Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™

In this episode, Donna and Tom sit down with Marty Duff, SVP of Supply Chain & Operations at YETI, to explore the complexities of managing a global supply chain for one of the world's most iconic premium brands. Marty shares insights into YETI's product-driven approach, emphasizing innovation across their food and beverage, gear and equipment, and soft goods categories. He discusses strategies for building resilient supply chains through geographic diversification, maintaining three key sourcing markets to mitigate risks like tariffs and global disruptions. Marty delves into essential leadership skills, particularly curiosity, and how empowering teams to make data-driven decisions drives organizational success. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on navigating industry transitions across technology, CPG, and retail, and learn how to build high-performing teams in volatile markets. This conversation offers a masterclass in balancing operational excellence with the unique demands of a premium consumer brand.

Takeaways:

• Building resilient supply chains through geographic diversification
• Leading product-driven innovation at YETI
• Empowering teams for data-driven decision-making
• Leadership lessons across diverse industries

Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn (Center for Supply Chain Research) and Instagram (@pennstatesupplychain), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us! 

Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr 

Guest Bio:

Marty Duff has been with YETI since November 2022 as SVP Supply Chain & Operations, overseeing all global sourcing, planning, quality, logistics, fulfillment and inventory controls and continuous improvement initiatives for the Company. Before joining YETI, Mr. Duff spent 11 years at VF Corporation in several supply chain leadership roles, most recently as the Vice President, Supply Chain – America's Region, where he led all supply chain and operations planning and logistics for brands including The North Face, Vans, Timberland, and Dickies across the US, Canada, Mexico and distributor markets. Prior to his time at VF Corporation, Marty spent nine years at Johnson & Johnson in a number of operational leadership positions for brands like Neutrogena, Aveeno, Johnson's Baby. He holds a B.S. in Marketing and International Business and an MS, Business Administration, from Penn State University.

In this episode, Donna and Tom sit down with Andy Mowery to explore his distinguished 34-year career journey through Johnson & Johnson and The Clorox Company. Andy shares insights on leading global supply chain operations, driving operational excellence, and building resilient organizations in today's volatile market. He discusses the strategic role of technology in advancing supply chain capabilities, offering practical advice for companies without extensive resources. Andy reflects on fostering collaboration and innovation both internally and externally, and shares how his consulting experience prepared him for executive leadership. Now an adjunct instructor at Penn State's Smeal College of Business, Andy offers wisdom for the next generation of supply chain professionals navigating their career paths.

Takeaways:

• Leading and scaling global supply chain operations across healthcare and CPG industries
• Leveraging technology to build agile and resilient supply chains
• Fostering collaboration and innovation with limited resources
• Career guidance for aspiring supply chain leaders

Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn (Center for Supply Chain Research) and Instagram (@pennstatesupplychain), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us! 

Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr 

Guest Bio: 

Andy Mowery is a seasoned supply chain professional with a 34-year industry career, predominantly with Johnson & Johnson and The Clorox Company. In his time at The Clorox Company he led Global Strategic Sourcing, Supply Chain Strategy, Global Operations and he concluded his career as the Senior Vice President and Chief Product Supply Officer, retiring in December 2020. In addition to his supply chain and Executive Committee responsibilities he was the Executive Sponsor for the Veterans ERG, and a member of the Compliance and Ethics, Enterprise Risk Management, and Employee Benefits Steering Committees.

After retiring from industry, he has remained actively engaged in entrepreneurial ventures as a Board Member and Advisor to Oii.ai and as an advisor for the Happy Valley Launchbox. Andy is also an adjunct instructor at The Smeal College of Business where he shares his experiences and passion for supply chain with Penn State students.

Andy is a third-generation Penn State alumnus and holds a Bachelor of Science in Quantitative Business Analysis and a Master of Business Administration from Villanova University.

In this episode, Donna and Tom sit down with Eric Peters, President and CEO of Procurant, to explore his journey from consulting to entrepreneurship and his vision for transforming agriculture supply chains through technology. Eric shares how his early career at Accenture prepared him for leadership, the evolution of technology as an enabler in supply chain management, and the unique challenges of the agriculture sector that demand agility and resilience. He discusses Procurant's mission to improve agriculture supply chains globally, offers insights on where students are most and least prepared for the workforce, and provides valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating their own journeys.

Takeaways:

• Transitioning from consulting to CEO and co-founder
• Technology's role in enabling modern supply chains
• The unique dynamics and challenges of agriculture supply chains
• Entrepreneurial advice and career wisdom

Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn (Center for Supply Chain Research) and Instagram (@pennstatesupplychain), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us! 

Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr 

Guest Bio:

Eric Peters, President and CEO of Procurant, brings extensive experience and vision in supply chain technology to a series of successful software companies he has founded and led. He has been featured and quoted in hundreds of articles on supply chain, retail and the food industry, and is a contributing author to 5 books.

Peters was previously CEO of SensorThink, the first digital platform built to support the digital warehouse, and Foodlink, acquired by Roper Technologies in 2014. Foodlink, the leading network for fresh food and a pioneer in perishables supply chain solutions, was twice named to the JMP Securities Hot 100 Private Software Companies list.

