TECHquila Sunrise
Episode 45

Episode Summary

“I have to start with eCommerce and just say, thank you eCommerce, because eCommerce has created intense pressure and set a high bar on supply chain. I can also say, and this is a polarizing comment because everyone, everyone hates Amazon, but thank you, Amazon, because Amazon has put an intense amount of pressure on retailers and supply chain networks. And every constituent that if it was up to Amazon, they would, they would say “Everyone go find another industry. We got this. We’ll sell it. We’ll fulfill it. We’ll pick it, just like everything.”

-Jack Freeman, Principal, PeakSpan Capital

 

ListenUP! to part 2 of our interview with Jack Freeman from PeakSpan Capital. Jack and Greg talk about the investment environment is for supply chain tech, and what Jack has seen learned, and can share so tech leaders understand the supply chain tech landscape.

Jack shares more perspective from an investor that’s been there and done it. He sees the industry while managing growth, mergers and acquisitions. We look at what makes people, process & technology focus more than a cliché in today’s supply chain tech world. Jack and Greg also discuss what the industry disruptors will look like, and how long we can expect this supply chain tech boom & transformation to last.

Episode Transcript

Greg White (00:04):

I hope you enjoyed part 1 of my interview with Jack Freeman from PeakSpan Capital. Here comes part 2, and you’re going to learn a lot more about what you can expect to see from supply chain in the coming years.

 

Greg White (00:23):

Now, I know you weren’t a founder but you were early on in the company. And I’m fascinated by the perspectives that people in the company have. It’s one thing to get the founder’s perspective, but sometimes that’s a little bit separated from the rest of the team. So, I’m fascinated to hear, tell us, first of all, about the company, what you did, and what you learned from that.

Jack Freeman (00:49):

Yeah. Happy to. So, when I was a junior in college, intern for this startup, and I loved the experience so much that I worked for them throughout the year. They also paid for my beer money, senior year, which was helpful.

 

Greg White (01:07):

Oh, very cool.

 

Jack Freeman (01:09):

Yeah. And I’ll hit the punchline and then I’ll come back to the story. The punchline, the end of the story is, I got a call from the founder about a week before I was graduating. And I thought it was, you know, “Go back to New York and start full time.” “Hey, Jack. I’m so sorry. We decided we’re going to have to, like, kind of wind down, stock prop the name of the company, and we’re going to start a new project. But the company that you are a part of is no longer -” so, it’s super disappointing to flash back what they did. They were a SAS IT cost management platform for internet infrastructure. And they also had a marketplace for buyers and sellers of internet infrastructure.

 

Jack Freeman (01:56):

What is internet infrastructure? Before AWS, you had to go call Equinex or some data center and say, “Hey, I want two physical server racks in your data center in New York to host my data. And I want to pay for IP transit connectivity in these different kind of lanes. And I want to create my own internet infrastructure with Seattle, and Texas, and New York, and London. And I need to manage all these contracts with all these data centers and all these racks.” There’s a whole industry built upon it. So, if you are an IT cost manager, whatever your title is, you had to have ten concurrent contracts, know when they were coming up to, know how much they cost, be able to negotiate them, maybe, or understand the alternatives, hence the marketplace.

 

Jack Freeman (02:59):

So, the value prop was pretty interesting to me. I did not know anything about internet infrastructure, but I love the team. It was amazing to see a SAS platform get built from the ground up and a marketplace to get built from the ground up. And some of the things that maybe stuck out, like, anyone who’s built a marketplace – and I can’t say I really built one, but I witnessed the beginning – generating the supply and demand at the same side, especially in the first year or two, is kind of insane. It’s the CEO’s buddies. You know, you’re starting to do some biz dev. It was me and then a full-time biz dev manager, you know, we created lead lists. I indexed Salesforce. We did demos and called people and tried to get them to buy through our platform and then manage their contracts on the platform.

 

Jack Freeman (03:51):

So, fast forward to today, I do spend quite a bit of time in procurement and category procurement. It’s funny, I didn’t make the connection until, like, last year – shame on me – that that was a procurement platform. You procured co-location through the marketplace and then managed the costs online. The moral of the story – and I’ll turn it over to you, Greg – is, I wasn’t maybe aware of it at the time. But looking back, you look at the rise of Amazon along the trajectory that we were on and it wasn’t even close. We had this great idea, and if you look at some of the software spend management or infrastructure spend management companies today that are getting funded and growing, that is a different world now. We had the idea in 2013, but the way we approached it in terms of having a marketplace to buy infrastructure completely disrupted by Amazon. Where, if you want a server, you go click the plus button. I want more hosting Amazon. And that’s how easy it is, so no need for stock prop. But it was a good experience.

Greg White (05:10):

That’s a great lesson that, you know, you have to future-proof your company. We talk about future-proofing all the time, right? But how could you have seen that coming? And, by the way, there’s not a dissimilar challenge – there is a similar challenge, I’ll say it easier. There’s a similar challenge in supply chain with Amazon building all of these fulfillment and distribution and automated facilities. And, of course, their own ground and air fleet now. Because that industry was very disruptable in 2014. Around the time they were disrupting you, they were disrupted themselves at least their ability to fulfill was disrupted by the traditional carriers, USPS, UPS, and AWS. And they said, “This, we’re going to go build it ourselves and make sure that even if we fail, at the very least, we have our destiny in our own hands.” And, now, they’ve built it into FBA.

