Material Handling Masters Podcast

In this episode, Katie Richards sits down with Lauren Reed, MHEDA’s newly appointed CEO, to discuss her journey from cold calling in the material handling industry to leading the association into an exciting new chapter. Lauren shares how her early experiences at Concept and Storage Solutions shaped her leadership style, the mentors who encouraged her to “dream big,” and her vision for driving MHEDA’s growth through collaboration, innovation, and member engagement. Tune in to hear Lauren’s insights on building strong networks, fostering meaningful connections, and creating lasting value for MHEDA members across the industry.

With more than a decade of experience in business development, sales strategy, and leadership, Lauren has built her career within the material handling industry—first supporting members as part of Concept and later as a leader at Storage Solutions. A longtime MHEDA member and active participant in Emerging Leaders and Women in Industry programs, Lauren brings a deep understanding of the association’s mission and a passion for helping members succeed. As CEO, she is focused on fostering innovation, strengthening member connections, and leading MHEDA into the next era of growth.

In this episode of MHEDA Talks, host Shari Altergott, CEO of  The CX Edge, sits down with Fotini Iconomopoulos, negotiation and communication expert, author, and keynote speaker, to discuss how to confidently navigate difficult conversations, from salary discussions to high-stakes boardroom meetings. Fotini, a featured speaker at MHEDA’s upcoming 2025 Women in Industry Conference, shares powerful, practical insights drawn from decades of experience training leaders around the world. Through relatable examples, humor, and science-backed advice, Fotini helps listeners reframe negotiation as a collaboration, not a confrontation, and reminds us that authenticity and preparation are key to getting what you want.

Fotini Iconomopoulos is a negotiation and communication expert, keynote speaker, and author of Say Less, Get More: Unconventional Negotiation Techniques to Get What You Want. With a background in corporate sales and a masters degree in negotiation and communication, she has spent over a decade helping business leaders and teams around the world master the art of persuasion and influence. Known for her dynamic speaking style and practical insights, Fotini empowers professionals to navigate challenging conversations with confidence and authenticity.

Join us in Rosemont, IL for this interactive and insightful industry event!

We’ll explore new breakthroughs in AI, strengthen negotiation skills, and equip you with tools to speak with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re elevating a brand, breaking through barriers, or sprinting toward your next big goal, this conference will give you the techniques to go further. Join a network of driven, dynamic women who are ready to train hard, dream big, and lead with strength. — Learn More! 

In this episode, Katie Richards chats with Tim Hager, President and Owner of Adams, Inc., headquartered in Fargo, North Dakota. Adams, Inc. is celebrating an incredible milestone — 100 years in business — and Tim shares what it means to carry that legacy forward while preparing for the next century. From a team of six making a lasting impact, to celebrating a century of success, this conversation highlights the strength of values-driven leadership and the future of material handling.

Tim Hager is the President and Owner of Adams, Inc., a Fargo, North Dakota–based material handling company celebrating over 100 years in business. With a career that has spanned emergency services, construction, and project management before returning to the family business, Tim brings a unique perspective to leadership in the material handling industry. Under his guidance, Adams, Inc. continues to thrive by staying true to its core values of trust, honesty, and transparency, while focusing on building long-term customer relationships and preparing for the next century of success.

In this episode of MHEDA Talks, host Shari Altergott, CEO of The CX Edge, continues the conversation on MHEDA’s Master Manager Program. Returning guest Jeremy Wall, President of GoalMakers and program facilitator, is joined by Jim Ripkey, President of Hy-Tek Intralogistics and long-time MHEDA member and contributor. Together, they explore the critical skills of goal setting, leadership development, and coaching managers to move from “doers” to effective leaders.

Jeremy provides an overview of the 10-week program, which blends self-paced learning with live peer-to-peer sessions focused on people management, vision and strategy, customer service, and financial fundamentals. Jim shares real-world insights on supporting managers in developing measurable goals, empowering teams, and sustaining success beyond the classroom.

