Mark Richards's Wisdom from 50 Years of Supply Chain Expertise

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast, we are joined by Mark Richards, President of AWI, Associated Warehouses, Inc. He is a long-time expert in the world of outsourced logistics. Mark provides his career progression through a variety of companies such as Nabisco, Oral B, Gillette, and Weber Logistics. He shares how people can prepare for and become successful during a career in the outsourcing industry, plus the characteristics of the job that can be very appealing and rewarding. Mark also shares the best characteristics of companies that contract with third-party logistics providers, making the relationship be successful for all parties involved. Listen as Mark also provides his thoughts about the top trends in the industry, plus how to lead and coach others, and finishes with some of the best advice he has heard and enjoys sharing with others.Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs: Continuous Improvement Engineering Inventory Planning Logistics & Transportation Manufacturing Operations Robotics Sales & Business Development S&OP Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Supply Chain Management Technology & Automation Warehousing

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast, our guest is Josh Middlebrooks, President of Luxer One, a company focused on not just the last mile of logistics, but also what they call the last 100 feet of package logistics, primarily through the use of lockers for packages. Josh spoke with us about his own career journey, starting with a logistics software company, then moving on to a large home improvement company, then on to Luxer One leadership. He also talked with us about the opportunities he sees for the industry and the things he looks for when hiring talent for their company. Josh also provided his thoughts about the value of financial literacy for everyone, along with an open communication culture. Listen to hear Josh's thoughts on major trends in the industry and to hear Josh's advice to others that he has learned and shared throughout his career.Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs: Continuous Improvement Engineering Inventory Planning Logistics & Transportation Manufacturing Operations Robotics Sales & Business Development S&OP Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Supply Chain Management Technology & Automation Warehousing

Starting a new supply chain role?What you do after accepting the offer may matter more than the offer itself.In our latest Supply Chain Career Catalyst episode, we break down why onboarding is one of the most underestimated inflection points in a career — and how to turn your first 90 days into real momentum.This conversation covers: • What to do before day one • How to approach your first week • How to build credibility in your first 30, 60, and 90 days • Why relationships matter more than process early onIf you’re starting a new role in 2026, this one is worth your time.Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs: Continuous Improvement Engineering Inventory Planning Logistics & Transportation Manufacturing Operations Robotics Sales & Business Development S&OP Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Supply Chain Management Technology & Automation Warehousing

As supply chain leaders and professionals look ahead to 2026, one reality remains unchanged. Supply chains still exist to move, make, store, and deliver the goods and services people rely on every day. Food must be produced and distributed. Energy demand continues to rise. Products still need to move from suppliers to manufacturers to customers.What has changed is the level of complexity required to manage those flows effectively.In this episode of the Supply Chain Career Catalyst podcast, Rodney Apple, Chris Gaffney, and Mike Ogle discuss the forces shaping supply chain careers today. Their conversation spans technology adoption, skills gaps, labor market shifts, risk management, and what both employers and professionals must do to remain competitive in an increasingly uncertain environment.Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs: Continuous Improvement Engineering Inventory Planning Logistics & Transportation Manufacturing Operations Robotics Sales & Business Development S&OP Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Supply Chain Management Technology & Automation Warehousing

In this episode of the Supply Chain Career Catalyst series, we break down one of the most overlooked stages of the job search journey – offer evaluation and negotiation. Supply chain professionals often focus on interviewing well, but far fewer know how to assess the true quality of an opportunity, uncover red flags, and negotiate with confidence.Rodney Apple, Chris Gaffney, and Mike Ogle walk through the deeper questions most candidates never ask about culture, leadership, resources, stability, and long-term career impact. You’ll learn how to evaluate the full offer package beyond salary, understand your leverage, and approach negotiation in a professional and strategic way.Whether you’re early in your supply chain career or preparing for an executive move, this episode gives you a practical framework to make smarter, more intentional career decisions.Brought to you by the Supply Chain Recruiters at SCM Talent Group, the industry leader in end-to-end supply chain recruiting and executive search.Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs: Continuous Improvement Engineering Inventory Planning Logistics & Transportation Manufacturing Operations Robotics Sales & Business Development S&OP Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Supply Chain Management Technology & Automation Warehousing

