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© Distribution Team, 2019-2024
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Dive into the stories, struggles, and solutions from business owners and thought leaders in the wholesale distribution market.
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Could you step away from your business for a month? A week? A day? If the answer to any of those scenarios is "no," then you're not running a business; you're stuck with a job. Chyle Edic, owner of Efficiency-Edge, LLC, helps owners of small-to-medium-sized organizations break their micromanaging habits and shift their attention to growth and, possibly, a vacation. Jason caught up with Chyle to discuss the operational miscues and employee issues that keep owners from realizing their company's ultimate potential and how tools like Entrepreneur Operating System (EOS) can deliver targeted, financially rewarding improvements. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH CHYLE LinkedIn Efficiency-Edge *** For full show notes and services visit: https://www.distributionteam.com Distribution Talk is produced by The Distribution Team, a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth, and achieve personal goals. This episode was edited by The Creative Impostor Studios Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: Profit2, helping distributors charge the right price; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.
The 21st century is well underway. So, why are distributors and manufacturers still using 20th-century warehouse management systems? Steve Shebuski, managing director of MCA Connect, says that an outdated WMS costs companies more than they realize. Jason caught up with Steve to discuss insights gained from his long career in Microsoft-based warehouse solutions, as well as the benefits of a modern WMS on order management, supply sourcing, and business strategy. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH STEVE MCA Connect LinkedIn *** For full show notes and services visit: https://www.distributionteam.com Distribution Talk is produced by The Distribution Team, a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth, and achieve personal goals. This episode was edited by The Creative Impostor Studios Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: Moblico, helping businesses do more business on mobile devices; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.
"Distribution has a PR problem." Fans of Distribution Talk will recognize that quote as one of Jason Bader's favorite industry laments. It's more than a pithy soundbite, however. The phrase is shorthand for the talent acquisition and development issues facing most small-to-mid-sized wholesale distributors. One answer? A tiered progression plan. We're revisiting this rare and insightful solo episode with Jason, where he lays out winning strategies for attracting next-generation new hires. This includes advice on creating a tiered progression plan that will energize your entire staff for decades to come. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn *** For full show notes and services visit: https://www.distributionteam.com Distribution Talk is produced by The Distribution Team, a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth, and achieve personal goals. This episode was edited by The Creative Impostor Studios. Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: Connected Peers, providing virtual communities for wholesale distributors; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software companies sell a simple premise: if you can manage customer data, you can grow your business. But capitalizing on that promise is complicated, as any company struggling with CRM implementation knows. Kristen Thom, senior vice president of customer experience for White Cup, has an easy fix for this persistent CRM pain point. She helps distributors reframe their focus, emphasizing actionable information over team micromanagement. Jason caught up with her to discuss White Cup's powerful CRM+BI solution and the revolutionary ways that the company incorporates AI to capture hidden market share while improving long-term customer relationships. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH KRISTEN LinkedIn White Cup *** *** For full show notes and services visit: https://www.distributionteam.com Distribution Talk is produced by The Distribution Team, a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth, and achieve personal goals. This episode was edited by The Creative Impostor Studios Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: Profit2, helping distributors charge the right price; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.
The past is always present at Industrial Supply Company, thanks to a treasure trove of historical documents dating back to 1915. While the Utah-based company's century+ heritage is impressive, Jessica Yurgaitis has no intention of dwelling in the dust of the organization's bygone era, even if the history major in her loves posting those old handwritten letters and sales slips. We're revisiting Jason's conversation with this fourth-generation president about balancing respect for family legacy with a desire to launch the company into a thoroughly modern future. *** CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH JESSICA LinkedIn *** Distribution Talk is produced by The Distribution Team, a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth, and achieve personal goals. This episode was edited by The Creative Impostor Studios Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: Moblico, helping businesses do more business on mobile devices; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.
AI isn't coming; it's here, optimizing behind-the-scenes tasks like forecasting, inventory management, and CRM oversight. John Long, CEO of THYNK AI, says artificial intelligence is ready to take on client-facing interactions. His company has the ultimate tool for the job: Eric, an AI-powered agent. Jason caught up with John to discuss the evolution of the company's Thynk Agent and the cost-effective advantages it offers distributors in an increasingly competitive environment. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH JOHN LinkedIn THYNK AI *** For full show notes and services visit: https://www.distributionteam.com Distribution Talk is produced by The Distribution Team, a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth, and achieve personal goals. This episode was edited by The Creative Impostor Studios Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: Connected Peers, providing virtual communities for wholesale distributors; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.
It's rare to come across a company that has evolved as profitably or organically as Threaded Fasteners, Inc. While it's tempting to award all the credit to Billy Duren, president and CEO of the Alabama-based manufacturer and distributor, he'd be the first to tell you that the company's success is wholly due to the creativity of its employee-owners. Jason caught up with Billy to learn more about the organization's dynamic growth and its legacy of innovation, both of which were made possible by a succession plan that centered around an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH BILLY LinkedIn Threaded Fasteners, Inc. Nuts & Bolts Of Leadership *** For full show notes and services visit: https://www.distributionteam.com Distribution Talk is produced by The Distribution Team, a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth, and achieve personal goals. This episode was edited by The Creative Impostor Studios Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: Profit2, helping distributors charge the right price; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.
