In this episode, Donna and Tom sit down with Marty Duff, SVP of Supply Chain & Operations at YETI, to explore the complexities of managing a global supply chain for one of the world's most iconic premium brands. Marty shares insights into YETI's product-driven approach, emphasizing innovation across their food and beverage, gear and equipment, and soft goods categories. He discusses strategies for building resilient supply chains through geographic diversification, maintaining three key sourcing markets to mitigate risks like tariffs and global disruptions. Marty delves into essential leadership skills, particularly curiosity, and how empowering teams to make data-driven decisions drives organizational success. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on navigating industry transitions across technology, CPG, and retail, and learn how to build high-performing teams in volatile markets. This conversation offers a masterclass in balancing operational excellence with the unique demands of a premium consumer brand.

Takeaways:

• Building resilient supply chains through geographic diversification
• Leading product-driven innovation at YETI
• Empowering teams for data-driven decision-making
• Leadership lessons across diverse industries

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 Bio:

Marty Duff has been with YETI since November 2022 as SVP Supply Chain & Operations, overseeing all global sourcing, planning, quality, logistics, fulfillment and inventory controls and continuous improvement initiatives for the Company. Before joining YETI, Mr. Duff spent 11 years at VF Corporation in several supply chain leadership roles, most recently as the Vice President, Supply Chain – America's Region, where he led all supply chain and operations planning and logistics for brands including The North Face, Vans, Timberland, and Dickies across the US, Canada, Mexico and distributor markets. Prior to his time at VF Corporation, Marty spent nine years at Johnson & Johnson in a number of operational leadership positions for brands like Neutrogena, Aveeno, Johnson's Baby. He holds a B.S. in Marketing and International Business and an MS, Business Administration, from Penn State University.

In this episode, Donna and Tom sit down with Andy Mowery to explore his distinguished 34-year career journey through Johnson & Johnson and The Clorox Company. Andy shares insights on leading global supply chain operations, driving operational excellence, and building resilient organizations in today's volatile market. He discusses the strategic role of technology in advancing supply chain capabilities, offering practical advice for companies without extensive resources. Andy reflects on fostering collaboration and innovation both internally and externally, and shares how his consulting experience prepared him for executive leadership. Now an adjunct instructor at Penn State's Smeal College of Business, Andy offers wisdom for the next generation of supply chain professionals navigating their career paths.

Takeaways:

• Leading and scaling global supply chain operations across healthcare and CPG industries
• Leveraging technology to build agile and resilient supply chains
• Fostering collaboration and innovation with limited resources
• Career guidance for aspiring supply chain leaders

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 Bio:

Andy Mowery is a seasoned supply chain professional with a 34-year industry career, predominantly with Johnson & Johnson and The Clorox Company. In his time at The Clorox Company he led Global Strategic Sourcing, Supply Chain Strategy, Global Operations and he concluded his career as the Senior Vice President and Chief Product Supply Officer, retiring in December 2020. In addition to his supply chain and Executive Committee responsibilities he was the Executive Sponsor for the Veterans ERG, and a member of the Compliance and Ethics, Enterprise Risk Management, and Employee Benefits Steering Committees.

After retiring from industry, he has remained actively engaged in entrepreneurial ventures as a Board Member and Advisor to Oii.ai and as an advisor for the Happy Valley Launchbox. Andy is also an adjunct instructor at The Smeal College of Business where he shares his experiences and passion for supply chain with Penn State students.

Andy is a third-generation Penn State alumnus and holds a Bachelor of Science in Quantitative Business Analysis and a Master of Business Administration from Villanova University.

In this episode, Donna and Tom sit down with Eric Peters, President and CEO of Procurant, to explore his journey from consulting to entrepreneurship and his vision for transforming agriculture supply chains through technology. Eric shares how his early career at Accenture prepared him for leadership, the evolution of technology as an enabler in supply chain management, and the unique challenges of the agriculture sector that demand agility and resilience. He discusses Procurant's mission to improve agriculture supply chains globally, offers insights on where students are most and least prepared for the workforce, and provides valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating their own journeys.

Takeaways:

• Transitioning from consulting to CEO and co-founder
• Technology's role in enabling modern supply chains
• The unique dynamics and challenges of agriculture supply chains
• Entrepreneurial advice and career wisdom

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 Bio:

Eric Peters, President and CEO of Procurant, brings extensive experience and vision in supply chain technology to a series of successful software companies he has founded and led. He has been featured and quoted in hundreds of articles on supply chain, retail and the food industry, and is a contributing author to 5 books.

Peters was previously CEO of SensorThink, the first digital platform built to support the digital warehouse, and Foodlink, acquired by Roper Technologies in 2014. Foodlink, the leading network for fresh food and a pioneer in perishables supply chain solutions, was twice named to the JMP Securities Hot 100 Private Software Companies list.

Prior to joining Foodlink Peters co-founded TrueDemand Software, one of the first IoT technology companies to use predictive analytics to help the largest retailers in the world reduce lost sales due to out-of-stock inventory at the shelf. He continued to lead TrueDemand following its acquisition by Acosta Sales & Marketing.

Peters has also served as EVP of Strategy and Business Development at Manhattan Associates and Senior Executive in Accenture's Global Supply Chain Strategy Practice. He speaks regularly at industry events around the world and serves as a board advisor to a number of startup companies.