By Pete Mercer
Mike Bauer has spent the last four years of his career as the Director of Global Transportation for NDC, where he oversees transportation activities to make sure that freight is moving efficiently for the customer.
Bauer was drawn to the industry over 30 years ago by the great significance of the end product to the patients. He said, “Unlike many other industries, the products moving through the healthcare supply chain are essential to patient care. That adds a greater sense of purpose and responsibility to the work.”
Building relationships that last
The most valuable part of Bauer’s job is the relationships that he’s able to build with NDC’s transportation partners. His team at NDC has been able to build strong partnerships with a core group of trusted carriers, and he said that he takes pride in working closely with them to ensure that they share the same values as NDC.
“Our carriers are an extension of NDC and a critical part of delivering healthcare products to the customers who depend on them. Whether it’s our truckload carriers, LTL providers, or parcel shipping partners, they all play an important role in the supply chain.”
The impact his team has on the lives of patients is not lost on him – it’s what makes the work so rewarding, knowing that people are receiving the care that they need through NDCs products. “When someone is in a hospital, the last thing they should have to worry about is whether the products they need will be available. That’s why I take great pride in the role our team plays in the supply chain.”
What it takes to thrive
To thrive in this industry, you need to be flexible to adapt to any quick changes. He said, “Flexibility is essential because no two days are ever the same. Whether it’s a weather disruption, a carrier issue, or a special customer request, you have to be able to adapt quickly and find solutions.”
Every day brings new challenges, and Bauer’s team is working to ensure that every day is built for success. His team had to navigate some harsh weather last winter, requiring quick decision-making and close coordination with all of their partners to minimize any impact on customers.
“What motivates me is the opportunity to work through those challenges and find solutions that ensure healthcare products reach their destination safely and on time. Knowing the importance of what we deliver makes overcoming those obstacles especially rewarding.”