Kev Talks - REAL World Global Logistics

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 th...

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...

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...

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...

In this episode of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with Micah Mallace, President and CEO of the South Carolina Ports Authority, for a candid and insightful conversation on leadership, market dynamics, and the future of ports in an increasingly unpredictable global trade environment. Micah shares his journey from more than a decade at the p...

In Episode #77 of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with John Brooks, CEO of Warehouse on Wheels (WOW), to talk about a simple idea solving a big problem- SPACE. John shares how WOW repurposes retired trailers into flexible, on-demand storage, helping companies manage overflow, avoid detention costs, and stay agile in an unpredictable supply chain...

In this episode of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins talk with freight collections attorney Cristina Belaval about what happens when freight moves but payments don’t follow. With more than 1,700 cases and over $25M recovered, Cristina breaks down the most common causes of unpaid freight bills, including double brokering, fraud, and documentation gaps. She...

On this episode of  Kev Talks , we sit down with Roger Guenther, former Executive Director of Port Houston, to talk through a career that helped shape one of the most important ports in the country. Roger shares how he went from mechanical engineer to leading Port Houston, and what it was like watching the port grow from a relatively small operation into a major global gateway. We get into the rea...

What does it take to hire in today’s supply chain? In this episode, Friddy Hoegener of SCOPE Recruiting shares a real-world perspective on today’s talent market, shaped by disruption, shifting demand, and the rise of AI. From unclear job roles to overly rigid hiring requirements, Friddy explains why companies often struggle to find the right talent, and how a “split market” is creating both challe...

Recorded live at TPM26, this episode of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics  features a conversation with leadership from the Port of Virginia on how the role of ports is evolving in today’s supply chain. The big takeaway: this is no longer just about moving containers. It’s about building a complete supply chain solution. With over $1.4 billion in active investments, expanded rail capabilitie...

Recorded live from the Gnosis Freight RV at TPM26, Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with Michael Rentz Jr. (Chief Revenue Officer) and Jake Hoffman (CTO) of Gnosis Freight for a high-energy, insight-packed conversation on the evolving role of data, technology, and execution in global logistics. From humble beginnings, writing code to automate manual workflows, to building a platform that...

Recorded live at TPM26 in Long Beach, this episode of Kev Talks, Real World Global Logistics features Alan McCorkle of YTI, sharing real-world insights into terminal operations, leadership, and the future of ports. With decades of experience in marine terminal management, Alan breaks down what it takes to run a high-performing terminal, from balancing safety and efficiency to managing constant car...

Recorded live at TPM, Kevin Higgins and Kevin Parkerson sit down with Robert Loya, CEO of the Harbor Trucking Association, to explore the realities of port trucking and drayage on the U.S. West Coast. Robert shares his 30+ year experience, highlighting the challenges of port operations, congestion, chassis availability, and regulatory requirements. He discusses California’s labor laws (AB5) and th...

Recorded live at TPM26 in Long Beach, March 4, 2026 Guest, Heather Rush, Harry F. Long Inc. In this special TPM26 edition of Kev Talks, Real World Global Logistics , Kevin Higgins and Kevin Parkerson speak with Heather Rush of Harry F. Long Inc. from the conference floor in Long Beach. The discussion focuses on recent developments affecting U.S. import compliance and what they mean for companies m...

Featuring Tracy Black, Matt Waller, and Steve Moore In this live episode of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , we unpack how Northwest Arkansas grew into one of the most influential supply chain ecosystems in the country. The foundation starts with Walmart and the ripple effect of its supplier, carrier, and talent networks. Add in deregulation, the rise of companies like J.B. Hunt, the glob...

In this special LEGENDS Series episode of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , we sit down with industry veteran Tim Yatsko for a candid conversation about leadership, longevity, and what it really takes to build a lasting career in supply chain. Tim shares hard-earned lessons from decades in the logistics world. This isn’t theory. It’s experience shaped by market cycles, disruption, transfor...

In this episode of Kev Talks, Vincent Iacopella, Chief Strategy Officer at Alba Wheels Up International, shares his extensive experience in global logistics and trade compliance. He discusses the evolution of technology in the logistics sector, emphasizing the importance of visibility and compliance in supply chains. Vincent highlights the intersection of government regulations and commercial inte...

In this episode of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , we sit down with  Maurizio Scrofani  for a thoughtful, no-nonsense conversation about what it really takes to run, fix, and future-proof supply chains in the real world. Maurizio brings more than three decades of experience across retail, wholesale, logistics, and manufacturing, and it shows. He doesn’t talk in buzzwords. He talks about...

Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with longtime industry innovator Mike Simon for a wide-ranging, real-world conversation about how technology, leadership, and listening shape the future of global logistics. From the early days of containerization and Walmart’s groundbreaking transportation systems to today’s conversations around AI, low-code platforms, and ecosystem visibility, this epis...

Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with  Ken Kellaway , a true industry veteran whose career spans more than four decades and touches nearly every corner of modern supply chain and intermodal logistics. Ken shares his journey from working in a family-run warehousing business in Boston to helping lead  Road One  into a national intermodal powerhouse. Along the way, he offers a candid look a...

In this episode of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins explore the evolving landscape of warehouse operations, labor management, and AI-driven logistics. Their guest, Lee Rector, draws on decades of experience to provide actionable insights on how businesses can optimize workforce productivity, reduce labor costs, and prepare for the labor challenges o...

In this episode of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , Kevin Higgins and Kevin Parkerson reflect on the close of 2025 and the fast arrival of 2026. They discuss why intentions often matter more than traditional New Year resolutions, especially in an industry shaped by constant change. The conversation looks back at 2025 as a relatively calm year in logistics and turns forward to what’s ahead...

In this episode of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins explore the realities of career transitions, job searching, and talent acquisition within the logistics and supply chain industry. Amid widespread layoffs in trucking, manufacturing, and many other industries, the discussion centers on actionable strategies for both job seekers and hiring managers...

Guests:  Jim Gillis (IMC Logistics) & Eric Sauer (California Trucking Association) In this episode, we dive into the challenges and opportunities for trucking in California. From ZEV fleet mandates and rising operational costs to driver retention, parking, and cargo theft, Jim and Eric share insights on how carriers, shippers, and importers can navigate the complex regulatory and economic land...

In this episode of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with Milind Balaji, an experienced supply chain leader, to discuss the human, technological, and strategic elements shaping modern supply chains. Milind shares candid insights from his decades of experience, offering advice for current and aspiring supply chain professionals, while reflecting on...