The Role of Goal Setting in Business & Personal Development

Measuring Success: Financial, Customer, and Employee Engagement Metrics

The Difference Between Team Goals vs. Personal Leadership Goals

Coaching “Great Doers” Into Confident Leaders

Empowerment Frameworks: Wide Boulevards & High Curbs

Avoiding the “Binder on the Shelf” Syndrome – Sustaining Learnings After the Program

Peer-to-Peer Learning & Long-Term Support

Jeremy Wall is President of GoalMakers and facilitator of the MHEDA Master Manager Program. He brings years of experience helping leaders build management skills, financial literacy, and long-term business strategies.

Jim Ripkey is President of Hy-Tek Intralogistics Industrial Truck Division. A long-standing MHEDA member, he has contributed extensively to the Emerging Leaders Program and Master Manager Program, offering practical leadership experience and mentoring future managers.

MHEDA’s Master Manager Program is a 10-week hybrid learning experience designed to help leaders at all levels master the fundamentals of people management and business financials. With a blend of expert facilitation, peer-to-peer learning, and actionable frameworks, participants walk away with practical tools they can implement immediately to improve their leadership and business results.

Register for the Master Manager Program Today!

Don’t miss your final opportunity to register for MHEDA’s Master Manager Program, beginning August 26. This dynamic 10-week experience blends leadership training, financial fundamentals, and peer networking tailored to the material handling industry. Learn how to align your team, boost profitability, and lead with confidence. Discounts available for teams of three or more — Learn More! 

In part 1 of this 2-part episode of MHEDA Talks, host Shari Altergott, CEO of The CX Edge, is joined by Mike Vaughan, CFO at Thompson & Johnson Equipment, and Jeremy Wall, co-founder and CEO at GoalMakers, to discuss MHEDA’s Master Manager Program. Now entering its fifth year, this 10-week hybrid program blends self-paced online learning with live biweekly Zoom sessions, designed to strengthen leadership, financial acumen, and operational effectiveness. Participants gain practical tools to improve decision-making, align team goals, and understand how every role impacts a company’s bottom line. Mike and Jeremy share real-world examples of how the program has helped both financial and non-financial leaders demystify key business metrics, speak a shared “financial language,” and contribute more confidently to strategic conversations.

Overview and structure of the Master Manager Program

Importance of financial literacy for all managers, not just executives

Translating financial concepts into everyday operational decisions

Using DSC (Distributor Statistical Comparison) to apply industry benchmarks

Real-world success stories from program alumni

Building confidence and credibility when communicating with leadership

Mike Vaughan has over 24 years of experience in the material handling industry, currently serving as CFO at Thompson & Johnson Equipment. A former MHEDA Board Chair, Mike is passionate about helping operational teams understand and achieve financial goals.

Jeremy Wall is co-founder and CEO at GoalMakers, specializing in accessible leadership and business education. He has facilitated the Master Manager Program for MHEDA since its launch in 2020, helping hundreds of leaders sharpen their skills and connect with industry peers.

Register for the Master Manager Program Today!

The next Master Manager Program begins August 26. This dynamic 10-week experience offers leadership training, financial fundamentals, and peer networking tailored to the material handling industry. Learn how to align your team, boost profitability, and lead with confidence. Discounts available for teams of three or more — Learn More! 

In this episode, Katie Richards chats with Katie Stephens, Marketing Manager at Morse Manufacturing, about leading a rebrand for a company with over 100 years of history in the material handling industry. With a background in construction equipment and dealership marketing, Stephens shares how she brought fresh perspective and strategy to Morse’s recent transformation—including the development of a new logo, revamped website, and modernized brand identity.

Katie discusses the importance of cross-departmental collaboration, the role of user experience in design, and how a simple realization—spotting an “M” hidden in the company’s iconic drum shape—sparked a bold new direction. She emphasizes the value of openness, feedback, and integrity throughout the rebranding process and offers advice for marketers navigating similar projects.