 

Greg White (06:17):

So, they have taken the AWS model – AWS essentially grew out of the excess capacity they had for their own server needs to run their e-commerce operations and they monetized it – and they’re doing the same thing with FBA and they will likely do the same with their larger network. Though, I mean, they were building excess capacity as they’re building these facilities. Although with the growth of e-commerce, I’m not sure how much excess capacity they have now. But they continue to do it. So, an interesting model. It’s the warning that, I think, we often give as investors or advisors to these small companies is to think about it. If you think you don’t have competition, think about what somebody could do with a hundred million or, in Amazon’s case, $86 billion in cash – which is probably well more than that now. That’s a great lesson for founders to think about who could disrupt you, even though you are presumably the disruptor, right?

Jack Freeman (07:36):

It’s so challenging. I actually have a non-supply chain example. But when I think about competition, the most tactical sense, you start a company, you have a category. Maybe it’s an established category, maybe it’s not. But you can go online and find your competitors. Other software companies are doing the same thing. We’re partners with a company called Luma Health, and I have a buddy, he’s been in healthcare for over ten years. He’s an actuary, you know, way smarter than both of us. And he is deep in the space in what we’re going through at Luma. He’s perspectives on, in terms of the shift to value based care, what insurance organizations are doing, what hospital groups are doing.

 

Jack Freeman (08:27):

And he was trying to tell me who our competition was. And I was like, “I sit in the board room, I know the competition. You don’t know the competition. There’s no way you know the competition.” He’s like, “I’m not going to tell you the software players that you maybe think you compete against. But I’ll tell you who your real competition is. Like, what are the threats up market that are going to change the way healthcare is delivered and how that might affect your businesses.” I was like, “Oh, interesting. Like, competition doesn’t have to be the startup next door that you think – ”

 

Greg White (09:01):

Feature for feature, right?

 

Jack Freeman (09:03):

Yeah. Because Amazon at the time was, like, you have the presence of mind to think about –

 

Greg White (09:10):

Who could have seen that coming?

 

Jack Freeman (09:11):

– Amazon and them being a threat. Like, to think about those things, that’s an important lesson, I think, for scale-ups everywhere, is, to think about the non-traditional competitive forces and how, to your point, you future-proof that.

Greg White (09:25):

Yeah. You know, one of the things that I often say is, the competition is anyone who’s after the same dollars you are. It doesn’t even have to be a competitive such solution. It’s a solution that could conceivably take the dollars that you’re after. Or, as you’ve said, it could be someone who is changing the marketplace that could disrupt or even obsolete you. So, you have to keep your eyes wide open. Another lesson for founders, you always have competition. That’s frustrating to me to hear someone say, “We have no competition.” You know a lot about a founder – I’ll just leave it at that – when you hear that statement, and it’s everything you need to know as well.

Jack Freeman (10:13):

That’s funny. That’s really funny.

Greg White (10:16):

So, I’m interested in kind of your thoughts on supply chain. So, I would argue – not now, but maybe a year ago or so – you had a pretty solid outsider’s perspective. And I would say, because you’re not engrossed in it every single day, you’re investing in it every day. But you’re not engrossed in it every day, I think I’d love to get your perspective on kind of what you’ve seen as you have become aware of supply chain, the path of supply chain, where it’s come from, where it is, where it’s going kind of thing. But I mean, the path, the current limelight, and what you feel about that. And then, maybe what do you see as the future of supply chain and a little bit of crystal ball work there.

Jack Freeman (11:05):

That’s a tough one, the crystal ball one.

Greg White (11:08):

Well, none of us are going to be right. And like sports commentators, Jack, no one’s going to remember that we were wrong. Right?

Jack Freeman (11:15):

Exactly. Yeah. That’s exactly right. So, some of my observations on what I’ve learned and where it’s going, obviously, I can give slightly different answers when thinking about different segments, you know, e-commerce, logistics, procurement enterprise. There’s lots of different areas. But I have to start with e-commerce and just say, thank you, e-commerce. Because e-commerce has created an intense pressure and a very high bar on supply chain. I can also say – and this is like a polarizing comment because –

 

Greg White (11:59):

I know where you’re going with this.

 

Jack Freeman (12:00):

– everyone hates Amazon, but thank you, Amazon. Because Amazon has put an intense amount of pressure on retailers, and supply chain networks, and every constituent. If it was up to Amazon, they would say, “Everyone, go find another industry. We got this. We’ll sell it. We’ll fulfill it. We’ll pick it. Everything.” So, there’s a whole world out there that’s like, “Whoa, whoa, whoa. We’re not going to just go quietly into the night. We’re going to innovate. We’re going to use technology. We’re going to get better. We’re going to provide a competitive alternative to selling your soul to Amazon and giving them all your inventory and your whole supply chain.”

 

Jack Freeman (12:42):

So, I thank the internet, and e-commerce, and consumer starting to order more and more online. I also thank Amazon for being really freaking good at what they do. And that has created, like, the most powerful pressure I’ve ever seen as an investor in terms of raising the bar and what role technology has to play to help retailers and other constituents exist and serve us consumers in a way that we will accept. And it doesn’t have to be, like, a perfect competition for, “I order my water bottle on Amazon in two days. And I order it direct from the website of the retailer is three days.” People actually like connecting with brands if you do it the right way. And people are starting to not like to go on Amazon. It’s not the majority. But I think there’s absolutely a place for direct to consumer, owning your supply chain, competing on high delivery standards. But it’s not the only thing that matters.

