Casey Jenkins: Propelling the Supply Chain Industry Forward with Elevated Solutions

In today's dynamic and challenging business environment, the supply chain industry has emerged as a crucial aspect of organizational success. With companies facing a plethora of disruptions, problems, risks, and challenges, the need for innovative solutions and advanced technologies has become more pressing than ever. As a result, organizations are undergoing business transformation plans to shift to a more supply chain-focused approach, making experts like Casey Jenkins, with her expertise and experience in supply chain management, an indispensable asset to the industry.   

Casey is a supply chain and project management expert with over a decade of experience in the industry. She is the founder of Eight Twenty-Eight Consulting, where she provides sophisticated solutions and strategic expertise to drive the supply chain industry forward.  

Transforming the Supply Chain with a Unique Perspective  

Casey's journey to becoming a supply chain professional was unconventional, to say the least. She initially pursued meteorology, but after working in freight brokerage and other cross-functional roles, she realized that supply chain management shared many similarities with weather in terms of both being processes and facing disruptions. She eventually decided to pursue a master's degree in supply chain management and focus her career in that field. Throughout her studies and work experience, Casey has been involved in all aspects of the supply chain, witnessing the significance of supply chain management highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and geopolitical issues that have caused supply chain disruptions.   

Casey's pursuit of a master's degree in project management was fueled by her belief that project management and supply chain management are complementary fields that follow similar methodologies and processes, leading to operational improvement in organizations. Through Eight Twenty-Eight Consulting, Casey offers a distinctive perspective on how the integration of supply chain and project management can drive better outcomes in the industry.  

Driving Supply Chain Innovation through Elevated Solutions  

Eight Twenty-Eight Consulting aims to propel the supply chain industry forward by providing elevated and forward-thinking solutions. Casey was inspired to start her own consulting firm due to her ability to quickly identify problems and their solutions, build relationships, and execute to drive change. She also has a passion for learning and educating her clients.  

The company's mission is to provide businesses with the tools, knowledge, and ability to operate in an elevated manner, leading to the progress of the industry as a whole. By working with clients to develop innovative solutions that streamline supply chain operations, improve efficiency, and reduce costs, Eight Twenty-Eight Consulting seeks to transform the way businesses operate in the industry.  

Adapting Technology and Data Flow for Supply Chain Success  

Casey believes that companies with successful supply chains are the ones that are willing to adapt and change as the industry evolves. Utilizing Amazon as an example, she emphasizes the importance of innovative operations that alter the industry by being bold and different. Casey also stresses the significance of using technology and implementing better data flow to change the supply chain landscape. In contrast, she notes that companies that struggle are the ones using buzzwords to stay relevant but are not adapting to new ideas, technologies, and ways of doing things.  

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Balanced Living   

As a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Casey's approach to supply chain consulting is data-driven and focused on identifying the root cause of problems to devise effective solutions. She believes in educating clients on the ease of implementing these methodologies to gain their acceptance. Outside of work, fitness is essential to Casey's life, providing stress relief, positive mental health, and motivation. Additionally, she volunteers at a local food bank and sponsors events at her local YMCA, driven by her passion for community involvement. Casey's faith serves as the foundation of her ethical and moral values, leadership style, job execution, and long-term plans.  

Advice for Pursuing a Career in Supply Chain Management  

For those interested in pursuing a career in the industry, Casey emphasizes the importance of acquiring extensive knowledge and experience. She suggests connecting with people in the industry, pursuing degrees and certifications, and learning from job experiences. "It's super important to become as knowledgeable as possible. It's a competitive industry, so knowing is key to helping you stand out. That can be broad or niche/specialty knowledge and experience as well," says Casey. She also advises not to let job experiences discourage anyone from pursuing the field and to keep an open mind to new opportunities that can define one's interests and drive success.