Supply Chain Now

In this episode of The Buzz, powered by APL Logistics, Scott Luton and Kim Reuter are joined by Edmund Zagorin, Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Arkestro, for a timely conversation on the latest supply chain and business news shaping the second half of 2026.

From U.S. manufacturing trends and Prime Day consumer behavior to AI’s growing role in sourcing and supplier management, this episode explores how procurement is evolving from a cost-focused function into a strategic driver of resilience, speed, and value. Edmund shares practical insight into predictive procurement, why supplier relationships still matter in an AI-powered world, and how procurement leaders can prepare their teams for the future.

Key Takeaways

AI can support procurement teams, but humans still need to lead relationship-driven decisions.

Predictive procurement helps teams move from reactive buying to proactive supplier engagement.

Speed is becoming a major competitive advantage in uncertain supply chain environments.

Supplier relationships, long-term agreements, and guaranteed access are becoming more important than lowest cost.

Procurement teams must rethink how success is measured, moving from compliance to value creation.

Culture, people, and execution remain critical, even as technology continues to advance.

Tune in to hear how supply chain and procurement leaders can cut through today’s volatility, use AI more strategically, and build stronger supplier partnerships that drive real business value.

Additional Links & Resources:

APL Logistics: https://www.apllogistics.com/

With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-28-June-2026

AI Is Good at Picking Qualified Suppliers. It Still Struggles to Pick the Best One.https://bit.ly/AI-Study-in-Procurement-Sourcing

Venezuela Contacts: https://bit.ly/Venezuela-Contact-Gathering

Info Call: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/HfnI1aaESm6Osbpb1qeADQ#/registration

Manufacturing grows at fastest rate since 2021 amid big job cuts: https://bit.ly/USA-Mfg-Activity-Increases

How Amazon Is Redefining Logistics and Fulfillment for Businesses of All Sizes: https://bit.ly/Peter-Larsen-ASCS

Amazon’s Prime Day kickoff was the biggest online shopping day of 2026: https://bit.ly/Prime-Day-2026

Big Tech Is Rewriting Procurement. The Rest of B2B Is Next: https://bit.ly/Rewriting-Procurement

Learn more about APL Logistics: https://www.apllogistics.com/responsibility/apll_fixes_the_gap

Arkestro: https://arkestro.com/

Your Supply Chain Isn’t Broken. Your Data Is.https://bit.ly/Your-Data-Is-Broken

Connect with Edmund on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edmund-zagorin-41291b13/

Upcoming Live Programming:  https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/

Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/

WEBINAR- The Future of Supply Chains: Where Talent Meets Technology: https://bit.ly/4uUuxkc

WEBINAR- Peak Reality Check: What Shippers, Analysts, and AI Models Are Predicting for 2026: https://bit.ly/4aTlsRv

WEBINAR- From Volume to Resilience: How Automotive Supply Chains Are Adapting to a New Market Reality: https://bit.ly/4f6SUGA

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Kim Reuter. For additional information, please visit our dedicated episode page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-why-procurement-becoming-strategic-advantage-1604

The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.
For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com
© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Most companies don't have a transportation problem. They have a management problem.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton, together with co-host Kim Humphrey, President and CEO of AME, is joined by Onu Okebie, CEO of HTL, for a straight-talking conversation on freight, entrepreneurship, and what it actually takes to build a logistics company from scratch in one of the most volatile markets in recent memory. From buying his first truck to completing five acquisitions in five years and growing HTL 15X, Onu brings a grounded, finance-first perspective to questions most operators avoid. Kim adds her continuous improvement lens to the mix, drawing connections between change management, organizational culture, and the kind of problem-solving mindset that separates companies that adapt from those that stall.

