“The View from Jamestown” Chemical Podcast
Hosted by The Chemical Company
Episode 131 | October 2025
 
Episode 131 of The View from Jamestown Podcast Edition includes a discussion from sales & customer service on planning ahead for year-end, and anticipating January demand.  
 
Featuring:
VP Sales & Marketing AJ Petrarca
Sales & Customer Service Manager Kaitlyn Hagan
Customer Service Manager Jill Goldstein
Host: Marketing & Sales Manager Ben Sawicki
 
www.thechemco.com
 
Search for a TCC Product:
https://thechemco.com/chemical/
  
Subscribe to The View from Jamestown:
https://thechemco.com/subscribe/
 
For more information and our podcast disclaimer:
www.thechemco.com/podcast
 
Produced by:
Kettlebottom Creative
https://www.kettlebottomcreative.com
 
 
Featuring:
The Logistix Company
Joe Hassenfratz & Brian Burns

Summary:
In Episode 131 of The View from Jamestown Podcast, the team at The Chemical Company (TCC) and The Logistix Company (TLC) dive deep into year-end planning, freight trends, and inventory strategy across the chemicals and logistics industries.
Topics covered:
 • How to prepare inventories before 2026’s demand surge
 • The 100% China tariff and what it means for pricing
 • Freight capacity and LTL shipping delays heading into the holidays
 • Sustainability updates — solar power, ISO integration, and the path toward EcoVadis Gold
 • TLC’s creative logistics solutions for bulk, liquid, and intermodal freight
Whether you’re a supply chain manager, manufacturer, or logistics professional, this episode helps you stay ahead of the curve as the year wraps up.
Subscribe for industry insights and follow along as we share TCC’s 40+ years of experience serving the chemical industry with “People, Not Portals.”
#ChemicalIndustry #Logistics #Freight #SupplyChain #TCC #TLC #Podcast #YearEndPlanning #sustainability 

Disclaimer: The material contained on this Podcast is provided by The Chemical Company (TCC) solely for informational purposes. The information is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up-to-date. The information in the Podcast is intended solely as a general educational aid. TCC is providing this podcast as a public service, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of TCC policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by TCC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by TCC employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of TCC or any of its officials. All statements, comments and opinions presented are made in the context of robust dialog and freedom of expression”. TCC assumes no responsibility for any consequence relating directly or indirectly to any action or inaction you take based on the information in the Podcast. While TCC strives to keep the information in the Podcast accurate, complete, and up-to-date, we cannot guarantee, and will not be responsible for, any damage or loss related to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information. TCC assumes no liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the Podcast. The information contained on the Podcast is provided entirely on an “as is” basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, or timeliness. TCC is not responsible for any changes to the information provided herein. TCC is not providing legal advice and does not assume liability for detrimental reliance on the information provided herein as conditions are subject to change. Please consult with your legal counsel regarding the applicable tariffs.

Episode 131: Plan for January! - October 2025

The View from Jamestown” Chemical Podcast
Hosted by The Chemical Company
Episode 132 | Q4 2025 Update with Kathy Hall

Join host Ben Sawicki for our quarterly update with Kathy Hall. Ben & Kathy review recent tariff news, OPEC headlines, and demand indicators for Q1, 2026 and beyond. Benzene, Styrene, Ethylene, Propylene and more are in-focus as Ben & Kathy review trends for the end of the year, and what to watch heading into 2026.  

Stream all of this and more on Episode 132!

Kathy Hall: Executive Director Product Management, Global Petrochemicals
Petrochem Wire
khall@opisnet.com

Host: Ben Sawicki
www.thechemco.com

Produced by:
Kettlebottom Creative
kettlebottomcreative.com/​

Summary: 
Host Ben Sawicki catches up with Kathy Hall for a grounded conversation on where the chemical industry stands heading into Q4.
They cover the essentials — price trends for ethylene, propylene, and benzene, the continued ripple effects of tariffs and trade pressures, and why many in the industry are calling this period “living in the trough.”
From Europe’s feedstock challenges and automation push, to OPEC’s latest demand forecasts and the steady role of U.S. natural gas, the episode lays out what’s holding steady, what’s changing fast, and what could define 2026.
Kathy also shares perspective on the slowdown in renewable and sustainable projects, as companies shift focus back to core profitability.
Whether you’re in distribution, supply chain, or production, this is a clear-eyed look at the realities of the market and the opportunities ahead.

