This webinar series, “Adapting Supply Chains Webinar Series”, discusses the state of the global supply chain, the economy, the latest business process and technology advancements, and the impacts on the economy, the Inland Southern CA and manufacturers and distributors.
July 14, 2025 – 12:00 pm pacific
Talents & Careers in the Supply Chain
Speaker: Porter
In this Adapting Supply Chains 2025 Webinar, Dave Porter, a supply chain executive and recruiter, will talk about talent in the supply chain. There are estimated to be over 2 million jobs that could go unfilled in supply chain in the next several years, yet jobs are evolving at a rapid pace. Artificial intelligence is changing the landscape, autonomous vehicles have the potential to dramatically shift talent in the supply chain, and advanced technologies are changing and evolving daily. Tariffs have thrown a wrench into the mix. Join David to learn about how the talent landscape is evolving, what employers expect, how technologies are impacting the market, and his forecasts and predictions for the future of talent in the supply chain. In addition, join us to hear David’s thoughts about the future of supply chain and how it relates to talent.
About the Speaker
Dave has over 30 years of leadership experience in the logistics/supply chain industry. Dave is a partner/founder of Orion Solutions Group, an executive placement/consulting firm heading up their national logistics practice. Previously, Dave served as President of Hub Group Los Angeles and Hub Group San Francisco, held numerous sales leadership roles on a regional and national basis, and served as EVP of Supply Chain Solutions (3PL and Truck Brokerage), among other roles for Hub Group. Most recently, Dave served as CEO for approximately 5 years at Rail Delivery Services, an award-winning drayage, trucking/dedicated, and consolidation 3pl in Fontana. Dave earned his BA from Western Michigan University and MBA from the University of Redlands. Dave was recently an adjunct professor and currently serves on the California State University Fullerton School of Operations and Supply Chain Management Advisory Board and is a member of numerous industry associations.
August 4, 2025 – 12:00 pm pacific
Logistics, Warehousing & Free Trade Zones
Speaker: Dr. E. F. Knab
In this Adapting Supply Chains 2025 Webinar, Dr. Edward Knab, a supply chain and logistics expert, will discuss the value of foreign trade zones, how they work and whether they could mitigate the impact of tariffs. In addition, Ed will provide his perspective on the latest situation in the global logistics arena. Given the volatility occurring in global trade, its impacts on the ports and related logistics systems, and the increasing relevance of end-to-end supply chains in executive suite discussions, this timely topic will provide ideas, insights, and strategies for supply chain success. Join Ed to stay ahead of the competition in creating supply chain resiliency.
About the Speaker
With over 35 years of comprehensive global experience in supply chain management, operations, and logistics, Dr. Knab has established a notable career dedicated to driving productivity and efficiency in global manufacturing environments. Currently serving as the President of Productivity Constructs, Inc., specializing in distribution center design and productivity consulting, Dr. Knab has a proven track record of implementing innovative strategies that enhance customer service and reduce operational costs.
Dr. Knab became acquainted with Global Trade early in his career as an owner of Warehouse Logic, which purchased a 1.7m/sq. ft. warehouse in Michigan. His warehouse space was designated as a Foreign Trade Zone and it quickly filled up with high tariff products in the Footwear, Automotive, Hardware and Industrial Automation industries. His customers benefited from customs duty deferral & reduction, inventory management efficiency, and competitive pricing and expansion capabilities.
He has a strong global perspective, having established international manufacturing capacities in over 400 factories across ten countries in the Pacific Rim. His expertise in automating processes has been showcased through the successful installation of advanced automation systems in high-tech environments, such as ‘Siemens’ semiconductor plant in Leipzig, Germany. In addition to his technical skills, Dr. Knab has demonstrated remarkable leadership capabilities by managing multiple manufacturing facilities in both the United States and Asia, and he has initiated supplier programs and quality programs fostering collaborative relationships with top suppliers.
Dr. Knab is passionate about leveraging technology and innovation to optimize supply chain performance, and his insights and extensive experience in Foreign Trade continue to shape the future of operations design in the global marketplace.
Past Webinars
Past webinars will be posted here after the webinar dates.
June 13, 2025 – 12:00 pm pacific
Transportation Market Update
Speaker: Jeff Leppert
Supply chains are evolving at a rapid pace in today’s global marketplace. Disruptions have been commonplace, and significant risks have been exposed in the end-to-end supply chain. In response to changing business conditions such as the rise of e-commerce, changes in the economy, impacts of tariffs, heightened security risks, labor negotiations, and key chokepoints (Suez Canal, Panama Canal, the South China Seas), executives are reevaluating and redesigning supply chains, directly impacting the goods movement and transportation sectors. Our expert speaker will present an update on the transportation market and provide trends and forecasts. Participants will walk away with insights and ideas for navigating the current market successfully.
