Recorded live at TPM26 in Long Beach, March 4, 2026

Guest, Heather Rush, Harry F. Long Inc.

In this special TPM26 edition of Kev Talks, Real World Global Logistics, Kevin Higgins and Kevin Parkerson speak with Heather Rush of Harry F. Long Inc. from the conference floor in Long Beach.

The discussion focuses on recent developments affecting U.S. import compliance and what they mean for companies managing international supply chains. Heather shares practical insight into how changes in tariff authority and temporary tariff programs may impact importers, as well as what businesses should understand about the potential timeline for tariff adjustments and refunds.

The conversation centers on operational guidance for importers, including the importance of reviewing HTS classifications, understanding product composition for tariff programs such as Section 232, and avoiding misclassification that can create compliance risk.

Recorded during TPM26, this episode provides practical insight for logistics professionals, importers, and supply chain leaders looking to stay compliant and informed in a complex global trade environment.

This episode is an educational discussion focused on international logistics, customs compliance, and supply chain management. The conversation is intended for informational purposes for importers and logistics professionals and does not advocate for or against any public policy or political position.

harryflong.com

Featuring Tracy Black, Matt Waller, and Steve Moore

In this live episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, we unpack how Northwest Arkansas grew into one of the most influential supply chain ecosystems in the country.

The foundation starts with Walmart and the ripple effect of its supplier, carrier, and talent networks. Add in deregulation, the rise of companies like J.B. Hunt, the global food supply chain presence of Tyson Foods, and the technology-driven brokerage model of Uber Freight, along with deep industry integration at the University of Arkansas, and you get a region with unmatched supply chain knowledge density.

The panel discusses:

1. Why NWA’s ecosystem rivals major logistics hubs

2. How technology shifted the model from asset-heavy to cloud and AI-driven

3. The leadership and communication skills the next generation must build

4. The risks of complacency in a fast-moving, tech-powered industry

The takeaway is simple. Northwest Arkansas is not just a retail town. It is a people-led, tech-powered supply chain engine that continues to compound its advantage.

If you want to understand how a heartland region became a global logistics force, this episode delivers.

This episode is sponsored by Ozark CSCMP.

In this special LEGENDS Series episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, we sit down with industry veteran Tim Yatsko for a candid conversation about leadership, longevity, and what it really takes to build a lasting career in supply chain.

Tim shares hard-earned lessons from decades in the logistics world. This isn’t theory. It’s experience shaped by market cycles, disruption, transformation, and the constant pressure to deliver. He reflects on the evolution of global logistics, the decisions that matter most, and the leadership principles that stand the test of time.

The discussion goes beyond freight and operations. Tim talks about resilience, building strong teams, navigating uncertainty, and why reputation and relationships still matter more than ever. There’s insight for seasoned executives, emerging leaders, and anyone trying to build something meaningful in this industry.

The LEGENDS Series is about honoring leaders who helped shape the profession. This episode delivers exactly that. Practical wisdom. Straight talk. And a reminder that while technology and markets change, strong leadership never goes out of style.

In this episode of Kev Talks, Vincent Iacopella, Chief Strategy Officer at Alba Wheels Up International, shares his extensive experience in global logistics and trade compliance. He discusses the evolution of technology in the logistics sector, emphasizing the importance of visibility and compliance in supply chains. Vincent highlights the intersection of government regulations and commercial interests, advocating for proactive compliance and transparency as competitive advantages. He also reflects on his career journey, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities within the industry, and provides valuable advice for executives navigating global trade today.

In this episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, we sit down with Maurizio Scrofani for a thoughtful, no-nonsense conversation about what it really takes to run, fix, and future-proof supply chains in the real world.

Maurizio brings more than three decades of experience across retail, wholesale, logistics, and manufacturing, and it shows. He doesn’t talk in buzzwords. He talks about the work. The hard part of the job that lives between fixing what’s broken and building what comes next.

We dig into why so many supply chain transformations stall out. Not because of lack of technology, but because organizations move too fast, skip the fundamentals, and throw money at tools before they truly understand their problems. Visibility, accountability, and clean data come up again and again, not as nice-to-haves, but as non-negotiables.