The conversation covers a lot of ground: how the freight recession really unfolded and what's actually driving the current shift in pricing, why transportation remains the most mismanaged cost on a shipper's P&L, where human judgment stays irreplaceable even as AI reshapes logistics, and what it looks like to build a company where entrepreneurial instinct and operational discipline coexist. If you're leading through change, thinking about growth through acquisition, or trying to figure out how to position your organization for what's coming next in freight and technology, this one is worth your time.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(02:44) Onu Okebie's background and entrepreneurial origins

(09:30) HTL's growth story and five acquisitions in five years

(16:27) Lessons from M&A and how people embrace change

(20:27) Balancing entrepreneurial culture with systems and scale

(24:10) The freight market breakdown and what's driving the current shift

(29:19) Human judgment vs. AI in logistics and why both matter

(35:19) The five-year outlook and going AI-led as an organization

(39:37) Key takeaways on mindset, people, and embracing change

Additional Links & Resources:

Connect with Onu Okebie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/onuokebie/

Learn more about HTL Freight: https://gohtl.com/

Connect with Kim Humphrey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlee-kim-h-5977474/

Learn more about AME: https://www.ame.org/

Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about

Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com

Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now

Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join

Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/

WEBINAR- Peak Reality Check: What Shippers, Analysts, and AI Models Are Predicting for 2026: https://bit.ly/4aTlsRv

WEBINAR- The Future of Supply Chains: Where Talent Meets Technology: https://bit.ly/4uUuxkc

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/how-entrepreneurial-leadership-drives-growth-innovation-supply-chain-1603

The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.
For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com
© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What can classic vacation movies teach us about building stronger, smarter supply chains?

In this episode, Scott W. Luton welcomes back Mike Griswold, Vice President Analyst at Gartner, for another fun and insightful edition of Supply Chain Today and Tomorrow. With summer vacation season in full swing, Scott and Mike take a creative look at the supply chain and leadership lessons hidden inside classic vacation themed movies, from Vacation and Home Alone to Jurassic Park, Jaws, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and Apollo 13. Mike breaks down three major themes every supply chain leader should keep in mind: preparing for disruption, improving visibility, and understanding how human factors drive outcomes.

They also discuss the ongoing impact of AI on operating models, organizational design, talent strategy, and practical adoption. Mike shares why AI is no longer a question of “if,” but “how,” emphasizing the importance of augmentation over automation and the continued need for human oversight. From planning for disruption and avoiding single points of failure to listening to frontline warning signs and keeping teams focused during a crisis, the conversation delivers timely, actionable insights for leaders navigating today’s complex supply chain environment with creativity, clarity, and resilience.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(02:03) Mike’s favorite vacation story

(04:34) Listener mail and practical AI adoption

(08:29) Changing the CSCO perception

(11:30) Supply chain lessons from classic movies

(12:29) What National Lampoon’s Vacation teaches about disruption

(17:21) What Home Alone teaches about visibility gaps

(23:11) What Jurassic Park teaches about human factors

(26:13) Apollo 13 and leadership under pressure

(32:09) Gartner events and the Top 25 preview

Additional Links & Resources:

Connect with Mike Griswold: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-griswold-6a68922/

Learn more about Gartner: https://www.gartner.com/

Learn more about the Gartner Supply Chain Top 25: https://www.gartner.com/en/supply-chain/research/supply-chain-top-25

Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about

Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com

Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now

Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join

Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/

WEBINAR- Peak Reality Check: What Shippers, Analysts, and AI Models Are Predicting for 2026: https://bit.ly/4aTlsRv

WEBINAR- The Future of Supply Chains: Where Talent Meets Technology: https://bit.ly/4uUuxkc

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/supply-chain-lessons-vacataion-movies-pop-culture-chaos-1602

The content in this video, including all audio, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now. 

For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com © 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.

The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.
For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com
© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Buzz, powered by APL Logistics, Scott Luton is joined by Marty Parker and special guest Thomas Beil, founder and CEO of Perfect Planner, for a timely conversation on supply chain performance, workforce challenges, decision intelligence, and the future of planning.

The conversation explores what leading supply chain organizations have in common, including customer focus, leadership alignment, clear strategy, balanced metrics, and a culture of innovation. Scott, Marty, and Thomas also discuss the growing memory chip crunch, how retailers are using tariff refunds to lower prices, and the rising demand for supply chain talent with AI skills. The discussion then dives into the democratization of expertise, the power of AI to capture institutional knowledge, and why decision intelligence may be the missing layer between data visibility and better execution. Thomas also shares how Perfect Planner is helping manufacturers move beyond spreadsheets and into a more proactive, standardized, and scalable planning process.

