In this episode of the Supply Chaney podcast, host Nathan Chaney interviews Lida Hakobyan, agent of Freight Freedom. Lida shares her inspiring journey from being a first-generation immigrant and truck driver to becoming a successful freight broker and community builder on LinkedIn. The conversation covers her experiences in the trucking industry, the importance of networking, and the role of mindset in achieving success. Lida also discusses the impact of AI on the brokerage industry and offers valuable insights on personal branding and growing a network on social media.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Freight Brokerage and Networking
02:55 Lida's Journey: From Immigrant to Truck Driver
05:53 Building a Brand on LinkedIn
08:55 Understanding Freight Freedom
12:05 Insights on the Trucking and Brokerage Industry
14:51 The Importance of Mindset in Freight Brokering
17:47 The Role of AI in the Brokerage Industry
21:03 Growing Your Network on LinkedIn

Surgere is the official sponsor of The Supply Chaney Podcast for 2025. Surgere’s singular focus is building AI-powered, frictionless supply chains that result in real time, end-to-end visibility with 99.9% accuracy for partners and customers.

In this episode of the Supply Chaney podcast, Nathan Chaney interviews Matt Yearling, founder of YMX Logistics, to discuss the often-overlooked area of yard management within the supply chain. Matt shares his journey from electrical engineering to logistics, emphasizing the importance of technology and operations in optimizing yard operations. The conversation explores the current state of the yard logistics industry, the challenges faced by shippers, and the future trends in yard management, including the adoption of electric vehicles and the need for a more integrated approach to operations and technology.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Yard Operations and YMX Logistics
05:39 Understanding the Blind Spot in Supply Chain
11:12 Matt Yearling's Journey: From Engineering to Logistics
16:33 The Entrepreneurial Journey of YMX Logistics
23:31 Building Trust Through Color and Transparency
25:34 Current State of Yard Logistics
32:59 Challenges in Yard Operations and Technology
34:33 The Evolution of Yard Management Systems
38:14 The Debate: Diesel vs. Electric Vehicles
41:57 Looking Ahead: The Future of Yard Operations

Surgere is the official sponsor of The Supply Chaney Podcast for 2025. Surgere’s singular focus is building AI-powered, frictionless supply chains that result in real time, end-to-end visibility with 99.9% accuracy for partners and customers.

In this episode of the Supply Chaney podcast, Nathan Chaney interviews Amrita, co-founder and CEO of Sotira, a company focused on reverse logistics and sustainability in the supply chain. They discuss Amrita's entrepreneurial journey, the evolution of supply chain challenges, and the importance of technology in addressing overstock and sustainability issues. Amrita shares insights on their business model, go-to-market strategy, and the need for more young innovators in the supply chain space. The conversation highlights the dynamic nature of supply chain management and the critical role of social impact in business today.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Social Impact in Supply Chain
02:48 Amrita's Journey and Entrepreneurial Spirit
05:53 The Evolution of Supply Chain and Sustainability
08:49 Building Sotira: The Business Model
12:01 Challenges in Reverse Logistics
14:49 Market Dynamics and Corporate Responsibility
17:58 Go-to-Market Strategy and Thought Leadership
20:56 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
23:47 Future Vision for Sotira and the Industry
26:50 The Role of Young Innovators in Supply Chain

Surgere is the official sponsor of The Supply Chaney Podcast for 2025. Surgere’s singular focus is building AI-powered, frictionless supply chains that result in real time, end-to-end visibility with 99.9% accuracy for partners and customers.