Disclaimer: The material contained on this Podcast is provided by The Chemical Company (TCC) solely for informational purposes. The information is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up-to-date. The information in the Podcast is intended solely as a general educational aid. TCC is providing this podcast as a public service, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of TCC policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by TCC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by TCC employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of TCC or any of its officials. All statements, comments and opinions presented are made in the context of robust dialog and freedom of expression”. TCC assumes no responsibility for any consequence relating directly or indirectly to any action or inaction you take based on the information in the Podcast. While TCC strives to keep the information in the Podcast accurate, complete, and up-to-date, we cannot guarantee, and will not be responsible for, any damage or loss related to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information. TCC assumes no liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the Podcast. The information contained on the Podcast is provided entirely on an “as is” basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, or timeliness. TCC is not responsible for any changes to the information provided herein. TCC is not providing legal advice and does not assume liability for detrimental reliance on the information provided herein as conditions are subject to change. Please consult with your legal counsel regarding the applicable tariffs.


Episode 132: Q4 2025 Update with Kathy Hall

Issue 8 - Chemical Industry Executive Briefing - October 2025

Highlights of current matters influencing the global chemical industry

Issue 10 - Chemical Industry Executive Briefing - December 2025

Issue 11 - Chemical Industry Executive Briefing - January 2026

“The View from Jamestown” Chemical Podcast
Hosted by The Chemical Company
Episode 136 | January 2026
 
Episode 136 kicks off 2026 with a recap of the recent winter storm and impacts, planning around the upcoming Chinese New Year, and TCC’s Cocktail Party & Meetings in San Antonio. 

Featured products discussed includes Trimellitic Anhydride (TMA), TOTM Plasticizer, 8-10 TM Plasticizer, TINTM Plasticizer and more. 

 
Featuring:
VP Sales & Marketing AJ Petrarca
Latin American Operations Manager Javier Fernandez
Inside Sales Manager Nicole Iannuccillo 
Host: Marketing & Sales Manager Ben Sawicki

www.thechemco.com

Join us in San Antonio:
https://thechemco.com/sanantonio
 
Search for a TCC Product:
https://thechemco.com/chemical/
  
Subscribe to The View from Jamestown:
https://thechemco.com/subscribe/
 
For more information and our podcast disclaimer:
www.thechemco.com/podcast
 
Produced by:
Kettlebottom Creative
https://www.kettlebottomcreative.com

In this episode:

- Winter storm fern: what disruptions looked like, and why things largely avoided worst-case outcomes

- Energy → chemicals: natural gas moves and what that could mean for methanol and related chemistries

- Inventory mindset: “safety stock” and planning ahead when lead times get tight

- Import planning: Chinese New Year timing (and why the impact can stretch beyond the official dates)

- Sourcing notes: momentum in Asia + growing interest in Latin America for shorter lead times and trade advantages

- Tech disruption: what a Microsoft outage looked like operationally (including email + planning systems)

- 2026 events: the team shares details on annual cocktail party (March 29 in San Antonio)

Disclaimer: The material contained on this Podcast is provided by The Chemical Company (TCC) solely for informational purposes. The information is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up-to-date. The information in the Podcast is intended solely as a general educational aid. TCC is providing this podcast as a public service, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of TCC policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by TCC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by TCC employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of TCC or any of its officials. All statements, comments and opinions presented are made in the context of robust dialog and freedom of expression”. TCC assumes no responsibility for any consequence relating directly or indirectly to any action or inaction you take based on the information in the Podcast. While TCC strives to keep the information in the Podcast accurate, complete, and up-to-date, we cannot guarantee, and will not be responsible for, any damage or loss related to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information. TCC assumes no liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the Podcast. The information contained on the Podcast is provided entirely on an “as is” basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, or timeliness. TCC is not responsible for any changes to the information provided herein. TCC is not providing legal advice and does not assume liability for detrimental reliance on the information provided herein as conditions are subject to change. Please consult with your legal counsel regarding the applicable tariffs.


Episode 136: New Year Business Uptick - January 2026

“The View from Jamestown” Chemical Podcast
Hosted by The Chemical Company
Episode 137 | February 2026
 
Episode 137 of The View from Jamestown, our February 2026 edition, includes a compressive update on business thus far in Q1, including how the winter weather is impacting shipments in and around the northeast, and an outlook on demand for the coming months. 

