In this special Father’s Day bonus episode of Kev Talks, Kevin Parkerson and co-host Kevin Higgins pause the logistics talk to focus on something even more foundational-fatherhood. Joined by returning guest Aron Kolosik (featured in Episode #20), the trio reflects on how being a dad has shaped their leadership styles, taught them patience, and influenced how they show up, both at work and at home.

Aron shares heartfelt stories about raising two sons and the importance of consistency, intentionality, and simply showing up. He also offers practical advice for younger dads navigating career growth and family life, drawing from his current work with the Unstuck Master Plan, a coaching program helping people lead more meaningful, balanced lives.

If this conversation resonates with you, be sure to check out Episode #20 for more of Aron's story and the work he’s doing to help others get “unstuck.”

Whether you’re managing freight or family schedules, this episode is a reminder that leadership starts at home.

Happy Father’s Day from all of us at Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics.

In this insightful episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, co-hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with Steve Kochan, CEO and Co-founder of HaulPay, to dig into the intersection of freight, finance, and freight-tech innovation.

Steve shares how HaulPay is rethinking logistics payments and cash flow management by combining deep industry knowledge with smart technology. He breaks down how HaulPay’s factoring model works without creating balance sheet debt, and how this can be a powerful cash flow tool for brokers, forwarders, and carriers—if used wisely.

The discussion goes beyond finance to the future of automation in logistics. Steve gives his take on how AI and large language models (LLMs) are maturing in the space, where niche applications are gaining traction, and how backend automation can help small and mid-size players stay competitive. He encourages companies to bring in junior tech talent—offering practical advice on hiring smart interns who can help digitize back-office functions without massive spend.

Steve also opens up about his leadership philosophy—describing a democratic, “lead from the front” approach. He emphasizes listening to frontline employees and empowering teams to make informed decisions, especially in fast-changing environments.

Throughout the episode, you’ll hear practical insights on:

· Avoiding high-cost factoring traps by understanding effective invoice rates

· Automating back-office processes to drive margin and growth

· Using structured data to de-risk freight operations

· Leveraging emerging AI tools for niche problem-solving

· Why junior software engineers are an overlooked resource for logistics firms

· How leadership style impacts company agility and team morale

🔗 Connect with Steve Kochan & HaulPay:

Website: haulpay.io

In this episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, we sit down with Janine Mansour, Commercial Director at the Port of New Orleans, to talk about the port's role in global trade, infrastructure growth, and community engagement. Janine shares how Port NOLA is working to become a Gulf gateway of choice by connecting water, rail, and highway networks with regional shippers and consumers.

The conversation dives into the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT), a major new container terminal project designed to handle larger vessels that can’t pass under the Crescent City Connection bridge. Janine details how the port selected a 1,200-acre site in Violet, Louisiana, and is developing the project as a public-private partnership with Ports America and Terminal Investment Limited (MSC), with $800 million in private funding already committed.

We also hear how the port is involving the community from the start—through advisory councils, an on-site project office, and plans for a dedicated truck bypass road to reduce local traffic impact. Janine closes by sharing personal insights on leadership, family, and what keeps her passionate about global logistics.

Don’t miss this episode if you want to understand how smart port planning, private investment, and local partnerships can drive global logistics forward.

This episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics is proudly sponsored by the Port of New Orleans—connecting global commerce to inland markets with water, rail, and highway access.

Visit https://portnola.com for more information

In this episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, co-hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with Eric Wolfe, President of Watco Logistics, for a candid and insightful conversation about leadership, career development, and the future of supply chain.

As part of our Kev Talks NWA (Northwest Arkansas) series, this episode highlights the region’s role as a hub of logistics innovation. Based in nearby Pittsburg, Kansas—with strong ties to the NWA logistics corridor—Eric’s journey from BNSF Railway to Watco’s executive ranks offers a compelling look at how industry leaders are shaping the future of freight.

Eric reflects on the power of taking lateral moves, the role of mentors, and the value of rolling up your sleeves to solve real-world problems. He also opens up about Watco’s strategic approach to growth, including a major acquisition aimed at aligning with emerging tech trends.

From a few laughs about Arkansas football heartbreak to practical career tips for young professionals, this episode brings a mix of perspective and personality. Eric reminds us that leadership is about building trust, earning respect, and creating a lasting impact—one relationship at a time.

