Most people spent a certain amount of time during the height of the pandemic locked down, just trying to get by under extraordinary circumstances. JB Jaso found himself near Fort Bragg in North Carolina, having time to take care of himself for the first time in nearly 20 years. That’s when he knew it was time to retire from the military and move on with his life.
And yet, no sooner had he made that decision that he learned what ‘real’ isolation was like, with no mission, no unit, and no one to establish his values for him.
Today, JB Jaso is the Assistant Manager for Security with the Los Angeles angels, a Veteran and retiree of the United States Army, and a volunteer leader with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. He recently joined Veteran Voices co-hosts Scott Luton and Mary Kate Soliva from Vets2Industry to speak about:
Intro/Outro (00:02):
Welcome to veteran voices, a podcast 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 taught 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.
Scott Luton (00:42):
Hey, good morning, everybody. Scott Luton and Mary Kate Soliva with you here on veteran voices. Welcome to today’s show Mary Kay, how are you doing?
Mary Kate Soliva (00:50):
I’m feeling pretty good, Scott, how are you doing?
Scott Luton (00:52):
Doing wonderful. We got you back. We’ve got a, uh, an all star guest that we’re going to talk into here today. So we’re really excited.
Mary Kate Soliva (01:01):
I’m super excited, especially because JVs also one of my mentors. So we got one of my mentors and good friends on the call today.
Scott Luton (01:09):
Awesome. So folks excited. And then it’s super excited, which is exponent exponential in terms of excitement here today. So we would love to have Mary Kay back with us and have our great guests, which we’re gonna introduced in just a second, but we’re, we’ve got a wonderful conversation teed up with a veteran, a business leader, a big time philanthropist and servant leader. So stay tuned for what promises to be a great discussion. Now, Mary Kate, before we get started quick programming note veteran voices is part of our supply chain family watching now family of programming. I should say today’s show is conducted in partnership with our friends, dear friends at vets to industry talk about a home, run, nonprofit, doing powerful work for the veterans community across the country and Mary Kay vets to the new, more to industry.org. It’s where you can, you could hook up with Brian and the rest of the [inaudible] fam, right? Yeah.
Mary Kate Soliva (02:03):
Yes, absolutely. And, and I, we probably wouldn’t have this conversation if it wasn’t for Brian at Vista industry or with our esteem guests, I literally think it just trail blaze the trail for this conversation today.
Scott Luton (02:16):
I agree with you, Mary Kay. So on that note, we want to introduce our special guests here today. Our guest serves as the assistant manager for security with the Los Angeles angels. He’s also a veteran and retiree of the United States army, and he’s a volunteer leader with the pancreatic cancer action network, which we’re going to find a lot more about, please join me in welcoming JB Jaso JB. How are you doing great. Thanks so much for having me super excited to be on the show today and see Mary Kay again, no kid, you know, JB, you might, you might agree with me here. I swear if the city of Atlanta could just find a way to connect the utility grid to Mary Kate saliva, that would be plenty of green energy for years to come. Right. Scott, they’re gonna reach you to check out soon, something like that, right? Hey, we’ve got to get creative in our solutions, but uh, I love the vibe you bring. And of course, J B a, I want to say we met at an earlier, uh, event probably at bets to industry, and I’m really looking forward to sharing your story here today.
JB Jaso (03:19):
Yeah, definitely. I’m looking forward to being on and talking about it.
Scott Luton (03:23):
All right. So own that note before we get to some of the heavy lifting, uh, JB, we want to better understand, you know, where you grew up in some of those stories of your upbringing and let’s make sure, you know, uh, we’ll tackle this in a second, but we hear that you’re a sneakerhead. So we got to talk sneakers with you and talks in sports. But before we get there, tell us about where you grew up.
JB Jaso (03:45):
So, uh, I grew up in long beach, California, so LA county area, um, kid, you know, just growing up like a normal Southern California kid, you know, uh, along the beach and joined the nice weather like today. It’s still in the high eighties and you can’t beat it for November. Right. So, uh, but yeah, so grew up there, uh, actually had a really good, uh, experience to start out Catholic school. So I learned about, uh, you know, being in a private school and then switched over to public schools. And I actually actually went to the best high school and all the nation long beach Polytechnic, so known
Scott Luton (04:19):
As Polytechnic,
JB Jaso (04:22):
So known as a really popular for, uh, we’re known as our, uh, for our sports as force. Um, and a lot of actors come from our school. So, so somebody like Snoop dog or Cameron Diaz or, you know, tennis, great Billie Jean King or great military leader like myself, JB, HASA. Um, yeah. So yeah, we have the most NFL players of any high school that has come out of our school. So pretty, pretty amazing school. And you know, I’ve met some of my greatest friends there and we’ll talk about one of my friends, I think maybe a little bit later, but so yeah, so I grew up, uh, did boy Scouts played little league baseball, you know, maybe Eagle scout and boy Scouts. And I just had a blast living down here in Southern California. You can’t beat it.
Scott Luton (05:05):
Let me ask you a question about Eagle scout. Um, I’m very jealous of that as that is a tough honor to earn of your family, which, which member of your family was most proud of you accomplishing Eagle scout?
JB Jaso (05:19):
Oh, that’s hard one, but I would probably definitely say my mom. Yeah. So she was always the one driving me around and, you know, getting me to point a and point B and you know, it was a funny story is I never even got my license until I was 18 because I was just so busy with Scouts and everything else at school and all the activities I was doing. Um, I was a little like 15 year old kids. I decided to organize a 5k 10 K run in my community, which became the city of long beach is largest running event when I was 15. Wow. Yeah. So we started operating budget back then in the late nineties was like 35,000 for us to run it and then got up to $80,000 the years went on and you know, so a little kid just doing this and trying to make a difference in the community. So, uh, and I had a blast doing it,
Scott Luton (06:04):
So. Okay. Uh, one more question. What, and then we’re gonna talk about your sneaker head and your, maybe your sports, but I want to ask, you know, clearly you’ve got a long lifetime record of giving back and volunteer volunteerism and making, you know, making a difference who are, what instilled that in you as a young man that th th th uh, that started you on that path? Yeah,
JB Jaso (06:35):
Definitely say, um, my dad was a really big influence on that, and I think he was just always involved with the community and always wanted to make it a better place. And then even going back to, um, my grandfather too, like, he was really big. I mean, he moved here from Mexico when he was young and, uh, really like, you know, really generated a lot of, uh, you know, interest in helping, you know, other, um, Mexican American families and his own family and, uh, really setting a presence here in Southern California. So I think between them too, uh, and along with, um, uh, which was my city council member back in long beach when I was growing up Jeff Kellogg, who was actually the brother to former 82nd airborne division, uh, general, uh, Lieutenant general, Keith Kellogg. Um, so I think they, you know, Jeff Kellogg was very instrumental in my development and, you know, getting involved with the community and what I could do to help, you know, help the city out. So, you know, three influential people that I really had, uh, helping me out as kid,
Scott Luton (07:35):
No shortage of mentors, no shortage of mentors. That’s awesome to hear, and I really admire your, your action focused, give back and service, um, uh, approach we need. We certainly need more action focused leaders, um, all throughout history, but especially during these challenging times. Okay. So let’s move on to something a little bit lighter before we get into your military service. So Mary Kate, you were giving me the goods in the pre-show about JB on a lighter note. So, so give me a couple things we want to ask, uh, JB bout before his military service.
