back to a time when, where you grew up and if you could share a little bit about where you grew up and some of those, uh, lessons learned there, sort of a moment in time.
David Trenholm (03:57):
So I grew up in, uh, Rockford, Illinois, second largest city in Illinois. But I mean, that’s not saying much. It’s probably about 200,000 compared to Chicago, which is, I don’t know, seven and a half, 8 million. Yeah. So large city feel. I grew up, my mom worked in a factory for 20, 30 years herself, if not more. My dad worked a lot of jobs like lumber, yards, factories, odd jobs, working for themselves. And so I, I really grew up with a lot of blue collar roots, but I knew I wanted more in life. I wanted to see the world, I wanted to get an education. And I came from typical middle class family that lived paycheck to paycheck. And the only way I saw myself moving up in the world was to join the military because I wasn’t smart enough and I wasn’t athletic enough to get scholarships.
David Trenholm (04:45):
And I, and getting college loans didn’t entice me. So at the young age of 17, I enlisted in the Navy, went off to uh, great Lakes, also known as great mistakes for boot. And I enlisted as a yeoman, did really well. I went in as an E one, I made E two out of bootcamp as an honor grad, made E three timing, worked out perfect so I could take my first test for E four. Made it on first try. So I went from E one to E four in a year and a half. And about another six months later I applied for an officer program, which was called Boost, broaden Opportunity for Officer Selection and Training. So, which is a Navy prep school for college, for those in the Navy Marines that had the aptitude but maybe didn’t have the grades to get into college.
Mary Kate Soliva (05:25):
I know a, a few folks that went through Boost is with regards to your family, since you grew up in a much smaller town, like you said, compared to lead to Chicago, was your family very supportive of you joining? Did you have you come from a generational line of veterans and those
David Trenholm (05:42):
Yep, yep. So I am, I am third generation, at least Navy. So my grandfather did a couple years during World War ii. My dad did a couple years during Vietnam. So when I was going through my selection process, I immediately knew I was either gonna go Marines or Navy and I kind of went Navy because they guarantee a job. I went in and said, Hey, I wanna do either something business or uh, computers. They told me to be a Youngman, you’ll work in an office. It’s like business completely lied to me. Typical recruiter stuff. I
Mary Kate Soliva (06:09):
Spent, well my army David. So I was just like, gosh, you didn’t, that wasn’t even on the table for you to go in the Army. You’re like, Nope, Marines or a Navy. So there wasn’t a big shiny billboard that got you or any recruitment posters or videos?
David Trenholm (06:23):
No, I just, I really liked the idea that my grandfather served in the Navy, my dad served. I thought it’d be really cool to, to create a legacy of being third generation to all enlist the Navy. Hang on and see, kind of behind me it’s pictures up behind me is my grandfather, my dad and me, all in our bootcamp photos.
Mary Kate Soliva (06:41):
Oh, that’s great. I see you all there in, in your uniform. Do they call it like the Popeye uniform <laugh> or the No crackerjack uniform?
David Trenholm (06:48):
<laugh>. That is the cracker jack with the uh, Dixie cups.
Mary Kate Soliva (06:50):
Yes, with the Dixie cuffs. All right. So for those who are audio today not visual. Yeah, that’s, yeah, that’s the uniform that they’re wearing up there on the wall. That’s great. But I love, I’m very much into family history and love that legacy piece that you have for your family. And was that something that they were able to witness you come in across basic training? Were they
David Trenholm (07:13):
There? Yeah, so my, uh, my parents all came. I mean the good thing is I live 45 minutes away from bootcamp, so I actually had, I don’t know, 15, 20 people. So my parents were there, my best friends from high school, my girlfriend at the time. And I had a lot of good friends there that were able to attend. I don’t remember if my grandparents were able to come or not, but you know, having them all there was huge, they always had all their support. Everybody was so proud of me for stepping out and doing something different. Cause 99% of all my friends, I would say probably 95% of them never left home. Oh wow. They stayed local. They lot, most of ’em have done really great things. But I wanted to see the world. I wanted to get an education and I really had a, the other thing is I really believe in all the American beliefs, constitution and all that. And I want to be able to defend it so that everybody has the right to do what they want, say what they want. Whether I agree with it or not.
Mary Kate Soliva (08:11):
No, I absolutely, I I mean that’s just such a beautiful thing and I appreciate that so much more when I’m, when I go and visit other countries. Just a reminder again about why we serve, whether that was at peacetime or during war. So thank you so much for sharing that piece you talk about with your dad’s relationship and like the support there. I’m curious to any lessons learned as a young man going into the Navy, your third generation, do you have it, were there any lessons learned that you took with you basic training in the early phases of your career?
David Trenholm (08:45):
So the biggest thing was, I mean it really helped was coming from a blue collar family. My grandparents were farmers at one point and then moved on to other things. But having that, that blue collar mindset hit the grindstone worked really hard and, and it wasn’t hard to excel and be noticed. That’s one of the reasons I promoted quickly. It’s one of the reasons I got selected for the officer program. It’s one of the reasons I got selected to fly as a naval flight officer in the back of the P three Orion. And I was, I’ve never been the smartest, I’ve never been the fastest, never been the strongest. But my work ethic is you will not that, that whole tortoise and hair thing, like you will not, you’ll beat me off the line, but I will finish no matter what.
Mary Kate Soliva (09:26):
I just have the visual there. If even if you have to low crawl across that line, I’m still gonna make it.
David Trenholm (09:32):
Oh yeah. I mean I, I might not finish first, but I’m not gonna finish last and I will finish.
