READERPROFILE Parts and Parcels
as told to Karen Kroll
RONY KORDAHI is chief operating officer with Parts Town, a distributor of restaurant equipment parts.
I saw engineering as one piece of the supply chain. To satisfy my curiosity about how businesses and the world works, I wanted to get more involved in the entire supply chain, so I shifted career paths. Built into our DNA at Parts Town is the recognition that at the end of every transaction is the livelihood of a family, an employee, or a business. We’re a technology-driven company based on customer service obsession, innovation, a strong culture and passionate team, and operational excellence. We’ve disrupted the foodservice equipment industry in a positive and constructive way. The secret sauce is how we bring these qualities and capabilities together through connectivity and collaboration with suppliers, manufacturers, and customers. It’s making sure we have RESPONSIBILITIES: Supply chain planning, including purchasing and inventory management; program management office; e-commerce; distribution; operations; and sales to independent restaurant segment. EXPERIENCE: Vice president, supply chain, logistics, customer care, UTC Climate Controls & Security; director and general manager, aftermarket, Lennox
International; chief technology officer, Heatcraft Australia & New Zealand; supply chain strategy manager, British American Tobacco; senior management consultant, Alexander Proudfoot; senior engineer, AstraZeneca. EDUCATION: B.S.M.E., American University of Beirut; Master of Computer Integrated Manufacturing, University of New South Wales.
A s soon as I earned my degree in mechanical engineering at the American University of Beirut, I packed my bags and bought a one- way ticket to Australia. I completed my master’s degree in computer integrated manufacturing, a precursor to robotics, automation and mechatronics, at the University of New South Wales in Sydney. Leaving my country was both difficult and exhilarating. Curiosity was the sustaining force. I was trying to find out more about the world, about me, about what I can do and where I fit. NEW PLACES, NEW POSITIONS My first few jobs were engineering oriented: I designed robots and automated warehouse systems. I worked in different industries, including pharmaceuticals, consulting, mining, and manufacturing. I also worked in different countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Japan, and the United States. I learned something from each place and position.
strong, innovative algorithms and accurate inventory planning and purchasing processes, and that we can receive, put away, and ship to our customers with quality and reliability. It’s also ensuring our digital innovations empower our customers to find and track what they need, transact with us, and gain full transparency across the supply chain. PREPARED FOR A PANDEMIC COVID was a serious challenge. Both independent restaurants and large chains had to scramble to figure out how to stay in business and safely serve their customers. We were prepared, although the pandemic forced us to accelerate on all fronts. We’d been investing in our people and safety. Within one week,
Built into our DNA at Parts Town is the recognition that at the end of every transaction is the livelihood of a family, an employee, or a business.
18 Inbound Logistics • May 2022
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