Hammer Down – Details, episodes & analysis

After four years of supply chain disruptions triggered by COVID-19, natural disasters and geopolitical tensions, businesses are finally returning their focus to supply chain cost management. Sourcifi, a company specializing in cost savings, is at the forefront of this shift.

But how can companies leverage strategic relationships and cost-saving technologies to thrive in today's supply chain landscape?

Welcome to Hammer Down, the podcast for industry professionals looking to optimize their business operations. Hosted by Mike Bush, today’s episode delves into supply chain cost management with Tim Perkins, the CEO of Sourcifi. Together, they explore how Perkins’ company helps organizations slash costs across equipment, fuel, and distribution through well-vetted partnerships and a relationship-first approach.

Main Points of Conversation:

- How Sourcifi helps businesses save on operational costs, from equipment to fuel and parking, by connecting them with vetted providers.

- The importance of maintaining relationships and transparency in business dealings, especially when scaling a company.

- Tim Perkins' insights on the future of technology, AI, and relationships in the supply chain industry.

Tim Perkins is a seasoned supply chain executive with expertise in sourcing, fleet procurement, and 3PL services. As CEO of Sourcifi, he leverages his extensive network of industry connections to deliver cost-saving solutions in areas like transportation, warehousing, and robotics. His career highlights include scaling a transportation startup to nearly $100M in revenue and successfully managing multimillion-dollar procurement projects.

The global supply chain is once again at a crossroads, with shifting trade policies, geopolitical tensions, and economic fluctuations shaping the way goods move across the world. The looming threat of new trade tariffs on imports from Asia, combined with fluctuating shipping rates, is creating a challenging landscape for logistics professionals. With businesses re-evaluating their sourcing strategies, the “China Plus One” approach is gaining traction as companies seek to mitigate risks.

How should shippers navigate this evolving market amid potential new trade tariffs? What strategies can businesses adopt to ensure supply chain resilience?

Welcome to Hammer Down. In the latest episode, host Mike Bush speaks with Craig Shapiro of Dimerco, a global logistics firm with deep roots in Asia. They discuss the evolving role of freight forwarders, the impact of potential tariffs, and how companies can adapt to a changing trade environment.

Key takeaways from the episode:

The China Plus One Strategy: Companies are diversifying their supply chains beyond China to reduce risk, a move that started years ago but has been accelerated by trade uncertainties.

Tariff Anxiety and Business Impact: While new tariffs are a major concern, businesses may actually find themselves in a more stable position than during the peak supply chain crises of 2020-21.

Advice for Aspiring Logistics Professionals: Understanding the real-world mechanics of logistics—beyond industry jargon—is crucial. Engaging with professionals on the ground and staying informed about global trade developments is key.

Craig Shapiro is a seasoned logistics expert at Dimerco, a company that has been at the forefront of global freight forwarding since 1971. With a passion for international trade and a deep understanding of supply chain mechanics, Shapiro helps businesses navigate complex global shipping challenges. His expertise spans freight forwarding, supply chain strategy, and international trade policies.

Transportation is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gases generated by energy use globally, with over one billion oil-powered vehicles contributing to the challenge of achieving climate goals. That said, the transition to clean transportation is accelerating, and nowhere is that more evident than in the commercial fleet sector. As regulatory pressure shifts toward sustainability goals, companies are navigating a complex landscape of alternative fuels, zero-emission vehicles, and infrastructure challenges. With more than 460 exhibitors and a full-scale takeover of the Anaheim Convention Center, the upcoming Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo promises to be the largest and most impactful yet.

With fleets exploring electric, hydrogen, and renewable natural gas options, one key question looms: What strategies are truly working in the shift to clean trucking?

Welcome to Hammer Down. In this episode, host Mike Bush sits down with Lawren Markle, the Director of Media Relations at the Clean Transportation Solutions Team at TRC, which hosts the ACT Expo. The duo dives into what’s ahead for ACT Expo 2025, the real-world successes and challenges of fleet electrification, and how businesses can cut through the noise to build an effective clean transportation strategy.

Key takeaways from the conversation…

Fleet Case Studies & Technology Deep Dives: ACT Expo 2025, to be held from April 28-30, will feature peer-to-peer learning opportunities, showcasing real-world implementations of electric, hydrogen, and natural gas-powered fleets.

Economic & Operational Realities: While sustainability is a key driver, fleets are now focused on the financial and operational feasibility of clean technology investments.

Infrastructure & Fueling Challenges: From grid capacity issues to hydrogen fueling logistics, the discussion explores the hurdles fleets must overcome to scale clean transportation solutions.

Lawren Markle is a media relations and communications expert specializing in clean transportation, renewable energy, and emerging vehicle technologies. As the Director of Media Relations at TRC’s Clean Transportation Solutions Team, he connects reporters with key stories on zero-emission commercial fleets, industry regulations, and sustainability trends. With previous leadership roles at LAEDC, Caltech, and Tech Image, he has a strong track record in strategic PR, content development, and thought leadership for the high-tech and environmental sectors.

The supply chain industry is becoming an increasingly vital field, especially after the global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As the industry continues to grow, new talent is key to meeting the evolving logistics, planning, and operations challenges. Recent trends, such as the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics, are reshaping the landscape, making this a dynamic time for newcomers to enter and make an impact.

As the demand for supply chain professionals soars, what advice and experiences can guide those just starting out in the field?

