Freight, Factories & Forecasts: 2025 Supply Chain Outlook

In this week's episode of the Industrial Real Estate podcast, supply chain veteran Les Brand joined me and co-host Matt Carroll to unpack what’s really happening across global logistics. With over 50 years in the industry, Les shares front-line insights on tariffs, reshoring, nearshoring, and how geopolitical tensions are reshaping trade routes and warehousing strategies. The conversation explores how 3PLs are adapting, why companies are pausing shipments, and what industrial real estate professionals need to know to navigate uncertainty. If you’re interested in global supply chains, trade dynamics, and how they impact warehouse demand, this is a must-watch.

About Les:

Leslie G. Brand III is the Chief Executive Officer of Supply Chain Solutions, Inc. (SCS), a global supply chain and transportation management solutions company headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also serves on SCS's board of directors. Les is the President of the West Michigan Chapter of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) and is involved in various community and industry organizations including the Grand Rapids and Holland Chamber of Commerce. Supply Chain Solutions, Inc. has established a leadership position in the area of supply chain integration, collaboration and lean supply management. Both national and local business and trade publications including Inbound Logistics, Global Logistics, the Grand Rapids Press, Mi Biz, and Business Update and have featured articles sharing the innovative approach and client success that has been achieved in partnership with the Supply Chain Solutions team. Mr. Brand has been a keynote speaker at several industry conferences including the West Michigan Global Trade Center conference, the LogicTools Symposium and the Right Place Sunrise Series and has been a contributing presenter at a variety of seminars and business conferences during his career.

Connect with Les:

Supply Chain Solutions Website: scsolutionsinc.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lgbrand/

About Matt:

Driven leader with fifteen years of international business experience in Logistics and Supply Chain. I am multilingual, speak fluently in Spanish and German, while having an in-depth understanding of the complex dynamics of supply chain management, contract negotiations and thought leadership after spending more than a decade managing operations in China, Europe, Australia, Canada, and the USA. My understanding of global business environments, monetary impacts, and rules of engagement for real estate integration for successful business results, benefit the clients I work with.

I am a graduate of Purdue University, where I played NCAA basketball. I was a 4-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree, the recipient of the Distinguished Scholar-Athlete award for outstanding academic achievements, and the Ward Lambert academic award. My traits of working well with a team, focusing on a positive result, and coordinating critical processes to ensure success, are my calling card for new client opportunities and servicing of my extensive existing base of relationships.

Connect with Matt:

www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcarroll1

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