By Brianna Wallen
News Editor
Students and faculty gathered in the School of Business for this week’s PEP Talk, Adding Value Through an Integrated Supply Chain Today: Macro and Micro Supply Chain Management, on Oct. 1.
The session, led by Anthony F. Verlezza, the principal at Integrated Supply Chain Solutions: Business Advisory Services, explored how businesses can strengthen performance through effective supply chain integration.
“What makes the supply chain such a fascinating part of the business is that it is always trying to support the business,” Verlezza said. “It does it mainly from its internal workings, and the supply chain can be one of the most powerful ways to improve profitability.”
Offered by the Professional Enrichment Platform of the School of Business, PEP Talks allow students to learn about the business industry from seasoned professionals.
Verlezza shared real-world insights on balancing macro and micromanagement strategies by building on his experience in the food manufacturing field.
He has held leadership roles at several major food manufacturing companies such as Kraft Foods, Dean Foods and Borden, Inc., as well as at Unilever, where he served as vice president of supply chain for the company’s $2 billion North American ice cream division.
In that position, he oversaw 10 factories and 13 distribution centers and managed the entire supply chain for Unilever’s top-performing frozen desserts portfolio.
This included well known brands like Breyers, Klondike and Ben & Jerry’s.
Verlezza explained that in a low-margin industry like frozen desserts, profitability depends less on high product prices and more on operational efficiency.
By utilizing the supply chain and reducing costs, companies can generate additional value and maintain competitiveness.
“In my old business, the frozen desserts business, we were able to make a very low gross margin business,” Verlezza said. “So, we’re a business that tries to get some incremental funding through the efficient operation of the supply chain.”
Along with the supply chain, Verlezza said sales and marketing go hand in hand.
“In order to effectively help the business and the connection to the customer, you need to have an excellent linkage to sales and marketing,” Verlezza said.
By understanding consumers and highlighting promotions, Verlezza said businesses can use these aspects to the supply chain rolling.
His experience highlighted how operational efficiency can transform low-margin industries into profitable business operations.
This gave attendees a deeper understanding of how collaboration, efficiency and adaptability are key tools that drive success in today’s competitive market.
This was the third week of this PEP Talk series, and many students tuned in.
One of these students was business administration major Joel Brown, a sophomore.
Brown said that he is a regular at these PEP talks, since he attended at least one session a week last semester.
“I find them to be very informational because they give insight on different ways to make business successful,” Brown said.
Brown said his drive to attend these sessions stems from his desire to run his own business in the future.
“I want to learn more about the business world because I want to open up my own restaurant,” Brown said.
Since these sessions have been valuable for Brown, he encourages other students to take advantage of them as well.
“I hope students receive information and can use it in ways that are helpful to them and their interests,” Brown said.
Students can take advantage of these PEP Talk sessions every Monday and Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Case Study Classroom in the School of Business.
This program is open for all students to attend regardless of their major to learn more about the job industry, hear from seasoned experts and gain opportunities outside of the university.