This episode of Hammer Down, hosted by Mike Bush, explores the fresh perspective of Baden Schrab, a junior studying Operations and Supply Chain Management at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. In an industry where many professionals "fall into" their careers, Schrab offers insights into his purposeful decision to enter the supply chain field and how he envisions shaping his future. Bush and Schrab dive into career advice for newcomers, how COVID-19 influenced career choices, and what excites Schaub most about the industry’s rapid growth.

Key Discussion Points:

• How legacy family influence and international experiences guided Baden Schrab into supply chain management.

• The impact of COVID-19 on Schrab's decision to pursue a career in supply chain, as well as his desire to tackle industry challenges head-on.

• Schrab’s thoughts on AI, technology trends, and how he uses tools like ChatGPT in both his academic and daily life.

Baden Schrab is currently a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, pursuing a degree in Operations and Supply Chain Management. With a family background in the industry, Schrab has participated in various educational experiences, including an international exchange program in Germany. His exposure to global supply chain roles and his father's work as an Associate Director at ProMEGA have inspired him to seek a career in planning within the sector.

The supply chain and logistics world is rapidly evolving, especially within niche sectors like produce transportation. The cold chain market is projected to grow from $233.8 billion in 2023 to $340.3 billion by 2028, highlighting the increasing demand for temperature-sensitive goods and the need for efficient logistics solutions. Professionals in this field face unique challenges in maintaining product quality, particularly when handling perishable items like berries and bananas.

What does it take to master the logistics of perishable goods? And how do industry veterans tackle these challenges while maintaining efficiency?

On the latest episode of Hammer Down, host Mike Bush engages with Mike Diamond, Senior Transportation Manager at Sunrise Logistics. The conversation sheds light on the complexities of produce logistics, from managing temperature controls to the importance of fostering strong industry relationships.

Key Points from the Episode:

• Challenges in Temperature-Sensitive Freight: Diamond shares insights into the intricacies of transporting delicate produce like blueberries, focusing on the exact temperatures needed to preserve quality during transit.

• Problem-Solving in Supply Chain Management: With extensive experience across multiple roles, Diamond emphasizes the importance of adapting quickly and solving day-to-day challenges in a fast-moving logistics environment.

• The Power of Networking: Known for his wide-reaching network, Diamond discusses how building strong, organic relationships has been key to his success in the industry.

Mike Diamond is an experienced logistics professional who transitioned from a military finance background into the supply chain industry. Starting at Swift Transportation, Mike quickly mastered the complexities of planning and brokerage operations, gaining valuable insights into the fast-paced logistics environment. Currently, as Senior Transportation Manager at Sunrise Logistics, he manages the intricate logistics of produce shipping, where temperature control and timely deliveries are crucial. Known for his problem-solving skills and vast professional network, Mike has built a strong reputation as a leader in the logistics industry.

Ava Barnes, Alvys VP of Marketing, shares the company modernizing the trucking industry to reduce inefficiencies and carbon footprints.

As global supply chains continue to evolve in response to new challenges, the need for innovation and adaptability has never been more critical. In Part 1 of this discussion, Abe Eshkenazi, CEO of the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), joined Hammer Down host Mike Bush to preview the themes of the upcoming ASCM conference. Eshkenazi outlined the importance of staying ahead of industry trends, discussing the potential impact of new technologies and the evolving role of supply chain professionals.

But what insights did industry leaders share at the conference itself?

In Part 2 of this special Hammer Down episode, we dive deeper into the action, as Mike Bush takes us on-site at the ASCM conference to explore live discussions and trends shaping the future of supply chains.

Key Points:

• Supply Chain Resilience: Building on themes from Part 1, speakers emphasized the critical role of resilience and innovation to withstand future disruptions.

• AI-Driven Solutions: The discussion focused on AI and machine learning technologies like those from Kinaxis, which are helping companies improve visibility and decision-making in real-time.

• Education and Inclusivity: Speakers stressed the need for educational outreach and collaboration, especially with non-supply chain professionals, to broaden perspectives and foster innovation.

The ASCM conference emphasized that the future of global supply chains is one of complexity and unpredictability. However, by embracing innovation—whether through AI-driven platforms, real-time data, or collaborative education—companies can turn these challenges into opportunities. As the stakes for supply chain resilience grow, those who adopt these forward-thinking solutions will find themselves better positioned to thrive in the years ahead.

Abe Eshkenazi, key organizer for the ASCM conference, discusses the current state and future of supply chains.

Morgan MacDermaid, Senior Recruiter at Journey, discusses recruitment, training, and consulting in the transportation and logistics industry.

The global shipping industry, a lifeline of international trade, has long been characterized by complexity and fragmentation. This disjointed structure, where goods pass through countless hands, was brought into sharp focus during the COVID-19 pandemic, exposing the fragile nature of global supply chains. This raises the question: How can the chaos in shipping be effectively managed?

This episode of Hammer Down, hosted by Mike Bush, explores this issue with Binai Thoppil, Co-Founder and COO of ODeX. The discussion centers on how ODeX is revolutionizing the shipping industry by providing a platform that connects all the stakeholders involved—from ocean carriers to port terminals—making the flow of goods more transparent and efficient.

Key Discussion Points:

- The role of ODeX in consolidating communication between multiple stakeholders in the shipping industry.

- Challenges faced by ocean carriers and how ODeX is addressing these through enhanced visibility and streamlined invoicing.

- The environmental and operational benefits of reducing logistical inefficiencies.

Binai Thoppil is the Co-Founder and COO of ODeX, a platform that is transforming the shipping industry by bridging communication gaps between various stakeholders. His insights into the industry's challenges and his company’s mission to streamline communication offer a fresh perspective on how technology can revolutionize traditional sectors.