Mary Kate Soliva (08:11):
I’ve got to ask JB, you know, one of the things like when we met each other down at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, you never wore the same pair of shoes. So I got to ask from someone who only owns like a few pairs of shoes, how many shoes do you have in your collection? And tell us about your favorite pair, if you can even narrow it down to one.
JB Jaso (08:33):
Oh yeah. I think favorite pair is pretty difficult, but yeah, so I have, I just, as a kid, I’ve always liked sneakers and shoes, and so I just grew a passion for it. And as I got my own paychecks, I was able to like buy my own pairs and the collection just kept growing and growing. So made it up to, I think I’m about 467 right now. I think it’s quite a bit of pears. Uh,
Scott Luton (09:00):
I was expecting a couple of dozen JB, 467. You need a warehouse inventory manager to keep things straight,
Mary Kate Soliva (09:09):
365 days a year. Take me, but I have to tell you, Scott, Jamie said the only pair that he wears the same are his boots. Those are the only ones that he didn’t have a different set for. What different.
Scott Luton (09:21):
All right. Quick follow-up question are new balance sneakers still cool.
JB Jaso (09:26):
Depends on the brand or it depends on the model, I should say. Not the brand new balances.
Scott Luton (09:32):
Yeah. If I was still flexible, I’d say this pair of shoes, I’ve got about feet right now about the I’ll pose that to you after today’s interview. All right. One last question. And then Mary, Kate is going to take us through your military service. Uh, you’re a big sports buff. Uh, you mentioned you’re an Arizona, uh, university of Arizona alum. So beyond the Wildcats, right, Arizona also beyond those athletics, what else are your, some of your favorite teams to follow?
JB Jaso (10:00):
Oh, yeah. So definitely, uh, I’m a huge, uh, Baltimore Ravens fan. Uh, so after the LA Raiders left LA, when I was a kid, um, you know, I was heartbroken, you know, so never lived in the city until I moved to Baltimore. I was stationed in Baltimore and became a Ravens fan. You can’t, you cannot not be a Ravens fan if you live in Baltimore, right. Purple, everywhere. Um, and then grew up a Dodgers fan. Um, and so always a, a true Dodger blue fan, uh, and an hour for the angels. So of course I’m an angel fan. And so we’re, we’re doing some good off season trades right now. So, uh, I think we’re pretty excited to, to see some, uh, some, you know, greater, uh, capacity as we move into the new year and, and some more wins. Yeah,
Scott Luton (10:42):
Wait, let’s get one of the best players in baseball back, Mike trout, looking forward to him, getting back healthy and doing what he does, which is, is continue to build out a hall of fame career. So loved angels and best luck to the franchise. The Dodgers, I’m going to keep on going to the Raven. Like I skip over those Dodgers since, but the Ravens man, how electric, uh, the, the quarterback that came out of Louisville. I can’t remember his name right this second.
JB Jaso (11:08):
Mark Jackson.
Scott Luton (11:09):
Yes. He’s like watching, you know, as a Falcons fan, which our heart’s been broken time and time again, you know, Michael Vick was so electric when he came to Atlanta, played for Atlanta in his early years, when the fastest players in the league, he could also, you know, uh, lead up a passing offense as he proved out during his run here. And, uh, I love I’m kinda, uh, JB. I’m kinda, I wouldn’t say I’m a bandwagon Ravens fan, but I’ll find myself pulling for the Ravens and, and, uh, Jackson. And we’ll see if he can bring home a super bowl championship. Right.
JB Jaso (11:41):
I would definitely need that. It’s been a few years. I think 2013 was the last time we won. So yeah, we can, we could use a couple more.
Scott Luton (11:49):
That is right. I was thinking if the Ravens had one, one, since the franchise was moved to Baltimore from Cleveland, right. And they have one, so you’ve already got, so come on, we’ll share the wealth, send the super bowl championship to Atlanta. What’d you please. All right. I’ll digress.
Mary Kate Soliva (12:07):
And I know I’m bringing a trivia night cause this sports trivia, so he’s going to want me all the big bucks in the jet jeopardy category.
Scott Luton (12:15):
That is right man. And an, uh, any shoe trivia or sneaker trivia. Of course, we’ve got our player there. Okay. So Mary Kay, as much fun as we’re having kind of in, uh, who J B Hasso is the person we’re going to dive into his military journey now, right?
Mary Kate Soliva (12:32):
Yes, absolutely. And JB, one of the big things, I mean, not that I’m biased or anything that we’re both army, but I was like with Scott’s like, who should we have? I was like, I gotta bring another army brother on the show. So, uh, if you could talk me JV about your, you know, you pick in the army, branch out all the other branches and then sort of where you’ve been in your army career. And I knew, I, I definitely want to Scott and all our listeners today to hear about the book that you had, you created particularly a one location that you ended up in your career. So you can tell us a little bit about that.
JB Jaso (13:02):
Yeah, definitely. So, yeah, so I decided to join and less than the army because the air force recruiter didn’t answer the phone. So I don’t know what they’re
Scott Luton (13:18):
Golfing.
JB Jaso (13:19):
They’re enjoying the Southern California beaches, I guess, but, uh, I don’t know what they’re doing, but I definitely knew I didn’t want to be a Marine or a sailor. Um, and then we didn’t have space for us back then. So it was definitely army. It was, and, and, uh, I originally wanted to go, uh, be an MP, actually, a military police officer. And then my dad’s like, absolutely not because he’s, uh, he’s a veteran too. He retired from the army, that’s the way not. And then I was like, well, my option, one of my options is Seaborn or chemical. So he’s like do that because you’re just going to be in a cage as to me mass, and you’re going to be by yourself and you promote fast. And so I was like, okay, sounds good. So that’s how I ended up doing, I, you know, uh, you know, it became a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear, big old handful or mouthful.