Ever heard the phrase "chain of pain?" If you're a wholesale distributor, chances are you've experienced it via the cascading agony of outdated workflows or missed sales opportunities. Pierre Barbeau, co-founder and CEO of Moblico, returns to chat with Jason about his company's supercharged mobile technology solution to common pain points, including proprietary innovations such as unified business messaging automation, broadcast engagement strategies, and OrderAssist AI™, Moblico's advanced tool for converting unstructured orders into fast, accurate sales. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH PIERRE LinkedIn Moblico *** For full show notes and services visit: https://www.distributionteam.com Distribution Talk is produced by The Distribution Team, a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth, and achieve personal goals. This episode was edited by The Creative Impostor Studios Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: Moblico, helping businesses do more business on mobile devices; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.
Remember when eCommerce was going to revolutionize B2B sales? Twenty years in, only a handful of channels have capitalized on the initial promise. But distributors aren't to blame for the operational failure, says Justin Johnson, Founder of Motivate. He maintains that the major e-commerce platforms should bear the blame. They failed to grasp that most orders are placed from the job site via mobile, a recurring purchase order, or a list scribbled on a piece of drywall. Jason spoke with Justin about his company's innovative plug-and-play order processing solution, a PO-to-cart widget that works with the software distributors already own. It can even convert images into orders with incredible accuracy. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH JUSTIN LinkedIn Motivate *** For full show notes and services visit: https://www.distributionteam.com Distribution Talk is produced by The Distribution Team, a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth, and achieve personal goals. This episode was edited by The Creative Impostor Studios Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: Connected Peers, providing virtual communities for wholesale distributors; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.
Hot on the heels of a real life internal fraud disaster for one of his clients, this episode is top of mind for Jason. Listen for actions you can take right now to protect your business. Movies portray embezzlement as a big-money, high-flying romp. Fact is decidedly different than fiction—and surprisingly common! Jason dives into the realities of pink-collar crime with Kelly Paxton, a workplace dishonesty expert, fraud educator, and host of the Fraudish podcast. The pair offer case studies that expose the motives behind the misconduct, company culture's role in fostering opportunities for theft, and how small withdrawals add up to big financial headaches. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH KELLY LinkedIn GET THE BOOK Embezzlement: How To Detect And Investigate Pink Collar Crime *** For full show notes and services visit: https://www.distributionteam.com Distribution Talk is produced by The Distribution Team, a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth, and achieve personal goals. This episode was edited & mixed by The Creative Impostor Studios. Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: Connected Peers, providing virtual communities for wholesale distributors; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.
Want to know a time-tested business secret? Commitment to the long game always pays off. Vic Wilson is a virtuoso practitioner of that adage. Decades before immigrating to the US and taking over as head of sales at voestalpine Böhler Welding, the Canadian-born Wilson was busy forging relationships across the country. Jason caught up with Vic to discuss what it means to build a successful 35-year career one connection at a time. The pair also explore the welding industry's challenges due to new US tariffs, the benefits of co-op membership, and the satisfaction of giving back. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH VIC LinkedIn voestalpine Böhler Welding *** For full show notes and services visit: https://www.distributionteam.com Distribution Talk is produced by The Distribution Team, a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth, and achieve personal goals. This episode was edited by The Creative Impostor Studios Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: Profit2, helping distributors charge the right price; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.
Most AI conversations revolve around the tech. That's understandable, given its computational superiority and unlimited potential, especially when applied to distribution. Nick Pericle, Vice President of ProfitOptics, engages in more expansive discussions, complete with sessions of task-oriented, experiential learning. Jason caught up with Nick to learn about ProfitOptics' experiential approach to creating scalable solutions and securing employee buy-in. And, yes, the pair also discuss the amazing, adaptable AI tech driving the distribution industry's evolution. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH NICK LinkedIn ProfitOptics *** For full show notes and services visit: https://www.distributionteam.com Distribution Talk is produced by The Distribution Team, a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth, and achieve personal goals. This episode was edited by The Creative Impostor Studios. Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: Moblico, helping businesses do more business on mobile devices; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.
When was the last time curiosity got the better of you on a business trip? In this rare solo episode, Jason explores roads less traveled. Literally. Calling on clients is what business travel is all about, but is there room in your schedule for unexpected experiences? Are you open to making mundane travel more magical this time around? CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn *** For full show notes and services visit: https://www.distributionteam.com Distribution Talk is produced by The Distribution Team, a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth, and achieve personal goals. This episode was edited & mixed by The Creative Impostor Studios. Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: Connected Peers, connecting key employees in distribution's leading organizations; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.