Mary Kate Soliva (09:37):
Your quote was so much nicer than mine. I’ve always said like I may not be the strongest or the fastest, but I’m not the dumbest <laugh>. That’s why, oh my God, I can do this. So no, I think that’s fantastic and it’s just again, where my, I remember early phases of my military career. I always kept hearing the expression of it takes a village, I dunno how it takes a village to raise Mary Kate, but it takes a village to help. I was standing on the shoulders of those who came for me and it was just such an incredible legacy. But just was really curious about that aspect. But again, coming from a blue collar family, hardworking. Tell us about now that you’re a rockstar promoted really quickly, now you’re in the Boost program. Where was Boost at by the way?
David Trenholm (10:24):
So Boost for me was up in Newport, Rhode Island originally. It was originally in San Diego, California. Sometime in the early nineties they, they moved it up to Newport, Rhode Island. So I spent a year up there. It was probably one of the hardest years of my life. Yeah. But
Mary Kate Soliva (10:36):
It’s beautiful up there in Newport. Did you get to any ceiling?
David Trenholm (10:39):
Oh it was amazing though. I was also up there in, was it 99? 98, 99. I got stuck in Chicago during the Blizz, the only second blizzard ever to shut down O’Hara airport. So it was super cold that year.
Mary Kate Soliva (10:52):
Of course it was perfect timing.
David Trenholm (10:55):
I mean it was beautiful. But, so while we were at Boost, we studied pretty much math, science and English and I was always on the extracurricular, I shouldn’t say extracurricular, the uh, I always had to spend extra time in class cause I lacked in the English department a lot so mm-hmm <affirmative>, I was, you know, I had to spend two extra hours every day doing extra train, extra reading and everything. Like I said, I wasn’t always the smartest, but I always eventually got there. I didn’t graduate in the top of class. I actually kind of graduated down near the bottom of the class. But I graduated. That was probably wasn’t my best performance ever. But that kind of changed once I actually got to college because the things we did there really prepared me and prepped me for college. So that schooling was very hard for me, which in turn, college became very easy for me.
David Trenholm (11:40):
I barely passed calculus ad at Boost with a low C, but when I went to college, because everything they taught me there, I was passing with High A’s at college. So it seriously prepared me. It was really hard. It was kind of more like a high school aspect where it was Monday through Friday every day having class. Unlike college, which is two days a week, three days a week, a couple hours here, a couple hours there. But it really prepared me to help set me up for success cuz I went to, I ended up going to Florida a and m University for the first two years full-time before transferring Florida
Mary Kate Soliva (12:15):
State. That’s a full change of weather and scenery for you. But yeah, definitely going to to Florida State. I am curious because coming from the enlisted side as an, as a non-commissioned officer, your pathway from enlisted to an officer program, do you think that that helped at all or prepare you at all comparatively to other officers that you saw came straight in never and they were not prior enlisted? Did you see difference there?
David Trenholm (12:38):
Absolutely. So I had, I mean I had over four years, so when I did get my commission, I was an O and e. So an officer with over four years enlisted experience, I felt it gave me a lot of better rapport with my sailors and I spent more time around my sailors than I did in the officer’s mess, which in some ways hurt me maybe a little bit politically, but my teams always did the best because I showed my team like, look, I care about you, I’m around you. One of my later tours, I was actually on the US Dwight d Eisenhower and I was the, what’s called the OI division officer. So I was in charge of about 95 operations specialists and a couple other rates. And by the time I left, they’re like, we’ve never had a division officer spend as much time around you.
David Trenholm (13:25):
Like usually you see ’em in the morning or you’d see ’em once a week. I was around them constantly. Like I would go down and play cards with them, I would, I tried to show them that I cared, I was around ’em. It’s not just about the mission, it’s about the people. It’s about what’s going on with their families. We’re deployed, it’s hard to get ahold of family, you know, what’s going on, what makes you tick, what’s gonna help ease your pain so that you can focus on the mission and you’re not worried about the spouse at home paying a bill or the car broke down or the dishwasher, all the Murphy’s laws that happened. It happened to my wife. My wife, every time I left was either in an accident or the wa the dishwasher broke or right. Something happened that my wife had to take care of things while I was gone.
Mary Kate Soliva (14:04):
Well, and I, it’s makes such a huge difference. The fact that I’m sure that you knew their names too. I mean when you just mentioned about the number it, you take on all these people and some may see it as I just took on 90 new problems, but, and as you said, Murphy’s Law, all that, that what you just said about with your wife, that’s the definition of Murphy’s Law right there. But the fact that you took the time to get to know them and for them to see you, and I am a huge believer in approachable leadership and just taking that time and we see that, I, I really do feel that we see that on the enlisted slide to have you sitting there, even though the rank, they will respect the rank, but really respecting the individual goes a long way. So I love that you did that and they saw the difference. So I, I really wanted to ask you too about a favorite place that you were I don’t, I know I talked to some veterans and they never left <laugh> then they were at the same duty station, like their whole career. But just, I know there’s a lot more so with my navy veterans that you all do end up traveling all over the place. So just really curious about if you have a favorite place that you served at or even if it was temporary.
David Trenholm (15:13):
So some of the favorite places I served, of course they’re all Air Force bases.
Mary Kate Soliva (15:17):
Were they Air Force, they were better food too.
David Trenholm (15:20):
Yep, yep. So, uh, I spent probably nine months total over three different deployments in uh, Kadina Air Force Base in uh, Okinawa, Japan. I just love the people, the culture and the missions we were flying. I flew in the P three O Rhine, which was a mixed crude aircraft. So we had five officers, six enlisted, which also goes back to the way I treated my people because when we went on deployments or detachments, perfect example, we went to Thailand, we took our maintenance debt with us. So we loaded up our plane with five maintainers and a corpsman, flew them in parts all the way down there and we’re living in the same location together. We’re working together. Um, even the aviators are down helping the mechanics at times when needed. And so outta Japan, I gotta go see a bunch of other things and I just love that. But I would say probably for mission satisfaction, I spent a lot of time in, in Lake Turkey and we were flying missions for the first half of missions. We were flying overland Turkey looking into Syria supporting ground troops. And then the second half we were actually flying overland Iraq and uh, and Syria missions. I got to be there as I got to see the caliphate fall as we eliminated it and being a part of that and being support of our troops on the ground. Not a better feeling than us accomplish our mission.