JB Jaso (14:05):
Right. But yeah, it became a Seaborn, um, specialist and, um, didn’t expect my career to go where it went. And I was very, um, very surprised, very lucky to have had such a great career, 23 years in the military or in the army. So it started off at Fort Lewis or now joint base Lewis McChord, uh, did a tour over in Korea, South Korea. And then that’s where I was at for nine 11. And then when nine 11 happened, because I was going to get out after that. And then when nine 11 happened, I decided I needed to stay in, uh, and continue to serve the country. I switched, took me to Hawaii for several years, uh, eight years and then back out to Maryland. And then I assessed for the joint special operations command or J sock. Uh, so I went through the assessment process for that got selected and I was super excited for that. And then spent eight, uh, yeah, about eight years there at J sock at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, which was absolutely phenomenal being in that type of unit. And, uh, so collectively, when you look at 23 years of service, like there was a lot of things. Yeah. I mean, it’s a long time and it was, I learned so much in that process that, you know, I think, you know, there’s not a point in that career where I ever regret doing something different or I just treasured it all. And I absolutely loved it.
Scott Luton (15:21):
What was your favorite? You mentioned a couple different stations and locations and commands and whatnot from a geographic standpoint, from like a, a local vibe or the local community standpoint. What was your favorite state duty station?
JB Jaso (15:35):
Oh, well, everybody knows it’s going to be Hawaii. Uh,
Mary Kate Soliva (15:39):
Carolina. I know it was your, your all, you got to meet me. There We go. Eyes. Beautiful.
JB Jaso (15:48):
Yeah. So yeah, absolutely love the eight years in Hawaii. It was in two infantry units. I was super scared to be in, when I got selected to go to an infantry unit, I was like, oh man, I don’t want to go there. Like, uh, instrumented rough, you know, I was always in support units and then I absolutely fell in love with the infantry units. And, uh, so I was in the second battalion, fifth infantry regiment Bobcat’s and then, uh, which I deployed to Afghanistan with, that was my first deployment. And then my second infantry. And it was the first battalion, 27th infantry regiment, the wolfhounds, which I have a lot of passion for and the brotherhood with, uh, we went to Iraq and then that’s where I created and developed the book. Uh, the wolfhound reflections, a new generation, which really captures it’s a photo book, uh, that also tells stories about it captures, uh, what it’s like to be an infantryman through our eyes in Iraq and Baghdad, Iraq. So I think it was, it came out pretty successful. I, you know, I was really happy with how the book came out and showed us what it was like, you know, to be on the ground. Yeah.
Mary Kate Soliva (16:46):
Well, JB, it was no question that you made a huge impact. I mean, I attended your retirement and you had even had the flower leis there. So even having that little bit of the Ohana and the island culture there, but having your, your family, I realized that you touch that, that joint connection with not just the army, but you had air force brothers there, you had Navy brothers, sisters. There is like this whole, like joint JV. You were like the middle of that joint service that you just connected everybody. So, um, I definitely feel like that was something I got from you is just really being, including everybody. So definitely that book was absolutely incredible. Just like your experience in the, in the family, but I know Scott’s dying to ask more about it here.
Scott Luton (17:31):
Well, two things and you’re right, Mary, Kate, uh, let’s make sure we get a link to how folks can get the book and let’s put that in the show notes. So I’d love to look at it. I get, get a copy of myself. And then secondly, to Mary Kate’s, last question, J B I mean, I think she’s put that really well. Based on a little, little bit of, I’ve been able to kind of better understand your, your outlook on life and your emo. Do you see yourself and was it intentional and deliberate to be that connector that help, you know, help make things happen in the military, which we really need, as we all know me being an air force shall be an army, you know, there, there can be loners, there can be all types of people, right. And we really need those connectors to, to bring folks together and Sue through those tough days to keep the mission going forward. Was that something deliberate you apply to your leadership style?
JB Jaso (18:19):
Um, no, I think it was just natural, I think. Um, yeah, so my parents were really, you know, I think when you look at foundational values and the way that you’re raised, I think my parents really gave me an opportunity and really showed me how to like open up and connect to people and bring people together and make people happy. And I think that’s where it really developed. And it was always like that for me, growing up as a kid and, you know, through my military experience. And even now here with the angels, you know, like trying to connect and bring people together. And, uh, collectively, like I th I just believe that it’s, uh, you have that family atmosphere no matter where you’re at, you know, you’re gonna be more successful
Scott Luton (18:57):
That Mary Kay, we need to convince JB to run for politics, whatever office you got to backers right here, man. We need more folks that view the world like that. Right. Rather than, uh, divide and, and, and kinda, uh, inflamed things. I love your view there. So absolutely Scott.
Mary Kate Soliva (19:15):
Yeah, that’s a, that’s the one thing I really was drawn. I know we talked about, we can talk back and forth as if JB is not here with JB. It’s just, you know, it, the way that you’re able to bring people together and you did it even in your, your transition, which we’ll talk about a little bit, but I’d love to hear, uh, to caveat like Scott’s question earlier about who was, uh, pivotal in your upbringing, but now in your military career, who were those, those few folks that really stand out that, that helped, uh, launch a successful military career for you?
JB Jaso (19:43):
Yeah. So for me it was, you know, so I’m 42 years old. So getting out of the military have 42, like somebody always told me what my values were going to be. Right. So my parents set the foundational values for me in life. And then when I joined the boy Scouts, the boy Scouts of America told me what my values were going to be. So, you know, the scout oath and all that good stuff. And the army said my values too. So I never really went back to think about it until I was retiring of who were the most influential for me. And as I was able for the first time in my life developed my own values of what I wanted to do. So as I really went back to go look at my values, I think one of the things for me was learning about authenticity.
JB Jaso (20:22):
And I think being authentic was just, was like a key value of mine. And so I go back to my very first unit, you know, the five 13th transportation company at Fort Lewis, Washington. And it was a collective group of people. So my company commanders that to my first Sergeant, my two platoon sergeants, and they really taught me to be me. And I think the army gives you your left and right limits. Um, but you need to still have be authentic to yourself. Right. So, yeah. So I think, I think for them, that was a collective group of people that were really influential. And then I think when I went to Hawaii, my wolfhound family from the first battalion 27th infantry regiment collectively, uh, that group of people, um, were very influential and they really helped develop. So those two units and those people, my leaders within those two units really helped me develop who I am, uh, throughout my military career. But then also have set the foundation for me as I’ve moved on outside of the military.
Mary Kate Soliva (21:16):
That’s great. Uh, great JV. And just even from attending your retirement, you had numerous officers that were talking about the things that you taught them. So I thought that was really incredible because you, as a, as a senior enlisted leader, usually tend to, you know, in our dynamic, in the military, it’s usually top, top down. But for you at that level to hear these, uh, senior officers talking about the impact that you had in their career, I thought was incredible. So, um, that’s, that’s amazing. And I, I’d love to hear Scott here to, to ask a little more, cause I definitely want to pull in and you have so many nuggets information on the transition to love to hear it. Yeah.
