TABLE TRENDS

Impact of Geopolitics on Your Business

About This Episode

In this episode of Table Trends, MHEDA leaders and board members explore the key business trends shaping the material handling industry in 2026. From geopolitics and tariffs to customer decision-making and supply chain diversification, the conversation highlights how transparency, adaptability, and efficiency gains are helping companies navigate uncertainty and move forward with confidence.

Listen to the Audio Podcast

Navigating Uncertainty and Opportunity

As the material handling industry looks ahead to 2026, uncertainty around geopolitics, tariffs, and supply chain volatility continues to shape customer behavior and business strategy. This episode of Table Trends brings together MHEDA leadership and board members to discuss how these external forces are influencing pricing, purchasing decisions, and long-term planning across the industry.

The conversation explores the importance of transparency with customers, diversification of suppliers, and helping end users weigh the true cost of indecision against efficiency gains and operational improvements. Panelists also share how nearshoring, evolving lead times, and broader economic pressures are creating both challenges and new opportunities for material handling companies willing to adapt.

Featured Guests
  • Lauren Reed, CEO, MHEDA
  • Lori Palmer, President, REB Storage Systems
  • Darin Boik, President, Advanced Equipment
  • Steve Strenck, Director of Sales, Gregory Poole Equipment

Whether you’re a dealer, integrator, or supplier, this episode offers practical insight into navigating change, supporting customer decision-making, and positioning your business for sustainable growth in the year ahead.

About the Table Trends Podcast

The Table Trends podcast series is hosted by MHEDA CEO, Lauren Reed, 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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