 

Jack Freeman (13:55):

So, I think you first have to look at e-commerce. The other things, I would say, in the same vein. This one I’m digging in a lot on recently, which is, the shift from mass production and consumerism to mass customization and personalization. A great example, if you walk the aisles of whole foods and look at all the different craft fluids. And if you like craft beer, look at all the different craft beers. And we can go into sustainability a little bit. If you like to shop sustainably, if you like to know that the products you’re buying matter, they’re from diverse businesses, they’re from local businesses.

 

Greg White (14:39):

They’re trade, human rights, all of those things can be known now, right?

Jack Freeman (14:43):

Yeah. They are known. And the society is starting to really, you know, care a bit more. Because, at first, it was like we had nothing and the [inaudible] options. So, it was like, if you want a product, go to the one drivable retail place and go walk the aisle and look at price. And it was a different ball game. With the internet, with e-commerce, I can show you – let’s say, I found the other day, I think it’s called fair, where you shop by the mission, if you want something that’s vegan, you want something that’s from a diverse supplier. But that’s not only that. It’s customization. It’s, I can go get whatever product I want right now. I can get it in any color, any size. I can have it completely custom. I can have it from whatever country. I could have whatever customization I want, someone out there will give it to me. And that’s created more opportunities as well for technology and just commerce in general.

 

Jack Freeman (15:53):

Another good example from kind of niche businesses. Let’s say, I love Avengers puzzles. Actually, for example, my brother –

Greg White (16:08):

Please tell me that you actually do. You do love Avengers puzzles, don’t you, Jack?

 

Jack Freeman (16:14):

It’s funny. I love Avengers, but I suck at puzzles. I can’t do them. I can’t do them.

Greg White (16:20):

If they were all square, it would be really easy for you, wouldn’t it? Right? You don’t want to waste time turning the piece around to try and see how it fits.

Jack Freeman (16:28):

Exactly. Puzzles, they stress me out. Anyway, let’s just say I love them. That’s a niche market that, like, 15 people in the world probably want that. But the person who creates them can find those 15 people and build a business around that niche. And then, other things, globalization, similar concept. You can have that niche business in Germany and reach your 10,000 consumers that want to buy your product in the U.S. And the economics, it probably still stuck. Like, you’re probably spending a good amount on the supply chain and logistics, but they don’t suck enough where you can’t do it. They’re just ways to deliver that product. I’ll stop there. That’s enough ranting.

Greg White (17:13):

No. I’m loving that. I guess, what was refreshing about you immediately when we met was that you know, and have analyzed, and cared about the space. One thing you must know is that there is a ton of opportunistic entry in this marketplace for investors. They just hear the word supply chain and they want to invest. But you understand it. I think it not only gives the appropriate opportunity to companies, but it allows you to add value to those companies when you have invested there. Because you know something about the space and you care about it. And, man, does it fit your personality. No doubt. It does. I really do think you would find a number of kindred spirits in this industry.

 

Greg White (18:04):

So, you’ve invested in a lot of other industries. So, I’m curious, when you think about the varying challenges – and I’ve made some assertions around supply chain versus sales management tools or whatever else – but I’m curious what your take is on supply chain and how it stacks up to other industries with all this complexity that you’ve described and the mission critical nature of the business. I mean, look, let’s face it. If Salesforce went down tomorrow, salespeople could still make calls. They could still make their sales. But if your supply chain solution goes down, you’re dead in the water, drifting toward the shore, possibly blocking the — so, tell us a little bit about how you view supply chain stacking up against some of these other industries that you’ve participated or invested in.

Jack Freeman (19:02):

Great question. And I will poopoo on sales tech, absolutely. Really quick, because I didn’t hit it fully before. Quick PeakSpan commercial midway through the podcast.

 

Greg White (19:15):

You have 30 seconds.

 

Jack Freeman (19:16):

We talked about our stage focus, 3 to 5 million in annual recurring revenue. Greg, will you just hit on that’s central to our model, which is that, I do know supply chain, e-commerce, logistics, procurement. I’m never going to know better than the founder. We’re investors. We’re really good at things that have to do with scaling SAS businesses, because we’ve scaled 65 SAS businesses together as a group of PeakSpan. We add a ton of value there. The extra kind of arrow in our quiver is that, we know the space as well and have actual theses that allows us to move quicker. That allows board meetings to be more enjoyable, where you’re not explaining, like, what supply chain is to your investor that only shows up, you know, twice a year. And it’s like, “Oh, what do we do again?” So, that’s why in our model at PeakSpan, each partner or principal only focuses on three to four themes.

 

Jack Freeman (20:16):

And this now dovetails into your question. So, I have colleagues that focus on sales, marketing, technology, hospitality, human capital management, customer experience management, security, FinTech. We actually cover pretty much the whole universe, about 12 themes in total at PeakSpan. And I shared mine, supply chain and procurement, e-commerce, back in the house e-commerce especially, then a little digital health as well. Has it stack up? I think what excites me is that back in the house technology has always lagged front of the house. It’s easier to sell software when the pitch is, “We’ll make you a dollar of revenue.” It’s harder to sell software when the pitch is, “I’ll save you a dollar of costs.” I think it’s the same thing. I think a dollar of cost sometimes is even better. And there’s pros and cons to each.

