Kev Talks - REAL World Global Logistics

We’re back!After more than 100 days without a new episode, Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics returns with Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins catching up on what changed over the summer, both personally and across global logistics. Kevin shares his move into a new role as Vice President of International at Watco Logistics and his focus on growing Watco’s international ocean and air business. The Kevins also talk peak season, global trade and geopolitical pressure, and what they are seeing across today’s supply chain. And there is plenty ahead for Kev Talks. New guests. New topics. More Northwest Arkansas stories. Plus, Kev Talks is headed to Manifest 2027 in Las Vegas, where Kevin and Kevin will be recording interviews and covering the logistics industry from the show floor.The Summer Rerun Series is over. The Kevins are back behind the microphones. Let’s get at it.

In this special episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, the focus turns to the future of supply chain leadership, the next generation of talent entering the industry, and the unique ecosystem helping shape them in Northwest Arkansas.The conversation opens with Dr. Stephanie P. Thomas, Associate Professor of Practice in the J.B. Hunt Transport Department of Supply Chain Management at the University of Arkansas Sam M. Walton College of Business. Dr. Thomas brings a rare blend of academic depth and real-world industry experience, built on her early career roles with IBM and Lowe's, and strengthened through her Ph.D. in Logistics/Supply Chain Management from Georgia Southern University, along with an MBA and BA from University of Tennessee.Her work centers on behavioral and relational dynamics in supply chain management, with a strong focus on buyer-supplier negotiations, relationship management, and workforce challenges in transportation and logistics. Her research has been widely published in leading academic journals, including the Journal of Supply Chain Management and the International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, while also contributing to practitioner-focused outlets such as Harvard Business Review and Supply Chain Management Review.A major theme throughout the episode is the powerful role the Northwest Arkansas business and supply chain community plays in supporting student development. With the region continuing to grow as a major supply chain and logistics hub, students at the University of Arkansas benefit from direct exposure to leading retailers, suppliers, carriers, technology companies, and logistics providers operating in one of the most dynamic supply chain ecosystems in the country.Dr. Thomas discusses how that close connection between industry and education creates opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. Through programs like WISE, students gain access to mentorship, internships, networking, leadership experiences, and direct engagement with supply chain professionals who are actively shaping the future of the industry.In the discussion, she shares her perspective on what truly prepares students for success today: critical thinking, adaptability, curiosity, leadership, negotiation skills, and the ability to build meaningful professional relationships. She also highlights how AI and automation are reshaping expectations across the industry, making human-centered skills, communication, and strong networks more important than ever.The episode then shifts into a dynamic roundtable featuring five University of Arkansas supply chain students and WISE members: Rodney Thomas, Taryn Pittman, Hannah Yong, Ellie Palumbo, and William Lovell. Together, they offer a candid and energetic look at the next generation of supply chain professionals.They discuss internships, leadership development, career aspirations, and the growing influence of AI, while also sharing how WISE has helped them build confidence, community, and real-world readiness. Their experiences span retail merchandising, transportation, aerospace, manufacturing, and leadership rotational programs, underscoring the breadth of opportunity available within today’s supply chain profession.Throughout the conversation, a clear message emerges: the future of global logistics depends on strong mentorship, intentional relationship-building, hands-on experience, and early investment in talent. Dr. Thomas and the students demonstrate how programs like WISE, supported by the broader Northwest Arkansas supply chain community, are not only shaping individual careers, but also strengthening the future workforce pipeline for the industry as a whole.This episode delivers a grounded and forward-looking perspective for students, educators, and industry leaders alike, offering practical insight into leadership, workforce development, mentorship, and the evolving future of global supply chain management.