Scott Luton (21:52):
Yes. I agree with you and Mary Kay, we’re going to have to get some of the stories that I bet some of JBS service friends and mates had to share on JB. We get the goods, we’ll bring you, we’ll bring you back for a look behind episodes at JB, but
Mary Kate Soliva (22:09):
Yeah, gifs were under the table that day. I don’t think there were
Scott Luton (22:13):
Well, gosh, 23 years, what a remark. I mean, beyond everything else that you’ve shared, you’ve been a part of, and then we’re gonna touch on some things you’re doing now, but man, 23 years of dedicated and serving the country and, and, um, I’m just honored to spend some time with you here today. Okay. So JB, I want to talk about your transition and we spend a lot of time talking about the transition here on veteran voices. It’s one of the common themes is that because I think a lot of folks continue to struggle with, uh, with their transition. I think, I think on the other side, Mary, Kate, and we’ve talked about this, the private sector and corporate America, while they’ve made some strides, you know, there’s still plenty of, of, of, um, improvement. We can do there as we embrace our, our veterans that are transitioning and we find them good jobs, not, not, uh, being underemployed and some of the other, other challenges that are out there. So JB question to you, if you tell us about your transition in general first, if you would.
JB Jaso (23:08):
Yeah. So I think, uh, so working at the joint special operations command or J sock, I was really busy all those years, traveling the world, um, makes it a better place. Just one in a little Michael Jackson song for you, Anthony, and the entire human race. Yeah. So, um, so yeah, so traveling and just being super busy all the time and never had time for myself and then COVID hit, right? So March, uh, so around March 17th is when COVID really shut everything down in North Carolina, Fort Bragg area. So for the first time I got to like, like calm down, like sit on the couch, not doing anything, sit in shorts and t-shirt and just watch tiger king. Right.
JB Jaso (23:48):
And so then at that point I realized, oh, I like this break. Like, you know, and I’m actually being able to take care of myself for once. And so at that point is like, man, I’m already over 20 years, it’s time to move forward and, and, and retire, hang it up. So they’re not those couple of months that we were on. COVID like, I took that opportunity to say, yeah, I’m going to retire. This is it for me. You know, I’m going to go through September 20, 21 and that will be it. But during those first five months of, of my transition process, I didn’t know what I want to do. I didn’t know where I was going. I didn’t know anything. And all I knew is I had a blank canvas and I could paint it, whatever colors I want, do whatever I want with it.
JB Jaso (24:25):
But as soon as I said, I wanted to retire, I felt very isolated and I felt a lump and there was nobody around me because my unit and everybody else would continue to move forward and, uh, you know, continue their mission and great military leaders as we are. We’re really good at teaching our soldiers or our, you know, our sailors, Marines and airmen. We’re able to teach them how to shoot, move and communicate. Cause we’ve all done that we’ve gone through that process. But as military leaders, we haven’t gone through a transition out of the military yet. So we don’t know that process and we don’t understand it. So what we do and I’ve, I’m guilty of it too. As a military leader, when somebody told me they’re going to get out in Australia, I’m like, okay, go take care of yourself. You got it.
JB Jaso (25:05):
Well, cause I didn’t know what to do. You know? So I was in that same situation. So within my first five months, I just heard other people saying, oh, go do this, go do that, go do this. So my first five months I spent 132 meetings, uh, that I did, I did 189 hours on zoom, 54 online classes. And at the end of those first five months, I still didn’t know what I wanted to do. Absolutely wasted. And I wouldn’t say wasted, I didn’t say wasted, but it’s not what I meant. But I spent a lot of time doing things that weren’t really helping me develop, who I wanted to be outside of the military. Okay. I gained a lot of knowledge and um, but it really wasn’t going to help me to where I wanted to be. Once I went through a process or a nonprofit organization called the leader transition Institute, they have a course called changing focus from weed to me.
JB Jaso (25:59):
That’s when I really discovered my purpose and my why. And when I got that, then it really focused me down to what I really wanted to do. And as I talked about, I absolutely love sports. And so I knew I wanted to get into sports, but I didn’t know really how to do that. Um, and then being in the special operations community, I also heard about this other program called the honor foundation. And so, uh, like signed up, applied for it and got accepted and went through the program as Mary Kay did as well. And so we went through that same program and that was when I really learned like how, how do like, here’s my purpose. Here’s my why? Like how do I get to it? And they really help lead me to, to where I’m at today. Um, so I think that was like the big pieces of the pie that a lot of people just don’t think about.
JB Jaso (26:45):
And I think when you look at lessons learned, I think finding your why or finding your purpose is priority, right? Because time is our most precious resource. So I spent 189 hours on zoom and, and all these classes, none of that in those first five months helped me get to where I’m at today, uh, in the sport and major league baseball and sports industry. There’s other things I should have been doing if, if I would’ve known earlier getting certifications that helped me in the sports industry, like the certified sports state, uh, stadium, sports, professional, uh, and other avenues and other classes that would have helped me get, uh, and have better opportunities here in sports. So I think in getting the certifications that matter and then absolutely without a doubt, owning your transition. Good. Mary Kay. Sorry.
Mary Kate Soliva (27:32):
Oh, it was saying like the, you mentioned earlier about being like the nuclear biological, like having weapons of mass destruction on your resume at the top of the list. I don’t know Scott, like what do you think if as a civilian, it may be a little bit intimidating or TV. So I think we have that conversation and actual, so our virtual costs coffee, but an in-person cups of coffee talking about how do we get weapons of mass destruction is something that a civilian as someone who’s never served, gonna understand what kind of skills you bring to the table.
Scott Luton (28:00):
Right. And that, and that’s, that is a, it’s one of the biggest parts of the challenge, right? It’s one of the th that building bridges across those gaps and we’ve made a little progress, but we got to keep getting a lot better. And so that, so that the language that us as veterans and military members are now having with, with corporate private sector, all those hiring managers, they’re fluent in the language we’re talking, we’re fluent in language you’re talking. And that’s how we can, we can hopefully find better opportunities. I want to one question, as you were, I think one of the best things, one of the, many of the things I liked about what you just shared is something that so many folks myself included walk right past and overlook. And that is rather than, uh, I know when I, in my transition, I was focused on just getting a job, getting a job so I can pay bills, man, if I’d taken the time to do what you just described and really better understand what I love to do, right?
