Darn Good Distributors

In this episode of Darn Good Distributors, host Kyler Nixon sits down with Gilbert Welsford Jr., the CEO of ValveMan.com, to explore how a third-generation valve expert is reshaping the way an entire industry thinks about marketing, sales, and customer experience.

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Gil shares how he’s leveraged LinkedIn, podcasting, and thought leadership to build brand authority in a $22B industry that has historically lacked visible thought leaders. From embracing storytelling to creating an omnichannel customer experience, Gil explains why he’s in it for the long haul—building a business not just for today, but for the next generation.

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What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why LinkedIn and thought leadership are undervalued tools for B2B distributors.
• How to “just start” building a content presence without overthinking it.
• The shift from an e-commerce business with relationships to a distribution business powered by e-commerce.
• Why customer experience in B2B needs to match (or beat) the best consumer brands.
• How legacy, family business, and faith shape Gil’s long-term vision.
• The evolution of customer service from order-takers to technical experts.

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👉 Connect with Gilbert Welsford Jr.

👉 Learn more at ValveMan.com

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🎙️ This show is brought to you by Forward Studios — helping distributors build brand, create content, and grow through storytelling.

Welcome to Darn Good Distributors, the podcast for B2B eCommerce professionals who want to hear what’s really working in distribution today.

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Each week, host Kyler Nixon sits down with CEOs, marketers, and operators who are driving real results and redefining success. These are the stories, lessons, and strategies you won’t get from consultants—just boots-on-the-ground insights from leaders in the trenches.

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Whether you're scaling your team or trying to keep up with a fast-changing market, this show will give you the clarity and confidence to move forward.