Something supply chain pros have in common is we enjoy talking shop. It’s in our blood. To deepen your knowledge across a range of trending topics we are happy to introduce Sarah and Shireen Garrison, The Garrison Sisters, as our new Smart Supply Chain podcast hosts. In advance of their first episode that will drop shortly, we sat down and asked them some questions to help you get to know them:
Q: What subject areas are you most excited to learn about as hosts of the Smart Supply Chain podcast?
Sarah: I love learning about new things happening in supply chain. Especially on the operations side. I’m excited for the episode on the dangers and evolving fire safety requirements for lithium-ion battery storage.
Shireen: I’m all about the new tech impacting supply chain. I love hearing about the latest innovations, even if they don’t directly impact our space. There’s always something cool to learn!
Q: Which industry expert would you most like to interview?
Shireen: I’m eager to chat with folks implementing cutting-edge technology or sustainability practices. I want the nitty-gritty on what’s actually working for them in the real world.
Sarah: Is Pete Buttigieg available? His perspective as Secretary of Transportation would be fascinating!
Q: What’s the craziest supply chain horror story you’ve had to solve?
Sarah: Oh, definitely the time we shipped toys from Asia that started growing hair on the boat. Spoiler: it was mold. Total nightmare.
Shireen: During the pandemic, we had client inventory stuck at the port in Oakland for over 30 days! We had to pivot and source alternative products locally to meet demand. Talk about a scramble! But we did it and delivered on time.
Q: What do you like most about working at ALOM?
Sarah: I love how client-focused we are and that quality always comes first.
Shireen: The culture, hands down. ALOM’s unique vibe of cooperation and support stems from our shared focus on client success. It’s like a big, happy family!
Q: How do you like working with each other? Is it ever weird working with your sister?
Sarah: It makes things more efficient. We can speak in shorthand with each other.
Shireen: I love it! We spend a lot of time together anyway, so it’s just really easy. There’s a natural ability to collaborate and built-in trust.
Q: Do you talk about anything besides work on weekends or at family parties?
Shireen: Wait—other people talk about work on weekends?! We love chatting about the TV show Big Brother and planning our next trips. We love to travel, but it can be tricky since we both work at the same company and want the same time off.
Sarah: That and our pets. We spend way too much time discussing our dogs and cat.
Q: What makes you laugh the most about your sister?
Shireen: We giggle about everything. I can’t narrow it down!
Sarah: We really crack each other up when we play pickleball! We are not very good…. yet!
Q: What do you look forward to when you come into the office?
Sarah: I love hitting the shop floor to see what’s new and watch the team in action.
Shireen: Since we work remotely it’s always exciting to go to our Fremont or Indianapolis facilities. I enjoy seeing everyone in person and connecting with our team. I’m also looking forward to visiting our new Sacramento location soon.
Sarah and Shireen Garrison bring their unique dynamic as sisters to the Smart Supply Chain podcast, promising engaging, informative, and sometimes lighthearted insights into the world of supply chain. Tune in to catch their infectious enthusiasm and expert interviews!
Listen to the Smart Supply Chain Podcast