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

In this episode, Donna and Tom sit down with Eric Chambers, VP, LTL Services & Strategy at BlueGrace Logistics LLC, to reflect on his career, his role in the growth of BlueGrace Logistics, and his perspectives on the evolving transportation industry. Eric shares how BlueGrace has adapted over nearly two decades, highlighting the importance of leadership, technology, and customer strategy in driving success. He also emphasizes practical advice: work with experienced 3PLs, invest in culture to retain talent, and use predictive analytics and integrations to boost efficiency and customer service.

Takeaways: 

• Eric’s semi-retirement and roles with BlueGrace Logistics 

• Leadership philosophies in a growing and evolving company 

• The unique operations of LTL shipments and the attention given by broker and Managed Transportation services. 

• Retaining talent in an industry with high turnover rates 

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 Biography:  

Eric Chambers grew up in Jersey Shore, PA and graduated from Penn State in 1981 with a degree in Business Logistics, where he had the privilege of studying under Dr. John Coyle. After graduation, he moved to Denver to begin his career and joined Roadway Express in 1982, later advancing into management roles with Yellow Freight across Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and Kansas. In 1996, he relocated to Florida as Director of Business Development, where he met Bobby Harris, who would later found BlueGrace Logistics. Eric joined Bobby in 2007 and helped build BlueGrace from fewer than 20 employees into a company with over 600 employees across the U.S. and Mexico. Over the years, he served in leadership roles including Director of Logistics, VP of Sales, and VP of LTL Services and Strategy. As of July 2025, Eric entered semi-retirement and now consults with BlueGrace while enjoying golf, boating, and traveling with his wife, Roseann, of 30 years. Throughout his career, he has encouraged others in management to treat their people well, reminding them that one day they may end up working for those they lead. 

In this episode, Donna and Tom sit down with Jeff Douville, Director of Logistics at General Dynamics Electric Boat to discuss supply chain leadership, logistics strategy, and lessons from a 40-year career spanning the military and industry.

Jeff explains how focus, collaboration, and flow efficiency keep production lines moving, and he outlines strategies for managing disruption, from red-team risk planning to building agility, resilience, and decision-ready analytics. He also highlights technology opportunities such as AI, reshoring trends, and the importance of turning data into actionable decisions.

Listeners will gain practical advice for supply chain professionals and students on leadership, teamwork, and preparing for a dynamic future in logistics.

Takeaways: 

• Introduction to General Dynamics Electric Boat 

• Exploring commonalities between military, to automotive, and defense systems industries that all logisticians can apply 

• How the supply chain may evolve in the next 5-10 years 

• Advice for mid-career professionals and those starting out in the supply chain management field 

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 Biography: 

Jeff joined Electric Boat as Director of Logistics in May 2023. He is a career manufacturing & distribution supply chain leader having served in the U.S. Army, Defense Industry, Automotive Industry, and Consumer & Industrial Products Industry. Jeff takes great pride in inspiring shared success with a people-focused, performance-driven approach. His academic credentials include a Master’s in Business Logistics & Operations Research from Penn State University, a Master’s in Strategic Planning from the U.S. Army War College, and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Jeff is an APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional and serves on the Advisory Board of Penn State’s Tarriff Center for Business Ethics and Social Responsibility. 

The Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research is excited to announce the launch of its new podcast, debuting on November 5!

Hosted by Donna Palumbo, Executive Director of the Center for Supply Chain Research at Penn State, and Tom Nightingale, Chief Executive Officer of MNC Transportation, Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™ brings you engaging conversations with top industry leaders, including many Penn State alumni, who share firsthand insights on how supply chains shape resilient, agile, and thriving organizations. 

From planning and procurement to logistics, manufacturing, and distribution, this podcast explores the full spectrum of supply chain functions and the leaders driving them forward. Whether navigating periods of growth or overcoming disruption, you’ll discover how strong supply chain strategies fuel business performance. 

New episodes are released every Wednesday and are available on all major podcast streaming platforms.

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Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn (Center for Supply Chain Research) and Instagram (@pennstatesupplychain), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apply 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