Scott Luton (28:53):
And then once we identify at least something, you know, you’re not going to have the perfect answer probably a lot of times, because it involves once you identify the first thing, but then kind of figuring out how to get there, resources, certifications, network members, meetings, whatever. And that, I think that is a golden nugget to folks listening to this conversation. It might sound, um, you know, if I’m still in a uniform that might strike me as a warm and fuzzy, but that, that is such a truth of life, determining what you want to do, Mary Kay. What, how do you, how do you respond to what JB just shared?
Mary Kate Soliva (29:26):
I think it’s, it’s spot on. Um, just JB is more organized than I am in the sense of keeping track of how many virtual cups of coffee we sort of have like this whole condition of like, how many are you up to now if you’ve done like 80 cups of coffee. And, uh, it w it was a challenge for me to, to like, to think you can just cold message people on LinkedIn, or just say, will you take a time to talk to me? I’m transitioning out. I have no idea what I want to do, but I think that the truth of the matter is people have a assemblance of, of what they don’t want to do. So I think keeping track of like, do you want to work weekends? Do you want to work nights? Um, what are you wanting? Full-time part-time are you going to balance school? So I think there’s things that we know that we don’t want to do, but we don’t sort of put it at the forefront. And I think that’s something what JV was saying is spot on. You can invest all these hours and still not know what she wants to start with your why.
Scott Luton (30:17):
I love that. Okay. So Mary Kay, it’s taken us into the next aspect of this transition conversation. And by the way, I would just add to what Mary Kate shared start put it on paper, what you do want to do, what you don’t want to do, start building a list that’s going to help you. It’s that simple. Um, okay. So let’s JV, you’ve already shared some, uh, some nuggets just as you’ve shared your transition story, but if you had to really put a fine point on that pencil, and, and let’s say you’re the keynote of a big grand auditorium, maybe it’s Dodger stadium, maybe it’s what park did it, did the angels play in angel stadium, angel stadium? How to, how could I forget that? It’s the grand daddy of them all. It is a big, you know, thousands of, uh, of, uh, uh, veterans are transitioning through, you’ve got a chance and their captive attention. What’s a couple of things that you’d really be specific about in terms of, of best transition practices.
JB Jaso (31:14):
Yeah. So I think owning your transition is really key. And I think something I heard the other day to how to really talk about transition was, have you ever used the navigation system ways, ways, right. So it’s a social media navigation system, right? We’re all going at different speeds and we’re all getting going different directions and go in different ways. But at the end of the day, if we’re driving up from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, up to the Baltimore, we’re taking the 95, there’s a whole group of cars that are doing the same thing. They’re all going north. You know, whether they’re going to Baltimore or New York, or, you know, going to DC, everybody’s moving north. Right. So everybody has a, they’re all in a different situation, all in different cars, all, you know, different makes and models. Right? And so as you’re moving north, you’re utilizing each other utilizing ways to get there. So the fastest where the police are at work, broken down cars at the construction of the road, it tells you when you’re getting the Fredericksburg. Cause that’s when the traffic stops when you’re going north on 95. Right.
JB Jaso (32:22):
Right. So, but it’s telling you different ways of how to get through there, right? So it’s, it’s those a whole bunch of people trying to move in a direction all in their own little ways of how to get there, but getting there. Right. That’s how transition is. I mean, we’re all, you know, military members trying to get out of the military, develop a new life outside. And, but we need to utilize each other to get there and utilize all the different resources that we have lean on each other. There’s many, many, many times where, you know, I leaned on Mary Kate to help us, you know, help me get through those, those points. Um, but utilizing each other, um, within your own story, within the things that are happening within your own life, uh, to move forward and get out and continue to leverage on each other as you get out because they get out and you transition out. Now you’re transforming into a new life, just like in the military, we spent at least the minimum of eight weeks transforming us from a civilian into a service member. Right. So tap is only four days. So that’s the transition part. Now we have to transform, um, you know, into becoming a civilian, I guess you could say, you know,
Scott Luton (33:34):
I love that [inaudible], um, lifetime advice really. Right. Um, and, and, you know, I think what I’ve seen at least Mary Kay welcome, your thoughts is as we’re going through that together, you know, we all hit different resources. It’s our radar. A lot of times, it’s not a good fit for me, way you sit down and have a cup of coffee, and you’re talking about, you know, recent observations. It might be the perfect resource at some, in someone else’s blind spot. Right. So I love that. Uh, I love that way’s analogy, by the way, I heard that one. Yeah. May all of you listening, not hit, not get stopped by the Popo. So make sure you’re paying attention in those hotspots. Cause you know, that caravan of cars at JB talked about, they’re not just moving all together, but they’re moving at 90 miles an hour, right. Just at that, at that sweet spot. All right. So Mary Kay, I’m going to make a change for once in my life. It’s going to feel real good, going to make a difference, gonna make it right. Is that JB, you know, Hey, you started with the whole Michael Jackson songs, man in the mirror. I had to, I had to get one in there, Mary Kay, if you were, you know, back to that analogy, grand keynote, talking to thousands of folks that are transitioning, what’s one piece of advice you’d offer up. Wow.
Mary Kate Soliva (34:46):
Like I go back to that way’s analogy JV just said, but your family’s on that trip with you. So I think that that was something that I even, I took for granted on the hours of a cup of coffee, there’s a literal sense to this, that JB. And I took them to an actual coffee shop that ended up being his favorite coffee shop down in North Carolina. But one of the things was taking that moment. And I think it was five months for me to five months into my transition that I was like, I’ve got my family. I think about, you know, what, what’s my husband’s transition gonna be like, where does he actually want to go? Does he want to stay in the same job? Um, what can I do with these resources of these over 45,000 veteran service organizations that I can do to help him? So just remember who else is in that car with you. Um, and, and they’re on that journey with you as well.
Scott Luton (35:31):
Absolutely. And don’t let the reckless ones drive that car.
Mary Kate Soliva (35:34):
Um, so not me then. I’m not, well,
Scott Luton (35:37):
What’s funny, what’s funny here. I’m making a little observation, is that when I threw 90 miles an hour out there, neither one of y’all blinked. So maybe I’m the slow driver here. All right. So now that we’ve established, I’m the boring driver. Uh, I want to talk about what you do now, JB. So we’ve kind of walked through your, uh, your upbringing, some of the big things you did there growing up in California. Uh, we’ve talked about a lot of your service projects, the Eagle scout man, and it’s been 23 years serving the country and serving your fellow, uh, soldiers and in the U S army and in many others. Um, and then your transition, and now we kind of arrive at what you’re doing now, and we’re going to tackle this via major league baseball. We’re also going to talk about one of the big time causes. You’re a part of, so let’s talk about what you do with the Angel’s first.