Mary Kate Soliva (16:36):
Gosh, I’m like really wanting to go. That sounds like an entire movie right there, just in in that moment at that time. Is that something, do you say is probably one of your most memorable for you in, in your navy career?
David Trenholm (16:48):
Absolutely, because those ones, especially out of insulate and actually we did the other half of the missions out of Bahrain now I was the officer in charge of a group of, it was a small detachment of about nine people. We rotated flying and supporting a squadron and so we were flying on average every other day. Think every month I got, I don’t know, about 18 flights every or uh, 15 to 18 flights. Every flight is a 10 hour mission. We’re given at least four to six hours of support to targeting intel, gathering, reconnaissance, different bunch of different support. And the best part was is we actually got to talk to the KK and find out what’s the mission, why we doing this? And then I got to be on a bunch of Zoom type calls with people on the ground and they would actually tell us, Hey, you did great here, you need to improve there. So we were actually hearing very quickly time near real time feedback of what support we were providing.
Mary Kate Soliva (17:51):
No, and that’s great, like whether it was good or bad, but like you said, for the good and just such an incredible feeling. And I love that even though I think aviation gets that misconception that there’s not so much about the team. When you think like even the Army or the Marine Corps, there’s like a lot of like on the ground team, but then when you’re up in the air you’re like, is there an aspect of team that goes into that? But you know, just in your story there, there’s a lot that goes in and that communication is critical and so important. I know that we talked about like why you joined the military, but I’d say that even fewer end up staying 20 years and even 20 years and some days after that. Right. So what is it that kept you to stay? Is it that aspect of team or why did you stay in for as long as you did?
David Trenholm (18:36):
So a lot of it evolved over time. So did four years enlisted becoming naval flight officers and eight year commitment after wing. So that really is 10 years. So at that point I’m at 14 years I now have a wife and two kids. I’m for the most part, I love my job. Most of my time actually spent flying, I, it was 12 years before I saw my first Navy ship, which I get made fun of a lot. I was like, how are you in the Navy and never see a ship. I was like, well my airplane’s big and it doesn’t land in aircraft years. But you know, at that point I priority start changing like, hey, I’m only six years away. Retirement, I was not that far away at the time I was still on a promotion scale or possibly become a commanding officer one day or even higher. And so I loved the idea leading, even when I retired at 20 years, I wasn’t ready to retire. I was still wanting to stay in longer, but I didn’t make commander. I got passed over, didn’t make make the last wicket. So at that point they said, Hey, it’s mandatory. Retire at 20 years. Okay, I guess I’m forced to leave so well. But what actually was a blessing in disguise, it was very hard on me and my family. I did what three different times. I did geographical bachelor tours, um,
Mary Kate Soliva (19:42):
Oh that’s
David Trenholm (19:43):
A lot.
David Trenholm (19:44):
Sure. So early while my wife had a three-year-old, a four year old and she was pregnant. I was in San Antonio for an entire year. And then I did two different tours while my kids were in middle school and high school up in Norfolk, Virginia. So I tried to keep, I, I was kind of different. My family didn’t move around with me, I tried to keep them stable. So I don’t know, 2005, my family, my wife and kids moved to Jacksonville, Florida and they never, so the only person that left was me. So I had to do a two and a half tour up in Norfolk, came back for two years, did another two years up there and came back and did my last tour in Jacksonville, Florida. So I was pretty much home based. Most of my tours are in Jacksonville, Florida, but I did a bunch of other tours in different locations and then I deployed, uh, 15 different countries, did missions over another 15 or 20 more lying. So
Mary Kate Soliva (20:37):
Absolute rock star, that wife of you, your wife sounds amazing.
David Trenholm (20:41):
Oh she is. She, she is my rock. Without her I’ve never been able to do 20 years. She’s super independent. When Murphy hit, she did 95% of it all by herself. It, it literally, during one of our deployments she actually passed out picking up our child at daycare. And that was, she was forced to get some help because she’s a supermom. She was going through college herself, working on our associates. She had two small children. She was homeschooling, she was self-employed with a cleaning business and she was burning both candles, the candle at both ends while I was deployed.
Mary Kate Soliva (21:17):
And what’s some of that advice there? I’m sure you’ve had like many mentors that took you under your, their wing during your military career, but I’m sure you’ve also passed on that knowledge. So what’s your advice there on having that rock, keeping that rock strong?
David Trenholm (21:33):
So I won’t say I was perfect. I’ve made a lot of mistakes early on that kind of hurt us. But family is forever. The military is only a small chapter in our lives. Even if you do 20th, 30 years, your family, if I’ve been lucky, I’ve been married over 20 years. So most of my naval career I’ve been, I was married to my wife and we’re still married to this day. So early on as a young lieutenant, I, I kind of put the Navy first before my family. And I learned probably after doing that for about four or five years, that was the wrong way to do it. And I listened to seniors that always told me, I was like, look, family first, mission second when it comes to your family.
Mary Kate Soliva (22:11):
Yes, I agree like the, and if, if someone has to think of it in a terms of mission, like mission first family’s taken care of, I’m happy to see that there is little cultural shift now happening in the military as a whole. Even though I still think we have a ways to go there. But I think there is a lot more emphasis in giving that time back to our service members to say, Hey, don’t forget about your families. Let’s you know, I love the work that a lot of the veteran service organizations are doing to include the spouses now as well, military and veteran spouses. But as far as now while that we’re still on advice, if you were in, in a room full of transitioning service members, what would you say to them as far as advice in transition? I’m sure yours was a perfect transition, right?