Leading with compassion is one thing (and a good thing at that). But what if whole departments ran on a standard of sensitivity and genuine emotional concern for the people in their care, be they customers or employees? Before leaving The Granite Group to start her own consultancy, Tracie Sponenberg held the title of Chief People Officer. She's credited with shifting the company's human resources perspective towards compassion over compliance. In this revisited episode, Jason speaks with Tracie about the impetus for this mindset change, strategies for CEOs interested in making similar upgrades to their company's HR culture, and what she's doing now to support the meaningful evolution of workforce administration. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH TRACIE LinkedIn Website *** For full show notes and services visit: https://www.distributionteam.com Distribution Talk is produced by The Distribution Team, a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth, and achieve personal goals. This episode was edited & mixed by The Creative Impostor Studios. Special thanks to our sponsor for this episode: Moblico, helping businesses do more business on mobile devices; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.
Pop quiz: What does CRM stand for? Brian Gardner says there's more to the acronym than customer relationship management. He's the Founder and CEO of SalesProcess360, a consultancy that helps distributors secure greater ROI from their CRM. Jason caught up with Brian to learn more about the company's "reverse order" approach to picking the perfect CRM. They explore the differences between ERPs with CRM add-ons versus systems that are purpose-built for complex sales environments and touch on the industry's AI readiness. The pair also discuss how a company-wide audit before purchase can boost employee buy-in and enhance long-term CRM efficacy. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH BRIAN SalesProcess 360 LinkedIn *** For full show notes and services visit: https://www.distributionteam.com Distribution Talk is produced by The Distribution Team, a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth, and achieve personal goals. This episode was edited by The Creative Impostor Studios Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: Profit2, helping distributors charge the right price; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.
Relationships drive distribution. The theory holds up even as automations and AI integrations infiltrate every aspect of business. But how do personal affinity and an enduring professional alliance actually work in practice? Darin Arnold has decades of experience forging relationships. As president of Sales Northwest, Inc., a manufacturer's rep based in Seattle, WA., he's charged with balancing the needs of distributors and manufacturers on a daily basis. Jason caught up with Darin to discuss the role that relationship-building plays in helping the agency maintain client trust, especially in the fast-paced contractor and industrial supply markets. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH DARIN Sales Northwest LinkedIn *** Distribution Talk is produced by The Distribution Team, a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth, and achieve personal goals. This episode was edited by The Creative Impostor Studios Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry; and Moblico, helping businesses do more business on mobile devices.
Conversations often go sideways when the topic turns to AI. Most of the anxiety stems from widespread misunderstanding about the activities this tech can and will eventually execute. Brooks Hamilton is the guy that C-suites rely on to cut through the chatter. He's the CEO of Hamilton AI Strategy Advisors, a development service specializing in artificial intelligence for distribution. Jason caught up with Brooks to explore the collaborative opportunities that emerge when tech and team are thoughtfully integrated. Brooks also shares real-world examples using distribution data sets and gets candid about the areas where AI might not make the most sense. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH BROOKS Hamilton AI Strategy Advisors LinkedIn *** For full show notes and services visit: https://www.distributionteam.com Distribution Talk is produced by The Distribution Team, a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth, and achieve personal goals. This episode was edited by The Creative Impostor Studios. Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: Connected Peers, providing virtual communities for wholesale distributors; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.
Career pivots don't always happen on impulse or as the result of a 180º turn. More often than not, change occurs slowly until the protagonist finds themself in different but not unfamiliar territory. That's the story with Steve Bailey, president of Bailey Safety. He parlayed a successful career in his family's distribution business into a lucrative safety consulting and training venture. Jason caught up with Steve to discover what it's like to transition from a traditional distributorship to a safety specialist focused on the construction industry and how he plans to innovate in that space. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH STEVE Bailey Safety LinkedIn *** For full show notes and services visit: https://www.distributionteam.com Distribution Talk is produced by The Distribution Team, a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth, and achieve personal goals. This episode was edited by The Creative Impostor Studios Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: Profit2, helping distributors charge the right price; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.
Margins are slim for small distributors, especially in the food service industry. So, how does a local supplier take advantage of bespoke technology solutions without breaking the bank? Chris Elliott has the answer. He's the co-founder and head of new business development at Kimelo by Cheetah Technologies, an elegant eCommerce platform that's purpose-built for food distribution. Jason caught up with Chris to discuss the tech company's humble warehouse beginnings, its commitment to designing financially accessible solutions, and the app's role in strengthening relationships between distributor and restaurateur. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH CHRIS Kimelo LinkedIn *** For full show notes and services visit: https://www.distributionteam.com Distribution Talk is produced by The Distribution Team, a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth, and achieve personal goals. This episode was edited by The Creative Impostor Studios Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: Moblico, helping businesses do more business on mobile devices; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.
Team training is hit-or-miss. Businesses either choose a generic version that doesn't directly address their industry or a vertical-specific program that's so complex the team fails to fully implement it. Jeremy Wall has a simple solution. He's the co-founder and CEO of GoalMakers, a learning platform that bills itself as the 10-week MBA. Jason chats with Jeremy about the company's ongoing evolution, its hybrid learning environment, and its secret to providing cost-effective facilitation. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH JEREMY Website LinkedIn *** For full show notes and services visit: https://www.distributionteam.com Distribution Talk is produced by The Distribution Team, a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth, and achieve personal goals. This episode was edited & mixed by The Creative Impostor Studios Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: Connected Peers, providing virtual communities for wholesale distributors, and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.
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