About the Speaker
With over 25 years of supply chain experience, Jeff Leppert leads multimodal strategy and operations as Executive Vice President of Modal Operations at Redwood Logistics. He develops commercial strategies and execution, creating value and driving efficiency for customers.
Recording coming soon.
Recorded March 3, 2025
Adapting Supply Chains 2025 Webinar: Reshoring from China to LA – A PPE Case Study
In this Adapting Supply Chains 2025 webinar, Eric Rose, founder of Pinnacle Product Innovation, Inc., shares a real-world case study on reshoring PPE product components from China to Los Angeles before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Learn about the decision-making process, challenges, and key takeaways that helped a U.S. manufacturer successfully bring production back home. Whether you’re a manufacturer, distributor or supply chain professional, this session provides actionable insights to navigate reshoring strategies effectively.
#SupplyChain #Reshoring #Manufacturing #ASCMInlandEmpire #WebinarSeries
About the Speaker
Eric’s company, Pinnacle Product Innovation, Inc., provides distributors and manufacturers with the expertise to move new products from opportunity, through development, and into market reality. Services offered include Market Research, Product Development, Contract Manufacturing Sourcing, R&D Project Management, and Product Innovation Business Process Improvements. Eric has worked in the Consumer, Medical, and Industrial product markets with companies including Baxter Healthcare, Sunrise Medical, and Mattel. Eric’s background includes,
- BS Product Design, MBA, and 35+ years’ experience in new product development and commercialization with manufacturing and distribution companies ranging from startups through Fortune 500 firms.
- Named inventor on 50+ patents granted worldwide.
- Certified New Product Development Professional (NPDP) from the Product Development and Management Association (www.pdma.org).
- Product Innovation educator since 2009. Employed positions with Pepperdine, Loyola Marymount, CSUN, and Rice University. Guest Lecturer, USC Technology Commercialization course.
- Product Design & Manufacturing Expert Witness in Product Liability, Commercial Dispute, and Patent Infringement litigation.
Recorded April 7, 2025
Rebuild American Manufacturing and Domestic Supply Chains
In this Adapting Supply Chains 2025 Webinar, Michele Nash-Hoff, author of Rebuild Manufacturing – The Key to American Prosperity, shares critical insights on the reshoring movement, rebuilding domestic supply chains and strengthening American manufacturing.
Learn what’s driving the resurgence of U.S. manufacturing, what challenges remain and the steps businesses can take to secure their supply chains for the future.
Whether you’re in manufacturing, supply chain management or logistics, this session offers valuable strategies and perspectives for navigating today’s evolving global landscape.
About the Speaker
Michele is founder and president of ElectroFab Sales, a sales agency specializing in helping manufacturers select the right processes for their products since 1985. She earned a certificate in Total Quality Management and a Yellow Belt in Lean Six Sigma. She is on the board of the San Diego Inventors Forum and the North County Hispanic Chamber, on the Advisory Board of the American R&D Institute, and an advisor to the San Diego chapter of SME.
Michele is the author of Rebuild Manufacturing – the key to American Prosperity which is a sequel to Can American Manufacturing Be Saved? Why We Should and How We Can, available at www.amazon.com. She writes blog articles for www.americanjobsalliance.com.
Recorded May 5, 2025
Leveraging AI in Manufacturing & Supply Chains
The world is buzzing about the potential opportunities with artificial intelligence (AI). The question on the mind of manufacturing and distribution leaders is, “How can we practically use AI to deliver results?” During this interactive presentation, Bruce will talk about AI, what it is used for, and how that relates to manufacturing and supply chain. He will talk through examples and use cases of AI in supply chain and answer our questions about the opportunities and challenges with AI.
About the Speaker
As a Fractional CTO and Efficiency Expert, Bruce Hoffman specializes in helping small and medium-sized business (SMB) leaders navigate the complexities of modern technology. With over 20 years of experience, he has consistently optimized AI and technology strategies to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and boost profitability. His passion lies in transforming businesses by aligning technological solutions with strategic goals, ensuring that every initiative runs smoothly and contributes to the bottom line.
With Optimize Pros, Bruce’s primary focus is leveraging AI to create tailored solutions that make companies more efficient and effective. From process automation to strategic IT leadership, he brings a deep understanding of how to integrate technology seamlessly into business operations. His hands-on and strategic approach ensures that every decision is data-driven and results-oriented, and Bruce believes in the power of collaboration and works closely with executive teams to drive lasting change.