Distribution Talk podcast

Distribution Talk

Dive into the stories, struggles, and solutions from business owners and thought leaders in the wholesale distribution market.

Dive into the stories, struggles, and solutions from business owners and thought leaders in the wholesale distribution market.

 

#171

Developing People as Emerging Leaders in the Distribution Industry with J Carlton Harwood, Formerly ...

Want to know a hiring secret? A self-directed development strategy can help you attract and retain top-notch talent in today's transient employment climate.  J Carlton Harwood, a consultant and 30-year vet of <a href= "https://www.ferguson.com/?&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAvP-6BhDyARIsAJ3uv7YAJXU1_pPsCX3gWyNWbYLfZZiYyNIrjnYejsJWBDuUTwlNMxQzoQAaAoO3EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds"> Ferguson Enterprises</a>, believes that staff success isn’t acquired through mandatory coursework. Instead, he champions a “hands-off,” self-directed model. Give employees autonomy and an environment where they can create unique improvement plans. Jason welcomes Carlton to share talent development lessons learned throughout his enviable career. They also discuss strategies for turning challenging company assignments into golden career opportunities. CONNECT WITH JASON <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbader/">LinkedIn</a> CONNECT WITH CARLTON [Email] (mailto:jcharwood11@gmail.com) <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcharwood/">LinkedIn</a> For full show notes and services visit: <a href= "https://www.distributionteam.com">https://www.distributionteam.com</a> Distribution Talk is produced by <a href= "https://www.thedistributionteam.com/">The Distribution Team</a>, 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 <a href= "https://www.thecreativeimposter.com/">The Creative Impostor Studios</a>  Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: [Profit2,] (https://bit.ly/dtprofit2) helping distributors charge the right price, and <a href= "https://bit.ly/dtinxsql">INxSQL Distribution Software</a>, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.   ... Read more

18 Dec 2024

43 MINS

43:01

18 Dec 2024


#170

Guiding the Future by Focusing on the Basics with Rhonda Wight of Refrigeration Sales Corp

The future of HVACR distribution is already here. But if your company is solely focused on the impending changeover to more eco-friendly components, it’s missing out on future-proofing the industry’s workforce. Rhonda Wight is miles ahead on both fronts. As CEO of Ohio-based <a href= "https://www.refrigerationsales.net/">Refrigeration Sales Corporation</a> (RSC), she believes that developing next-gen talent is everyone’s job.  Jason chats with Rhonda about her commitment to mentorship and why it’s beneficial to the entire HVACR ecosystem. The pair also discuss RSC’s systematic approach to budget planning and how it pays off in the long run. CONNECT WITH JASON <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbader/">LinkedIn</a> CONNECT WITH RHONDA <a href= "https://www.refrigerationsales.net/">Website</a> <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonda-wight-a620547/">LinkedIn</a> *** For full show notes and services visit: <a href= "https://www.distributionteam.com">https://www.distributionteam.com</a> Distribution Talk is produced by <a href= "https://www.thedistributionteam.com/">The Distribution Team</a>, 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 <a href= "https://www.thecreativeimposter.com/">The Creative Impostor Studios</a>  Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: [Moblico] (https://bit.ly/dtmoblico) , helping businesses do more business on mobile devices, and <a href= "https://bit.ly/dtinxsql">INxSQL Distribution Software</a>, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.    ... Read more

11 Dec 2024

39 MINS

39:06

11 Dec 2024


#169

Using AI to Build More Efficient Processes and Realize Greater Profitability With Justin Johnson of ...

