Kev Talks - REAL World Global Logistics

In this special episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, the focus turns to the future of supply chain leadership, the next generation of talent entering the industry, and the unique ecosystem helping shape them in Northwest Arkansas.

The conversation opens with Dr. Stephanie P. Thomas, Associate Professor of Practice in the J.B. Hunt Transport Department of Supply Chain Management at the University of Arkansas&n...

In this episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with Casey Jenkins, founder of Eight Twenty-Eight Consulting, for a wide-ranging conversation that blends supply chain expertise, process improvement, education, and a unique personal journey into the industry.

Casey shares how she didn’t intentionally choose supply chain, like many in the field, she “fell into it&r...

In this episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with industry veteran David Arsenault for a conversation that spans decades of real-world experience—from life at sea to leading at the highest levels of global logistics.

David’s journey begins at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, where early lessons in discipline, followership, and leadership shaped his approach t...

In this episode, Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins talk with Steven Strobel, Associate Principal at RLB and leader of the Industrial, Manufacturing, and Logistics sector, about how today’s most complex supply chains are being shaped long before a single shipment moves.

With more than 25 years in industrial construction, Steven has led delivery of EV battery gigafactories, semiconductor and data center projects, and advanc...

In this episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with Micah Mallace, President and CEO of the South Carolina Ports Authority, for a candid and insightful conversation on leadership, market dynamics, and the future of ports in an increasingly unpredictable global trade environment.

Micah shares his journey from more than a decade at the port to gaining perspective on the...

In Episode #77 of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with John Brooks, CEO of Warehouse on Wheels (WOW), to talk about a simple idea solving a big problem- SPACE.

John shares how WOW repurposes retired trailers into flexible, on-demand storage, helping companies manage overflow, avoid detention costs, and stay agile in an unpredictable supply chain environment. With operations acr...

In this episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins talk with freight collections attorney Cristina Belaval about what happens when freight moves but payments don’t follow. With more than 1,700 cases and over $25M recovered, Cristina breaks down the most common causes of unpaid freight bills, including double brokering, fraud, and documentation gaps.

She explains how liability can ...

On this episode of Kev Talks, we sit down with Roger Guenther, former Executive Director of Port Houston, to talk through a career that helped shape one of the most important ports in the country.

Roger shares how he went from mechanical engineer to leading Port Houston, and what it was like watching the port grow from a relatively small operation into a major global gateway. We get into the real story behind that gro...

What does it take to hire in today’s supply chain?

In this episode, Friddy Hoegener of SCOPE Recruiting shares a real-world perspective on today’s talent market, shaped by disruption, shifting demand, and the rise of AI.

From unclear job roles to overly rigid hiring requirements, Friddy explains why companies often struggle to find the right talent, and how a “split market” is creating both challenges and oppo...

Recorded live at TPM26, this episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics features a conversation with leadership from the Port of Virginia on how the role of ports is evolving in today’s supply chain.

The big takeaway: this is no longer just about moving containers. It’s about building a complete supply chain solution.

With over $1.4 billion in active investments, expanded rail capabilities, and a growing ...

Recorded live from the Gnosis Freight RV at TPM26, Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with Michael Rentz Jr. (Chief Revenue Officer) and Jake Hoffman (CTO) of Gnosis Freight for a high-energy, insight-packed conversation on the evolving role of data, technology, and execution in global logistics.

From humble beginnings, writing code to automate manual workflows, to building a platform that now powers container lifecycle mana...

Recorded live at TPM26 in Long Beach, this episode of Kev Talks, Real World Global Logistics features Alan McCorkle of YTI, sharing real-world insights into terminal operations, leadership, and the future of ports.

With decades of experience in marine terminal management, Alan breaks down what it takes to run a high-performing terminal, from balancing safety and efficiency to managing constant cargo flow across complex supply chain ...

Recorded live at TPM, Kevin Higgins and Kevin Parkerson sit down with Robert Loya, CEO of the Harbor Trucking Association, to explore the realities of port trucking and drayage on the U.S. West Coast.

Robert shares his 30+ year experience, highlighting the challenges of port operations, congestion, chassis availability, and regulatory requirements. He discusses California’s labor laws (AB5) and the push toward zero-emission tr...

Recorded live at TPM26 in Long Beach, March 4, 2026

Guest, Heather Rush, Harry F. Long Inc.

In this special TPM26 edition of Kev Talks, Real World Global Logistics, Kevin Higgins and Kevin Parkerson speak with Heather Rush of Harry F. Long Inc. from the conference floor in Long Beach.

The discussion focuses on recent developments affecting U.S. import compliance and what they mean for companies managing international supply chains. He...

Featuring Tracy Black, Matt Waller, and Steve Moore

In this live episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, we unpack how Northwest Arkansas grew into one of the most influential supply chain ecosystems in the country.

The foundation starts with Walmart and the ripple effect of its supplier, carrier, and talent networks. Add in deregulation, the rise of companies like J.B. Hunt, the global food supply chai...

In this special LEGENDS Series episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, we sit down with industry veteran Tim Yatsko for a candid conversation about leadership, longevity, and what it really takes to build a lasting career in supply chain.

Tim shares hard-earned lessons from decades in the logistics world. This isn’t theory. It’s experience shaped by market cycles, disruption, transformation, and the const...

In this episode of Kev Talks, Vincent Iacopella, Chief Strategy Officer at Alba Wheels Up International, shares his extensive experience in global logistics and trade compliance. He discusses the evolution of technology in the logistics sector, emphasizing the importance of visibility and compliance in supply chains. Vincent highlights the intersection of government regulations and commercial interests, advocating for proactiv...

In this episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, we sit down with Maurizio Scrofani for a thoughtful, no-nonsense conversation about what it really takes to run, fix, and future-proof supply chains in the real world.

Maurizio brings more than three decades of experience across retail, wholesale, logistics, and manufacturing, and it shows. He doesn’t talk in buzzwords. He talks about the work. The hard ...

Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with longtime industry innovator Mike Simon for a wide-ranging, real-world conversation about how technology, leadership, and listening shape the future of global logistics.

From the early days of containerization and Walmart’s groundbreaking transportation systems to today’s conversations around AI, low-code platforms, and ecosystem visibility, this episode connects past lesso...