Selling your company is one of the most challenging aspects of owning a business. In this revisited episode, longtime colleague and Distribution Team Senior Advisor Marshall Jones shares his firsthand perspective on the mental, emotional, and procedural challenges of a business sale. Jason and Marshall review a client case study highlighting critical aspects of securing a successful (and…
Many distributors fall into the habit of making inventory decisions by gut instinct. Understandable? Yes, considering the vast amounts of historical data that purchasing teams must weigh against future marketplace volatility. Unavoidable? Also yes! Especially when purpose-built AI tools exist. Jason caught up with Conor Leen, co-founder and president of Lantern , to learn about the company's…
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 also…
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…
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…
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,…
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…