ERMCO-ECI

Kasey Harris

With nearly eight years at Electric Research and Manufacturing Cooperative (ERMCO), Inc., Kasey Harris’ career has mirrored the company’s rapid growth. He joined ERMCO’s headquarters in Dyersburg, Tenn., overseeing sitelevel logistics and shipping operations. With the company’s growth, his role expanded in scope and impact.

Now serving as the enterprise-wide ERMCO’s Distribution and Logistics Director, Harris oversees logistics and shipping operations across multiple domestic and international locations. He describes his role as part strategist and part orchestra conductor – ensuring the teams at all the company’s facilities work in harmony to deliver consistent, high-level performance across a geographically diverse network for ERMCO’s customers and partners.

Experience-Driven Supply Chain Leadership

In my experience, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that the only constant in logistics is change. Rates change, capacity changes, customer demand changes, and external factors like weather and geopolitical events are always influencing the market. Because of that, adaptability has become the foundation of how I approach leadership.

Our business is heavily affected by weather events, and there are times when customers need immediate support - sometimes on very short notice. When you’re shipping hundreds of loads a week across North America, you have to stay disciplined, focused, and ready to respond quickly. Managing that level of complexity has taught me the importance of staying agile, keeping communication clear, and making sure teams and carriers understand the urgency and expectations.

Balancing Cost Efficiency with Reliable Service Delivery

Cost is obviously a major factor in logistics, and it always will be. But I don’t believe cost should ever be the sole driver of decision-making. Reliability and service are just as important. If you focus only on cost, you’re going to end up with carriers that don’t meet your standards or your customers’ expectations. We want carriers who are proactive, dependable, and aligned with our goals. We work hard to balance both by building a strong, intentional carrier network.

“In a fast-moving logistics environment, success comes down to adaptability, strong partnerships, and a relentless focus on service, not just cost.”

ERMCO is committed to being the industry’s Most Valued Partner. We don’t just look at the numbers – we invest in relationships, consistency, and performance. Our goal is to deliver the kind of dependable service that our customers expect, because true value comes from partnership, not just price.

Emerging Trends Reshaping Manufacturing Distribution

Technology is the biggest trend I see impacting logistics right now. We’re actively investing in a few internal technological upgrades, and we’re looking forward to seeing these investments pay off both in the short term and long term. Technological enhancements and operational efficiency are the major opportunities to improve processes across ERMCO’s enterprise. It’s 2026, and there are systems out there designed specifically to help logistics teams operate more efficiently. If we don’t continue to invest in technology, we risk falling behind.

Guiding Decisions in Complex Logistics Operations

Safety is always the first thing I think about. That includes the safety of our employees, our carrier partners, and our customers. Everyone involved should be able to go home safely at the end of the day. Beyond safety, I look at how we can operate more efficiently across our network and how we can better leverage our different locations.

Another key factor is service. Are we delivering on time? Are we delivering damage free? Are we meeting customer expectations? If we’re doing those things consistently, then we’re achieving what we set out to do. Customer satisfaction is ultimately the benchmark I use to evaluate whether our logistics operation is successful.

Advice for Aspiring Logistics Leaders

I’d tell anyone looking to lead in this industry that you must have grit, determination, and the ability to adapt. Logistics is constantly changing rates, capacity, weather, seasonal demand, and even global events all have an impact. You must stay informed and be ready to respond.

One piece of advice that’s always stuck with me came from my grandmother. She used to say, “you can either rise above a situation or sink below it.” In logistics and in leadership, you’re going to face challenges every day. Choosing to rise above those challenges, take ownership, and keep moving forward is what separates strong leaders from the rest.