 

Jack Freeman (21:12):

But flashback through the last ten years, front of the house has absolutely rained. It shows the fact that the average sales team, I think, we’re on 70 tools in the sales tech stack. It’s too many. And for those 70 tools, I’ll show you a market map that has like 10,000 logos on it. There’s a lot of technology out there and a lot of it is good. There’s not room for that many. To you and I, I think it’s super clear that the opportunity for technology to optimize and disrupt supply chain is immense. And maybe just adding to your point, the complexity in supply chain versus the complexity in sales, I think, is laughable. And it’s not totally poopoo sales tech. Like there’s great tech that can like –

Greg White (22:12):

Yeah. It’s really helpful, right?

 

Jack Freeman (22:14):

Really helpful.

 

Greg White (22:14):

But it’s solving a completely different problem.

Jack Freeman (22:18):

And you almost need more tech to solve even less, if that makes sense. Like, I think we’re scratching the surface on use of technology in the supply chain. And it goes back to that people comment, I don’t expect it to happen overnight. I don’t expect a big global retailer or supply chain to wake up one morning and say, “Oh yeah. Jack told me about ten supply chain software solutions. I can revolutionize our business. Let’s just implement them tomorrow.” It’s a lot more difficult than that. It’s going to take a lot of time. It’s going to take executives putting their neck on the line. It’s going to take just continued wins, and case studies, and scale ups building towards that big ambitious goal.

 

Jack Freeman (23:06):

I don’t want to say it started later than front of the house, but the traction that we’re seeing has maybe lagged. And, especially, if you look at COVID and the pressures that e-commerce put on the ecosystem and then the resulting uptake, and investment, and interest in supply chain and e-commerce, it’s very clear that folks are waking up and connecting the dots and saying, “Wow. E-commerce demand increased by two X in four months.” I think we’re going to need to look at our supply chain infrastructure in question if we can handle all that. So, I think it’s a very exciting time. I think it’s certainly lagged other categories but it has the same, if not a greater, opportunity to persist.

Greg White (23:56):

Has lagged other categories is a great observation. Because, I mean, I can tell you I’ve been in supply chain a long time. I will never confess to more than two decades. But it has been frustrating, frankly, at times to have been out there with a really, really impactful technology and have people accept spreadsheets or lesser technology or even manual processes, because they just don’t see the benefit. And I think the thing that really drove it home was not the dollar of savings equal a dollar of sales. It’s that, if you want that damn dollar of sales to get delivered, you better have some supply chain tech. Because if you have a physical product, the sale is not made until the product is delivered. I know that sounds intuitive now to all of us. But I don’t think people realized that. They thought, “Sold. It’s automatic. It gets to the customer. Done deal.” They didn’t understand, even within companies, all of the machinations that went on behind the scenes to make that product appear in the customer’s hands. And, now, they do. Believe me, they do it and with a plum.

Jack Freeman (25:24):

Crazy. It’s so complex.

Greg White (25:26):

And I think you’re right, that awakening is going to be world-changing. I don’t say game-changing anymore, Jack. It’s going to be world-changing for supply chain. Because while this has been a lag in a very slowly adaptive industry, I’ve seen the frustration. I’ve worked with the analysts in the industry, Tom Enright and Laura Cecere and Mike Griswold and others from Gartner, and other analyst groups, and they definitely have the frustration. But, man, do they see rays of hope right now. They see people completing and acting on the way that they’re speaking. In the past, you would hear them speak of things that need to be done and then do virtually nothing. So, it has been a significant transition.

 

Greg White (26:17):

All right. So, we have to wrap this up at some point because you and I have jobs to do. I hate to, because this is fascinating. First of all, I think you have been so personally open that I’ve learned a lot about you. A lot that I really appreciate, and, really frankly, a lot that makes me happy that you are the one who is engaged in supply chain. You get us. You have to get us because you are one of us. You’re just one of us in a blue shirt.

Jack Freeman (26:49):

It was like [inaudible]. Great.

Greg White (26:51):

I love giving the audience some takeaways. So, give me two or three takeaways from what we’ve discussed today or what you see as important in the marketplace. What do you think everyone, if they take nothing else away from what we’ve discussed, what should they remember about this discussion?

Jack Freeman (27:12):

Great question. I think the first takeaway would be, in this space in particular, but I can also say the same as for a lot of business software –

Greg White (27:27):

You can say life in general. I mean, if you want to say that people should organize their nightstand, that’s okay.

Jack Freeman (27:34):

I’ll cap off with the funny one. But this one, it’s about people plus process plus technology. And everyone’s heard that term, but we’ve hit it in this spiel a lot. And I think in supply chain, it’s pretty evident outside of categories that I don’t look at, like tracers or trace cargo. So, there’s lots of technologies, of course, robotics that can operate on their own. But the world that I come from, supply chain will continue to advance the ball with solutions that tie together people and process and technology. I think they all go hand in hand. Those are the best solutions from my perspective. We haven’t talked about data at all on this call and we won’t because it will take another hour.

