Heizer Render Munson OM Podcast

In this episode, Barry Render interviews continuous improvement expert and author John Dyer to explore what real operational excellence looks like. John shares insights from 40+ years in manufacturing and consulting, discussing why continuous improvement efforts often stall, how leaders can transition from managers to coaches, and how AI will reshape team‑based problem solving.

For a transcript of this podcast, visit the blog: https://operationsmanagementblog.com/category/podcast/

In this episode, Barry Render and Misty Blessley interview Harry Ziff, VP of Corporate Logistics at East Penn Manufacturing, one of the world’s largest lead battery producers. Harry shares insights from his 37‑year supply chain career, discusses East Penn’s broad range of battery applications, and explains how the company’s deep vertical integration and closed‑loop recycling system create efficiency, sustainability, and competitive advantage. The conversation also explores East Penn’s private fleet strategy and the intentionality behind every operational decision.

In this episode, Barry Render and Misty Blessley talk with Donna Schweibenz, former Senior Director of Purchasing at Temple University, who brings more than 26 years of experience in higher‑education procurement. Donna shares what it takes to manage a centralized purchasing operation responsible for everything from scientific equipment and IT to construction projects and even medical cadavers. She offers insights into purchasing alliances, vendor management, compliance challenges, and why even simple purchases can become surprisingly complex in a university environment. A great listen for anyone interested in procurement, operations, or the behind‑the‑scenes work that keeps universities running.

Barry Render and Misty Blessley talk with Dr. Anna Johnson, VP of Marketing and Commercial Strategy at U.S. Cold Storage, about the critical role of temperature-controlled logistics in the food supply chain. From sustainability initiatives to AI, robotics, and digital twins, this episode explores how technology and innovation are reshaping cold storage operations and creating new opportunities for the workforce.

In this episode, Barry Render and Misty Blessly sit down with Mike Rich, Vice President of Supply Chain at American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility in the U.S. Mike shares insights from his career journey—from inventory management at Home Depot to strategic sourcing at APS—and dives into the challenges and opportunities of leading supply chain operations in a critical utility industry. The conversation explores talent acquisition, negotiation strategies, and how AI technologies like Agentic AI and generative tools are transforming procurement practices.