If your C-suite isn’t entertaining conversations about artificial intelligence, is it interested in profitability? Perhaps that’s not a fair assessment. Maybe the C-Suite just needs a crash course in what the technology can do for distribution.  Justin J. Johnson, founder and CEO of <a href= "https://www.gomotivate.com/">Motivate AI,</a> is the perfect spokesperson for the job. Jason caught up with Justin to learn more about Motivate AI’s purpose-built automated solutions for distribution and how they boost sales team performance, enhance customer engagement, and streamline the quote and order process. CONNECT WITH JASON <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbader/">LinkedIn</a> CONNECT WITH JUSTIN [Website] (https://www.gomotivate.com/) [Email] (mailto:jj@gomotivate.com) <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinjjohnson/">LinkedIn</a> *** For full show notes and services visit: <a href= "https://www.distributionteam.com/">https://www.distributionteam.com</a> Distribution Talk is produced by <a href= "https://www.thedistributionteam.com/">The Distribution Team</a>, 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 <a href= "https://www.thecreativeimposter.com/">The Creative Impostor Studios</a>  Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: [Connected Peers] (https://bit.ly/dtconnectedpeers) , providing virtual communities for wholesale distributors, and [INxSQL Distribution Software] (https://bit.ly/dtinxsql) , an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry. ... Read more

13 Nov 2024

46 MINS

46:23

13 Nov 2024


#168

What Are the Secrets Behind Distributor Pricing Success? Revisiting Dave Roller, Profit2

It’s the one hot topic in business that never seems to go away… PRICING. If you haven’t addressed your company’s pricing plan in a while, Dave Roller says you’re leaving good money on the table. As president of <a href= "https://bit.ly/dtprofit2">Profit2</a>, Dave has built his career helping distributors optimize their strategy - even against e-conn’s biggest names.  Though this conversion was recorded in 2020, it’s as relevant as ever today. Jason and Dave break down about the art and science of pricing as well as overcoming pricing challenges - even in challenging times.  CONNECT WITH JASON <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbader/">LinkedIn</a> CONNECT WITH DAVE <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-roller-60211218/">LinkedIn</a> [Profit2] (https://bit.ly/dtprofit2) <a href= "mailto:Dave@profit2.com">Dave@profit2.com</a> *** For full show notes and services visit: <a href= "https://www.distributionteam.com">https://www.distributionteam.com</a> Distribution Talk is produced by <a href= "https://www.thedistributionteam.com/">The Distribution Team</a>, 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 <a href= "https://www.thecreativeimposter.com/">The Creative Impostor Studios</a>.  Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: <a href="https://www.profit2.com/"></a><a href= "https://bit.ly/dtinxsql">INxSQL Distribution Software</a>, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry; and <a href= "https://bit.ly/dtprofit2">Profit2,</a> helping distributors charge the right price. ... Read more

30 Oct 2024

46 MINS

46:45

30 Oct 2024


#167

Teaching Soft Skills, Sales Savvy and Servant-Style Leadership to Next Gen Talent with Dr. Lee Allis...

Conventional business wisdom holds that everyone wants to join the marketing team; no one wants to work in sales anymore.  Dr. Lee Allison rejects this defeatist attitude and the generational stereotypes that often accompany it. As Professor of Engineering Technology & Industrial Distribution at <a href= "https://engineering.tamu.edu/etid/index.html">Texas A&M University</a>, she has a literal front row seat to the rise of GenZ and Gen Alpha––and all reports from campus are good!   CONNECT WITH JASON <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbader/">LinkedIn</a> CONNECT WITH LEE <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/drleeallison/">LinkedIn</a> For full show notes and services visit: <a href= "https://www.distributionteam.com/">https://www.distributionteam.com</a> Distribution Talk is produced by <a href= "https://www.thedistributionteam.com/">The Distribution Team</a>, 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 <a href= "https://www.thecreativeimposter.com/">The Creative Impostor Studios</a>.  Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: [INxSQL Distribution Software] (https://www.inxsql.com/) , an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry; and <a href= "https://bit.ly/dtmoblicosolutions.com/?utm_source=distributiontalk"> Moblico,</a> helping businesses do more business on mobile devices. ... Read more

09 Oct 2024

44 MINS

44:56

09 Oct 2024


#166

Selling Your Company? Practical Tips to Avoid Emotional and Procedural Pitfalls with Marshall Jones,...

