Les Brand, CEO

Leslie (Les) G. Brand is CEO of Supply Chain Solutions, Inc. (SCS), a supply chain and transportation management solutions company headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Before joining Supply Chain Solutions, Brand worked for Ryder Systems in a variety of specialty areas focusing on major account and business development.

Brand is a frequent presenter and author for CSCMP, and has spoken at dozens of industry conventions.  He also leads supply chain collaboration initiatives at the Van Andel Global Trade Center in Grand Rapids Michigan.  He has also held positions as vice president of sales and marketing for VolvoGM and vice president and general manager of Willett Nationalease. Brand holds a master’s degree in transportation management.

Jim Ward, COO

Jim Ward is co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Supply Chain Solutions, Inc. Known for delivering expertise and proven results, Ward focuses on significant improvements in key metrics for his clients through re-engineering and implementation of supply chain process improvements.  

From source to consumption, developing logistics network strategies which reduce costs and inventories while improving customer service is Ward’s passion.  He has partnered with major domestic and international enterprises including Steelcase, Whirlpool, PolyOne, Deere, Frigidare, Dean Foods and others.  Ward’s practical experience in project management and operations enables his clients to greatly improve cash to cash cycle time, while optimizing logistic processes in procurement, inventory control, warehousing, distribution and transportation.  Ward has 28 years of experience with leading firms such as Ryder Systems, Atlas and Leaseco. 

John Toles, President, Supply Chain Shipping

John Toles is the president and founder of Universal CEO of Universal Trade Services Ltd., an export/import management company that became a business unit of Supply Chain Solutions in 2004. 

Toles’ long career in transportation management and improvement spans companies such as General Motors and Roadway Express, and he has helped high-profile companies such as Amway, Arbor Drugs, Art Van Furniture, Baker Furniture, Domino Pizza, Ford, General Electric,Stroh’s, and many others embrace technology and changes that led to measurable supply chain improvement. 

Additionally, Toles has served terms on the Michigan District Export Council (where he served as co-chair of the Finance Committee), the Michigan Task Force on International Trade and the West Michigan World Trade Association.

Lee Garza, Vice President of Operations

Lee Garza brings 14 years of experience in material handling engineering, warehouse management, transportation management, project management and supply chain improvement to his position as vice president of operations. 

Garza holds a wide range of accomplishments nationwide with organizations such as A. Epstein & Sons, Ace Hardware Corporation and Ryder Corporation.