📍 Whether you’re in NWA or anywhere in the global supply chain, this episode offers takeaways for anyone focused on smart strategy, strong teams, and sustainable growth.

🎧 Tune in and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

In this wide-ranging and heartfelt episode, co-hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with Dani Kaplan—a true logistics innovator, ERP pioneer, mentor, storyteller, and photographer. With more than 40 years of experience helping manufacturers and distributors navigate complex ERP systems, Dani brings a unique perspective that goes far beyond technology.

This episode is about soul as much as software. Dani shares his extraordinary life story—from surviving a bombing in Jerusalem as a child to building a $50 million consulting business grounded in trust and long-term human relationships, not cold calls or ads. He explains how the key to success in logistics and ERP isn’t just mastering systems but building genuine connections with people.

Listeners will hear practical insights on ERP and warehouse automation, including:

1. Why companies, big or small, should start thinking about ERP and real-time inventory visibility early

2. How “net inventory” works like a financial checkbook, crucial for avoiding costly supply chain disruptions

3. The risks of choosing vendors based solely on price and why support and partnership matter more

But beyond the tech talk, Dani dives deep into the human side of business:

1. Why he refuses to work with transactional people and values loyalty above all

2. How he uses his personal network and database to help others find opportunities, not just close deals

3. Stories of clients reconnecting decades later, proving the enduring value of trust

4. Reflections on the decline of meaningful relationships in today’s fast-paced world and the

In celebration of National Maritime Day on May 22, 2025, this episode features Capt. Ashok Pandey of Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Capt. Pandey shares his journey from sea to classroom and how the Academy prepares students for careers in global shipping. He highlights their “learn, do, learn” philosophy, pandemic-era adaptations, and global industry exposure through international trips and partnerships with companies like Maersk and Clarksons.

We also explore how today’s maritime professionals must navigate sustainability, digital transformation, and international logistics. Capt. Pandey sees a cleaner, smarter future ahead—and a growing need for highly educated leaders to steer the course.

Jim Gillis- President, Pacific Region @ IMC Logistics joins Kev Talks to share what it really takes to run a zero-emissions drayage fleet in California. He talks through the hard truths behind electric and hydrogen truck adoption—from charging delays and infrastructure gaps to the financial strain on operators. Jim also challenges common “zero emissions” assumptions, explaining how energy sourcing and battery life cycles shape the real environmental impact.

Looking ahead, Jim outlines his vision for energy-independent drayage using on-site power, behind-the-fence charging, and a balanced mix of technologies. His message to logistics leaders: start now, test often, and don’t wait for perfect conditions to act.

Key Takeaways:

1. Mandates vs. Reality: California’s clean truck regulations are moving faster than infrastructure and technology can support, placing stress on carriers trying to comply.

2. Battery Electric vs. Hydrogen: Each technology has trade-offs. Battery trucks may work well for short hauls with predictable routes. Hydrogen could serve longer-distance drayage but faces refueling and sourcing challenges.

3. "Zero Emissions" Isn’t Simple: True sustainability depends on the full energy lifecycle—how electricity or hydrogen is produced and where it comes from.

4. Infrastructure Bottlenecks: Even with available vehicles, deployment is often stalled by delays in utility approvals, charger installations, and high capital costs.

5. Fleet Economics: The up-front cost and operating uncertainty of zero-emission trucks create financial barriers for small and medium-sized carriers.

6. Collaboration is Key: Shippers, BCOs, and 3PLs need to align internally and externally on realistic, data-backed sustainability goals.

7. 2035 Vision: A mature zero-emission drayage operation will likely include behind-the-fence charging, microgrids, and a hybrid approach to vehicle powertrains.

8. Jim’s Advice: "Start testing now. Don’t wait for a silver bullet. Every step you take today puts you in a better position to meet tomorrow’s requirements."

In this special TPM25 edition of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, we sit down on-site in Long Beach with Paxton Bowman, Director of Destination Management – West Coast, and Jimmy Patrick, VP of Information Technology at EDray, to explore how the company is transforming inland drayage and port-to-door visibility. Together, they unpack EDray’s collaborative model that bridges silos across the supply chain, combining real-time data, AI-driven tools, and strong partnerships to help shippers stay agile amid constant disruption. From flow stacks to system integrations, this episode highlights how E*Dray blends operational know-how and tech innovation to level the playing field for shippers of all sizes.