Greg White (28:29):

That’s a whole another episode, isn’t it? Yeah. You’re right.

Jack Freeman (28:33):

People plus process plus tech. The second one I’d say is that, what I look forward to – and I don’t know if you asked me this – but in terms of, like, big bold bets I thought of brainstorming for the call, I don’t have big bold bets. And I actually would bet more on lots of continuous improvements over very long time horizon. I think you alluded to this earlier, the analysts that kind of had their heads down and were bearish, like, “Ah. It’s not changing.” Now, we’re like, “It’s looking good.” E-commerce just, like, came and stopped us in the face and we now have to respond. I think that’s just the beginning. I think the technology is that, this is what I look forward to.

Jack Freeman (29:27):

The scale-ups that we partner with in the next two years in e-commerce supply chain procurement, I think, there’ll be companies in five years that are founded today that disrupt those companies. You have some genuine players, right? We have public companies that are — supply chain companies, and they were great. They were successful. But you and I talk to companies every day that are trying to disrupt those companies. And I think that will happen. They would start in a different time. They’re using data. They have a finer appreciation for the problems. And a great example is supply chain businesses that were founded before e-commerce was a thing. And, now, there’s companies that are in warehouse management and logistics, and online ordering fulfillment, inventory management. If you’re not building with e-commerce in mind, you don’t have a shot against those.

 

Jack Freeman (30:21):

So, I think we have a wave of innovation today. But per, maybe, the example on supply chain optimization, there never being fully optimized solution. I think we’re looking at multiple ways of innovation over the next 30 years. I can’t wait to re-watch videos like this in 10 and 20 years and think about what was going on in the world today. How we’re talking about the future and how far we’ve come in each and every decade. I think we’re in for a ton of innovation and advancement in this space.

Greg White (30:57):

I think you’re dead on. Sorry, I’m writing this down because this is good stuff. No, I think you’re dead on. You know, one of the things you did touch on is data. And part of the hindrance for – let’s call it, legacy technology, not to be diminutive or whatever – legacy technology is, they were built around the presumption that there’s only this level, you know, only limited data available. And that inherently limits their ability to solve problems. And as you said before when you were talking about it, we’ll continue to do more and more with data. And that will continue to allow us to optimize the problem against the problem more and more over time. But these new technologies are built with the presumption of robust rather than limited data. And they’re built to process it. And I mean, process it fast and process it intricately and process it from multiple viewpoints.

 

Greg White (32:03):

And that’s something that is important about data. To me, that’s the simplest thing about data. It’s much more robust than it ever has been in the past. And it’s critical to solving this problem as you talked about. So, those are all good things. Write that down. Gang, look, supply chain tech has to – has to – solve at the confluence of people and process and technology. Instead of big bold bets, this one I love – instead of big bold bets, think about lots of continuous evolution, 10, 20, 30 years of evolution. And you’re right. And I’m going to close with a thought about that. And then, this wave of innovators, companies founded five years ago will disrupt the leaders in the industry and probably disrupt some of the disruptors of today.

 

Greg White (32:59):

So, I think those are all really important things to think about, particularly as you are founding or investing in companies. Because, as you said, your competition can come from anywhere, Jack. It could come from someone adjacent to you with more features. It could come from someone who’s solving a totally different problem, but vying for the same dollars. Or as you said, someone who is completely changing the marketplace that you don’t even know is out there. So, keep your eyes wide open.

 

Greg White (33:32):

All right. First of all, Jack, thank you. It was great to have you on the show. It’s great working with you every day. It’s fun. I get you now.

 

Jack Freeman (33:43):

Thank you.

 

Greg White (33:42):

And I love it, too, by the way. So, you and I probably have more – and like I said, with supply chain professionals, you have more things in common with them than you think. So, even though your fiance thinks you’re a freak, probably you’re not. You can tell her there are hundreds and thousands, there are at least 44 million people in the United States just like you, probably, because they are supply chain professionals. So, how can our community connect with you? What’s the best way to connect with you?

Jack Freeman (34:16):

I wasn’t ready for that one. LinkedIn. I say LinkedIn.

 

Greg White (34:20):

I should have warned you, shouldn’t I?

 

Jack Freeman (34:22):

Yeah. No, I feel like I should have some prepped response that’s like, “I’m on MySpace and Facebook.” I probably just look like an idiot –

 

Greg White (34:31):

You look lost.

 

Jack Freeman (34:32):

– talking about MySpace. I’m on TikTok and whatever that new one is.

 

Greg White (34:38):

Clubhouse.

 

Jack Freeman (34:38):

I think, my email address. Actually, the first thing I learned in business is how to mine an email address. It’s usually the person’s first name at their domain, so jack@peakspancapital.com. You can reach me over email or LinkedIn, pretty easy to find over LinkedIn. Our website is peakspancapital.com, and all that information is on there. And then, TikTok, obviously I have a lot of videos of me brushing my teeth, [inaudible].

Greg White (35:09):

Eating the same peanut butter and fruit every morning. And, also, Jack, he’s a great analyst and a great content provider as well so do follow him on LinkedIn. You post all of your stuff on LinkedIn or on the blog at PeakSpan, right?

 

Jack Freeman (35:25):

Yeah. We do, yeah.