JB Jaso (36:32):
Yeah. So that was pretty, pretty lucky utilizing my networking and, and uh, everything, like I said, in the transition process to only be out of, uh, out of the military one month and then landing a job here, it makes you like baseball. So if you look in, you keep in mind, there’s only 30 major league baseball teams in the United States, right. So I landed a position in one of, one of the 30, right. Um, so as the assistant manager of security for, uh, for the stadium, and I think when you really look at it, you know, security people don’t really pay attention to, to security at stadiums or any venue when you go, you’re just wanting to see, you know, show, Hey, Otani hit a home run or pitch a perfect game, or Michael trout, you know, catching that ball as it’s going over the fence. Right. So, um, that’s what you’re here to get, you know, drink a whole bunch of beer, eat some hot dogs and can just have a great time. Right. Um,
Scott Luton (37:25):
Have you been peering in, on my baseball KV?
JB Jaso (37:33):
Right. I love it.
Scott Luton (37:36):
Love it. Yeah. But JB, the point you’re making you’re right, Mary right. Mary Kay. I mean, I, I don’t think, I don’t think nearly I’m, I’m there to see a game enjoy company. Hopefully watch my team win all the other stuff to your point. It’s kind of in the peripheral. Right, right.
JB Jaso (37:50):
Yeah, definitely. So I think that was something that really drove my excitement. So right before I got out of the military, I was able to do a three month internship with the Houston Astros, a single eight team, the, of the woodpeckers. And that’s when I finally did that internship or a lot of people will call it a skill bridge program. Uh, mine, wasn’t part of the scope bridge and coordinated by myself, but doing a skill bridge or understanding that internship. And then I really challenged. I knew once I started doing the internship, that was my love. And that’s what made me, I would wake up in the morning, you know, not feeling like PDD, but feeling like me, uh, go ahead and forward and yeah. And then go in there and join the game, you know, and being there and watching families, you know, make memories together. And that made me so happy and getting them in that stadium, getting them out of that stadium safe, you know, and that’s what I’m doing here at the angels, you know, helping them out, you know, being a part of that team to make sure that fans have the greatest experience they can hear, uh, in Anaheim and then, and then, you know, they can leave safely, you know, and then make sure the players are safe and staff and the venue remains safe. So yeah, that’s what I’m doing here. And I’m loving, truly loving.
Scott Luton (39:01):
I can tell it’s all part of that. The fan experience, right. FX, just like customer experience is a big thing these days, which is really cool to see, uh, all of us as consumers and customers and in the fan experience and all, uh, in a holistic, uh, way of kind of looking at that, which I’m hearing you talk about JB. Um, okay. So one more follow-up question before we talk about the initiative and cause you’re, you’re volunteering with, what is the, uh, tough, what, what, what is the thing about your role in major league baseball? Cause it’ll only a handful of the, of the world’s population have a chance to work for a major league club. What’s one thing that surprised you when you, when you, and you came up from may of Fayetteville woodpeckers, which is a new minor league team on my radar. Now up to the big time with the angels, what’s one thing that might have surprised you. Wow.
JB Jaso (39:54):
I think the biggest thing, I think obviously the crowd crowd-based, you know, from 6,000 people at, um, you know, in Fayetteville to, you know, you know, nearly 46,000 people here, so huge difference, the same, just massive. But I think when you look at minor league baseball, there’s such a few front office staff, uh, and everybody has multiple roles to major league baseball where everybody has their unique role and piece of the pie and how it all just comes together. And so you have, you know, it reminds me a lot of the military. It does, it reminds me a lot of the military. So they, they do their critical thinking and the way in third plans development, uh, just like how we do in the military middle of military decision making process, you know, they, they call them memos, but we call them op orders, you know? And so it’s really interesting. It’s basically the same stuff. Um, and without a doubt and, uh, which was really fun to be a part of that process. Um, and then come in with a little military mindset a little bit coming in and bring in some, you know, some things that people didn’t think about. So
Scott Luton (40:55):
Hiring managers that are hearing this conversation, if you just heard what Jay B taught there, the terms might be different. What we call this, what we call that. But gosh, the angels get the opportunity to draw on 23 years of experience where he’s, you know, JB is doing a lot of, of what he did in the military. We bring so much value to the table. So I really appreciate you making that point. Um, JB. Okay. So Mary Kate, um, when we, when you suggested that we, uh, get with JBS agent and get em on the show, getting books, that was a tough way to go through, uh, an army of agents, JB. Um, but, but kidding aside, you really, uh, talked about his work with the pancreatic cancer action network and how important that was. I just saw you earlier on social dropping some that some of the latest round that JB and Mary Kay, that really clearly, that was something that stood out to you when, when you, I guess first, you know, got to meet and work with JB earlier in your all’s career, is that right?
Mary Kate Soliva (41:55):
And I’m actually wearing purple to an S like JVs wardrobe slowly. She started changing to purple, but this is even a special month too. It’s one of the awareness months. And, and so, but what I love is that JB advocates, where this caused something near and dear to him as a personal friend, he’ll talk about, but the it’s throughout the whole year, you know, we have these awareness months, but for JB, this is like something that I I’m just so proud of you. I see you out there all the time of these different social engagements, and it’s about helping the transition service member, but you’re also pairing us that there’s causes that are part of our, our moral compass that are part of our personal journey that we can also share. So it’s like, yes, we’re in uniform, but there’s, there’s something that, that makes us unique that w w we can define beyond the uniform. So I’d love to hear more about how you about your friend, about how you got started in this and what you’re doing now.
JB Jaso (42:47):
So going back to my childhood and I talked about long beach poly, right? Um, so I, um, was running cross country and track, uh, at poly. And, uh, when I was the incoming junior, the new incoming freshman class was coming in. And at that point I met one of the new incoming guys. Uh, his name was Tyler Mason. And, uh, so Tyler was absolutely phenomenal athlete in play soccer, ran cross country track one of our top runners, um, and, um, you know, playing in the band did everything, you know, and all the girls were always in awe over him too, which was really fun to be around and be a friend of his, but, uh, he ended up moving on, going to UC Berkeley and, and did the successful time up there and running cross country and track and having a really good time and then meeting, um, his, uh, having a girlfriend and which became, uh, his fiance and later became his wife.
JB Jaso (43:39):
But, um, when he moved back down to Southern California was working in the aerospace aerospace industry. He still was very athletic and, and, uh, was out playing soccer one day and he did a header, you know, hit the ball of his head. And as you came up, he felt a lot of pain in the left side of his, his abs. So I went and did some scans and found that he had stage four pancreatic cancer. She was 25 years old, stage four, pancreatic cancer. So when you really think about that, he is 25 year old. I remember what I was doing when I was 25. And if you guys go back and think what you were doing when you were 25, he had to change from living your life at 25 years old, trying to survive, right. 66% of pancreatic cancer patients will die within the first year.
