Material Handling Masters Podcast

In this episode of MHEDA Talks, Shari Altergott, Chief Experience Officer of The CX Edge, interviews Judy Hoberman about the importance of communication and networking in the workplace. The discussion covers barriers to effective communication, generational and gender differences, and strategies for building meaningful relationships. Judy provides tips and insights for improving communication skills and leveraging networking opportunities to foster collaboration and success.

Judy Hoberman is President of Judy Hoberman and Associates, a company focused on empowering professional women. She is an award-winning international speaker, best-selling author, trainer, and leading authority on women in leadership and sales. She is also a Certified High Performance Coach™ where changing your habits can change your life.

In this episode of MHEDA Talks, Shari Altergott, Chief Experience Officer of The CX Edge, interviews Meridith Elliott Powell to explore strategies for succeeding during times of disruption. Meridith shares her expertise on turning uncertainty into a competitive advantage, developing top talent, and leveraging change to thrive. The discussion provides tips to navigate challenges such as workforce development, supply chain disruptions, and the integration of artificial intelligence. Hear Meridith live at the 2023 MHEDA Annual Convention!

For more than twenty years, President and CEO of MotionFirst, Meridith Elliott Powell, has been a leading expert on the subject of business growth covering sales, leadership, change and uncertainty. With a background in financial services, manufacturing, healthcare and travel and tourism, she has real-world experience with developing teams, exceeding sales goals and dominating the marketplace by building centers of influence. Through her work as a Hall of Fame keynote speaker, award-winning author, and business growth strategist, Meridith is able to help companies and leaders learn to develop talent, drive sales, and strategically manage change and uncertainty.

In the January 2023 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.

In this episode of MHEDA Talks, Shari Altergott, Chief Experience Officer of The CX Edge, interviews John Paxton, CEO of MHI, to discuss the highlights and opportunities at Promat 2023. Scheduled for March 20-23, 2023, at McCormick Place in Chicago, Promat 2023 promises to be a showcase of material handling innovations. John provides insights into the benefits of attending, from exploring the latest technologies to networking with industry leaders and participating in expert-led educational sessions.

John Paxton is the Chief Executive Officer of Material Handling Industry Association (MHI). John has over 30 years of leadership experience in the material handling industry and has been recognized for his volunteer leadership in the material handling industry. This leadership includes serving as Chairman of the Board of MHI, as well as the president of the Crane Manufacturers Association of America (CMAA), the Hoist Manufacturers Institute (HMI) and the Monorail Manufacturers Association (MMA).

In this episode of MHEDA Talks, Shari Altergott, Chief Experience Officer of The CX Edge, interviews Katie Yates about gender differences in the workplace and the potential impact on team dynamics and organizational success. Katie shares insights on building diverse teams, empowering women in leadership roles, and fostering mentorship to bridge gaps in understanding and collaboration. The discussion emphasizes the benefits of diversity and the importance of creating inclusive work environments in the material handling industry.

Katie Yates is the Equipment Distribution Manager for Carolina Handling. As a dedicated and results-oriented manager, Katie brings over a decade of experience in logistics, supply chain management, and team leadership. Her career has been driven by a passion for optimizing distribution operations, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring the highest standards of customer satisfaction.

In this episode of MHEDA Talks, Shari Altergott, Chief Experience Officer of The CX Edge, speaks with Alex Reed about the critical importance of the customer experience in the material handling industry. Alex explores how internal processes impact customer interactions and offers practical advice on leveraging technology to enhance both employee and customer experiences. The discussion provides valuable insights for businesses aiming to build stronger relationships and optimize their business.

Alex Reed is the Chief Commercial Officer at Vsimple, a workflow management technology company, and currently serves on the company’s board of directors. Alex’s career began at manufacturer Big Ass Fans, where he led an expansive marketing division that helped the company grow from $30 million in annual sales to more than $250 million. Beyond marketing, Alex always pushed the company’s evolution and oversaw its expansion into consumer products, growing the product line to represent nearly a third of total company revenue within three years. In 2017, Alex sought a new challenge and co-founded Truman’s with a mission of moving the cleaning industry in a more sustainable direction. Throughout years of experience, Alex provides insights into the material handling industry.

In the October 2022 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.

In this episode of MHEDA Talks, Shari Altergott, Chief Experience Officer of The CX Edge, interviews Rob Polich to explore the evolving role of marketing in the material handling industry. Rob shares insights on crafting effective go-to-market strategies, focusing on customer needs, and adapting to changes in the marketing landscape. The discussion highlights how companies can leverage modern marketing techniques to differentiate themselves and stay competitive.

Rob Polich is the Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Superior Fabrication. With over 20 years of experience, Rob is a strategic leader with a history in developing and executing innovative sales, marketing, and go-to-market strategies across diverse sectors, including manufacturing, contract fabrication, and highly engineered products. Alex has a passion for fostering diverse, insightful teams that excel in competitive markets by executing effective plans, optimizing marketing initiatives, and delivering exceptional customer relationship management in the material handling industry.

In this episode of MHEDA Talks, Shari Altergott, Chief Experience Officer of The CX Edge, speaks with Robin Ritz about achieving and maintaining a healthy work/life balance. The discussion addresses the causes of poor work/life balance, strategies for setting boundaries, and creating a workplace culture that supports employee well-being. Robin shares practical tips for prioritizing personal and professional responsibilities while fostering an environment that values balance for all team members.

Robin Ritz is a Creative Visionary at InCord. She has spoken at conferences, podcasts, and in-house leadership workshops, sharing over 20 years of experience as a coach, human resource director, and creative visionary. Robin is a dynamic speaker and workshop facilitator who mixes visual storytelling, relatable content, and hands-on techniques to empower her audiences of senior leaders, managers, teams, and individuals. For over two decades, Robin has been passionately involved with the arts and entertainment, sales and forecasting, professional development, strategy, administration, and safety. She emphasizes enjoyment of the process, the importance of play, and a healthy work-life balance.

In this episode of MHEDA Talks, Shari Altergott, Chief Experience Officer of The CX Edge, speaks with John Clark about key market trends influencing the supply chain. They dive into topics such as labor availability, automation, and evolving customer expectations. John provides insights for businesses seeking to navigate current challenges and seize opportunities in a rapidly shifting market environment.

John Clark is the Director of Marketing at Steel King Industries in Wisconsin. John is an experienced marketing executive with over 20 years of broad hands-on tactical and strategic experience in creating effective multifaceted content marketing programs tied to measurable results. John is a driven leader, creative thinker and team player with proven strengths in directing all aspects of the marketing process.