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

🎙️ Subscribe to the Supply Chaney Podcast for more conversations with the doers, makers, and builders shaping the supply chain industry.

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.

In this episode, Brad Reinhardt shares his extensive experience in logistics and transportation, emphasizing the importance of networking, industry associations, and continuous learning. Discover how his passion for the industry and commitment to community impact his career and the broader supply chain landscape.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Brad Reinhardt and his logistics journey
00:58 Brad's early experiences and entry into logistics in 1992
03:04 Growing up in St. Louis and local roots
04:59 Brad's childhood and sports interests
07:07 First experiences in logistics and warehousing
09:00 The personality and stress aspects of logistics work
11:03 COVID-19's impact on supply chain visibility and interest
13:00 The never-ending puzzle of logistics and continuous improvement
14:07 Brad's passion for live music and concerts
17:09 Metrics and KPIs in personal hobbies like concerts
19:01 Brad's involvement in industry networking and associations
21:59 The importance of networking and relationship building
27:00 Brad's participation in logistics associations and clubs
30:10 The history and mission of LTNA and industry networking
33:00 The role of regional and national industry conferences
35:56 Challenges and opportunities in industry event organization
38:04 Troops to Logistics: Supporting veterans transitioning into supply chain
40:48 The rewarding nature of mentoring and community service
43:03 Closing remarks and future industry involvement

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, Will Fediw, Senior Vice President of the Virginia Maritime Association, shares his journey from growing up around water to leading industry advocacy. Discover insights on maritime careers, industry programs, and the importance of networking in the supply chain sector.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest
01:09 Will Fediw’s background and early influences
02:00 Growing up in Hampton Roads and family influences
03:08 Educational journey and accidental entry into maritime studies
04:42 Early career and military service in the Coast Guard
16:58 Transition from military to private sector in LNG and petrochemicals
22:36 Joining the Virginia Maritime Association and industry advocacy
33:30 Overview of VMA programs, events, and conferences
40:01 The upcoming maritime symposium and its significance
43:28 Final advice on industry involvement and networking

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, we explore the principles of learning from failures, community building among practitioners, and the application of DDMRP in supply chain management. Our guest emphasizes the importance of shared experiences and practical insights for continuous improvement.

Key Takeaways
-Smart people learn from their own failures, wise people learn from others' failures.
-Building a community of practitioners accelerates shared learning.
-Practical application of DDMRP can significantly improve supply chain efficiency.
-Sharing experiences and practices fosters continuous improvement.
-Community-driven insights help adapt strategies to real-world challenges.

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, Will Haraway shares his extensive journey through supply chain, marketing, and PR, highlighting how organic relationships and diverse experiences have shaped his success. Discover insights on media evolution, PR strategies, and the importance of staying curious in a rapidly changing industry.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Will’s background in sports and journalism
01:20 Will’s entry into supply chain and early career experiences
04:06 Will’s upbringing and musical family roots
08:10 Early aspirations to be a sportscaster and shift to media production
14:12 First major role at Manhattan Associates and understanding supply chain systems
19:08 Transition to cloud technology and new opportunities in supply chain
21:52 Forming LeadCoverage with Kara and organic growth
28:16 The role of media evolution and social media in B2B marketing
34:28 The importance of niche expertise and media relations
37:34 Final words of wisdom and staying curious

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, Jeff Piela, founder and CEO of Centurion Worldwide, shares his journey from warehouse worker to leading a innovative freight forwarding company. We explore the complexities of international logistics, the importance of customer service, and how Centurion is doing things differently in the busy supply chain industry.

Key topics
Jeff Piela's background and early career
The role and importance of freight forwarding
How Centurion Worldwide differentiates itself
The impact of international logistics complexities
Customer service as a competitive advantage
Jeff's entrepreneurial journey and founding Centurion
The significance of local ownership and accountability in logistics
The future of supply chain innovation

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.