Selling your company is one of the most challenging aspects of owning a business. Longtime colleague and Distribution Team Senior Advisor, Marshall Jones knows the mental, emotional, and procedural challenges well. Those experiences put him in a unique position to assist other sellers through the process.  Jason and Marshall review a client case study highlighting critical aspects of securing a successful (and profitable!) sale and tips for avoiding deal-breaking pitfalls.  CONNECT WITH JASON <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbader/">LinkedIn</a> CONNECT WITH MARSHALL <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/marshall-jones-89933240/">LInkedIn</a> *** For full show notes and services visit: <a href= "https://www.distributionteam.com">https://www.distributionteam.com</a> Distribution Talk is produced by [The Distribution Team] (https://www.thedistributionteam.com/) , 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] (https://www.thecreativeimposter.com/) .  Special thanks to our sponsor for this episode: <a href= "https://www.profit2.com/"></a><a href= "https://www.inxsql.com/">INxSQL Distribution Software</a>, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.    ... Read more

18 Sep 2024

38 MINS

38:33

18 Sep 2024


#165

Making The Mundane Returns Process Profitable With Alex Witcpalek of Continuum.ai

Returns, warranties, and repairs are a headache for distribution. Much of that pain stems from the antiquated systems that most companies still rely on to process their returns. Alex Witcpalek, founder and CEO of <a href= "https://gocontinuum.ai/">Continuum.ai</a>, recognized the optimization potential of this largely overlooked in-house activity and created the first B2B returns network for distributors and manufacturers.  Jason caught up with Alex during a recent conference in Chicago to find out what drew this ex-college footballer to distribution (and <a href= "https://resources.gocontinuum.ai/podcast/return-2-basics-episode-1-featuring-kevin-mcgirl"> podcasting</a>!), why Continuum.ai’s platform is a perfect match for a niche operation with so many variables, and how it boosts the user’s overall profitability. The pair also discuss the role that Continuum.ai’s quality culture plays in attracting and keeping a top-tier workforce.  CONNECT WITH JASON <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbader/">LinkedIn</a> CONNECT WITH ALEX <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-witcpalek-419b052b/">LinkedIn</a> <a href= "https://gocontinuum.ai/">GoContinuum.ai</a> <a href= "https://resources.gocontinuum.ai/podcast/return-2-basics-episode-1-featuring-kevin-mcgirl"> Podcast</a> For full show notes and services visit: <a href= "https://www.distributionteam.com">https://www.distributionteam.com</a> Distribution Talk is produced by <a href= "https://www.thedistributionteam.com/">The Distribution Team</a>, 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 <a href= "https://www.thecreativeimposter.com/">The Creative Impostor Studios</a>.  Special thanks to our sponsor for this episode: [INxSQL Distribution Software] (https://www.inxsql.com/) , an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.  ... Read more

11 Sep 2024

43 MINS

43:13

11 Sep 2024


#164

Growing the Family Business by Focusing on Talent and Culture: Revisiting Dick and Jordan Bader Part...

Welcome back for part 2 with the Bader boys, Jason’s in-depth look at his family’s distribution business with patriarch and founder of [Acme Construction Supply Co, Inc.] (https://www.acmetool.com/) , Dick Bader, and younger brother Jordan, the company’s current president and CEO. As they wrap up their visit, Dick and Jordan reveal the fundamental principles that have supported Acme’s thriving culture and growth initiatives. They also share the rewards of trade organization participation in this “revisited” episode.  CONNECT WITH JASON <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbader/">LinkedIn</a> CONNECT WITH DICK <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/dick-bader-69a1a238">LinkedIn</a> CONNECT WITH JORDAN <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-bader-4a539374">LinkedIn</a> *** For full show notes and services visit: <a href= "https://www.distributionteam.com">https://www.distributionteam.com</a> Distribution Talk is produced by <a href= "https://www.thedistributionteam.com/">The Distribution Team</a>, 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 <a href= "https://www.thecreativeimposter.com/">The Creative Impostor Studios</a>.  Special thanks to our sponsor for this episode: [INxSQL Distribution Software] (https://www.inxsql.com/) , integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry. ... Read more