 

Greg White (35:27):

So, very thoughtful investor, very – well, just thoughtful observer of supply chain. So, there’s a lot you can learn there. Thank you, Jack, for joining me.

 

Jack Freeman (35:40):

Thank you, Greg.

 

Greg White (35:42):

I really appreciate you being here. And I want to encourage our audience to go through and listen to this. So, Jack, this is part of a series that I’m doing. So, I opened with the Seven Things You Need To Do A Three-Minute Pitch, I’d love to get your thoughts on that, by the way. Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe I’m wrong, but don’t tell me. And then, also I’ve interviewed a pre-seed and seed investor, and talked about some of the early stage things. And then, of course, working with you here, I think this will be great for our community to learn more about where investors fall and what really makes investor valuable.

 

Greg White (36:21):

And this is what I want to tell everyone who’s listening, and that is, every single investor that you ever engaged with – and I hit Jack square in the jaw with this when we first met – every single investor will say, “But we’re so different because we’re more than just money.” And for the most part, that’s total bullshit. But in this case and in rare cases, and you can make them prove it, there are investors that do offer real value to you, something other than money. And that’s not to say that you don’t want people’s money that want to give it to you. But, really, as a founder, you need to vet your investors and not think that Jack – right here on this show – and see that he could clearly offer value to your organization more than just money. And that’s really, really important to founders. So, with that said, let me leave you with what I always say and that is, acknowledge reality, but never be bound by it. We’re out.

Would you rather watch the show in action?

You Don't Know Jack! Part 2 with Supply Chain Tech Investor Jack Freeman of PeakSpan Capital

Featured Guests

Jack Freeman has worked with growth-stage technology businesses his whole career and most recently is a partner to twelve portfolio companies at PeakSpan. Prior to joining PeakSpan, Jack worked for Stackpop, an early-stage startup where he was the team’s second business development hire and helped build out a SaaS-based cost management platform to help CTOs and IT teams buy and manage their internet infrastructure. After his startup was disrupted by AWS, Jack joined Macquarie Capital where he spent three years executing software M&A and capital markets transactions. Jack holds a B.A. in Economics from Middlebury College; and prior to Middlebury, he played division I soccer for Seton Hall University. Jack lives in Brooklyn Heights with his Fiancé and recently rescued puppy, Willow – the sweetest Great Pyrenees you’ll ever meet. Once a year, Jack champions a team of thirty in a charity bike ride to the Hamptons to support his brother’s autism program, Quest, where he’s raised over $100K. Jack still tries to hold his own out on the pitch (soccer), but has become a more avid marathon runner and is halfway to completing the “big six” world marathon majors.

At PeakSpan, Jack leads investment theses surrounding Supply Chain, Procurement, E-Commerce Logistics, and Payments.  Connect with Jack on LinkedIn. 

Hosts

Greg White

Principal & Host

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Kristi Porter

Host, Logistics with Purpose

Kristi Porter is VP of Sales and Marketing at Vector Global Logistics, a company that is changing the world through supply chain. In her role, she oversees all marketing efforts and supports the sales team in doing what they do best. In addition to this role, she is the Chief Do-Gooder at Signify, which assists nonprofits and social impact companies through copywriting and marketing strategy consulting. She has almost 20 years of professional experience, and loves every opportunity to help people do more good.

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Kim Reuter

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.

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Sofia Rivas Herrera

Host, Supply Chain Now en Espanol

Sofia Rivas Herrera is a Mexican Industrial Engineer from Tecnologico de Monterrey class 2019. Upon graduation, she earned a scholarship to study MIT’s Graduate Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management and graduated as one of the Top 3 performers of her class in 2020. She also has a multicultural background due to her international academic experiences at Singapore Management University and Kühne Logistics University in Hamburg. Sofia self-identifies as a Supply Chain enthusiast & ambassador sharing her passion for the field in her daily life.

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Demo Perez

Host, Supply Chain Now en Espanol

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

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Kim Winter

Host, Supply Chain Now

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

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

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

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Adrian Purtill

Host, Logistics with Purpose

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

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Kevin Brown

Host, Logistics with Purpose

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

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Jose Miguel Irarrazaval

Host, Logistics with Purpose

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

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Nick Roemer

Host, Logistics with Purpose

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

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Allison Giddens

Host

Allison Krache Giddens has been with Win-Tech, a veteran-owned small business and aerospace precision machine shop, for 15 years, recently buying the company from her mentor and Win-Tech’s Founder, Dennis Winslow. She and her business partner, John Hudson now serve as Co-Presidents, leading the 33-year old company through the pandemic.

She holds undergraduate degrees in psychology and criminal justice from the University of Georgia, a Masters in Conflict Management from Kennesaw State University, a Masters in Manufacturing from Georgia Institute of Technology, and a Certificate of Finance from the University of Georgia. She also holds certificates in Google Analytics, event planning, and Cybersecurity Risk Management from Harvard online. Allison founded the Georgia Chapter of Women in Manufacturing and currently serves as Treasurer. She serves on the Chattahoochee Technical College Foundation Board as its Secretary, the liveSAFE Resources Board of Directors as Resource Development Co-Chair, and on the Leadership Cobb Alumni Association Board as Membership Chair and is also a member of Cobb Executive Women. She is on the Board for the Cobb Chamber of Commerce’s Northwest Area Councils. Allison runs The Dave Krache Foundation, a non-profit that helps pay sports fees for local kids in need.