In this episode of the Supply Chaney podcast, Nathan Chaney interviews Paul Pittman from Indiana University, who shares his extensive background in supply chain management and education. They discuss the evolution of supply chain education, the importance of certifications, and the role of networking in professional growth. Paul also reflects on his involvement with ASCM and the upcoming Chainge Conference, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the field.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Paul Pittman and His Background
07:59 Paul's Journey in Operations Management
12:27 The Evolution of Supply Chain Education
18:38 Involvement with ASCM
24:34 Role as Chair of the Board of Directors
27:45 The Importance of Networking at Conferences
30:07 Excitement for the Upcoming Chainge Conference
34:00 Advice for Aspiring Supply Chain Professionals

Surgere is the official sponsor of The Supply Chaney Podcast for 2025. Surgere’s singular focus is building AI-powered, frictionless supply chains that result in real time, end-to-end visibility with 99.9% accuracy for partners and customers.

In this episode of the Supply Chaney podcast, Nathan Chaney interviews Rick Smolen, the Chief Revenue Officer at ShipHero. They discuss Rick's journey from a finance background to the supply chain industry, the evolution of sales in SaaS, and the role of a CRO in aligning marketing, sales, and customer success. Rick shares insights on understanding customer dynamics, ShipHero's ideal customer, and how the company is adapting to e-commerce trends. They also explore innovations in warehouse technology and the importance of community and visual content in the supply chain.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to ShipHero and Rick Smolen
05:00 Rick's Journey: From Finance to Supply Chain
10:00 The Evolution of Sales in SaaS
15:04 The Role of a Chief Revenue Officer
19:54 Understanding ShipHero's Ideal Customer
24:44 Innovations in Warehouse Technology
29:59 The Importance of Community and Content in Supply Chain

Surgere is the official sponsor of The Supply Chaney Podcast for 2025. Surgere’s singular focus is building AI-powered, frictionless supply chains that result in real time, end-to-end visibility with 99.9% accuracy for partners and customers.

In this episode of the Supply Chaney podcast, Nathan Chaney interviews Randall Guernsey, head of professional services at ShipHero, discussing the evolution of warehouse management systems, the importance of customer-centric operations, and the role of AI in logistics. Randall shares his journey from a basement startup to a recognized expert in fulfillment, emphasizing the significance of industry networking and collaboration. The conversation also touches on the rebranding of ShipHero Fulfillment to LVK and the upcoming AI in Logistics Summit.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Warehouse Management Systems
02:48 Randall Guernsey's Journey in Fulfillment
05:47 The Evolution of 3PL and E-commerce
08:49 Building a Customer-Centric Fulfillment Operation
11:49 Industry Networking and Learning
14:48 The Birth of Mr. Fulfillment
17:51 Consulting at ShipHero
21:05 The Rebranding of ShipHero Fulfillment
23:45 ShipHero's Role in Industry Collaboration
27:00 AI in Logistics Summit Overview
29:48 Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook

Surgere is the official sponsor of The Supply Chaney Podcast for 2025. Surgere’s singular focus is building AI-powered, frictionless supply chains that result in real time, end-to-end visibility with 99.9% accuracy for partners and customers.

In this episode of the Supply Chaney podcast, host Nathan Chaney interviews John Thornton, the editor-in-chief of Akabo Media. They discuss John's journey into journalism, his career progression in B2B media, and the evolution of content delivery in the logistics and supply chain sectors. John shares insights on the importance of adaptability in the media landscape, the significance of print alongside digital content, and the upcoming IntraLogisteX event in Miami.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to John Thornton and Akabo Media
02:56 John Thornton's Journey into Journalism
05:05 Early Career Experiences and Challenges
08:17 Transitioning to B2B Journalism
11:19 Role at Akabo Media and Content Evolution
12:28 The Growth of IntraLogisteX and Events
14:47 Upcoming Events in Miami
15:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Surgere is the official sponsor of The Supply Chaney Podcast for 2025. Surgere’s singular focus is building AI-powered, frictionless supply chains that result in real time, end-to-end visibility with 99.9% accuracy for partners and customers.

I recently accomplished the goal I set in January of hitting 10k followers by the end of year.  Don't hire me to do forecasting! ha!