JB Jaso (44:26):
So my cousin actually was just diagnosed in July. He survived 11 weeks before just passing away a few weeks ago. So, yeah, so it is at that point, 66% will die within the first year. And then when he was diagnosed with Tyler was diagnosed only 4% with survive five years. So that means 96% of the people would die within five years. So it was a death sentence. And so I didn’t really know about these statistics. I knew that Tyler was young fit, you know, athletic. And so I was just like, when I found out he was diagnosed pancreatic cancer, I was like, okay, you’re going to be fine. Do some chemo, radiation you’ll be back at it. But then, uh, in 2010, he invited me to go to Washington DC and go do some advocacy on Capitol hill with Congress. And so at that time, I didn’t know anything about grit.
JB Jaso (45:13):
I didn’t even know where the pancreas is or where it is in our body or what it does. And then he brought me to this organization called pancake, the pancreatic cancer action network. Then I started to learn that it was the first organization dedicated to fighting pancreatic cancer, uh, in a comprehensive way, and really focusing at research, patient services, advocacy, uh, and the community bringing it all together. So it is the largest, uh, pancreatic cancer organization in the nation, really fighting and helping, you know, increase the survivability. So back in 2010, for years, survivability, uh, for a five-year survivability was only 4% at 2020, we made the 10%. So we, we, because of the help with the community and research and developing a strategic plan, we’ve really gotten forward to, uh, where we’re at. So, uh, by we have set new goals by 2030, we want to make it to 20%.
JB Jaso (46:02):
So 20% of pancreatic cancer patients will, you know, will survive after five years. So in the past, there was no early detection, initiatives or methods, you know, and because of us, we’ve been able to develop, uh, some new, uh, early detection, uh, initiatives that are in, you know, just been approved and moving forward. So they’re really looking at a genetic and Monique molecular testing to help people out, uh, and do that early detection because there’s no way by the time. I mean, you’ve never heard of anybody that’s been diagnosed with one, two or three pancreatic cancer. It’s always been stage four. Uh, so it’s a death sentence. So there’s 60 affiliates throughout the country. Uh, one being here in orange county, California. So when it’s the orange county folks saw or heard that I was coming back to Southern California, they smashed me up and they’re like, we need you to lead the orange county affiliate.
JB Jaso (46:53):
So without a doubt, I said, yes, came out here and became the affiliate chair of orange county’s, uh, affiliate of the pancreatic cancer action network. And, you know, and, and doing our part here, you know, we’re trying to increase awareness this month is pancreatic cancer awareness month. So we’re really trying to make people like, talk about pancreatic cancer tests, do that early detection testing, and seeing where you’re at, uh, do cat scans and then, you know, take control over your actions. Right. So if the doctor’s like, oh yeah, it’s whatever. Or we can’t see the pancreas and the CT scan, don’t just say, okay, no, go back and do an CT scan. So you get the, so I’ll tell you the truth. I had some, some, some side pains a couple months ago, and I had them like, take several CT scans cause they couldn’t get in the imagery that couldn’t get the, the pancreas and the scan.
JB Jaso (47:42):
And finally they got it and there was nothing was wrong with it, but, and then there was just some other issue, but yeah, so I think that that’s important for us, you know, and for anybody out there that knows anything, anybody that’s been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, or if you’re a caregiver, or if you lost somebody from pancreatic cancer, you could reach out to Panchen. They have patient services, which is 1 8, 7, 7, the number two pan cans. So P a N C a N. So again, when 8, 7, 7 2 P a N C a N and they will definitely help you out, um, and lead you in the right direction, help you give you the resources, uh, you know, to help fight this disease.
Scott Luton (48:22):
So I hate to hear about your friend and your cousin and, and, and all the other folks they get diagnosed, uh, with this, uh, terrible affliction and then some of the, um, prog prognosis that they receive. Um, it’s great to hear on the flip side is wonderful to hear of the great work that you and, and the pan can and all the other supporters and how that’s moved the needle in terms of what those no look like. That is wonderful. So JB mentioned all the folks, if you need help, but the flip side of that is, Hey, if you want to get behind a great cause if you want to donate, if you want to volunteer, I’m assuming there’s an opportunity there, but certainly donating and, and, and, uh, you know, we need resources in these battles, right? So pan can P a N C a n.org, which is stands of course, for the pancreatic cancer action network. And you hit up one to 60 chapters that being an orange county, is that right?
JB Jaso (49:18):
Correct. Orange county, California. Yep. So we are going to do one event this year, that’s rural or nationwide and called, uh, Panchen purple stride. So it’s our walk to end pancreatic cancer. So it’s happening on one day, all 60 locations throughout the U S on April 30th, 2022. So, uh, you, again, you’ve got a pancake.org, uh, find out about purple stride and walk it’s free. These is joined for free and walk it for free and wear your purple, you know, pretty awesome, pretty awesome event
Scott Luton (49:47):
That, okay. I see that. And so April twenty, twenty two, a great call to action. You got Tom. So, so the reference, you know, JB and Mary Kay, both had talked about how the month we’re in, which is November when we’re recording, this is a big Mo a month for pancreatic cancer. We’ll probably publish this episode in December, but folks, Hey, you still got plenty of time. No excuses get behind that April event in 2022. Okay. Mary Kay. I, I share it a couple of my observations around, uh, his work, uh, with pan can the pancreatic cancer action network. What sticks out in your mind, first of all, thank you for
Mary Kate Soliva (50:27):
Sharing a story about a Tyler’s story about your right, your cousin. Um, just that awareness factor is so huge. And I think w one of the things to get across to that you mentioned is that you don’t have to know anything to get involved. Like you, you just started somewhere and it was as simple as tolerant buying you and getting you to Capitol hill, to fight for causes, and really just amplifying our voices together. Just really shakes the roof off of our nations leaders. And just to see at the grassroots level, we just need to amplify their voices for those who can’t speak for themselves, especially. So thank you so much JV for the work that you’re doing and continue to do. And I’m going to keep rocking purple this month and onward, I realized that I need to add more purple in my wardrobe, but it really is just America. And that conversation going. And I can’t say I’ll ever have as many shoes as you, but I think the purple thing is something I can do. Um, but again, thank you. Thank you so much JV for taking this time and opportunity to share your story.
Scott Luton (51:28):
Agreed. I love well said, uh, as always Mary Kay. Okay, well, uh, there’s so much more here, JB. I feel like we’re just scratching the surface. I love so much of how you look at life and more importantly, how you act on life, how you help others and serve others. Um, all right, so let’s make sure folks know how to connect with JB Hasso how can folks do that? Yeah.
