Material Handling Masters Podcast

As a former corporate executive, Jason cracked the code to doubling company revenue per employee. But it wasn’t until he began working at a company responsible for Best Places to Work contests across North America that he discovered the key that unlocks employee engagement, no matter the organization: People experience work as a relationship. He is the author of two books, Unlocking High Performance and Social Gravity. His thought leadership has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, Talent Management magazine, HR Executive magazine, and SHRM publications.

Garrett King has experience in the material handling industry and is a Project Engineering Manager at SilMan Industries. With over 10 years at SilMan Industries, Garrett has a passion for continuous improvement as he measures success as a team not only by completed projects, but also the learning experiences along the way. Garrett’s inspiration for success comes from the mutual desire for achievement that he shares with his teammates.

Rod Szalay is an Engineering Manager at Conveyor & Caster with over five years of experience in the world of material handling, specializing in conveyance systems and automation. Rod has a passion for working with his team to develop creative and cost effective solutions to solve customer problems. When he is not in design mode, you can find him leading teams, learning about new products, and sharing his expertise with the material handling industry.

Stephanie Garrett is an experienced professional in sales operations and pricing management, currently serving as the Parts Sales, Pricing, and Systems Manager at Toyota Material Handling since June 2021. Her experience includes developing pricing strategies, managing global pricing functions, and leading teams to implement market-based pricing across multiple regions. Stephanie also has experience in sales analysis and parts management.

In the April 2024 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 download. 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 this episode of MHEDA Talks, Shari Altergott, Chief Experience Officer of The CX Edge, talks with Matthew Pollard about the unique strengths introverts bring to the workplace and how they can thrive in leadership roles often dominated by extroverted personalities. They discuss practical strategies for leveraging social tendencies, overcoming challenges, and excelling in sales, leadership, and communication. Hear more from Matthew at the 2024 MHEDA Convention where he will be presenting two workshops on Tuesday, April 23rd.

Matthew Pollard is an internationally-recognized consultant, speaker, blogger, author, mentor, coach, and serial entrepreneur with five multi-million dollar business success stories under his belt, all before the age of 30. He is the founder and CEO of Rapid Growth, LLC, dedicated to achieving maximum ROI for businesses of all sizes. Though his client list includes multiple Fortune 500 companies, his real passion is helping small business owners end the overwhelm, eliminate the stress and guesswork, and get on a clear path to Rapid Growth. Called “the real deal” by Forbes, his methods have transformed over 3500 businesses to date.

In this episode of MHEDA Talks, Shari Altergott, Chief Experience Officer of The CX Edge, interviews Daniel McKinnon to discuss the highly anticipated MODEX 2024. Daniel provides an in-depth look at the show, highlighting the opportunities for networking, learning, and exploring the latest innovations in the material handling industry. From new product showcases to cutting-edge solutions in automation, sustainability, and workforce management, MODEX is a must-attend event for industry professionals.

Daniel McKinnon is the Vice President of Exhibitions and Events at MHI. Daniel brings over 27 years of experience in show management to MHI. He is an experienced leader with a history of success working in the events and experiential marketing industry. Daniel brings insight into how the material handling community can get the most out of their MHI experiences.

In this episode of MHEDA Talks, Shari Altergott, Chief Experience Officer of The CX Edge, talks with Steve Stasiukonis to discuss the most pressing cyber security threats facing businesses in the material handling industry today. The conversation delves into the risks posed by ransomware, the growing vulnerabilities introduced by remote work and AI technologies, and actionable steps businesses can take to protect their data. Steve offers valuable insights into preventing cyber attacks and mitigating risks in workplaces.

Steve Stasiukonis is the Founder and President of Secure Network Technologies. Steve has worked in the field of Information Security since 1997, specializing in the use of technology to identify information security vulnerabilities, assessing risk and the collection and interpretation of digital network intelligence. As a part of that experience, Steve is an expert in Social Engineering. demonstrated actual social engineering efforts involving pretexting, phishing and physically compromising banks, data centers and other highly secure facilities. Steve carries numerous security certifications by various organizations.

In the January 2024 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 download. 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 this episode of MHEDA Talks, host Shari Altergott, Chief Experience Officer of The CX Edge, sits down with Nate Storey, 2024 MHEDA Convention Chairman, to discuss the excitement and opportunities of attending the MHEDA Annual Convention. Nate shares his enthusiasm for connecting with industry colleagues, building relationships, and exploring the resources that make this event a must-attend for material handling professionals. The 2024 MHEDA Convention and Exhibitor Showcase, April 20-24 in San Diego, is a content-filled, productive event designed to help you navigate the often-difficult waves of endless changes in our world and in the material handling community.

Nate Storey is the CEO and President of Storage Solutions and has a demonstrated history of working in the material handling industry. Nate has been in the industry for over 15 years and has been with Storage Solutions since 2006, serving as an Account Manager, Project Manager, Operations Manager, Vice President of Operations, Chief Operations Officer, and President. Nate serves as the Chairman-Elect on MHEDA’s Executive Committee.

In this episode of MHEDA Talks, Shari Altergott, Chief Experience Officer of The CX Edge, speaks with Kathy Fulton, Executive Director, and Emilee Martichenko, Development Coordinator of the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN). They discuss how companies in the material handling industry can make an impact by contributing to disaster relief efforts around the country. The conversation highlights the critical role material handling equipment plays in supporting humanitarian organizations, as well as the ways MHEDA Members can give back through their donations and expertise.

ALAN is an industry-wide organization that exists to provide supply chain aid to humanitarian organizations whenever disasters hit, all with the help of members of the logistics community who have agreed to make essential donations of transportation, warehousing, material equipment or expertise. Through MHEDA’s partnership with ALAN, we encourage members to review opportunities to aid in recoveries and give back to communities near you.

Kathy Fulton is ALAN’s Executive Director. She leads the organization in facilitating donations of logistics services and equipment to enable delivery of millions of dollars’ worth of humanitarian aid. Kathy served as the organization’s director of operations from 2010 until her promotion in 2014. Kathy’s passion is the intersection of supply chain and emergency management, focusing on the critical role logistics and supply chain professionals play in disaster relief.

Emilee Martichenko joined ALAN in 2020 as the Communications Coordinator. She is responsible for supporting ALAN’s communications, strategic partnerships, and fundraising activities. Passionate about world literature and the arts, Emilee has held numerous internship and volunteer positions in the United States and Latin America.

In this episode of MHEDA Talks, Shari Altergott, Chief Experience Officer of The CX Edge, interviews Liz Richards, MHEDA CEO, and Jeannette Walker, MHEDA Interim CEO, to discuss the leadership transition as Liz approaches her retirement on December 31, 2023. They reflect on the evolution of MHEDA during Liz’s tenure, the association’s past successes, and its role in supporting the material handling community. They also discuss MHEDA’s 2024 program of events and the future direction under new leadership.

Liz Richards is the Chief Executive Officer of MHEDA. Liz has been an integral part of the MHEDA team for 27-plus years. She started her journey with the team in January 1995 as the Executive Vice President and was named Chief Executive Officer in 2015. 

Jeannette Walker has served in executive positions during her tenure in the material handling industry over the past 22 years. Most recently, Jeannette held the titles of VP of Sales, International Sales Director, Global Marketing Director, Marketing & Advertising Director Corporate Communications Manager, and Marketing Manager, all with TVH. She was previously employed by IMC Holdings from 2001 to 2007, a company that was acquired by TVH. From 1997-2001, Jeannette was the Customer Care manager for Toyota Marondera. Jeannette has been involved with MHEDA for more than 15 years and has many long-term relationships with members and with the MHEDA team.