Kev Talks - REAL World Global Logistics

In this special Thanksgiving edition of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , co-hosts  Kevin Parkerson  and  Kevin Higgins  take a moment to pause, reflect, and look back on some of the most memorable conversations from across 57 episodes and more than 44 hours of real-world supply chain storytelling. Instead of releasing a new episode during the Black Friday rush, they highlight the logistic...

In this episode, Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with Adam Basson, founder of Flexchain, to explore actionable insights in logistics technology, supply chain strategy, and career advice for the next generation of supply chain professionals. Adam shares his perspective on prescriptive analytics, nearshoring trends, the balance between lean and resilient operations, and his approach to ne...

In this episode, Kevin and Kevin sit down with Peter Sand, Chief Analyst at Xeneta, to talk about where global ocean shipping stands today and what importers and logistics teams should prepare for as 2026 approaches. After several years of volatility driven by COVID-era surges, trade tensions, shifting tariffs, capacity swings, and the ongoing Red Sea disruption, many shippers are tired and lookin...

In this episode of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with  Jon Bonny , Business Development at  O’Neill Logistics , for an honest look at what’s happening inside the four walls of today’s warehouses — and where the industry is headed next. Jon shares how warehouse automation, robotics, and AI are transforming operations, workforce training, and pe...

This Halloween, we’re entering the only haunted house where the ghosts are misclassified shipments, phantom paperwork, and HTS codes that lurk after midnight. Kevin Parkerson haunts the show as the  Ghost of a Supply Chain Manager , clipboard in hand, while Kevin Higgins concocts chaos as the  Mad Scientist of Logistics . Joining them is  Heather Rush  of Harry F. Long Customs Brokers, ready to sh...

In this episode of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with Ryan Joyce, founder of GenLogs, to explore how real-time data is reshaping trucking, asset tracking, and supply chain visibility. Ryan shares the journey from his time in U.S. intelligence to building a platform that tracks trucks, containers, and chassis across the U.S., offering unparalle...

In this episode of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , co-hosts  Kevin Parkerson  and  Kevin Higgins  sit down with  Quinn Robertson , Director of  412 Angels , to explore how angel investing and startup innovation are reshaping Northwest Arkansas. From connecting early-stage founders with investors to building a regional hub for supply chain technology, Quinn shares how his work helps trans...

In this episode of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , we welcome Duncan Wright, President of UWL, to dive deep into the realities and future of global logistics. Duncan’s career spans decades and continents, with leadership roles at Sealand, Horizon Lines, Top Ocean, and DeWell before taking the helm at UWL. Along the way, he’s built a reputation for blending operational expertise with forw...

In this episode of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins welcome  David W. Kearney , President of The Kearney Companies, a New Orleans–based logistics provider with a legacy stretching back generations. With over 30 years in global logistics, David shares both professional insights and personal stories that highlight the blend of tradition, adaptability,...

In this episode of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , co-hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with Hans Stig Moller, a seasoned logistics executive with over 30 years of experience leading major transformations in the industry. Hans shares his journey from a trainee at a Danish logistics company to leading Odyssey Logistics, providing valuable lessons in leadership, operational...

In this episode of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with Donna Lemm, Chief Strategy Officer at IMC Logistics, to explore her decades-long career, leadership philosophy, and the evolving challenges and opportunities in the logistics industry. Donna reflects on her early career at SeaLand, where she learned the value of teamwork, customer foc...

n this episode, we dive into one of the most urgent but often overlooked risks in global logistics: cybersecurity. Matthew Webster, a cybersecurity expert and founder of Cyvergence, explains why cyber defense isn’t just an IT problem- it’s a governance issue that belongs in the boardroom. From port operators to ERP providers to Fortune 500 supply chains, every sector is a target. Matt breaks down...

In this episode of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with Stuart Sandlin, President of Hapag-Lloyd North America, to explore the innovative Gemini Cooperation with Maersk. Stuart explains how this partnership—while keeping both carriers independent competitors—aims to raise the standard for reliability in ocean shipping. He breaks down the h...

In this episode of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with  Stuart Sandlin , President of Hapag-Lloyd North America and member of the company’s Global Executive Committee. With more than two decades of leadership across sales, operations, and executive management, Stuart offers a candid look at the realities and future of global container shi...

Join us as we sit down with Amanda Coates, VP of Cargo Development at the Port of New Orleans, for an inside look at maritime logistics, career growth, and the future of global trade through Louisiana. Amanda shares her unexpected 22-year journey from vessel documentation at MSC to leading cargo development, offering candid insights on leadership, networking, and navigating a people-driven, global...

Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics – Northwest Arkansas Series In this episode, co-hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with  Denise Thomas , President and CEO of the  World Trade Center Arkansas , to discuss how she’s helping small and minority-owned businesses compete in the global marketplace. Denise shares her journey from banking and finance to leading WTCA, her passion for co...

In this episode of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins speak with  Chris Chase , Assistant Director of Marketing at the  Port of Los Angeles , about the operational, economic, and geopolitical forces shaping the busiest port in North America. Chris breaks down the realities behind recent cargo surges, tariff uncertainty, and schedule disruptions. He explains...

In this episode, Kevin Parkerson & Kevin Higgins sit down with Mike Graen, a seasoned retail and supply chain professional whose 40-year career includes leadership roles at Procter & Gamble, Walmart, and the RFID Lab at Auburn University. From category management to emerging tech, Mike shares a refreshingly honest perspective on what works, and what doesn’t, when it comes to driving real r...

In this episode of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with  Ken Uriu , SVP of Business Development for the Pacific Region at  IMC Logistics , to unpack the real-world friction points shaping export logistics, port operations, and drayage strategy in 2025. With a career spanning NYK Line, the Port of Long Beach, and now IMC, Ken offers a rare...

In this episode of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with  Barbara Melvin , President and CEO of  South Carolina Ports  and the first woman to lead a top 10 operating U.S. container port. From harbor deepening to chassis pools, inland rail to cultural change, Barbara offers a powerful, practical look at what it really takes to run a modern, custom...

In this episode of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , co-hosts  Kevin Parkerson  and  Kevin Higgins  sit down with  David Keefauver , a seasoned leader who recently took on the role of Executive Vice President of People for J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. David offers honest insights into transitioning from 30 years in operations to HR, the role empathy plays in leadership, and how humil...

On this episode of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , co-hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with  Tyler Sellers , founder and CEO of  Qualle  and  DrayRates.ai , to talk about real-world inefficiencies in drayage—and how smart tech and bold execution are finally solving them. From his early days as an actor (including a cameo with Kevin Costner in  McFarland, USA ) to leading...

In this timely episode of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with Heather Rush, a seasoned customs broker and compliance expert and VP Sales & Marketing from Harry F. Long Inc., to break down the constantly shifting landscape of U.S. tariffs and trade deals. Recorded on July 9 and released July 10, this conversation focuses on the latest...

In this special Independence Day episode, hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins welcome veteran Max Moore to discuss the significance of freedom and independence. Max shares his early exposure to serving our country and his history of service, experiences in the Army, and reflections on what Independence Day means to him. The conversation digs into the differences between freedom and independenc...

In this episode of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , co-hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins talk with Graham Gibbs, whose career spans from freight operations at J.B. Hunt and Transplace to leading faith-based nonprofit work. Graham shares how a mission trip to Burundi with Samaritan’s Feet shifted his focus from success to significance, eventually leading him to launch  Five Talents F...