Prior to joining Foodlink Peters co-founded TrueDemand Software, one of the first IoT technology companies to use predictive analytics to help the largest retailers in the world reduce lost sales due to out-of-stock inventory at the shelf. He continued to lead TrueDemand following its acquisition by Acosta Sales & Marketing.

Peters has also served as EVP of Strategy and Business Development at Manhattan Associates and Senior Executive in Accenture's Global Supply Chain Strategy Practice. He speaks regularly at industry events around the world and serves as a board advisor to a number of startup companies.

Join Donna and Tom as they sit down with Jaime Butler, CEO for Control Solutions & Services at GE Vernova, to explore her dynamic career journey and the evolving landscape of power generation supply chains. Jaime shares insights on navigating GE's unprecedented transformation into three separate businesses, driving lean manufacturing practices, and managing inventory efficiencies at scale. She discusses the unique business cycles of power generation, the surge in demand from AI data centers, and strategies for successful M&A integration. Listeners will gain practical advice on supply chain design, legal entity readiness, and the leadership principles that have guided her path from plant manager during the shale boom to CEO.

Takeaways:

• Navigating large-scale corporate transformations and M&A integration
• Implementing lean manufacturing and inventory optimization strategies
• Understanding power generation supply chains and AI's impact on energy demand
• Career development lessons from diverse supply chain roles

Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn (Center for Supply Chain Research) and Instagram (@pennstatesupplychain), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us! 

Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr 

Guest Bio: 

Jaime joined Baker Hughes in 2001 based in Houston, TX and moved to GE Vernova in April 2023 with the Nexus Controls acquisition. She is currently the Controls Business Line Leader, based in Longmont, CO.  Over the course of her 24 years, she has held roles in Region P&L leadership, manufacturing operations, commercial, key accounts, supply chain, finance, and product line technology.

Jaime holds a Masters in Supply Chain Management and Bachelors in Business Marketing.  In 2020, she received a Hart Energy award for 25 Most Influential Women in Energy and in 2021 she received recognition from Insight Magazine as the 10 Most Empowering Women in Business.  Her experience has fostered a unique skill set across several functions and technologies in the energy industry, driving both horizontal and vertical connections with successful outcomes. Jaime enjoys supporting and developing women in the energy industry through mentoring and volunteering.  In her free time, she enjoys spending time and playing sports with her family. She is happily married to her husband Matt, and they have two sons, Brennan 20 years old and Liam 16 years old.

Chad Whyte, Executive Vice President, Supply Chain at Utz Brands, Inc.

In this episode, Donna and Tom sit down with Chad Whyte, Executive Vice President of Supply Chain at Utz Brands, Inc. to discuss his career journey and the evolution of supply chain management in the consumables industry. Chad shares how his Penn State education prepared him for leadership, the challenges facing modern supply chains, and strategies for building agility and resilience in today's dynamic landscape. He provides insight into Utz's new state-of-the-art logistics center and how it's advancing supply chain efficiency, while also offering valuable perspectives on workforce development and student preparedness. Listeners will gain practical advice on supply chain flexibility, the importance of cross-functional expertise, and Chad's guiding principles for career success. 

Takeaways: 

• Career progression from Penn State to Executive VP of Supply Chain 

• Challenges and opportunities in consumables supply chain management 

• Building agile and resilient supply chains in a changing landscape 

• Utz's state-of-the-art logistics center and its impact on efficiency 

Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn (Center for Supply Chain Research) and Instagram (@pennstatesupplychain), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us! 

Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr 

Guest Bio: 

Chad Whyte was appointed to Executive Vice President, Supply Chain for Utz Brands, Inc. in June 2022. As EVP, Supply Chain, he has responsibility for Procurement, Supply and Demand Planning, Distribution, Transportation and the Customer Logistics functions. Chad joined Utz in January 2022 as Senior Vice President, Supply Chain Planning and Logistics. He joined Utz with 25 years of experience in supply chain roles, most recently as President and Chief Executive Officer of Aloe Group, a consulting firm that has been working closely with Utz on several value creation initiatives. Prior to Aloe, Chad was Vice President, Supply Chain at Pinnacle Foods, where he was responsible for all transportation, warehousing and network optimization for a $3.5 billion revenue business. Prior to Pinnacle Foods, he was Senior Director, Logistics at Campbell Soup Company; Director, Logistics North America at Reckitt Benckiser; and Director, Supply Chain Planning at Church & Dwight Company. 

Chad received a B.S. in Supply Chain and Information Systems, as well as an M.B.A., from The Pennsylvania State University. He was also an adjunct faculty member for Penn State’s Executive Education Program on Achieving Supply Chain Transformation. 

In this episode, our hosts sit down with John Burke, Executive Chairman of ARMADA Sunset Holdings, to explore his over 30 year journey with one of the largest players in the food service supply chain. John shares insights into ARMADA's critical role in supporting the restaurants we frequent weekly, the biggest challenges facing the food service industry today, and the company's most successful strategies for overcoming them. He discusses how customer needs are evolving, lessons learned from the COVID era, and the supply chain technologies shaping ARMADA's future. As a Penn State graduate and long-time supporter of the Center for Supply Chain Research, John also reflects on advice he'd give his younger self and the guiding principles that have defined his remarkable career.

