In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton sits down with two leaders shaping the future of reverse logistics from the floor to the classroom: Troy Campbell, Director of Reverse Logistics Centers at The Home Depot, and Dr. Glenn Richey, Jr., Harbert Eminent Scholar in Supply Chain Management at Auburn University. Troy opens the doors to Home Depot’s four Reverse Logistics Centers: Phoenix, Pittston (PA), McDonough (GA), and Indianapolis, showing why a people-first culture remains the operating system for returns at scale. He gets real about “automation when the box isn’t a box,” how rethinking inbound flows through 3PLs reduces touches and transportation cost, and why simple vendor conversations (like consolidating daily pallets into a single weekly load) can unlock outsized impact. His north star: make associates’ days easier, and the entire reverse network improves. Glenn zooms out to the macro shifts: the move from minimizing returns to maximizing returns within a circular economy, generative AI for scenario planning and real-time decision support, and reverse logistics as the operational backbone of sustainability. He maps the skills the next workforce will need, calls for clearer industry coding to separate reverse data from forward logistics, and outlines how universities can build…

Today we’re diving into the multifaceted world of supply chain dynamics, emphasizing the critical importance of effective leadership amidst the ever-evolving challenges within the industry. Welcome to The Buzz powered by AutoScheduler! Hosts Scott Luton and Marty Parker welcome special guest Guy Courtin, Vice President of Industry and Global Alliances at Tecsys, to discuss: The necessity for clarity in communication, particularly during adverse situations The dual need for leaders to provide both positive reinforcement and constructive feedback to their teams The upcoming holiday spending season, forecasting a noticeable shift in consumer behavior towards seeking deals, a trend that is likely influenced by broader economic factors and ongoing supply chain disruptions Automating supply chain processes and the implications of recent tariffs on global trade Join us for this episode that will have you rethinking your strategies and embracing adaptability in an increasingly complex landscape.   This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Marty Parker, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton.   Additional Links & Resources Check out all the great resources and information mentioned during the show:   With That Said AutoScheduler.AI Manifest 2026 Trump plans fresh China tariffs in response to rare earth export controls…