Jeremy
Title: VP, Client Services
Years with OSG: 9
Years in Supply Chain: 18
Ask the Expert
What does your day-to-day look like?
Most of my days consist of overseeing ongoing service projects to ensure budgets, timelines, and deliverables are aligned. I work directly with client executive sponsors to align OSG work with our client business strategies and growth. Additionally, I work with our partners to grow our team and expand services to optimize supply chains.
How did you get started in supply chain?
I started my journey in supply chain by accidentally applying for a temp agency job at the age of 19. I was offered a position distributing cups out of a temporary storage trailer at the State Fair of Texas. After the fair, I went back to the warehouse and worked in the inventory control department, learned how to drive a forklift, and began to climb the ladder of leadership within the warehouse. Then, I joined the WMS implementation team for the same company and became a WMS expert through multiple implementations, leading me to where I am today.
How does supply chain impact a company’s broader strategy?
Supply chain doesn’t simply “impact” strategy; it “executes” strategy. We are privileged to work in an industry that is directly responsible for making strategies a reality. Our daily work is what puts incredible products in front of consumers, int he hands of experts, and on manufacturing lines around the world.
What do you view as the biggest challenge in the current supply chain environment and how can it be solved?
I think the biggest challenge we currently help clients with is developing a frictionless supply chain stack versus the implementation of a single software solution. There are great solutions in the supply chain space, but no single solution can solve all your problems. To truly become a world-class supply chain, you need experts who can understand how to make all your solutions work together and provide complimentary benefits to one another versus looking at a single system implementation.
I also believe sustainability is one of our next major hurdles. Obviously, the initiatives and commitments associated with sustainability have been around for years; however, we haven’t seen significant changes to the supply chain industry to truly move the needle here. I believe we’ll see a much more concerted effort in supply chain and logistics over the next 10 to 20 years that add brand-new measures and KPI’s to our industry.
What philosophy do you follow while working with customers?
“Make it happen” – we will always find a way to solve a problem. Whether it’s through creative solutions, staffing, or collaboration, we will find a way to make what our clients need happen.
Please share your favorite success story.
Our team. I’ve had the privilege to water Open Sky Group grow 4X in the nine years I’ve been here. We’ve built an incredible group of consultants that I firmly believe are the best in the business. I’ve had the opportunity to interview and hire so many of these individuals. Their skill set, industry experience, and dedication are second to none. We have built a world-class team of supply chain experts, and I’m very proud of that.
What advice would you give to someone looking to enter the supply chain industry?
Understanding this industry requires compounding wisdom. Learn from the rudimentary pieces, then build to understand the broader picture. Supply chain is best understood from the ground up.
What is a fun fact about yourself that your clients may not know?
My wife and I love hiking adventures, specifically backpacking. We’ve gone on several multi-day hikes that have taken us to cliffsides and mountaintops across the world. It’s a wonderful way to unplug and appreciate nature.