In this episode of the Supply Chain Career Catalyst podcast, hosts Rodney Apple, Chris Gaffney, and Mike Ogle dive into how to prepare for, execute, and follow up after a supply chain job interview.They cover what it takes to stand out as a top candidate, including how to research companies effectively, tailor your responses to different interviewers, and communicate measurable value through your accomplishments. The discussion also explores using AI tools responsibly during preparation, common interview mistakes to avoid, and strategies for following up to leave a lasting impression.Whether you’re launching your career or pursuing a senior leadership role, this episode provides actionable insights to help you interview with confidence, demonstrate your impact, and land the offer.Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs: Continuous Improvement Engineering Inventory Planning Logistics & Transportation Manufacturing Operations Robotics Sales & Business Development S&OP Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Supply Chain Management Technology & Automation Warehousing

In this episode of Supply Chain Career Catalyst, we move from reflection to execution by teaching you how to turn your job search into a strategy. Learn how to build structure, stay organized, and leverage your network to land the right role faster. Whether you’re between jobs or ready for your next move, this episode will help you take control of the process and stay motivated.Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs: Continuous Improvement Engineering Inventory Planning Logistics & Transportation Manufacturing Operations Robotics Sales & Business Development S&OP Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Supply Chain Management Technology & Automation Warehousing

 In Episode 2 of our Supply Chain Career Catalyst series, Rodney Apple, Mike Ogle, and Chris Gaffney turn self-reflection into action. We map the career landscape with the SCOR lens (Plan, Source, Make, Deliver, Enable), show how industries (manufacturing, retail/wholesale, and enablers) shape your day-to-day, and explain why company type and size (public, private, PE/VC-backed, NGO/Gov) matter for pace and visibility. We close with five trends—digital and physical automation, data literacy, sustainability, evolving work models, and the frontline talent gap—and how to stand out as the translator who turns tech and data into real business outcomes. Walk away with concrete next steps to target roles, build agility, and accelerate your path. Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs: Continuous Improvement Engineering Inventory Planning Logistics & Transportation Manufacturing Operations Robotics Sales & Business Development S&OP Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Supply Chain Management Technology & Automation Warehousing

This inaugural episode of our new podcast Series, Supply Chain Career Catalyst, hosts Rodney Apple, Mike Ogle, and Chris Gaffney take a deep dive into the importance of intentional reflection in career planning. They share how supply chain professionals can avoid making emotionally driven job changes by using structured self-assessment tools, seeking honest feedback, and exploring roles through informational interviews. The conversation emphasizes that careers are rarely linear and that lateral moves or cross-functional experiences often provide greater long-term growth. They also encourage building a personal board of advisors and maintaining a living development plan to stay proactive in career decisions.Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs: Continuous Improvement Engineering Inventory Planning Logistics & Transportation Manufacturing Operations Robotics Sales & Business Development S&OP Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Supply Chain Management Technology & Automation Warehousing

In this special two-part episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast, we take you inside three of the top supply chain university programs in the United States to uncover how they’re shaping the next generation of leaders. Hosts Mike Ogle, Rodney Apple, and Chris Gaffney sit down with Dr. Judy Whipple of Michigan State University, Dr. Brian Fugate of the University of Arkansas, and Chris Gaffney in his role leading Georgia Tech’s Supply Chain and Logistics Institute.You’ll hear firsthand how these programs are evolving to meet the demands of a rapidly changing supply chain landscape - covering curriculum design, industry partnerships, experiential learning, and the essential skills students need to thrive in their careers. Whether you’re a student, educator, or supply chain professional, this episode delivers valuable insights into the future of supply chain talent development.Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs: Continuous Improvement Engineering Inventory Planning Logistics & Transportation Manufacturing Operations Robotics Sales & Business Development S&OP Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Supply Chain Management Technology & Automation Warehousing