TABLE TRENDS

Addressing the Talent Gap for Employees

About This Episode

How are companies addressing the skilled labor shortage in the material handling industry? In this episode of Table Trends, MHEDA board members discuss the growing talent gap and how they're closing it through targeted recruitment, hands-on training, and strategic partnerships. Hear how leaders are investing in technical education, supporting first-time managers, and creating development opportunities that strengthen their teams and prepare them for the future.

Listen to the Audio Podcast

Bridging the Talent Gap in the Material Handling Industry

As the material handling industry faces a growing need for skilled labor, this episode dives into how companies are responding to the persistent talent gap. Leaders discuss strategies for both attracting top talent and upskilling existing employees to keep their workforce competitive, capable, and engaged.

From investing in technical colleges and dual enrollment programs to leveraging vendor partnerships for specialized training, companies are getting creative in how they build a pipeline of qualified technicians and managers. The episode also highlights the importance of supporting first-time managers with outside coaching and personalized development.

Guests explore international training opportunities, such as site visits to European automation installations, and the value of providing employees with ongoing education in technical, emotional, and digital skills to foster long-term growth and retention.

Featured Guests
  • Jeannette Walker, CEO, MHEDA
  • Nate Storey, President, Storage Solutions, Inc.
  • Van Clarkson, President, Fairchild Equipment
  • Lori Palmer, President, REB Storage Systems International

Whether you’re struggling to find skilled workers or looking to future-proof your team, this episode offers practical insights on how to close the talent gap through intentional training, recruitment, and development initiatives.

About the Table Trends Podcast

The Table Trends podcast series is hosted by MHEDA CEO, Jeannette Walker, and features industry leaders and experts from the MHEDA Board of Directors. In each episode, we delve into the latest material handling trends, providing you with actionable insights and strategies to stay ahead in the ever-evolving industry. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a business executive, or simply passionate about the material handling industry, Table Trends offers valuable perspectives to help you navigate and excel.

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Gene Marks

CPA, National Business Columnist, Author & Speaker

Gene Marks is a past columnist for both The New York Times and The Washington Post. Gene now writes regularly for The Hill, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Forbes, Entrepreneur, The Washington Times, and The Guardian. Gene is a best-selling author and has written 5 books on business management. Gene appears on Fox Business, MSNBC, as well as CBS Eye on the World with John Batchelor and SiriusXM’s Wharton Business Channel where he talks about the financial, economic and technology issues that affect business leaders today. Gene helps business owners, executives and managers understand the political, economic and technological trends that will affect their companies and provides actionable insights.

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