MHI Solutions Improving Supply Chain Performance
THE PEOPLE WHO work at MHI and its Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC) division are the gears that keep the association moving. They ensure MHI continues to be a valuable association and resource for people involved in the industry, doing so with competence and smiles on their faces. The goal of this column is to give readers a glimpse into what goes on behind the scenes at MHI and “meet” the people who make it a successful hub for everyone involved in the material handling industry.
For this issue, Pahola Capellán and Seth Wooten give us a peek into what they do, how they do it, what drives them and what makes them happy after a long, productive day at work.
Pahola Capellán
Workforce Development Manager
WHY WERE YOU ATTRACTED TO MHI AND TO THIS INDUSTRY AS A CAREER CHOICE?
MHI sits at the intersection of education, workforce development and industry innovation, which is where I feel my skills and passions align best. This industry quite literally keeps the world moving, and the opportunity to contribute to both the development of future talent and the growth of the current workforce felt both meaningful and exciting. What excites me most is being part of a culture that values continuous innovation while staying grounded in impact.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE BEST SKILLS THAT YOU BRING TO YOUR POSITION AT MHI?
I bring a mix of program design, stakeholder engagement and an opportunity‑focused perspective to workforce development. My background in higher education and community partnerships helps me translate big ideas into clear strategies that create opportunities for people from all backgrounds. I focus on building solutions that expand access, strengthen pipelines and deliver value to both students and industry members.
WHAT’S A GOAL YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF THAT YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH IN YOUR ROLE AT MHI IN THE NEXT YEAR?
My goal is to strengthen MHI’s Inspire to Retain workforce pipeline by building deeper partnerships with community organizations and member companies. I want our programs to not only introduce students to the industry but also highlight real pathways for them to enter and succeed. At the same time, I aim to give our members practical tools and models that make it easier to connect with future talent in ways that are both meaningful and sustainable.
WHAT GIVES YOU THE GREATEST SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT (PROFESSIONALLY) AT THE END OF THE DAY?
I feel most accomplished when I know I’ve helped connect people with opportunities they didn’t realize were available to them. Whether it’s a student discovering a new career path or a member seeing the impact of their investment in workforce programs, those moments make the work meaningful.
Seth Wooten
Software Engineer
WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE BEST SKILLS THAT YOU BRING TO YOUR POSITION AT MHI?
Problem‑solving and attention to detail—I’m a very detail‑oriented and thorough person. I think that helps me stay on the same page as the stakeholders and deliver products that meet their expectations.
WHAT’S A TYPICAL DAY LIKE FOR YOU?
My day typically starts with a meeting with the team to discuss what I plan to work on and whether I’ll need anyone’s support. From there, most days are a mix of hands‑on coding, syncs with stakeholders and deployment of changes to production.
WHAT GIVES YOU THE GREATEST SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT (PROFESSIONALLY) AT THE END OF THE DAY?
Seeing a teammate or end user use something I’ve built or contributed to, which immediately saves time or improves their experience.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE INDUSTRY IS MOST INTRIGUING TO YOU?
I find the intersection of physical operations (supply chains, warehousing, robotics) with real‑time data and AI to be fascinating. As AI continues to advance, I look forward to following how companies will continue to incorporate it into their day‑to‑day, especially those that already utilize robotics in the warehouse.
WHAT ARE YOU HAPPIEST DOING WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING?
Spending time with family and friends, building side projects and working out. I also love to be outdoors. With most of my work time spent at the computer, spending time doing anything outdoors, like golfing or fishing, is a great way to relax and reset.