Maurizio also challenges a common myth in innovation. Startups, and even large enterprises trying to act like them, can’t optimize for speed, cost, and service all at once. You have to choose. Focus creates clarity, and clarity drives execution.

The conversation goes beyond systems and into leadership. We talk about why supply chain is inseparable from brand reputation, why emotional intelligence is becoming a core leadership skill, and how entrepreneurial thinking can and should exist inside established companies.

Looking ahead, Maurizio shares a grounded view on AI. Powerful, yes. Transformative, absolutely. But not a decision-maker. He makes a compelling case for using AI as a research and enablement tool, while keeping accountability firmly in human hands.

This episode is equal parts practical, strategic, and human. If you’re responsible for a supply chain, building a company, or leading people through constant change, there’s something here for you.

Key takeaways include:

• Why fixing broken systems and building new ones must happen in parallel

• The real reasons visibility and accountability break down

• Why clean data is the foundation for scale and growth

• How simpler KPIs drive better ownership and execution

• Why supply chain leadership now requires emotional intelligence

• How to think about AI without giving away decision authority

Maurizio Scrofani is a globally respected supply chain executive, startup advisor, and transformation leader. A proud Italian immigrant based in the New York City area, he brings a people-first approach to operational excellence and a deep belief that supply chains are not just a cost center, but a competitive advantage.

This is a conversation about doing the work the right way — and doing it with purpose.

Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with longtime industry innovator Mike Simon for a wide-ranging, real-world conversation about how technology, leadership, and listening shape the future of global logistics.

From the early days of containerization and Walmart’s groundbreaking transportation systems to today’s conversations around AI, low-code platforms, and ecosystem visibility, this episode connects past lessons to where supply chain leadership is headed next.

It’s a practical, thoughtful look at how logistics innovation actually happens when vision meets execution.

Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with Ken Kellaway, a true industry veteran whose career spans more than four decades and touches nearly every corner of modern supply chain and intermodal logistics.

Ken shares his journey from working in a family-run warehousing business in Boston to helping lead Road One into a national intermodal powerhouse. Along the way, he offers a candid look at how logistics has changed over the years, from asset-heavy operations and manual processes to today’s technology-driven, compliance-focused, and partnership-oriented environment.

The conversation dives into the evolution of intermodal logistics, why smart acquisitions and strategic partnerships fueled Road One’s growth, and how technology has become a differentiator rather than a nice-to-have. Ken also speaks openly about the challenges ahead, including capacity constraints, regulatory pressures, and the increasing need for collaboration across the supply chain.

Beyond the business, Ken shares practical advice for the next generation of logistics professionals. He stresses the value of getting into the field early, building real relationships, and understanding how the pieces of the supply chain connect in the real world, not just on paper. He also reminds listeners that long-term success requires balance, both professionally and personally.

This episode is packed with perspective, hard-earned lessons, and straight talk from someone who has seen the industry grow up from the inside.

Featured topics include:

·        The evolution of intermodal logistics and why it matters today

·        How Road One scaled through partnerships and acquisitions

·        Technology’s role in operational efficiency and visibility

·        Why compliance and collaboration are non-negotiable

·        Career advice for young professionals entering logistics

·        Finding balance in a demanding, fast-moving industry

A must-listen for logistics leaders, operators, and anyone looking to understand where the industry has been and where it’s headed next.

In this episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins explore the evolving landscape of warehouse operations, labor management, and AI-driven logistics. Their guest, Lee Rector, draws on decades of experience to provide actionable insights on how businesses can optimize workforce productivity, reduce labor costs, and prepare for the labor challenges of the future. From small wins in mid-sized warehouses to large-scale global implementations, the discussion highlights how data, technology, and strategic planning can drive measurable ROI without massive capital investment.

Lee Rector is a veteran supply chain expert and founder of Labor AI, a prescriptive analytics solution designed to right-size warehouse staffing. With experience in over 40 countries and more than a thousand customers, Rector specializes in helping companies integrate labor planning with warehouse automation. He is also the author of Warehouse 101 and a recognized thought leader in supply chain efficiency, workforce optimization, and AI-driven operations.

