In this episode of the Supply Chaney Podcast, Nathan Chaney talks with Mark Hiddleson about his 30 years in material handling, entrepreneurship, warehouse storage solutions, and the importance of building a network that creates value for everyone involved.

Mark shares stories about growing his business, his involvement with the Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC), and how warehouse tours and industry associations helped shape his career.

They also explore cold chain logistics, supply chain visibility, an innovative high school logistics training program, and why Mark eventually embraced podcasting as a way to build meaningful professional connections.

Topics covered:

• Warehouse racking and material handling solutions
• Entrepreneurship and building a family-first business
• Networking without constantly selling
• Cold storage and supply chain visibility
• Workforce development and logistics education
• Building customer loyalty through trust and shared values

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Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Mark Hiddleson
01:08 – Mark's Background and Involvement with WERC
02:02 – 30 Years in Material Handling and Warehouse Storage
02:55 – Starting Specialized Storage Solutions
04:16 – Building a Business Around Family and Lifestyle
05:36 – Growing Up in California's Central Valley
08:37 – Agriculture, Food Logistics, and Cold Storage
10:31 – Supply Chain Visibility and Cargo Theft
13:12 – Building Relationships Through WERC and Warehouse Tours
16:17 – Networking, Adding Value, and Avoiding the Sales Pitch
19:58 – High School Students Running a Real Warehouse
24:45 – From Podcast Skeptic to Podcast Host
28:03 – Warehouse Design, Racking, and Specialized Storage Solutions
33:17 – When a Customer Fires You and Comes Back
35:00 – Final Thoughts and Closing

#SupplyChain #Warehousing #Logistics #Entrepreneurship #MaterialHandling

Surgere is the official partner of The Supply Chaney Podcast for 2026. Surgere’s singular focus is building AI-powered, frictionless supply chains that result in real time, end-to-end visibility with 99.9% accuracy for partners and customers.

How do we help the next generation find their place in supply chain—and build careers they want to stay in?

Nathan Chaney sits down with Stephanie Thomas from the University of Arkansas to discuss supply chain education, mentorship, and the connections that shape a career. Stephanie shares her journey from IBM and Lowe’s to academia, her experience helping build Texas Tech’s supply chain program, and how she introduces hundreds of students to the industry.

They also explore WISE—We Impact Supply Chain Excellence—and how a student organization grew into a community connecting students, universities, and industry professionals. It’s a conversation about opening doors, finding the right fit, and giving back to the next generation.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Welcome and meet Stephanie Thomas
01:21 Growing up in Tennessee
02:37 From pharmacy dreams to motivating students
04:32 Finding supply chain—and studying alongside Peyton Manning
07:04 Communication and diverse paths into supply chain
08:23 Developing the next generation of talent
10:39 Why mentors and industry connections matter
12:53 From IBM and Lowe’s to a career in academia
16:23 Building Texas Tech’s supply chain program
20:19 Teaching supply chain to hundreds of students
22:57 Why more students are choosing supply chain
24:32 Every company is a supply chain company
26:00 The unsung heroes and finding your career fit
27:48 Procurement, merchandising, and the customer experience
30:44 WISE: Building community and keeping talent in supply chain
36:29 Making WISE events accessible and expanding opportunities
38:09 Final thoughts and closing

Surgere is the official partner of The Supply Chaney Podcast for 2026. Surgere’s singular focus is building AI-powered, frictionless supply chains that result in real time, end-to-end visibility with 99.9% accuracy for partners and customers.

In this episode, Steven J Edelstein shares his journey from health and beauty venture capital to supply chain expertise, emphasizing the importance of supply chain in brand success, system evolution, and building sustainable brands.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Steven Edelstein and episode overview
01:21 Steven's career journey from venture capital to supply chain
04:20 Family background and childhood influences
07:49 First job as a dishwasher and social lessons learned
12:27 Studying communications and early career choices
15:05 Entry into health, beauty, and wellness industries
17:38 Lessons learned from product formulation and packaging
20:54 Transition from product to supply chain focus
24:26 Overview of My FBA Prep and its services
31:49 The evolution of warehouse management systems
36:15 Risks and best practices for cloud-based systems
38:45 Strategies to reduce operational costs and improve profitability
42:16 Final insights: Patience, communication, and having fun

Surgere is the official partner of The Supply Chaney Podcast for 2026. Surgere’s singular focus is building AI-powered, frictionless supply chains that result in real time, end-to-end visibility with 99.9% accuracy for partners and customers.