Key Takeaways:

The five traits leading supply chain organizations consistently demonstrate

Why technology projects often fail because of leadership and process issues, not the technology itself

How the memory chip shortage is being driven by AI infrastructure demand

Why supply chain talent, AI skills, and workforce design are becoming urgent priorities

How AI can help capture and scale institutional knowledge across organizations

Why decision intelligence is critical for turning fragmented data into clear action

How manufacturers can reduce planning waste and help teams focus on strategic value

What the planning organization of 2031 may look like

Tune in to hear practical insights on where supply chain planning, AI, and workforce strategy are headed next. This episode offers a smart look at how organizations can move beyond visibility, spreadsheets, and reactive decision-making to create more integrated, proactive, and execution-focused supply chains.

Additional Resources and Links: 

Connect with Thomas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-beil-757290ab/

Learn more about Perfect Planner: www.perfectplanner.io

APL Logistics: https://www.apllogistics.com/

With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-14-June-2026

Join us live for Supply Chains to Admire 2026: https://bit.ly/Supply-Chains-to-Admire-2026-LIVE

Marty's Post: https://bit.ly/Marty-StandUp-2026

EasyPost Case Study: https://bit.ly/2M-Saved-and-Fewer-Late-Deliveries

Apple to Raise Prices Due to Memory Chip Crunch, Tim Cook Says: https://on.wsj.com/4vrYWaP

David's Post: https://bit.ly/Logistics-Behind-WC

How Texas Ranchers Are Fighting a Long-Eradicated Cattle Killer: https://on.wsj.com/3SI8xvm

Learn more about APL Logistics: https://www.apllogistics.com/responsibility/apll_fixes_the_gap

A logistics company designed an AI tool inspired by its supply-chain veteran COO. Meet Uncle Phil. https://bit.ly/Uncle-Phil-AI

What Is Supply Chain Decision Intelligence, and Why It Matters Now: https://bit.ly/Decision-Intelligence-LVP

Key Takeaways from SAP Sapphire: https://bit.ly/SAP-Sapphire-2026-Takeaways

Upcoming Live Programming:  https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/

Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about

Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com

Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now

Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join

Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/

WEBINAR- Peak Reality Check: What Shippers, Analysts, and AI Models Are Predicting for 2026: https://bit.ly/4aTlsRv

WEBINAR- The Future of Supply Chains: Where Talent Meets Technology: https://bit.ly/4uUuxkc

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-why-supply-chain-planning-needs-decision-intelligence-upgrade-1601

 

The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.
For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com
© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Most companies aren't struggling with procurement because they're spending too little on technology. They're struggling because they're building intelligence on top of fragmented data, disconnected workflows, and outdated operating models.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Karin Bursa are joined by Mark Schenecker, VP of Manufacturing Industries at Coupa, for a data-driven conversation on the future of direct procurement. Drawing from Coupa's State of Direct Procurement 2026 report, Mark unpacks why procurement leaders are pulling away from the pack and why AI alone isn't the differentiator many organizations think it is. From fragmented data and disconnected workflows to the growing importance of supplier visibility and risk intelligence, the discussion explores what separates companies that react to disruption from those that anticipate it.

Together, they explore why clean, connected data must come before AI, why leading organizations have moved beyond price-only sourcing decisions, and why procurement deserves a strategic seat at the table.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:04) Why procurement is becoming a strategic competitive advantage 

(01:17) Moving away from a 1986 approach to procurement 

(02:41) Meet Mark Schenecker: Three decades of supply chain innovation

(07:13) Behind the State of Direct Procurement 2026 report

(08:01) The critical leap from generative AI to agentic AI 

(09:13) How a digital front door simplifies the employee experience

(13:46) The $16 million cost of operating on fragmented infrastructure 

(17:02) Why sophisticated analytics on messy data just produces more noise 

(21:36) The three-pillar framework: Infrastructure and foundation first 

(26:17) Moving beyond unit price to build supply chain resiliency 

(28:25) Shifting from passive reporting to active decision intelligence 

(30:09) Closing the procurement influence deficit at the executive table 

(35:08) Breaking down the hidden silos between direct and indirect spend 

(39:36) Real-world outcomes from Albemarle, Glencore, and ADM 

(48:20) Key takeaways, maturity assessments, and closing thoughts

Additional Links & Resources:

Connect with Mark Schenecker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schenecker/

Learn more about Coupa Software: https://www.coupa.com/

Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about

Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com

Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now

Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join

Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/

WEBINAR- AI that moves at velocity: Cut through latency with agentic workflows: https://bit.ly/4x4626t

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/infrastructure-gap-direct-procurement-at-breaking-point-1600

The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.
For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com
© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.