David Trenholm (22:54):
David <laugh>? No, not at all. I had a lot of mentors. So my biggest suggestion is start early. Mm-hmm <affirmative> and informational interviews. So because you’ll never know what’s out there and available to you until you start having conversations with the people and get mentors that are not on active duty. Because we always tell ourselves, hey comp, you know I always heard is companies be knocking down doors to come hire you. You’re a veteran, you’re a rockstar, everybody’s gonna watch you. And that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Really it comes down to is networking, getting your name out there with companies of interest, finding out what what’s available and then kind of gearing your resume after you figure out what you wanna do towards the career path you wanna go.
Mary Kate Soliva (23:36):
No, I love that. And I mean that’s how we met as well was through a veteran service organization, networking, helping service members transition. I was still trying, trying to figure it out. I still feel like after over a year I’m still transitioning <laugh> and I heard that feeling’s normal so I’m like what am I gonna figure it out? But you know, we met through that. So I think that’s fantastic advice to start early and to network cuz you don’t know what you don’t know as Shea as that sounds. And I’ve grown so much, learned so much even from you about what’s possible and what’s out there. So with regards to, for those who are just listening audio can’t see your incredible new blue collared shirt here with Operation New Uniform O N U. So I was wondering if you could share a little bit about that and how you got started after over 45,000 as they say Veterans Service organizations nationwide and you’re with Operation Uniform. Tell us more about that.
David Trenholm (24:28):
So Operation Uniform is another transition assistance program that is, it’s Bsso style, so it’s veteran service organization. While I was getting out, that was the other thing I would tell people is attend as many different tap type courses as possible. I attended a couple others, I attended Operation Uniforms and what really helped me is they focused on the mental aspect of transition because once we leave the military, you’re taking off your uniform, you’re losing your rank, your ribbons, your titles. And really they helped you understand who you are as a person, as a valued member of society, as a father, as a husband and what you do. And so half of it was kind of the mental aspect of learning. I am somebody and then the other half is, nobody better prepared me for the interviews than they did because their entire cap course is built around the Sandler training system.
David Trenholm (25:20):
So the Sandler training system is a sales course that people go through for an entire year. Well we kind of got the uh, truncated two and a half weeks course and what did I do? I learned how to sell myself in an interview while building up my confidence and then giving me a lot of interview techniques. I got to the point where I was now interviewing companies just as much if not more than they were interviewing me for the roles. So now I’m really into what’s culture fit. All right, so hey this is great, you’re gonna pay me a lot of money, but are you gonna be a good company? Are you gonna be a good boss? Do I see it? Me fitting into this, into the role into the company. So
Mary Kate Soliva (26:01):
That’s huge, finding the right culture fit. Right. And I think sometimes we focus too much on the pay. I have spoken to like dozen service members that are transitioning right now, but still on active duty and they’re like, what can get me that six figure salary? Yeah, like you said, just being able to ask those questions and interview. You have to know, especially during the interview when they ask you, do you have any questions for me? I, I find that stumps a lot of service, a lot of veterans about just, we don’t, we’re not used to getting asked our opinion or what we want. This is the time right to ask and say what you want.
David Trenholm (26:32):
That section right there of asking the company questions that could be the make or break between getting hired or not because they wanna know, number one, are you enthusiastic about joining the company or are you just, hey I need a job. Like nobody wants somebody on your team that just wants a job. I want you on the team because you think our mission’s amazing at the company. The position’s amazing, it’s gonna help you grow. Or what’s a day in the life? What should I expect in my first 30, 60, 90 days? What does five years look like for somebody in my position joining your company? So they’re trying to see is, is this person just gonna come and turn a wrench and do the same turning of that wrench for five years or are they gonna look to expand their knowledge? A lot of companies want somebody that is a lifelong learner.
Mary Kate Soliva (27:14):
Yep. They want lifelong learner and a team player. And if it’s all about I, I think that was the thought just cross my mind, especially since you’re a Navy veteran. But I heard like even for those coming out of the Naval Academy that want to be seals, like they have to go through an interview process. Like they don’t just take them just cuz they’re a PT stu or go to physical fitness. Like they actually interview them And I recall like this one guy did not get selected because he was so arrogant and so full of himself during the interview. And I remember hearing that from his peers saying that’s why he wasn’t picked is that they could tell in the interview that he wasn’t a genuine person and he would be near impossible to work with as a team player. And since he wasn’t, he was just in it for himself. So that’s again, that’s such a critical piece to identify is it the right culture fit? But knowing how to go about asking those questions. And the other big one I get from service members transitioning is where do I start? And so does Operation Uniform, do they hold events or how does one get ahold of Operation Uniform?
David Trenholm (28:19):
So they were pretty much locally in Jacksonville, Florida and in Tampa, but they too take in online people but they actually just opened up, they’re gonna start their very first completely virtual cohort here in 2023.
