Distribution Talk

What can distribution warehouse operators learn from the Roman Empire and United States Marine Corps? More than you might think, says Will Quinn, aka The Distribution Guy® .  Jason caught up with Will to discuss the evolution of modern warehouse functionality and pragmatic strategies for improving company performance at the ground-level––from receiving and slotting to picking and packing. Will als...

It seems like everyone is using artificial intelligence these days, maybe even your top competitor. But widespread enthusiasm shouldn't deter you from putting AI tools through their paces. Nor should naysayers convince you that the tech is just a fad. So, how do you partner with AI to create distribution-focused solutions without abdicating your innate human expertise? You start by building better...

Seth Gordon traded a career in finance for the family HVAC distribution business. Today, as CEO of Glacier Supply Group, he brings a fresh perspective to the industry while navigating the challenges of next-generation leadership. In this revisited conversation, Jason chats with Seth about his journey from finance to duct fittings, the importance of connecting with mentors, and the Glacier team's w...

From Profit21 and ERP consolidation to AI-powered knowledge capture, Renata Morgan shares how modern distributors are evolving beyond "the way we've always done it." What happens when one of the biggest names in HVAC manufacturing invests in independent distribution? A new entity emerges, swiftly followed by conversations around safeguarding the distributor's company culture, autonomy, and institu...

If you aren't ready for a roundtable discussion on artificial intelligence, employee empowerment, and Aristotle, then you aren't prepared for the future of wholesale distribution.  Jason caught up with Adriana McLane, founder of Fulfilling Strategy , and Dirk Beveridge, founder of Unleash Wholesale Distribution , for a lively and informative examination of how wholesale distribution's relationship...

From mentorship to communication skills, discover how the next generation is redefining sales careers—and why distributors need to rethink their talent strategy now. Jason revisits his conversation with Dr. Lee Allison, Professor of Engineering Technology & Industrial Distribution at Texas A&M University , to explore academia's role in preparing graduates for successful careers in distribution, th...

AI is here. Now what? If you're a distributor who's struggling to answer, you're in good company. Distributors as a whole are cautious about buying into broad-appeal solutions. But, they're not Luddites. Instead, they want products that provide industry-focused context and bottom-line value. There's no better ambassador for AI and how to successfully apply the tech to distribution than Ian Heller,...

There's an adage that says those who cannot do, teach. Colin Dees is a welcome exception. He's an adjunct professor, researcher, author, speaker, and consultant. Colin founded Dees Consulting, LLC , to help distributors optimize profitability and growth.  Jason caught up with his longtime friend to learn more about his expertise in supply chain management and customer pricing strategies. The pair...

Sports pools have long been a company-wide camaraderie-builder. Whether it's squares, brackets, or simple head-to-head match-ups, your staff loves a low-stakes distraction. What if you could turn that interdepartmental activity into a client-facing engagement tool?  Chris Briggs, founder and CEO of Touchpoint Games (TPG), helps distributors and manufacturers do just that. Jason caught up with Chri...

What happens when automation becomes a partner—not a replacement for people? Debates about AI agents in the workplace raise provocative questions about the nature of work and the future of the humans who do that work. In part two of Jason's conversation with the team from Workd , Chris Van Ittersum, CEO and co-founder, and Ryan Carroll, director of development, share real-world value propositions...

Distributors often bemoan the AI "revolution" for its lack of practicality. Fair enough. No one likes an endless loops of recorded prompts or laborious input tasks. Workd helps businesses build AI agents that drive B2B growth in the real world.  Jason caught up with Chris Van Ittersum, CEO and co-founder, and Ryan Carroll, director of development, to learn more. Queue up for the conversation about...

The last five years have amplified our desire for authentic connections and conversations. Jackie Mattox identified that need a decade ago and founded WE United , a professional space originally created to advocate for women in the electronics industry. Now, she's expanding the organization's focus to include men. Jason chats with Jackie about the unique challenges that women in distribution still...

What do distributors of wellness products and, say, industrial fasteners have in common? More than you think. While the inventory and customer bases differ, the lessons learned in their respective trenches are universal.  Matthew James, president and CEO of Purity Life Health Products LP in Canada, agrees. He just closed on a major acquisition 13 years in the making and has advice for anyone navig...

If you're in the distribution business, you're in the business of creating opportunities. Charles "Monty" Clayton is a classic example of that adage. He has played a significant role in shaping the southwest's fastener industry since the late-80s. Now, Monty is enjoying a third act fueled by the connections he's embraced along the way. Jason finally caught up with Monty to discuss his legendary ca...

If you've ever daydreamed about selling your distribution business, this episode is for you. If not, bookmark it for future reference. The fundamentals of a successful acquisition remain evergreen, beginning with the need for a knowledgeable advisor. Marshall Jones, senior advisor with  The Distribution Team , joins Jason to discuss his latest client win, a year-long transaction process that resul...

Choosing the right warehouse management system (WMS) system can simplify your warehouse operations, bolster staff performance and morale, and improve your bottom line. But, before you sign on the dotted line, have you given serious (and honest) thought to how your growing pains might manifest in that pricey new platform?  In this revisited conversation with Casey Winans, CEO of Fullstride , Jason...

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...

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...

"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 epis...

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 r...

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 J...

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-effe...

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 t...

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 busines...

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 mobil...