Women in Supply Chain: Jenny Perlitch’s Journey from Resilience to Business Success
Perlitch Transport’s CEO, Jenny Perlitch, joins Sarah Barnes-Humphrey on the Let’s Talk Supply Chain podcast to share her journey as a Trailblazer for Women in Supply Chain. As the leader of a successful asset-based transport company and TMS software developer, she discusses the challenges she’s faced, the lessons she’s learned, and the future of the industry.
As she shared in this podcast, Jenny remembers the challenge of immigrating not just once, but twice—leaving behind everything familiar and adapting to a new place each time. Each transition meant navigating a different language, culture, and way of life. Rather than letting these obstacles hold her back, Jenny approached them with resilience. She learned to adapt, became independent, and realized there was nothing she couldn’t tackle.
Immigrating twice comes with many challenges, but for Jenny, those experiences built the resilience that shaped her into the powerhouse she is today.
“I learned resilience and adaptability, and they really helped me in business,” she said. “It made me independent and I believed things could be done.”
From Computer Science to Supply Chain: Problem-Solving the Jenny Way
While many may not see a connection between computer science and supply chain management, Jenny’s experience shows that problem-solving skills can transcend industries. “It’s a way of thinking,” Jenny says about her transition. “You take something complex, break it down, automate the parts, and then put it back together like a beautiful puzzle.”
This analytical mindset has been key in her role as a leader and entrepreneur in the transportation industry, particularly with her founding of Perlitch Transport in 2011. Alongside IRT Technologies, a company she co-founded the same year, Jenny’s approach has revolutionized how businesses tackle logistical challenges.
A Summer Job That Turned Into a Lifelong Career
It all started with a summer job. Jenny’s fascination with supply chain management started when she realized how much she enjoyed the challenges it presented. As she began pushing herself out of her comfort zone and solving problems, she discovered a real talent for the industry. The summer job turned into a lifelong career, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Starting Two Businesses at Once
In 2011, Jenny not only co-founded IRT Technologies, but she also launched Perlitch Transport. Juggling two businesses at the same time was no easy feat, but Jenny took it all in stride. When asked why she took on such a massive challenge, she had a simple answer: “I was single, I had to do something!”
Leading with Strengths (and Owning Weaknesses)
As a founder and CEO, Jenny loves the strategic side of business. She’s always experimenting, measuring results, and figuring out what works best. But like all leaders, she’s not afraid to admit where she falls short. “I’m very quick to do things, sometimes I lack patience,” she shared. But instead of letting this hold her back, Jenny embraces her weaknesses by building a strong team around her and empowering them to shine.
Pushing Through Challenges: A Woman’s Perspective in a Male-Dominated Industry
As a woman in the supply chain and transportation industry, Jenny has faced her fair share of challenges, from being overlooked to having her ideas dismissed. “It’s a very male-dominated industry,” she shared. “In the early days, when I had a good idea, they brushed me off. They didn’t take me seriously… Eventually, your voice becomes low and apologetic.”
But rather than succumbing to frustration, Jenny chose to push through. She found new doors to open and never stopped fighting for her voice to be heard. “At that point, you have to put yourself back together and try a different door,” she said.
Her determination to succeed has inspired many others to break down barriers and take their place at the table, regardless of gender or background.
Want to Hear More?
Jenny’s journey is filled with invaluable lessons on leadership, resilience, and the importance of supporting diversity in business. To hear more about her inspiring career and get her advice on breaking through barriers in the transportation industry, check out the full podcast episode.