JB Jaso (51:49):
Connect with me on LinkedIn. So it’s just a JB also. It’s my name is on the thing, JB JSO, or you could also connect with me on Twitter and Instagram as well. Again, JB HASA, and then the number three is my handle on both Twitter and Instagram. So,
Scott Luton (52:06):
Hey, can I, can I challenge a JB as we promote this episode a few weeks down the road, I’d love to get a snapshot of how of your sneaker collection, right? That would be some unique images, right. You know, we try to find a unique angle with each of these shows and, uh, and, and Hey, maybe I can uncover what the cool sneaks are, so I can, I can get with the times JB. And I’ll also bring you back, maybe a, my sneaker consultant, and you can tell me thumbs up or thumbs down on my collection of three, three pairs nature. Okay. Folks connect with, follow you, name it. Uh, w J B HASA get a, uh, be sure to visit panchen.org. Be sure to connect with him on LinkedIn and beyond, uh, what a great guest really appreciate your time. JB,
JB Jaso (52:54):
Thank you so much. I appreciate it.
Scott Luton (52:56):
Now, we wouldn’t have met JB without either, or maybe a combination of Mary, Kate saliva and vets to industry, or which are our partners, brothers and sisters in this journey to amplify veteran’s point of view and thought leadership. So Mary, Kate, you’re up to some really big things with the PMI organization and others. I don’t think we can release some of that cool stuff. You’re up to, how can folks connect with you, Mary Kay?
Mary Kate Soliva (53:22):
Oh yeah. So definitely on LinkedIn, just like JB, I don’t have as many social media handles, but he’s definitely got a fascinating journey to watch. So I definitely recommend subscribing to watch JV, but, um, you can definitely connect with me on LinkedIn at Mary Kay saliva and it’s Sol IVA thing. I’m the only one that’s out there, but happy to have a virtual cup of coffee or in-person cup of coffee. If you’re in the Western Maryland area and happy to help you wherever you’re at in your journey. So thanks.
Scott Luton (53:50):
Wonderful. And Hey, I want to plug it because I think veterans in transition that they haven’t uncovered the project management Institute, check out pmi.org, right? That’s a great resource.
Mary Kate Soliva (54:01):
Absolutely. And what I love so much about, I found out what JV was hitting on is eye. I found out I wanted innovation, a big part of my, why was paying it forward to the next generation? I really feel like at the project management is to, um, being able to do that now with, um, engaging military and veteran as part of the military veteran outreach at the project management Institute. So check out pmi.org, see all the great stuff they’re doing under the United nations, sustainable development goals. It’s pretty incredible. Um, the change-makers, uh, that are out there around the world, project management.
Scott Luton (54:31):
I agree with you, but we’ve got two Changemakers right here between JB and admire. Well, we admire, I admire both of y’all and what you do. I’m so glad we had a chance to hear firsthand a J B story and some of the things that’s important to him and some things he’s doing so big. Thanks to JB HASA, a big thanks to Mary Kate saliva, Mary Kay. Always a pleasure to connect with you on these conversations. Right? Congrats, everything, all the good news. You keep turning out. We look forward to the next episode.
Mary Kate Soliva (55:03):
Yes. Thank you, Scott. Looking forward to it. Thank you so much JV. And uh, yeah, I, I would say, I keep thinking, I need to say go some team right here, but there’s still in the blank of whatever team you’re rooting for. Let’s say go army right there.
Scott Luton (55:18):
Uh, folks, Hey, hopefully you’ve enjoyed this episode as much as I have be sure to connect with JB and Mary Kate. Hey, on behalf of the entire team here at veteran voices, we invite you to find us and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts from a course big, thanks again to our partners at bets to industry, check them out, may talk about a nonprofit unmoved, just doing powerful action for and on behalf of our veterans, community vets, numeral to industry.org, uh, uh, with all that said, this is Scott Luton signing off for now. Hey, challenging you to do good. Give forward and be the change that’s needed to be just like Mary, Kate, and Jay. Be the war. Be a better place. Hey, we’ll see you next time. Right back here on veteran voices.
JB Jaso, Following twenty-three years of military service, JB retired from the United States Army in October 2021 and has returned to Southern California to take on the role of Assistant Manager, Security for the Los Angeles Angels Baseball Club. He is responsible for 24-hour security and safety of the fans, players, staff, and stadium, managing the venue’s Command Center. He also increased his participation with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) by volunteering to Lead the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s Orange County Affiliate as the Affiliate Chair. JB initially became involved with PanCAN in 2021 following the Stage IV pancreatic cancer diagnosis of his childhood friend, Tyler Noesen. He now leads sixteen core volunteers that improve the lives of everyone impacted by pancreatic cancer by building a community, sharing knowledge, and advocating for patients. JB is a graduate of Long Beach Polytechnic High School and holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Public Administration – Emergency Management emphasis and Graduate Certificate in Public Management from Upper Iowa University (UIU), and a Management Development Certificate from the University of Louisville College of Business. Connect with JB on LinkedIn.
Mary Kate Soliva is a US Army veteran with special operations experience in South East Asia. She is a veteran advocate and currently spearheads the monthly newsletter for Vets2Industry. She is passionate about educating veterans and their families about available resources across the country. In addition, she is a human trafficking victim advocate and provides training to other service members and the community. She loves to travel, antique and spend time with her loved ones.
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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
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
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.
Host
Tevon Taylor is a dynamic leader at Pegasus Logistics, where he has made significant contributions to the company’s growth and innovation in the logistics industry. With a background in supply chain management and operations, Tevon combines strategic thinking with hands-on experience to streamline processes and enhance efficiency. Since joining Pegasus Logistics, Tevon has been instrumental in implementing cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices, driving the company toward a more eco-friendly approach. His leadership style fosters collaboration and empowers teams to excel, making him a respected figure among colleagues and industry peers. Outside of work, Tevon is passionate about mentorship and actively engages in community initiatives, sharing his expertise to inspire the next generation of logistics professionals. His commitment to excellence and continuous improvement has positioned him as a key player in shaping the future of logistics at Pegasus.
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.
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.
Vice President, Production
Amanda is a seasoned production and marketing professional with over 20 years of experience across diverse industries, including retail, healthcare, and digital marketing. Throughout her career, she has worked with notable organizations such as Von Maur, Anthropologie, AmericasMart Atlanta, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Currently, Amanda manages, produces, and develops digital content for Supply Chain Now and its clients, delivering modern, engaging solutions for a wide range of audiences.
A former Vice President of Information Systems and Webmaster on the Board of Directors for APICS Savannah, Amanda also founded and led Magnolia Marketing Group, a successful digital marketing firm. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, reading, listening to podcasts, and spending time with her family.
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.
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.
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, 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, 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.