Mary Kate Soliva (28:31):
Oh
David Trenholm (28:31):
That’s great. Um, how they can get ahold of ’em is onu vets.org. That’s their website. You can see the classes, what they provide, they go to events, they just, they do some job fairs, they advertise on LinkedIn of course and then there’s an apply button now you just apply. The nice thing about onu, unlike some of the TAP courses I’ve seen, they only take some between 12 to 15 people per cohort because they’re more caring about you getting a career than a job. So they’re not about churning out numbers, right. They’re more getting a little bit more one-on-one with each student trying to help them with their goals. And the nice thing is they’ve been going on, they’ve been doing this for about six years now that they’re very well networked already in the city. So when you say, Hey I wanna go work at company X, oh well we have three graduates and we also know the hiring manager over there. So I don’t remember the number off the top of my head but I mean they’ve have probably around 500 graduates they’ve done 51 or 52 classes already. So
Mary Kate Soliva (29:33):
That piece is something that I love so much too cuz in the programs that I went through during my transition, I still have access to all the alumni that went through that program. So all the other cohorts, it’s like even though we didn’t go through the same cohort, if I put out there that I’m looking for somebody who understands life insurance within 30 minutes I’m gonna have like a dozens of responses from other veterans who went through other cohorts and it’s just so great right, to have that piece. So even like you said, even if it’s, you only have a dozen people in one cohort, you have 500 other veterans who also understand where you’ve been from and they’re part and like I said about how you said Florida, I just love that they’re starting to grow that out and build that. So you have folks in all different industries walks of life but to know that you’re not going through it alone. Right. That big piece. So again for those listening onu vets.org right o n u vets.org.
David Trenholm (30:28):
That’s correct. And especially if they pivoted just like everybody else did during the covid time and that’s when they started doing a lot more of the virtual. So I mean we’ve had, they’ve had students all the way from Seattle, Washington to Texas to Norfolk, Virginia to out in California virtually. And we actually had there a couple that were so dedicated that they came to Jacksonville cuz we partner, they also partner with other veteran service organizations. So they partner with Window Warrior Project to help get housing for people that are out of state to come in if they wanna do in-person. Right.
Mary Kate Soliva (31:01):
No and I think that’s huge cause I’m finding that they’re not all VSOs veteran service org will help all eras of veterans. Is that the case for Operation Uniform? Do they take anybody or is it just post nine 11 veteran?
David Trenholm (31:15):
Nope. So the nice thing is they’ll take anybody so we’re not talking, they’ve done a couple people that were Vietnam veterans that have been out for 20 years. You don’t have to be within a six month or a one month, one year window on front or back end. They don’t care about rank, they don’t care about degrees. So the nice thing is it really comes down to are you interested in the program because they are a little bit selective. They actually do an interview process if they wanna make sure you’re the right fit, you’re at the right mindset, you know that you’re teachable. Cause if you’re not teachable they don’t wanna waste their time with somebody who’s, well nope it’s gonna be my way or the highway. I’m like well then why are you coming to the class?
Mary Kate Soliva (31:47):
Right? Or I already know everything so you can’t teach me anything new. Right. So with, I know you’re on the board of directors and longtime volunteer, is it, how would somebody go about volunteering or what sort of support would you say O N U needs now? Of
David Trenholm (32:02):
Course number one is financial support. Cuz the nice thing is now a single veteran has charged a dime to go through the program. Great. It’s all done through fundraising. There is a little bit of state funding, but number one donations, they have a loyalty brigade. So somebody can give as minimal small as $10 a month if they want. Or they wanna do a one-time donation outside of that, they’re always putting on events. So some of the fundraising events they always need volunteers for. They do a clay shoot in the springtime and we just did a heroes gala this past fall and we just had the lieutenant colonel retired Ellen West as our guest speaker.
Mary Kate Soliva (32:34):
Oh that’s great.
David Trenholm (32:36):
And along with uh, Brian k was our uh, guest mc
Mary Kate Soliva (32:39):
Oh that, well you got some rockstar legends in their own right there. I think that’s fantastic. Just to, in case any of our listeners want to get involved, it’s o u vets.org financial support. Again, I love that they’re not having to pay, but just to know that even a small donation, it does add up to ensure that these transition service members and veterans have that opportunity to succeed in whatever pathway they’re going through. So thank you so much David for your time today. I wanted to see if there you had any final last thoughts for our listeners. Some may be going through transition, some may be out for a long time or have been out for a long time. Some may just be a supporter and just love the military veteran community and just wanna see how to get involved. So do you have any last thoughts or words for our listeners? So
David Trenholm (33:27):
The biggest thing is, I mean especially if somebody’s been out for a while and they wanna mentor, there’s probably three great mentor networking opportunities. You always have a c p. American Corporate Partnerships is where you do a one-on-one for one year, uh, mentorship program with the veterans. Another one is vet. Vet is kind of an a la carte. You can have one conversation with a veteran, you can have a hundred conversations with a veteran and that’s a great way where I learned a lot of them clearing out that fog award and learning about different things by just talking to random people in companies and learning about my skills. And then of course the last one is bets to industry with Brian Arrington and everything he’s doing with Best To Industry every three weeks they’re doing a networking event that with the keynote speaker now you’re getting breakout rooms. They’re combining together veteran service organizations, employers slash recruiters and those looking for employment. Mm-hmm <affirmative> it’s three hours but you’re talking their attendance is anywhere from 300 to 500 people. So you want to increase your network, that 300 to 500 quality people you can network with. And I
Mary Kate Soliva (34:30):
Can’t to meet that LinkedIn threshold Right. Of 500 connections. Yeah. But I love that Brian started the Pacific networking timeframe too for, I know I’m probably butchering the name of that, but I love that they started the Pacific Times and one now too. So our service members, our listeners are com tuning in from that side of the world. You can just great opportunities there that you’re not forgotten that we want to be able to help you transition even if you’re stationed overseas. So, and Brian also does the one with the military spouses at vets industry too. So I love that they do the spouse mixers and that’s how we met David was through Vets industry and just incredible virtual library there to see even by state you can filter. So you could look up Florida, see the great organizations there that are giving back here to support you as veterans and military families. And, but thank you so much for bringing that up. The networking piece, the mentorship piece. Huge, very pivotal to your success. So thank you. I wanted to see if any listeners want to get ahold of you, what would be the best way that they could reach you?