Key Takeaways

·        Labor AI helps companies use real-time and historical data to optimize workforce allocation and make informed operational decisions.

·        Proper technology adoption requires engaging frontline teams early and addressing “what’s in it for me” to ensure buy-in and success.

·        Many automation projects fail due to poor integration with existing WMS systems; aligning labor and automation is critical.

·        Operational insights from data can improve efficiency across multiple sites, yielding 5–20% savings without new capital investment.

·        Urban sprawl, labor shortages, and demographic shifts will increasingly challenge warehouse staffing, making strategic planning essential.

·        Small and medium-sized businesses can achieve rapid ROI using AI-driven tools to analyze productivity, right-size labor, and reduce errors.

Future Outlook

Lee predicts that traditional WMS platforms will evolve or be replaced by systems integrating labor and automation simultaneously, providing more accurate real-time insights. He also highlights the increasing importance of workforce location, commuting patterns, and labor availability in site planning.

How to Connect

Learn more about Labor AI at https://getlaborai.com/, explore Rector’s book on Amazon, or connect directly with him via LinkedIn. 

In this episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, Kevin Higgins and Kevin Parkerson reflect on the close of 2025 and the fast arrival of 2026. They discuss why intentions often matter more than traditional New Year resolutions, especially in an industry shaped by constant change.

The conversation looks back at 2025 as a relatively calm year in logistics and turns forward to what’s ahead, including new podcast series, deeper discussions on technology and AI, live events, and continued focus on community, industry legends, and Northwest Arkansas as a growing logistics hub.

This episode sets an intentional, optimistic tone for the year ahead and reinforces the podcast’s commitment to real-world insights, connection, and supporting the next generation of supply chain leaders.

In this episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins explore the realities of career transitions, job searching, and talent acquisition within the logistics and supply chain industry. Amid widespread layoffs in trucking, manufacturing, and many other industries, the discussion centers on actionable strategies for both job seekers and hiring managers to navigate today’s competitive market.

Guest Introduction:

Becky from PTI Learning and Performance and Lisa from Moxie Consulting bring expertise in HR, career coaching, and workforce strategy. They share practical insights into resume optimization, networking, and staying motivated during challenging job searches.

Key Takeaways:

For Job Seekers:

·        Highlight achievements rather than tasks on resumes, using quantitative metrics when possible.

·        Optimize LinkedIn profiles with professional photos, clear headlines, and active engagement.

·        Leverage both strong and weak connections for networking; referrals elevate applications.

·        Use tools like Job Scan, Indeed, Glassdoor, and alumni networks to improve visibility.

·        Practice “realistic optimism”: combine perseverance, organization, and follow-up with proactive networking.

·        Quick, actionable steps: conduct self-assessments, create pros and cons lists, or reach out to a trusted colleague for advice—all possible in 15 minutes.

·        Manage the emotional toll: take breaks, explore hobbies, engage in learning, or work with a career coach or counselor.

·        Inspirational mindset: “Just keep swimming” (Finding Nemo) and maintain a “goldfish memory” (Ted Lasso) to handle rejections without dwelling on them.

For Hiring Managers:

·        Promote a positive company culture and highlight why it’s a great place to work beyond compensation.

·        Be prepared for interviews and treat candidates respectfully—being unprepared sends the wrong message.

·        Be open-minded: consider candidates at different career stages or who may want to pivot to roles below their previous level.

·        Remember: technical skills can be taught, but personality, drive, and ambition cannot.

The episode concludes with a lighthearted discussion on motivational “job search playlists,” featuring classics like Don’t Stop Believing, I Will Survive, Shake It Off, and It’s Raining Men (yes!), reminding listeners to keep energy and morale high during their career journeys.

Becky and Lisa emphasize confidence, perseverance, and realistic optimism in finding a role that fits—not just a job, but a career that brings satisfaction and purpose.

Connect with Guests:

·        Lisa (Moxie Consulting): getmoremoxie.com | LinkedIn

·        Becky (PTI Learning and Performance): LinkedIn