In this episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with Casey Jenkins, founder of Eight Twenty-Eight Consulting, for a wide-ranging conversation that blends supply chain expertise, process improvement, education, and a unique personal journey into the industry.Casey shares how she didn’t intentionally choose supply chain, like many in the field, she “fell into it” while originally pursuing meteorology. With two degrees in weather and experience as a trained storm spotter, she draws a compelling parallel between forecasting storms and managing supply chains: both require anticipating disruptions, adapting quickly, and operating in environments where control is limited. That mindset ultimately shaped her career and keeps her engaged in the fast-paced world of logistics.As the owner of Eight Twenty- Eight Consulting, Casey works primarily with startups and small to mid-sized businesses, helping them build scalable operations. A key theme throughout the conversation is the lack of structure and visibility in many organizations. She highlights common challenges such as siloed functions, limited process documentation, and leadership teams that lack insight into day-to-day execution. Her approach focuses on end-to-end visibility, tailoring solutions to each organization rather than applying a one-size-fits-all playbook.A major point of emphasis is the importance of process discipline. Casey explains that many companies resist structure, believing it limits flexibility, when in reality, well-defined processes enable better decision-making and controlled adaptability. She often takes an educational approach to drive buy-in, especially with leadership teams, bridging the gap between strategic vision and operational execution.The conversation also explores her experience across domestic and international supply chains. While core principles translate globally, Casey highlights the importance of cultural awareness, communication nuances, and the increased complexity of international logistics—from supplier vetting to transportation modes and compliance considerations. These experiences now inform how she advises smaller companies entering global markets.Beyond consulting, Casey is deeply involved in education, teaching supply chain and business courses at the university level while pursuing her doctorate. She is passionate about closing the gap between academic theory and real-world application, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and upskilling within organizations. Her advice to CEOs is clear: invest in education and empower teams with knowledge to drive proactive problem-solving and long-term success.Looking ahead, Casey shares her perspective on emerging trends like AI and automation. While she sees strong potential, she cautions against chasing “new and shiny” technologies without first understanding core processes. For her, successful adoption starts with operational clarity and intentional integration, not hype.The episode wraps with a lighter look at Casey’s disciplined daily routine, starting at 3:30 AM, her love for storm tracking, and her passion for continuous learning. Throughout the conversation, she reinforces a central message: whether in supply chain or business, success comes from structure, adaptability, and a commitment to understanding how everything connects.

In this episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with industry veteran David Arsenault for a conversation that spans decades of real-world experience—from life at sea to leading at the highest levels of global logistics.David’s journey begins at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, where early lessons in discipline, followership, and leadership shaped his approach to navigating both ships and organizations. He shares unforgettable stories from his time at sea—including a dramatic encounter in Colombia that earned him the nickname “50 Bucks”—offering a raw and personal look at how those early experiences built resilience and perspective.The conversation shifts to his leadership tenure at Hyundai Merchant Marine America, where David stepped into the CEO role during one of the most turbulent periods in ocean shipping. He reflects on guiding the organization through financial uncertainty, emphasizing the power of transparency, communication, and trust in maintaining both customer confidence and team alignment under pressure.Drawing on roles across Sea-Land, DCLI, GSC Logistics, and beyond, David breaks down what real supply chain transformation looks like today. His message is clear: transformation is no longer a one-time initiative—it’s a continuous process. Success now depends on agility, speed of decision-making, and the ability to act on disruptions before competitors do.A major focus of the episode is the rise of artificial intelligence in supply chain. In his current role at Avathon, David explains how AI is fundamentally changing the game—not just by providing visibility, but by turning data into actionable intelligence. From predictive maintenance to fully integrated supply chain decision-making, he outlines how companies can move from reactive to proactive, and ultimately toward semi-autonomous operations.He also challenges leaders to rethink their approach to AI, stressing that the real value lies not in the technology itself, but in clearly defining the problems they want to solve. Companies that hesitate risk falling behind, while those who start small and scale quickly will gain a meaningful competitive edge.The episode closes with a look at what continues to drive David after more than 40 years in the industry. From mentoring the next generation to staying at the forefront of innovation, his passion remains rooted in pushing the industry forward. And on a personal note, listeners get a glimpse of his life outside logistics—including a 50-year love of playing the drums and a family legacy that continues to inspire him.Key Takeaway:The future of supply chain can be summed up in one word: integrated. The ability to leverage AI across all of your connected data will lead the transition towards autonomous supply chains.  

In this episode, Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins talk with Steven Strobel, Associate Principal at RLB and leader of the Industrial, Manufacturing, and Logistics sector, about how today’s most complex supply chains are being shaped long before a single shipment moves.With more than 25 years in industrial construction, Steven has led delivery of EV battery gigafactories, semiconductor and data center projects, and advanced manufacturing facilities. His work focuses on turning highly technical operational needs into practical, cost-controlled construction solutions from concept through completion.The discussion centers on a key theme: supply chain performance is largely determined during site selection and facility design, not operations.They explore how utility timing, infrastructure readiness, labor availability, and transportation access often become the biggest constraints in large-scale industrial projects. Steven also breaks down why EV and semiconductor builds are fundamentally different, driven by evolving technology, tighter timelines, and higher risk around cost and scheduling.A consistent takeaway is the importance of early alignment between owners, contractors, engineers, and logistics teams. The earlier the right voices are in the room, the fewer costly surprises show up later.Bottom line: modern logistics success starts at the blueprint, not the warehouse.