Takeaways:

• ARMADA's role in the food service supply chain ecosystem
• Navigating industry challenges and customer evolution
• COVID-era lessons applied to modern supply chain planning
• Technology priorities for future supply chain success

Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn (Center for Supply Chain Research) and Instagram (@pennstatesupplychain), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us! 

Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr 

Guest Bio: 

As the Executive Chairman of Armada Sunset Holdings, John leads a supply chain management enterprise that support its clients competitive market positions by optimizing their supply chain networks. By emphasizing data-lead innovation and strategic partnerships, the companies of Armada Sunset Holdings work hard to improve operational processes, simplify logistics, and reduce costs.

As a supply chain industry professional for over three decades, he has dedicated his career to developing and implementing creative supply chain solutions for national retail brands. John came to Armada in 1992, co-founded Hub One Logistics in 1996, and established LXP in 2006. Both companies were consolidated under Armada in 2011. Following the strategic acquisitions of Sunset Transportation in 2022 and ATEC in 2023, Armada Sunset Holdings has evolved into a comprehensive, fully integrated supply chain service provider, boasting operations and offices spanning North America.

He holds a BS from Pennsylvania State University and an MSIA from the Tepper School at Carnegie Mellon University. John has served on the advisory boards of the Penn State Center for Supply Chain Research, Women’s Foodservice Forum, the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and the UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation. He formerly served on the Pennsylvania State Workforce Investment Board and on the Board of Directors of the American Textile Company.

In today’s episode, Donna and Tom sit down with Rob Haddock, Transportation Advisor at Albedo Logistics Solutions, to reflect on his career journey from entry-level at Coca-Cola to leading logistics operations and now consulting. Rob discusses how the logistics landscape has evolved, the challenges clients face today, and the strategies that can help organizations align transportation with broader supply chain goals. He highlights the technologies transforming logistics, the importance of adaptability, and the value of experience in guiding companies through change. Rob also shares personal insights on career success, advice to his younger self, and the guiding principles that have shaped his professional life. 

Takeaways: 

• Taking what was learned at Coca-Cola into Albedo Logistics Solutions 

• The alignment of logistics strategies with the broader supply chain to drive real business value. 

• Technology’s effect on logistics and the innovation that has come with it 

• Reflection on his career and advice Rob would have given to his 18-year-old self 

Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn (Center for Supply Chain Research) and Instagram (@pennstatesupplychain), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us! 

Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr 

Guest Bio: 

Rob Haddock is a supply chain innovation leader driving industry modernization and collaboration with a passion for connecting, educating, and developing supply chain professions.  A recently retired seasoned professional with decades of supply and operations management experience with the Coca-Cola Company ranging from plant management, customer service, business liaison, vendor managed inventories, operational excellence, Sales & Operations Planning, transportation management, production & deployment planning, integrated business planning & SAP SME. In his final role, he was responsible for leading all Coca-Cola North America’s transportation & On Time In Full performance. Rob is an industry-wide driver for innovation, process improvement and a current CSCMP Board member. 

In today’s episode, Donna and Tom sit down with Bill Lyons, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America, to discuss his career journey and the company’s role in the global trucking industry. Bill shares how his early commercial experience prepared him for leadership, the challenges and complexities of today’s supply chains, and the importance of building resilience through people, processes, and technology. He also provides insight into the upcoming integration with Hino Motors, the future of sustainable and connected vehicle technology, and the value of mentorship in preparing the next generation of leaders.

Takeaways: 

• Supply chain resiliency and its dependence on strong people, clear processes, and adaptive technology 

• The complexity of tariffs and skills needed to overcome the challenges 

• Integration with and advancement in sustainable vehicle technology 

• The meaning of leadership and the values Bill holds close 

Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn (Center for Supply Chain Research) and Instagram (@pennstatesupplychain), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us! 

Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr 

Guest Bio: 

Bill Lyons currently serves as President & CEO of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America, Inc. (MFTA). Bill has served two stints at MFTA over the course of his career. Bill began his career in 1983 in Parts Operations at Iveco Trucks of North America, then moved to Vehicle Distribution. He then joined MFTA in March 1986, as Truck Sales Supervisor. For the next twenty-two years, Bill worked in the growing company, and was promoted several times, eventually attaining the position of Director, Select Sales and Vehicle Distribution.  He left MFTA in June 2008, when the company moved its headquarters briefly to Detroit. For the next six years he worked for ARI/Holman Global Fleet Management in Fleet Management Client Services. He returned to MFTA in 2014 as Vice President, Sales Operations, and assumed his current position as President & CEO in January, 2022. In his current role, he is responsible for all aspects of the company’s operations in the United Stated and Canada.  Bill has a B.S. in Marketing from Penn State University. He and his wife Susan reside in Sewell, New Jersey and have three children, Victoria, Lisa and Bill.