Kev Talks - REAL World Global Logistics

From the Bridge to the Boardroom: Leadership, Transformation, and the Future of AI in Supply Chain

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 to navigating both ships and organizations. He shares unforgettable stories from his time at sea—including a dramatic encounter in Colombia that earned him the nickname “50 Bucks”—offering a raw and personal look at how those early experiences built resilience and perspective. The conversation shifts to his leadership tenure at Hyundai Merchant Marine America, where David stepped into the CEO role during one of the most turbulent periods in ocean shipping. He reflects on guiding the organization through financial uncertainty, emphasizing the power of transparency, communication, and trust in maintaining both customer confidence and team alignment under pressure. Drawing on roles across Sea-Land, DCLI, GSC Logistics, and beyond, David breaks down what real supply chain transformation looks like today. His message is clear: transformation is no longer a one-time initiative—it’s a continuous process. Success now depends on agility, speed of decision-making, and the ability to act on disruptions before competitors do. A major focus of the episode is the rise of artificial intelligence in supply chain. In his current role at Avathon, David explains how AI is fundamentally changing the game—not just by providing visibility, but by turning data into actionable intelligence. From predictive maintenance to fully integrated supply chain decision-making, he outlines how companies can move from reactive to proactive, and ultimately toward semi-autonomous operations. He also challenges leaders to rethink their approach to AI, stressing that the real value lies not in the technology itself, but in clearly defining the problems they want to solve. Companies that hesitate risk falling behind, while those who start small and scale quickly will gain a meaningful competitive edge. The episode closes with a look at what continues to drive David after more than 40 years in the industry. From mentoring the next generation to staying at the forefront of innovation, his passion remains rooted in pushing the industry forward. And on a personal note, listeners get a glimpse of his life outside logistics—including a 50-year love of playing the drums and a family legacy that continues to inspire him. Key Takeaway: The future of supply chain can be summed up in one word: integrated. The ability to leverage AI across all of your connected data will lead the transition towards autonomous supply chains.

From Gigafactories to Warehouses: The High-Stakes Future of Industrial Logistics

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 advanced manufacturing facilities. His work focuses on turning highly technical operational needs into practical, cost-controlled construction solutions from concept through completion. The discussion centers on a key theme: supply chain performance is largely determined during site selection and facility design, not operations. They explore how utility timing, infrastructure readiness, labor availability, and transportation access often become the biggest constraints in large-scale industrial projects. Steven also breaks down why EV and semiconductor builds are fundamentally different, driven by evolving technology, tighter timelines, and higher risk around cost and scheduling. A consistent takeaway is the importance of early alignment between owners, contractors, engineers, and logistics teams. The earlier the right voices are in the room, the fewer costly surprises show up later. Bottom line: modern logistics success starts at the blueprint, not the warehouse.

From Port Operator to CEO: Supply Chain Volatility, AI, and Winning Market Share

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 3PL side, and ultimately returning to lead the organization. That outside experience shaped his leadership approach, reinforcing the importance of adaptability, customer focus, and real-world problem solving—especially during challenging market cycles. The discussion dives into current industry conditions, where short-term volatility continues to pressure volumes, even as long-term fundamentals, particularly in the Southeast, remain strong. Micah offers a clear-eyed view: success today requires balancing immediate, tactical growth initiatives with long-term infrastructure advantages already in place. With major investments like deepened channels and expanded terminals complete, the focus has shifted toward capturing market share and delivering measurable value to shippers. A central theme throughout the episode is customer-centricity. Micah emphasizes that ports don’t win business based on infrastructure alone, but through proactive partnership, listening closely to customers, understanding their evolving challenges, and delivering tailored solutions. Whether it’s inland ports, chassis programs, or cost-focused strategies, the message is simple: the best ideas often come from truly listening. The conversation also explores key industry topics, including: 1. The role of inland ports in creating “stickier” supply chains and improving reliability 2. How companies should approach AI and technology investments with clear problem-definition first 3. Why human relationships still matter in a tech-driven world 4. The realities of automation in ports, balancing efficiency, safety, and workforce concerns On leadership, Micah offers a grounded perspective: this industry isn’t for those waiting on stability. The constant disruption is the job. The leaders who thrive are the ones motivated by solving problems, not avoiding them. The episode closes on a lighter note with a few Charleston dining recommendations, but the core takeaway is clear: in global logistics, resilience, curiosity, and a relentless focus on people, employees and customers alike, are what ultimately drive success.

Flexible Storage, Real-World Leadership, and Solving Supply Chain Chaos

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 across North America, the company has become a go-to solution for businesses facing short-term capacity challenges without committing to long-term warehouse leases. The conversation also explores current market conditions, including early signs of recovery in freight, the impact of tariffs and nearshoring, and why mobile storage can act as a leading indicator of economic activity. Beyond the business, John dives into his leadership approach, empowering local teams, building a culture of ownership, and scaling through trust and simplicity. A practical, real-world discussion on flexibility, leadership, and solving problems when the supply chain doesn’t go as planned. www.warehouseonwheels.com [http://www.warehouseonwheels.com] or jbrooks@wowtrailers.com [jbrooks@wowtrailers.com]

Freight Moved, Money Missing: Inside the World of Freight Collections and Recovery

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 extend beyond brokers to shippers and consignees, and why strong paperwork like bills of lading and proof of delivery is critical in any dispute. The conversation also highlights rising fraud risks in the industry, the growing role of factoring companies in protecting cash flow, and how technology and AI are changing invoice processing, sometimes for better and sometimes creating new challenges. The episode closes with practical guidance: don’t wait too long on aging receivables, verify documentation early, and treat cash flow protection as a core part of operations, not an afterthought.