Pull-up-a-Chair and Meet Mark Hardison

Pull-up-a-Chair and Meet Mark Hardison

Our next feature for Pull-up-a-Chair spotlights?Mark Hardison, Vice President of Purchasing with Perdue's supply chain.?Across news channels there have been talks of how the supply chain industry has taken a hit from the obstacles created during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mark gives us some insight on how Perdue has been able to remain successful and how his walk of life led him to the work he does today.?(5 - 6 min read)

Q: Tell us about yourself.??

A:??I’m originally from Eastern North Carolina.?As a child, I?wanted to be an agriculture teacher when I grew up, and was fascinated by the fact that a tiny seed placed in the earth could grow and produce food.?My grandparents had a small family farm and?I spent time with them weekly.?Every fruit, every vegetable, every piece of chicken, turkey and pork consumed at their table came directly from the farm.?They taught me at an early age to respect and appreciate our food, to never take for granted what requires love, care and time to grow.?I began my Perdue career as Complex Purchasing Manager in Lewiston NC in August of 1999, 22 ? years ago.?

Q:?How would you describe what the role of the supply chain management is, to a 5-year-old??

A:?Simply stated, it’s the flow of materials and services through a process to produce products.?

Q: Given the current COVID environment and its impacts on the supply chain?industry, what are some challenges your team at Perdue?was able to overcome successfully??

A:?The challenges are ongoing.?Suppliers continue to experience increased demand, supply shortages, staffing shortages, driver shortages, order backlogs, delivery delays, the list goes on.?Consolidations and substitutions have been necessary.?The wins are the result of deep work, resourcefulness and commitment – focusing on the possibilities rather than the problems.?Cross functional strength is special here.?We accomplish greater things together than any one of us could alone. We are very thankful to be working closely alongside true partners - Operations, Engineering, Sales, Marketing, QA, HR, R&D, IT, Risk, Legal, Accounting.?It’s a blessing to be working together.

Q:?How are you planning to remain successful with the unknown from the pandemic?

A:?By putting to practice our values and living?up to our vision to be the most trusted name.?We say what we’ll do, we do what we say and we keep our promises, always.?Harder right vs. easier wrong.?No exceptions!?That really means something in a world where others may not behave by this code.?Example:?Certain markets, certain products are oversold.?Suppliers have a choice, including saying no when demand exceeds supply.?The trust earned enables us to be a customer of choice for our suppliers and create an environment where our suppliers deliver value to us.?The benefits - reduced risk, enhanced service and delivery quality, faster and more affordable ways to deliver.????

Q: What traits do your associates have that helps them be successful in this industry??

A:?Agility, heart, integrity, grit.??I’m incredibly proud of this team. Their teamwork, and?collective?resilience?and strength speaks volumes! They are?completely dedicated to this cause, doing whatever it takes to keep our family here safe and to provide uninterrupted supply of all that we need.?The spirit of family is real here.

Q: What are some current trends and lessons you and your team are?experiencing?in this industry?

A:?Never before has there been a greater need to be nimble.?Conditions are ever changing.?We must anticipate the challenges, be focused to protect and agile to adjust.?Our suppliers are a critical link to successfully operate our business.?It all comes down to preserving the flow of materials to maintain continuity of operations.?Team talent, good preparation and strong relationships are key.?Hard work and honest communications are necessary, and keep learning – Never let a good crisis go to waste!?Every problem brings an opportunity to become better, stronger and more able to recover, withstand and win.?

Q:?What is your favorite quote and why??

A:?I have several.?Here are three:

·????First we form habits, then habits form us.

·????Whether you believe you can or believe you can’t – you’re probably right.??

·????Ask yourself, “Can I give more?”?The answer is usually, yes.

Q: Do you have an example of a time where the team at Perdue was challenged with and how did a successful end result add value or improve the company’s supply chain management process??

A:?Every season of the pandemic has included its own challenges.?Early 2020 brought the immediate need and first priority to protect our associates.?From procuring masks, sanitizers, temp monitors (which were all scarce at the time) to protecting against external threats, we came together in incredible ways to do all things possible to win.?Fast forward to present day, supply chain disruptions are very real.?Supply, service and inflationary pain is all around us including impact to packaging, food ingredients, parts, supplies, and services.?Our purpose and our commitment is?to preserve the flow and provide continuity of supply while continuing to ensure quality, service, reliability and competitive price.??To give anything less than our best is to sacrifice the gift.

?Mark's wife Kristy, his daughter Bailey (L-R).?

Q: Let's ponder and end on another bright spot as it relates to the pandemic:?What’s the best purchase you’ve made since the pandemic?

A:?An anniversary band for my wife! We celebrated 27 years, and she's so deserving of that and more.