Jason Yantiss
Title: Vice President of Client Services
Years with OSG: 15+
Years in Supply Chain: 30+

Ask the Expert

What does your day-to-day look like?

My day-to-day is dynamic and varies, offering new opportunities to support both my clients and team. I provide guidance and address obstacles as they arise, backed by a highly skilled and dedicated team. Their expertise simplifies my role, and I deeply appreciate their commitment and contribution every day.

How did you get started in supply chain?

My career in supply chain management began right after high school at a large Kroger distribution center, where I started by picking cases in the ice cream freezer. Through dedication and hard work, I advanced from a dock supervisor to an operations manager. I focused intensely on learning our Warehouse Management System (WMS), eventually becoming a super user. Along the way, I taught myself SQL, integration, and VB, which enabled me to lead WMS implementations. Since then, I have remained deeply committed to the industry, continuously expanding my expertise and contributing to the field.

How does supply chain impact a company’s broader strategy?

The supply chain is not just a logistical function but, a critical component of a company’s strategic framework. By optimizing supply chain operations, companies can enhance their competitiveness, improve customer satisfaction, manage risks effectively, and achieve sustainable growth. There enhancements can lead to:

• Operational Efficiency: A well-managed supply chain streamlines processes, reduces lead times, and minimizes costs associated with inventory management and transportation.
• Customer Service and Satisfaction: An optimized supply chain ensures timely delivery of goods and services, boosting customer satisfaction and retention. This is crucial in maintaining a competitive edge and building a loyal customer base.
• Risk Management: Effective supply chain management includes risk assessment and mitigation strategies, such as diversifying suppliers or creating contingency plans for disruptions (such as natural disasters or geopolitical events). This proactive approach helps minimize risks and ensures business continuity.
• Financial Performance: Efficient supply chain management positively impacts financial metrics like profitability and cash flow. By optimizing inventory levels, negotiating favorable terms with suppliers, and reducing logistics costs, companies can improve their financial performances.
• Strategic Alignment: Aligning supply chain strategies with overall business goals ensures resources are allocated effectively and efficiently. This alignment enables the company to pursue growth opportunities, enter new markets, and expand product offerings confidently.

What do you view as the biggest challenge in the current supply chain environment and how can it be solved?

In the current supply chain environment, one of the biggest challenges is achieving resilience and adaptability in the face of disruptions.  

It’s crucial to enhance resilience through several key strategies.  

• Diversifying suppliers geographically and strategically reduces dependency risks on single sources.  

• Adopting advanced technologies such as IoT, AI, and blockchain enhances supply chain visibility and enables real-time data analytics for proactive decision-making.  

• Strengthening collaboration with suppliers and stakeholders fosters better coordination and responsiveness.  

• Investing in robust risk management frameworks with scenario planning and contingency plans prepares for unforeseen events.  

• Building agile supply chain processes allows quick adaptation to disruptions.  

• Developing talent in digitalization, data analytics, and crisis management empowers teams to effectively manage challenges. These combined efforts will bolster supply chain resilience, ensuring operational continuity and meeting customer expectations amidst dynamic market conditions.

What philosophy do you follow while working with customers?

My philosophy differs for each but essentially revolves around three core principles: understanding, partnership, and results.  

• I prioritize deeply understanding each customer’s unique challenges, goals, and operational nuances. This allows me to tailor solutions that are not only effective but also aligned with their specific needs. 

• I believe in building strong partnerships based on trust, transparency, and collaboration. By fostering open communication and mutual respect, we can navigate complexities together and achieve shared objectives. 

• I emphasize delivering tangible results that drive measurable value and contribute to the customer’s success. Whether it’s improving efficiency, reducing costs, or enhancing customer satisfaction, I strive to consistently deliver outcomes that exceed expectations and establish long-term relationships built on mutual success and satisfaction.

What advice would you give to someone looking to enter the supply chain industry?

Understand the industry. Educate yourself about the fundamentals of supply chain management, including logistics, procurement, inventory management, and distribution. Stay updated on industry trends, technologies, and best practices. Gain practical experience, build a network of relationships, stay agile, demonstrate value and continue learning.

What is a fun fact about yourself that your clients may not know?

I run a nonprofit group focused on local youth, providing basic essentials where needed, providing funds for Christmas, meals through the summer and during holidays, and clothes & shoes where needed. I’m also currently serving my third term on my local school board. I’ve served as President, Vice President, and Secretary. This is my 10th year and I plan to remain on the board until my children graduate. Most uniquely, I run a pyrotechnics company designing and executing elaborate pyrotechnic displays for big cities.