Given the significance of this milestone I took a moment to reflect on the journey thus far, show appreciation, and share what's coming next, basically a "State of Supply Chaney".  For a little extra fun I grabbed my mic and camera and used this as an opportunity to record my first monologue podcast.

A summary of everything that Supply Chaney does along with shout-outs to supporters and role models that helped them get started or keep going:

🎙️ Blythe Milligan, Chris Jolly, and Kevin Lawton, CLTD for inspiring me to launch a podcast.  Surgere and Michael Schwabe for being the first podcast sponsor. Curtis Pogue for being my first podcast guest and eventually joining the adventure, serving as the producer of the podcast. 

📺  CSCMP - Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, AGiLE Business Media & Events, DC Velocity and Gary Master for being the first to support my event coverage efforts.

👥  Christopher Pride for being my go-to from day zero of Supply Chain Social Club and jumping in as the Co-Founder.  The New Warehouse for being the first partner, launching the #WarehousingAfterDark series, and Amelia Gangi for helping out with SCSC over this past summer.

🗓️ Caleb Jones for being my first sounding board to launch the event calendar and interns Madison Lawrence, Parul Dhar, Ankita Bhardwaj, Marina Sorola Yoshida, and Nicole Salinas who helped maintain the calendar and supported other social media efforts.

🗞️ The 36 contributors to the Supply Chaney Digest weekly newsletter.  Too many to tag everyone, but you all know who you are!  

What's next?  Focused effort on being an authority on events and networking, a collaborative crowd-sourced book, and refining internal systems and processes to be a more efficient and proficient business.  Onward and Upward!

Surgere is the official sponsor of The Supply Chaney Podcast for 2025. Surgere’s singular focus is building AI-powered, frictionless supply chains that result in real time, end-to-end visibility with 99.9% accuracy for partners and customers.

In this episode of the Supply Chaney podcast, Nathan Chaney interviews Kimberley Duarte, an expert in circular supply chains. They discuss Kimberley's unique journey into supply chain management, the importance of certifications, and the role of regret in personal growth. Kimberley shares insights on leading change within organizations and explains the concept of circular supply chains, providing real-world examples of companies successfully implementing these practices. The conversation emphasizes the significance of community and relationships in the supply chain industry and also the impact ASCM has had on her career. 

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Circular Supply Chains
06:31 Kimberley's Unique Journey in Supply Chain
14:04 Navigating Regrets and Life Choices
22:48 The Importance of Certifications in Supply Chain
29:24 Leading Change in Supply Chain
36:03 Understanding Circular Supply Chains
41:28 Real-World Examples of Circular Supply Chains

Surgere is the official sponsor of The Supply Chaney Podcast for 2025. Surgere’s singular focus is building AI-powered, frictionless supply chains that result in real time, end-to-end visibility with 99.9% accuracy for partners and customers.

In this episode of the Supply Chaney podcast, Nathan Chaney interviews Chris Torrence, Chief Strategy Officer at Optym. They discuss Chris's extensive experience in the logistics and supply chain industry, his networking strategies at conferences, and the importance of optimization in supply chain management. Chris shares insights on his career journey, the complexities of optimization, and real-world applications of technology in logistics. The conversation emphasizes the significance of relationships in the industry and concludes with Chris's thoughts on the future of supply chain optimization.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Supply Chain Optimization
03:00 Chris Torrence: A Journey Through Logistics
05:48 Networking Strategies at Conferences
11:42 Career Path and Experiences in Supply Chain
18:01 Balancing Theory and Practicality in Logistics
19:12 Questioning Traditional Success Paths
21:03 The Journey to Optum
24:55 Understanding Optimization in Logistics
27:36 Real-World Applications of Optimization
34:56 The Importance of Relationships in Business

Surgere is the official sponsor of The Supply Chaney Podcast for 2025. Surgere’s singular focus is building AI-powered, frictionless supply chains that result in real time, end-to-end visibility with 99.9% accuracy for partners and customers.