Distribution Talk

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, co-founder and chief strategy officer of the Distribution Strategy Group, and host of the innovative Applied AI for Distributors 2026 summit. There's also no better way to toast the 200th episode of Distribution Talk than with this conversation between two longtime friends. Jason caught up with Ian to discuss the future of AI in distribution, the expanding use of agentic AI, and the exciting program of expert knowledge, topics, and implementation strategies scheduled for this year's summit. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH IAN Distribution Strategy Group Applied AI for Distributors 2026 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.

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 also explores the rewards of lifelong learning, be it in the classroom or on the warehouse floor. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH COLIN 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 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.

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 Chris to learn how companies can use gamification to run sports pools that boost brand awareness, strengthen customer relationships, and drive sales. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH CHRIS 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 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.

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 for distributors and their employees. Catch up from here If you missed part one of our fascinating conversation and live demo, now is a great time to review: From CRM Friction to Sales Intelligence: AI Agents in Distribution with Chris Van Ittersum & Ryan Carroll, Workd *** CONNECT WITH JASONLinkedIn CONNECT WITH CHRIS Workd LinkedIn CONNECT WITH RYAN Workd 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.

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 AI agent solutions for everything from customer relationships to supply chain logistics. Stay for the live AI agent demo! CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH CHRIS Workd LinkedIn CONNECT WITH RYAN Workd 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.

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 face, the importance of inclusive leadership, and what companies can do to foster mentorship and collaborative opportunities for all. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH JACKIE WE United WE Lead: Voices of Innovation 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: 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.

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 navigating a complicated integration process. Jason caught up with Matthew to find out how he and his team are managing employee expectations, continuing to foster innovation, and planning for the future. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH MATTHEW LinkedIn Purity Life *** 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.

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 career and the art of always putting yourself in a position to say "yes!" CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH MONTY LinkedIn Pneu Fastener Advisors *** 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.

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 resulted in an equitable solution for all parties involved. They share practical advice on navigating the purchase journey and realistic timetables for closing a sale. They also explore complex acquisition issues related to real estate holdings, employee transition, and cultural fit. *** CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH MARSHALL The Distribution Team 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: 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.

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 digs into the art and science of a successful upgrade and how to perform an internal review of warehouse processes and employee engagement before making a big move. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH CASEY 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.

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.