Featuring:
VP Sales & Marketing AJ Petrarca
Customer Service Expert Jill Goldstein
Sales & Regulatory Manager Kaitlyn Hagan
Business Development Agent Jose Gonzalez 
Host: Marketing & Sales Manager Ben Sawicki

From The Logistix Company:
Joe Hassenfratz 
Brian Burns 

www.thechemco.com

Join us in San Antonio:
https://thechemco.com/sanantonio
 
Search for a TCC Product:
https://thechemco.com/chemical/
  
Subscribe to The View from Jamestown:
https://thechemco.com/subscribe/
 
For more information and our podcast disclaimer:
www.thechemco.com/podcast
 
Produced by:
Kettlebottom Creative
https://www.kettlebottomcreative.com


🔔 Subscribe for monthly chemical industry updates
📩 Contact The Chemical Company to learn how we can support your business
🌐 Learn more about TCC’s People Not Portals approach

Disclaimer: The material contained on this Podcast is provided by The Chemical Company (TCC) solely for informational purposes. The information is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up-to-date. The information in the Podcast is intended solely as a general educational aid. TCC is providing this podcast as a public service, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of TCC policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by TCC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by TCC employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of TCC or any of its officials. All statements, comments and opinions presented are made in the context of robust dialog and freedom of expression”. TCC assumes no responsibility for any consequence relating directly or indirectly to any action or inaction you take based on the information in the Podcast. While TCC strives to keep the information in the Podcast accurate, complete, and up-to-date, we cannot guarantee, and will not be responsible for, any damage or loss related to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information. TCC assumes no liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the Podcast. The information contained on the Podcast is provided entirely on an “as is” basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, or timeliness. TCC is not responsible for any changes to the information provided herein. TCC is not providing legal advice and does not assume liability for detrimental reliance on the information provided herein as conditions are subject to change. Please consult with your legal counsel regarding the applicable tariffs.

Episode 137: Communication in Action - February 2026

Issue 12 - Chemical Industry Executive Briefing - February 2026

“The View from Jamestown” Chemical Podcast
Hosted by The Chemical Company
Episode 138 | Surfactants with Neil Burns
 
Episode 138 is an in-depth discussion on the global surfactants market with Managing Partner, Board Member and Consultant Neil Burns. 

Featuring:
Neil Burns
Neil A Burns LLC
https://www.neilaburns.com/ 

www.thechemco.com

Join us in San Antonio:
https://thechemco.com/sanantonio
 
Search for a TCC Product:
https://thechemco.com/chemical/
  
Subscribe to The View from Jamestown:
https://thechemco.com/subscribe/
 
For more information and our podcast disclaimer:
www.thechemco.com/podcast
 
Produced by:
Kettlebottom Creative
https://www.kettlebottomcreative.com
 
Episode Summary:
In Episode 138 of The View from Jamestown Podcast, we welcome Neil Burns for his first appearance to break down the global surfactants market and the key forces shaping the industry in 2026.
From everyday consumer products like detergents and shampoos to large-scale industrial applications, surfactants play a critical role across the global economy. In this episode, we explore what surfactants are, how they’re made, and the complex supply chains behind them.
Neil shares insights into:
The core feedstocks used in surfactant production and where they come from globally
How oil prices, tariffs, and geopolitics are impacting the market
Key industry trends over the past 5 years, including post-COVID shifts
The role of sustainability and alternative feedstocks in future development
Major players in the market—from global producers to emerging innovators
M&A activity and how competitive the industry is becoming
Why surfactants remain a highly consumable, demand-driven product category
What to watch for in the remainder of 2026
We also discuss how branding, formulation, and proprietary technologies influence the market, and why understanding these dynamics is critical for companies operating across the chemical supply chain.
Whether you're in chemical distribution, manufacturing, procurement, or logistics, this episode provides valuable perspective on one of the most essential segments of the chemical industry.

Disclaimer: The material contained on this Podcast is provided by The Chemical Company (TCC) solely for informational purposes. The information is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up-to-date. The information in the Podcast is intended solely as a general educational aid. TCC is providing this podcast as a public service, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of TCC policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by TCC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by TCC employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of TCC or any of its officials. All statements, comments and opinions presented are made in the context of robust dialog and freedom of expression”. TCC assumes no responsibility for any consequence relating directly or indirectly to any action or inaction you take based on the information in the Podcast. While TCC strives to keep the information in the Podcast accurate, complete, and up-to-date, we cannot guarantee, and will not be responsible for, any damage or loss related to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information. TCC assumes no liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the Podcast. The information contained on the Podcast is provided entirely on an “as is” basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, or timeliness. TCC is not responsible for any changes to the information provided herein. TCC is not providing legal advice and does not assume liability for detrimental reliance on the information provided herein as conditions are subject to change. Please consult with your legal counsel regarding the applicable tariffs.

Episode 138: All About Surfactants with Neil Burns

Issue 13 - Chemical Industry Executive Briefing - March 2026

The View from Jamestown: Podcast Edition is a monthly chemical industry podcast produced by The Chemical Company, discussing industry, market and pricing trends, updates and ideas surrounding the chemical industry.

New tracks tagged #chemical industry