Katie Stephens is the Marketing Manager at Morse Manufacturing, where she leads strategic brand development and marketing initiatives. With over a decade of experience in the industrial and heavy equipment sectors, Katie brings a creative yet practical approach to marketing. Her leadership in Morse’s recent rebrand reflects her commitment to aligning visual identity with company values and customer expectations.

In the July 2025 Economic Advisory Report, MHEDA presents insights from ITR Economics specifically focused on the material handling industry. The MHEDA Quarterly Economic Report, published by ITR Economics, provides an in-depth look into the latest economic data and forecasts. This report is designed to equip MHEDA members with critical insights to help navigate market trends, understand economic cycles, and make informed business decisions. By accessing both current and archived issues, MHEDA members gain a valuable, data-driven perspective to support their long-term growth and adaptability in a competitive marketplace.

To access the full report and explore archived issues, simply log in to your MHEDA member account and order the FREE report. This exclusive resource is part of MHEDA’s commitment to supporting members with relevant, actionable economic insights to fuel strategic planning and success.

ITR Economics is the oldest privately held, continuously operating economic research and consulting firm in the US. ITR Economics has provided business leaders with economic information, insight, analysis, and strategy since 1948. With a knowledge base that spans seven decades, ITR Economics has an uncommon understanding of long-term economic trends as well as best practices for changing market conditions. ITR Economics’ reputation is built on accurate, independent, and objective analysis.

This report and its contents are the exclusive property of MHEDA and are intended solely for the use of its registered members.  All rights are reserved.

In today’s dynamic business environment, strong partnerships are more critical than ever. This episode of Table Trends explores how material handling companies are building and maintaining meaningful relationships with key stakeholders — from OEMs and vendors to customers and internal teams. Guests discuss the importance of proactive communication, shared values, and consistent follow-up to ensure every partnership is built on trust and mutual success. Strategies include involving partners in regular team meetings, hosting lunch-and-learns, and empowering sales teams to build personal connections.

The conversation also dives into the unique challenges of balancing loyalty and alignment within protected trade territories and how successful companies are working “hand in glove” with OEMs to stay competitive and responsive to market demands.

Whether you’re an integrator, dealer, or supplier, this episode offers valuable insight into how relationship-building is fueling growth and resilience across the material handling industry.

In this episode, Katie Richards sits down with Joe Perkins, Chief Operating Officer of Carolina Handling, to explore his professional journey, leadership philosophy, and the powerful culture of service driving the organization. Joe reflects on his early days working in tobacco fields, his transition from customer to executive at Carolina Handling, and how servant leadership has shaped both his career and the company’s mission.

Joe also shares the story behind Carolina Handling’s community-focused initiatives—from supporting children with chronic illness to fighting hunger and addressing homelessness. With a company-wide commitment to philanthropy and associate engagement, Carolina Handling continues to redefine what it means to lead with purpose in the material handling industry.

Joe Perkins is the Chief Operating Officer at Carolina Handling, where he brings over 20 years of experience in supply chain, logistics, and operations. After beginning his career as a customer of Carolina Handling, he joined the company in sales and quickly became a leader known for championing people-first values and impactful community engagement. Joe’s leadership continues to drive innovation and deepen the company’s connection to both its customers and the communities it serves.

As the material handling industry faces a growing need for skilled labor, this episode dives into how companies are responding to the persistent talent gap. Leaders discuss strategies for both attracting top talent and upskilling existing employees to keep their workforce competitive, capable, and engaged.

From investing in technical colleges and dual enrollment programs to leveraging vendor partnerships for specialized training, companies are getting creative in how they build a pipeline of qualified technicians and managers. The episode also highlights the importance of supporting first-time managers with outside coaching and personalized development.

Guests explore international training opportunities, such as site visits to European automation installations, and the value of providing employees with ongoing education in technical, emotional, and digital skills to foster long-term growth and retention.

Whether you’re struggling to find skilled workers or looking to future-proof your team, this episode offers practical insights on how to close the talent gap through intentional training, recruitment, and development initiatives.