14 Aug 2024

33 MINS

33:22

14 Aug 2024


#163

Inside the Bader Family’s Distribution Origin Story: Revisiting Dick and Jordan Bader Part 1

Jason corrals family patriarch and founder of Acme Construction Supply Co, Inc., Dick Bader, and little brother Jordan, current president and CEO, for an insider’s look at the family business. Like all epic tales, this one comes complete with plot twists, sibling rivalry (of the genial kind), and a cliffhanger. CONNECT WITH JASON <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbader/">LinkedIn</a> CONNECT WITH DICK <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/dick-bader-69a1a238">LinkedIn</a> CONNECT WITH JORDAN <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-bader-4a539374">LinkedIn</a> *** For full show notes and services visit: <a href= "https://www.distributionteam.com">https://www.distributionteam.com</a> Distribution Talk is produced by <a href= "https://www.thedistributionteam.com/">The Distribution Team</a>, 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 <a href= "https://www.thecreativeimposter.com/">The Creative Impostor Studios</a>.  Special thanks to our sponsor for this episode: [INxSQL Distribution Software] (https://www.inxsql.com/) , integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.   ... Read more

07 Aug 2024

33 MINS

33:10

07 Aug 2024


#162

An Adventure in Entrepreneurship from Passion to Problem-Solving to Profit: Revisiting Jeff Peterson...

If entrepreneurs are known for marching to a different beat, then <a href= "https://www.distributionteam.com/episode021.html">Jeff Peterson</a> is an improvisational maestro. DT fans may remember Jason’s conversation with the CEO of <a href= "https://genevasupply.com/">Geneva Supply</a> in episode 21, in which the two discussed growing and expanding that company’s footprint. And did he ever! Just as that business started to get predictable, Jeff stumbled upon his next entrepreneurial challenge: [Interstate Music] (https://interstatemusic.com/) . This week, we're revisiting Jeff's second appearance on Distribution Talk: The One Where Jeff Went All In to Turn Around a 75-Year-Old Music Retailer (even though the company languished in bankruptcy and the world paused for a pandemic). He applied his extensive e-com knowledge and a lifelong affinity for live music to a new entrepreneurial challenge and has never once regretted taking on that challenge. CONNECT WITH JASON <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbader/">LinkedIn</a> CONNECT WITH JEFF <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-peterson-06038279/">LinkedIn</a> *** For full show notes and services visit: <a href= "https://www.distributionteam.com">https://www.distributionteam.com</a> Distribution Talk is produced by [The Distribution Team] (https://www.thedistributionteam.com/) , 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] (https://www.thecreativeimposter.com/) . Special thanks to our sponsor for this episode: <a href= "https://www.inxsql.com/">INxSQL Distribution Software</a>, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.    ... Read more

17 Jul 2024

51 MINS

51:09

17 Jul 2024


#161

The Art of Bringing Industry Competitors Together With Edward Kuo of Commercial Vehicle Solutions Ne...

Buzzwords can shut down conversations quicker than their end users care to admit. But, when Edward Kuo employs terms like “collaborate” and “innovate” to describe his role as executive director of the [Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network] (https://cvsn.org/) (CVSN), he can back them up with decades of association experience and a successful track record of advocating for an entire industry, not just the members of his organization.  Jason and Edward chat about the value associations provide businesses beyond their membership, the challenges of attracting younger workers to a career in distribution, and the art of bringing industry competitors together for the good of all.  CONNECT WITH JASON <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbader/">LinkedIn</a> CONNECT WITH EDWARD <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-kuo-2151892/">LinkedIn</a> *** For full show notes and services visit: <a href= "https://www.distributionteam.com/">https://www.distributionteam.com</a> Distribution Talk is produced by <a href= "https://www.thedistributionteam.com/">The Distribution Team</a>, 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 <a href= "https://www.thecreativeimposter.com/">The Creative Impostor Studios</a>. Special thanks to our sponsor for this episode: <a href= "https://connectedpeers.com/">Connected Peers</a>, providing virtual communities for wholesale distributors. ... Read more

03 Jul 2024

37 MINS

37:31

03 Jul 2024