David Trenholm (35:34):
The best way to reach me is just find me on LinkedIn. It’s David [inaudible], just my name. I usually do that and then once we connect, we’ll do a conversation via vet for the figure out. Cause everybody’s transition is different. So I always like to have a conversation. What is your goal? What is your timeline? What are your interests? Because not everybody’s interested in the exact same thing. So it’s really every transition is kind of an hour part. And specialize, don’t compare yourself to somebody else’s transition because their careers, their goals, what they’re striving for are gonna be different than what we strive for or that I strive for.
Mary Kate Soliva (36:09):
No, that’s absolutely true. And there is no cookie cutter way. I think that’s why you gotta say it with a grain of salt. Like when people are marketing what they have available, don’t self-select out of an opportunity. Especially like I get to my other enlisted brothers and sisters that think, oh that’s just for officers or I don’t have a college degree so that doesn’t my, they’re not gonna wanna look at me and just don’t self-select. Give yourself that opportunity to learn and to just take each opportunity is, it is so unique, right? So, and for those, again it’s more audio visual, it’s T R E N H O L M for David’s last name, tRNA Holmes. So just so you can find him on LinkedIn Connect and uh, grow your network. So thank you so much David for tuning in today here on Veteran Voices and for all of our listeners, thank you again for supporting us and for our new ones.
Mary Kate Soliva (36:59):
Hopefully you’ll come back and hear more about veterans who are continuing to serve beyond the uniform and doing great things. And in our partnership, again with the Guam Human Rights Initiative and Military Women’s Collective, you can check out more and learn from those two great nonprofits and what they’re doing there. And also supply Chain Now family, which is part Veteran Voices part of the supply chain, now family. And you can get that wherever you get your podcast. So do good be the change that’s needed in our world today as we kick off the new year. Thank you again, David, and we’ll see you all next time.
David Trenholm enlisted in the Navy after high school and completed over 4 years as a Yoemen, going from E-1 to E-4 in 18 months. He was selected for an Officer Program where he attended FAMU NRTOC Unit and graduated from Florida State University and earned his Wings of Gold as a Naval Flight Officer in the P-3C Orion where he flew over 2,250 hours that included over 750 combat hours. During his transition, he attended a TAP course with Operation New Uniform (ONU) that set him for a successful transition to his corporate life. ONU helped him build his confidence and taught him valuable interview techniques to land his dream career with Bank of America. After retiring with 20+ years of Naval service, he was selected for Bank of America’s Global Operations Military Development Program, which is a two-year rotational program with BofA. After completing the program, he found a perfect fit with his second rotation doing Quality Assurance and Quality Control. Shortly after taking the role on the team, he was promoted to leading a new QA/QC team and building it from scratch. ONU was so instrumental in his transition that he began to give back to the organization by volunteering and teaching in classes. ONU then asked him to join the board as the only Alumni Board Member to help it grow in 2020. In 2022 he was promoted to Secretary of the Board, and in 2023 he will move to being the Vice Chair of the Board. He has been married to his wife Danielle for over 21 years and they have two children Sean and Kady. Connect with David on LinkedIn.
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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.
Host
From humble beginnings working the import docks, representing Fortune 500 giants, Ford, Michelin Tire, and Black & Decker; to Amazon technology patent holder and Nordstrom Change Leader, Kimberly Reuter has designed, implemented, and optimized best-in-class, highly scalable global logistics and retail operations all over the world. Kimberly’s ability to set strategic vision supported by bomb-proof processes, built on decades of hands-on experience, has elevated her to legendary status. Sought after by her peers and executives for her intellectual capital and keen insights, Kimberly is a thought leader in the retail logistics industry.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Host
Allison Krache Giddens has been with Win-Tech, a veteran-owned small business and aerospace precision machine shop, for 15 years, recently buying the company from her mentor and Win-Tech’s Founder, Dennis Winslow. She and her business partner, John Hudson now serve as Co-Presidents, leading the 33-year old company through the pandemic.
She holds undergraduate degrees in psychology and criminal justice from the University of Georgia, a Masters in Conflict Management from Kennesaw State University, a Masters in Manufacturing from Georgia Institute of Technology, and a Certificate of Finance from the University of Georgia. She also holds certificates in Google Analytics, event planning, and Cybersecurity Risk Management from Harvard online. Allison founded the Georgia Chapter of Women in Manufacturing and currently serves as Treasurer. She serves on the Chattahoochee Technical College Foundation Board as its Secretary, the liveSAFE Resources Board of Directors as Resource Development Co-Chair, and on the Leadership Cobb Alumni Association Board as Membership Chair and is also a member of Cobb Executive Women. She is on the Board for the Cobb Chamber of Commerce’s Northwest Area Councils. Allison runs The Dave Krache Foundation, a non-profit that helps pay sports fees for local kids in need.
Host
Billy Taylor is a Proven Business Excellence Practitioner and Leadership Guru with over 25 years leading operations for a Fortune 500 company, Goodyear. He is also the CEO of LinkedXL (Excellence), a Business Operating Systems Architecting Firm dedicated to implementing sustainable operating systems that drive sustainable results. Taylor’s achievements in the industry have made him a Next Generational Lean pacesetter with significant contributions.
An American business executive, Taylor has made a name for himself as an innovative and energetic industry professional with an indispensable passion for his craft of operational excellence. His journey started many years ago and has worked with renowned corporations such as The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (GT) leading multi-site operations. With over 3 decades of service leading North America operations, he is experienced in a deeply rooted process driven approach in customer service, process integrity for sustainability.
