Intro

In this special National Supply Chain Day episode, hosts Scott Luton and Mary Kate Love sit down with supply chain leaders Rahmel Wattley, Vic D’Arcy, and Dr. Stephanie Thomas to discuss the vital roles of transportation, reverse logistics, and talent development in today’s supply chain landscape. Rahmel, founder of Truck N’ Hustle, shares insights into the critical role of transportation professionals and how small carriers serve as the backbone of the global economy. He emphasizes the importance of representing these unsung heroes in the industry every day.

Vic D’Arcy, a circular economy strategist, dives into the world of reverse logistics, highlighting the complexities of returns management, refurbishment, and sustainability. She explains how reverse logistics can unlock hidden value in products, from repair to recycling, and its growing significance in the circular economy.

Dr. Stephanie Thomas, a professor at the University of Arkansas, discusses the increasing interest in supply chain careers among students and how universities are preparing the next generation of professionals. She also sheds light on the importance of mentorship and the evolving supply chain industry, where talent development is just as crucial as technical innovation.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(03:00) Rahmel Wattley’s take on the role of small carriers in the supply chain

(08:00) The backbone of global trade: Transportation and logistics

(15:00) Vic D’Arcy explains reverse logistics and the circular economy

(22:00) The value of reverse logistics in sustainability

(30:00) Dr. Stephanie Thomas on mentorship and developing future supply chain talent

(35:00) Why supply chain careers are gaining attention among students

(40:00) How supply chain innovation and education intersect for future success

(45:00) Celebrating the heroes behind global supply chains

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Rahmel Wattley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahmel-wattley-64004a171/
• Check out Truck N’ Hustle: https://www.trucknhustle.com/
• Connect with Vic D’Arcy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-d-arcy-aa84b51/
• Check out All Things Circular: https://allthingscircular.com/
• Learn more about Dr. Stephanie Thomas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniethomasuark
• Check out WISE: Women Impacting Supply Chain Excellence:
• https://walton.uark.edu/departments/supplychain/wise.php
• Watch a previous episode with Dr. Stephanie Thomas: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7MjUmplk3VsdP5MMbhL9iS
• 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://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
• WEBINAR- Plug the Leaks: Where You’re Losing Money in Shipping (and How to Fix It): https://bit.ly/42iFW0Z
• WEBINAR- Altium 365: Integrated Supply Chain Management Across the Product: https://bit.ly/4bWSLma
• WEBINAR- Cleared for Takeoff: Workforce Development in the Aviation Industry: https://bit.ly/42X4dey
• WEBINAR- Supply Chain Orchestration with SAP: https://bit.ly/4jFJn9q

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Mary Kate Love and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/celebrating-national-supply-chain-day-2025-1429