The Supply Chaney Podcast

Ep. 74 - The Hidden Engine of Supply Chains with Jon Gatrell

Nathan Chaney Season 2 Episode 74

In this episode of The Supply Chaney Podcast, Nathan Chaney sits down with Jon Gatrell, Chief Product Officer and COO at Loren Data, to uncover the hidden engine behind digital communication in supply chains  EDI (Electronic Data Interchange). From teaching geography to leading global technology initiatives, Jon shares how curiosity, product thinking, and system design shaped his approach to simplifying the complex world of logistics. Together, they break down why EDI still powers 90% of North American commerce, how APIs and AI are reshaping connectivity, and what real visibility means in today’s supply chain. 

This is a deep yet approachable conversation about the future of integration, data flow, and innovation  the invisible systems that make global trade possible.


Chapters

00:00 Introduction to EDI and APIs
 03:00 Jon’s Journey from Geography to Supply Chain
 07:00 Early Career Lessons and Product Thinking
 12:30 What Product Management Really Means in Tech
 16:30 How Loren Data Modernizes Legacy Systems
 19:15 Understanding EDI: The Backbone of Communication
 25:00 APIs, Integration, and the Future of Data Exchange
 27:45 AI and the Next Era of Connectivity
 31:20 Visibility and the Human Element
 33:10 Reflections on Leadership and Innovation


Surgere is the official sponsor of The Supply Chaney Podcast for 2025. Surgere’s singular focus is building AI-powered, frictionless supply chains that result in real time, end-to-end visibility with 99.9% accuracy for partners and customers.