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Billy Taylor

Host

Billy Taylor is a Proven Business Excellence Practitioner and Leadership Guru with over 25 years leading operations for a Fortune 500 company, Goodyear. He is also the CEO of LinkedXL (Excellence), a Business Operating Systems Architecting Firm dedicated to implementing sustainable operating systems that drive sustainable results. Taylor’s achievements in the industry have made him a Next Generational Lean pacesetter with significant contributions.

An American business executive, Taylor has made a name for himself as an innovative and energetic industry professional with an indispensable passion for his craft of operational excellence. His journey started many years ago and has worked with renowned corporations such as The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (GT) leading multi-site operations. With over 3 decades of service leading North America operations, he is experienced in a deeply rooted process driven approach in customer service, process integrity for sustainability.

A disciple of continuous improvement, Taylor’s love for people inspires commitment to helping others achieve their full potential. He is a dynamic speaker and hosts "The Winning Link," a popular podcast centered on business and leadership excellence with the #1 rated Supply Chain Now Network. As a leadership guru, Taylor has earned several invitations to universities, international conferences, global publications, and the U.S. Army to demonstrate how to achieve and sustain effective results through cultural acceptance and employee ownership. Leveraging the wisdom of his business acumen, strong influence as a speaker and podcaster Taylor is set to release "The Winning Link" book under McGraw Hill publishing in 2022. The book is a how-to manual to help readers understand the management of business interactions while teaching them how to Deine, Align, and Execute Winning in Business.

A servant leader, Taylor, was named by The National Diversity Council as one of the Top 100 Diversity Officers in the country in 2021. He features among Oklahoma's Most Admired CEOs and maintains key leadership roles with the Executive Advisory Board for The Shingo Institute "The Nobel Prize of Operations" and The Association of Manufacturing Excellence (AME); two world-leading organizations for operational excellence, business development, and cultural learning.  He is also an Independent Director for the M-D Building Products Board, a proud American manufacturer of quality products since 1920.

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Tandreia Bellamy

Host

Tandreia Bellamy retired as the Vice President of Industrial Engineering for UPS Supply Chain Solutions which included the Global Logistics, Global Freight Forwarding and UPS Freight business units. She was responsible for operations strategy and planning, asset management, forecasting, and technology tool development to optimize sustainable efficiency while driving world class service.

Tandreia held similar positions at the business unit level for Global Logistics and Global Freight forwarding. As the leader of the Global Logistics engineering function, she directed all industrial engineering activies related to distribution, service parts logistics (post-sales support), and mail innovations (low cost, light weight shipping partnership with the USPS). Between these roles Tandreia helped to establish the Advanced Technology Group which was formed to research and develop cutting edge solutions focused on reducing reliance on manual labor.

Tandreia began her career in 1986 as a part-time hourly manual package handling employee. She spent the great majority of her career in the small package business unit which is responsible for the pick-up, sort, transport and delivery of packages domestically. She held various positions in Industrial Engineering, Marketing, Inside and On-road operations in Central Florida before transferring to Atlanta for a position in Corporate Product Development and Corporate Industrial Engineering. Tandreia later held IE leadership roles in Nebraska, Minnesota and Chicago. In her final role in small package she was an IE VP responsible for all aspects of IE, technology support and quality for the 25 states on the western half of the country.
Tandreia is currently a Director for the University of Central Florida (UCF) Foundation Board and also serves on their Dean’s Advisory Board for the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Previously Tandreia served on the Executive Advisory Board for Virginia Tech’s IE Department and the Association for Supply Chain Management. She served on the Board of Trustees for ChildServ (a Chicago child and family services non-profit) and also served on the Texas A&M and Tuskegee Engineering Advisory Boards. In 2006 she was named Business Advisor of the Year by INROADS, in 2009 she was recognized as a Technology All-Star at the Women of Color in STEM conference and in 2019 she honored as a UCF Distinguished Aluma by the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Systems.

Tandreia holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Stanford University and a master’s degree in Industrial Engineering and Management Systems from UCF. Her greatest accomplishment, however, is being the proud mother of two college students, Ruby (24) and Anthony (22).

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Marty Parker

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.

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Laura Lopez

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!

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Jake Barr

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.

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Marcia Williams

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.

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Luisa Garcia

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.

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Astrid Aubert

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.

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Sofia Rivas

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. 

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Karin Bursa

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. 

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Vin Vashishta

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.

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Amanda Luton

Vice President, Production

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

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Scott W. Luton

Founder, CEO, & Host

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

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

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Greg White

Principal & 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.

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Chris Barnes

Principal, Supply Chain Now
Host of Supply Chain is Boring

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

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

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Tyler Ward

Director of Sales

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

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

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

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Kevin L. Jackson

Host of Digital Transformers

Kevin L. Jackson is a globally recognized Thought Leader, Industry Influencer and Founder/Author of the award winning “Cloud Musings” blog.  He has also been recognized as a “Top 5G Influencer” (Onalytica 2019, Radar 2020), a “Top 50 Global Digital Transformation Thought Leader” (Thinkers 360 2019) and provides strategic consulting and integrated social media services to AT&T, Intel, Broadcom, Ericsson and other leading companies. Mr. Jackson’s commercial experience includes Vice President J.P. Morgan Chase, Worldwide Sales Executive for IBM and SAIC (Engility) Director Cloud Solutions. He has served on teams that have supported digital transformation projects for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the US Intelligence Community.  Kevin’s formal education includes a MS Computer Engineering from Naval Postgraduate School; MA National Security & Strategic Studies from Naval War College; and a BS Aerospace Engineering from the United States Naval Academy. Internationally recognizable firms that have sponsored articles authored by him include 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.