A disciple of continuous improvement, Taylor’s love for people inspires commitment to helping others achieve their full potential. He is a dynamic speaker and hosts "The Winning Link," a popular podcast centered on business and leadership excellence with the #1 rated Supply Chain Now Network. As a leadership guru, Taylor has earned several invitations to universities, international conferences, global publications, and the U.S. Army to demonstrate how to achieve and sustain effective results through cultural acceptance and employee ownership. Leveraging the wisdom of his business acumen, strong influence as a speaker and podcaster Taylor is set to release "The Winning Link" book under McGraw Hill publishing in 2022. The book is a how-to manual to help readers understand the management of business interactions while teaching them how to Deine, Align, and Execute Winning in Business.
A servant leader, Taylor, was named by The National Diversity Council as one of the Top 100 Diversity Officers in the country in 2021. He features among Oklahoma's Most Admired CEOs and maintains key leadership roles with the Executive Advisory Board for The Shingo Institute "The Nobel Prize of Operations" and The Association of Manufacturing Excellence (AME); two world-leading organizations for operational excellence, business development, and cultural learning. He is also an Independent Director for the M-D Building Products Board, a proud American manufacturer of quality products since 1920.
Host
Tandreia Bellamy retired as the Vice President of Industrial Engineering for UPS Supply Chain Solutions which included the Global Logistics, Global Freight Forwarding and UPS Freight business units. She was responsible for operations strategy and planning, asset management, forecasting, and technology tool development to optimize sustainable efficiency while driving world class service.
Tandreia held similar positions at the business unit level for Global Logistics and Global Freight forwarding. As the leader of the Global Logistics engineering function, she directed all industrial engineering activies related to distribution, service parts logistics (post-sales support), and mail innovations (low cost, light weight shipping partnership with the USPS). Between these roles Tandreia helped to establish the Advanced Technology Group which was formed to research and develop cutting edge solutions focused on reducing reliance on manual labor.
Tandreia began her career in 1986 as a part-time hourly manual package handling employee. She spent the great majority of her career in the small package business unit which is responsible for the pick-up, sort, transport and delivery of packages domestically. She held various positions in Industrial Engineering, Marketing, Inside and On-road operations in Central Florida before transferring to Atlanta for a position in Corporate Product Development and Corporate Industrial Engineering. Tandreia later held IE leadership roles in Nebraska, Minnesota and Chicago. In her final role in small package she was an IE VP responsible for all aspects of IE, technology support and quality for the 25 states on the western half of the country.
Tandreia is currently a Director for the University of Central Florida (UCF) Foundation Board and also serves on their Dean’s Advisory Board for the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Previously Tandreia served on the Executive Advisory Board for Virginia Tech’s IE Department and the Association for Supply Chain Management. She served on the Board of Trustees for ChildServ (a Chicago child and family services non-profit) and also served on the Texas A&M and Tuskegee Engineering Advisory Boards. In 2006 she was named Business Advisor of the Year by INROADS, in 2009 she was recognized as a Technology All-Star at the Women of Color in STEM conference and in 2019 she honored as a UCF Distinguished Aluma by the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Systems.
Tandreia holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Stanford University and a master’s degree in Industrial Engineering and Management Systems from UCF. Her greatest accomplishment, however, is being the proud mother of two college students, Ruby (24) and Anthony (22).
Host
Marty Parker serves as both the CEO & Founder of Adæpt Advising and an award-winning Senior Lecturer (Teaching Professor) in Supply Chain and Operations Management at the University of Georgia. He has 30 years of experience as a COO, CMO, CSO (Chief Strategy Officer), VP of Operations, VP of Marketing and Process Engineer. He founded and leads UGA’s Supply Chain Advisory Board, serves as the Academic Director of UGA’s Leaders Academy, and serves on multiple company advisory boards including the Trucking Profitability Strategies Conference, Zion Solutions Group and Carlton Creative Company.
Marty enjoys helping people and companies be successful. Through UGA, Marty is passionate about his students, helping them network and find internships and jobs. He does this through several hundred one-on-one zoom meetings each year with his students and former students. Through Adæpt Advising, Marty has organized an excellent team of affiliates that he works with to help companies grow and succeed. He does this by helping c-suite executives improve their skills, develop better leaders, engage their workforce, improve processes, and develop strategic plans with detailed action steps and financial targets. Marty believes that excellence in supply chain management comes from the understanding the intersection of leadership, culture, and technology, working across all parts of the organization to meet customer needs, maximize profit and minimize costs.
Marketing Coordinator
Laura Lopez serves as our Supply Chain Now Marketing Coordinator. She graduated from Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Occidente in Mexico with a degree in marketing. Laura loves everything digital because she sees the potential it holds for companies in the marketing industry. Her passion for creativity and thinking outside the box led her to pursue a career in marketing. With experience in fields like accounting, digital marketing, and restaurants, she clearly enjoys taking on challenges. Laura lives the best of both worlds - you'll either catch her hanging out with her friends soaking up the sun in Mexico or flying out to visit her family in California!
Host
An acknowledged industry leader, Jake Barr now serves as CEO for BlueWorld Supply Chain Consulting, providing support to a cross section of Fortune 500 companies such as Cargill, Caterpillar, Colgate, Dow/Dupont, Firmenich, 3M, Merck, Bayer/Monsanto, Newell Brands, Kimberly Clark, Nestle, PepsiCo, Pfizer, Sanofi, Estee Lauder and Coty among others. He's also devoted time to engagements in public health sector work with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. At P&G, he managed the breakthrough delivery of an E2E (End to End) Planning Transformation effort, creating control towers which now manage the daily business globally. He is recognized as the architect for P&G’s demand driven supply chain strategy – referenced as a “Consumer Driven Supply Chain” transformation. Jake began his career with P&G in Finance in Risk Analysis and then moved into Operations. He has experience in building supply network capability globally through leadership assignments in Asia, Latin America, North America and the Middle East. He currently serves as a Research Associate for MIT; a member of Supply Chain Industry Advisory Council; Member of Gartner’s Supply Chain Think Tank; Consumer Goods “League of Leaders“; and a recipient of the 2015 - 2021 Supply Chain “Pro’s to Know” Award. He has been recognized as a University of Kentucky Fellow.
