The Reality of the Supply Chain: Insights from Industry Experts

EAGAN, MN – December 2025 –

In a recent episode of the Beyond the Breaker podcast, supply chain experts Martin McAdams and Sean Cherry shared their insights into the challenges and innovations shaping the modern supply chain. With decades of experience in distribution and purchasing, the two professionals offered a behind-the-scenes look at how logistics, technology, and market conditions impact large-scale construction projects.

The Importance of Logistics and Communication
Managing supply chains for massive projects, such as data centers and industrial campuses, requires meticulous planning and coordination. McAdams and Cherry emphasized the critical role of logistics in ensuring materials are delivered to the right place at the right time. “When you’ve got 50 orders showing up in a day, you better figure out logistics,” McAdams said. Clear communication between field teams and office staff is essential to avoid delays, misplaced materials, and inefficiencies.

The duo highlighted the importance of working closely with distributors and project teams to establish a logistical structure before boots hit the ground. From labeling packages with foreman names to mapping out delivery schedules, every detail matters in keeping projects on track.

Post-COVID Challenges and Market Volatility
The pandemic reshaped the supply chain landscape, with lead times for critical materials like transformers and electrical gear stretching far beyond pre-COVID norms. Cherry noted that the sheer size and volume of today’s projects, combined with manufacturers’ full production capacities, have created new hurdles.

“COVID changed the supply chain, and it’s never really gone back to what it was,” McAdams explained. He pointed to the need for early information gathering and strategic planning to navigate volatile markets and fluctuating commodity prices. The experts also discussed the impact of tariffs and the importance of locking in material needs early to avoid costly delays.

Technology Driving Efficiency
One of the most significant advancements in supply chain management is the adoption of technology. McAdams and Cherry praised tools like Remarkable, a software platform that streamlines purchasing and improves transparency across teams. By using electronic data interchange (EDI), Remarkable allows orders to be processed faster and more accurately, reducing the risk of errors and miscommunication.

“Remarkable has changed the way purchasing interacts with distributors and the field,” Cherry said. The platform’s transparency ensures that everyone, from general foremen to office staff, has real-time access to order updates, improving efficiency and collaboration.

Looking Ahead
As the construction industry continues to evolve, McAdams and Cherry see data as the key to future success. By analyzing historical purchasing data, companies can better predict material needs and focus on high-impact areas. “We’re in the age of big data,” Cherry said. “Using that information to make smarter decisions is where the industry is headed.”

The episode concluded with a lighthearted rivalry over an upcoming Penn State vs. Nebraska football game, but the key takeaway was clear: the supply chain is a complex, ever-changing puzzle that requires innovation, communication, and adaptability to solve.

For more insights, listen to the full episode of Beyond the Breaker.