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Enrique Alvarez

Host of Logistics with Purpose and Supply Chain Now en Español

Enrique serves as Managing Director at Vector Global Logistics and believes we all have a personal responsibility to change the world. He is hard working, relationship minded and pro-active. Enrique trusts that the key to logistics is having a good and responsible team that truly partners with the clients and does whatever is necessary to see them succeed. He is a proud sponsor of Vector’s unique results-based work environment and before venturing into logistics he worked for the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). During his time at BCG, he worked in different industries such as Telecommunications, Energy, Industrial Goods, Building Materials, and Private Banking. His main focus was always on the operations, sales, and supply chain processes, with case focus on, logistics, growth strategy, and cost reduction. Prior to joining BCG, Enrique worked for Grupo Vitro, a Mexican glass manufacturer, for five years holding different positions from sales and logistics manager to supply chain project leader in charge of five warehouses in Colombia.

He has an MBA from The Wharton School of Business and a BS, in Mechanical Engineer from the Technologico de Monterrey in Mexico. Enrique’s passions are soccer and the ocean, and he also enjoys traveling, getting to know new people, and spending time with his wife and two kids, Emma and Enrique.

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Kelly Barner

Host of Dial P for Procurement

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

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Mary Kate Soliva

Host, Veteran Voices

Mary Kate Soliva is a veteran of the US Army and cofounder of the Guam Human Rights Initiative. She is currently in the Doctor of Criminal Justice program at Saint Leo University. She is passionate about combating human trafficking and has spent the last decade conducting training for military personnel and the local community.

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Constantine Limberakis

Host

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

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Clay Phillips

Business Development Manager

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

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Trisha Cordes

Administrative Assistant

Trisha is new to the supply chain industry – but not to podcasting. She’s an experienced podcast manager and virtual assistant who also happens to have 20 years of experience as an elementary school teacher. It’s safe to say, she’s passionate about helping people, and she lives out that passion every day with the Supply Chain Now team, contributing to scheduling and podcast production.

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Chantel King

Social Media Manager

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

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

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

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Lori Sofian

Marketing Coordinator

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

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Katherine Hintz

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.

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Mary Kate Love

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.

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Joshua Miranda

Marketing Specialist

Joshua is a student from Institute of Technology and Higher Education of Monterrey Campus Guadalajara in Communication and Digital Media. His experience ranges from Plug and Play México, DearDoc, and Nissan México creating unique social media marketing campaigns and graphics design. Joshua helps to amplify the voice of supply chain here at Supply Chain Now by assisting in graphic design, content creation, asset logistics, and more.  In his free time he likes to read and write short stories as well as watch movies and television series.

Donna Krache

Director of Communications and Executive Producer

Donna Krache is a former CNN executive producer who has won several awards in journalism and communication, including three Peabodys.  She has 30 years’ experience in broadcast and digital journalism. She led the first production team at CNN to convert its show to a digital platform. She has authored many articles for CNN and other media outlets. She taught digital journalism at Georgia State University and Arizona State University. Krache holds a bachelor’s degree in government from the College of William and Mary and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of New Orleans. She is a serious sports fan who loves the Braves. She is president of the Dave Krache Foundation. Named in honor of her late husband, this non-profit pays fees for kids who want to play sports but whose parents are facing economic challenges.

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Vicki White

Controller

Vicki has a long history of rising to challenges and keeping things up and running. First, she supported her family’s multi-million dollar business as controller for 12 years, beginning at the age of 17. Then, she worked as an office manager and controller for a wholesale food broker. But her biggest feat? Serving as the chief executive officer of her household, while her entrepreneur husband travelled the world extensively. She fed, nurtured, chaperoned, and chauffeured three daughters all while running a newsletter publishing business and remaining active in her community as a Stephen’s Minister, Sunday school teacher, school volunteer, licensed realtor and POA Board president (a title she holds to this day). A force to be reckoned with in the office, you might think twice before you meet Vicki on the tennis court! When she’s not keeping the books balanced at Supply Chain Now or playing tennis matches, you can find Vicki spending time with her husband Greg, her 4 fur babies, gardening, cleaning (yes, she loves to clean!) and learning new things.

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Katherine Hintz

Creative Director, Producer, Host

Katherine Hintz, MBA is a marketing professional who strives to unite her love of people with a passion for positive experiences. Having a diverse background, which includes nonprofit work with digital marketing and start-ups, she serves as a leader who helps people live their most creative lives by cultivating community, order, collaboration, and respect. With equal parts creativity and analytics, she brings a unique skill set which fosters refining, problem solving, and connecting organizations with their true vision. In her free time, you can usually find her looking for her cup of coffee, playing with her puppy Charlie, and dreaming of her next road trip.

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