Host
Marcia Williams, Managing Partner of USM Supply Chain, has 18 years of experience in Supply Chain, with expertise in optimizing Supply Chain-Finance Planning (S&OP/ IBP) at Large Fast-Growing CPGs for greater profitability and improved cash flows. Marcia has helped mid-sized and large companies including Lindt Chocolates, Hershey, and Coty. She holds an MBA from Michigan State University and a degree in Accounting from Universidad de la Republica, Uruguay (South America). Marcia is also a Forbes Council Contributor based out of New York, and author of the book series Supply Chains with Maria in storytelling style. A recent speaker’s engagement is Marcia TEDx Talk: TEDxMSU - How Supply Chain Impacts You: A Transformational Journey.
Host, Logistics with Purpose
Luisa Garcia is a passionate Marketer from Lagos de Moreno based in Aguascalientes. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Universidad Autonoma de Aguascalientes, Mexico. She specializes in brand development at any stage, believing that a brand is more than just a name or image—it’s an unforgettable experience. Her expertise helps brands achieve their dreams and aspirations, making a lasting impact. Currently working at Vector Global Logistics in the Marketing team and as podcast coordinator of Logistics With Purpose®. Luisa believes that purpose-driven decisions will impact results that make a difference in the world.
Host, Logistics with Purpose
Astrid Aubert was born in Guadalajara, she is 39 years old and has had the opportunity to live in many places. She studied communication and her professional career has been in Trade Marketing for global companies such as Pepsico and Mars. She currently works as Marketing Director Mexico for Vector Global Logistics. She is responsible for internal communications and marketing strategy development for the logistics industry. She is a mother of two girls, married and lives in Monterrey. She defines herself as a creative and innovative person, and enjoys traveling and cooking a lot.
Host, Supply Chain Now en Espanol
Sofia self-identifies as Supply Chain Ambassador, her mission is to advocate for the field and inspire young generations from diverse backgrounds and cultures to join the industry so that thought diversity is increased and change accelerated. Recognized as Linkedin Top Voice and Linkedin Community Top Voice in Supply Chain Management, as well as Emerging Leader in Supply Chain by CSCMP 2024, Top Women in Supply Chain by Supply & Demand Executive 2023, and Coup de Coeur Global Women Leaders in Supply Chain by B2G Consulting in 2021.
Public speaker at multiple international events from keynotes and panels, to webinars and guest lectures for bachelor's and master's degrees, discussing topics such as sustainability, women in the industry, technology and innovation. Writer at different online magazines on logistics, supply chain and technology. Podcast host and guest on different recognized programs in the industry. Sofia has more than 5 years of experience from academic research and field studies to warehouse operations, demand planning and network design. She has worked in manufacturing, airport operations, e-commerce retail, and technology hardware across Latin America, North America and Europe.
Currently working as Supply Chain Network Design and Optimization Manager at HP within their Global Supply Chain and Logistics team.
Host
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.
Host
Vin Vashishta is the author of ‘From Data To Profit’ (Wiley 2023). It’s the playbook for monetizing data and AI. Vin is the Founder of V-Squared and built the business from client 1 to one of the world’s oldest data and AI consulting firms. His background combines nearly 30 years in strategy, leadership, software engineering, and applied machine learning.
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.
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.
Principal & Host
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.
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.
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!
Host of Digital Transformers
Kevin L. Jackson is a globally recognized Thought Leader, Industry Influencer and Founder/Author of the award winning “Cloud Musings” blog. He has also been recognized as a “Top 5G Influencer” (Onalytica 2019, Radar 2020), a “Top 50 Global Digital Transformation Thought Leader” (Thinkers 360 2019) and provides strategic consulting and integrated social media services to AT&T, Intel, Broadcom, Ericsson and other leading companies. Mr. Jackson’s commercial experience includes Vice President J.P. Morgan Chase, Worldwide Sales Executive for IBM and SAIC (Engility) Director Cloud Solutions. He has served on teams that have supported digital transformation projects for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the US Intelligence Community. Kevin’s formal education includes a MS Computer Engineering from Naval Postgraduate School; MA National Security & Strategic Studies from Naval War College; and a BS Aerospace Engineering from the United States Naval Academy. Internationally recognizable firms that have sponsored articles authored by him include Cisco, Microsoft, Citrix and IBM. Books include “Click to Transform” (Leaders Press, 2020), “Architecting Cloud Computing Solutions” (Packt, 2018), and “Practical Cloud Security: A Cross Industry View” (Taylor & Francis, 2016). He also delivers online training through Tulane University, O’Reilly Media, LinkedIn Learning, and Pluralsight. Mr. Jackson retired from the U.S. Navy in 1994, earning specialties in Space Systems Engineering, Carrier Onboard Delivery Logistics and carrier-based Airborne Early Warning and Control. While active, he also served with the National Reconnaissance Office, Operational Support Office, providing tactical support to Navy and Marine Corps forces worldwide.
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.
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’.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Director, Customer Experience
Katherine is a marketing professional and MBA candidate who strives to unite her love of people with a passion for positive experiences. Having a diverse background, which includes nonprofit work with digital marketing and start-ups, she serves as a leader who helps people live their most creative lives by cultivating community, order, collaboration, and respect. With equal parts creativity and analytics, she brings a unique skill set which fosters refining, problem solving, and connecting organizations with their true vision. In her free time, you can usually find her looking for her cup of coffee, playing with her puppy Charlie, and dreaming of her next road trip.
Chief of Staff & Host
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.