Most AI conversations revolve around the tech. That’s understandable, given its computational superiority and unlimited potential, especially when applied to distribution. Nick Pericle, Vice President of ProfitOptics, engages in more expansive discussions, complete with sessions of task-oriented, experiential learning.

Jason caught up with Nick to learn about ProfitOptics’ experiential approach to creating scalable solutions and securing employee buy-in. And, yes, the pair also discuss the amazing, adaptable AI tech driving the distribution industry’s evolution.

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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. 

When was the last time curiosity got the better of you on a business trip? In this rare solo episode, Jason explores roads less traveled. Literally. Calling on clients is what business travel is all about, but is there room in your schedule for unexpected experiences? 

Are you open to making mundane travel more magical this time around?

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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: Connected Peers, connecting key employees in distribution's leading organizations; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.

Leading with compassion is one thing (and a good thing at that). But what if whole departments ran on a standard of sensitivity and genuine emotional concern for the people in their care, be they customers or employees? Before leaving The Granite Group to start her own consultancy, Tracie Sponenberg held the title of Chief People Officer. She’s credited with shifting the company’s human resources perspective towards compassion over compliance. 

In this revisited episode, Jason speaks with Tracie about the impetus for this mindset change, strategies for CEOs interested in making similar upgrades to their company’s HR culture, and what she’s doing now to support the meaningful evolution of workforce administration.

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Website

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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 sponsor 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.

Pop quiz: What does CRM stand for? Brian Gardner says there’s more to the acronym than  customer relationship management. He’s the Founder and CEO of SalesProcess360, a consultancy that helps distributors secure greater ROI from their CRM. 

Jason caught up with Brian to learn more about the company’s “reverse order” approach to picking the perfect CRM. They explore the differences between ERPs with CRM add-ons versus systems that are purpose-built for complex sales environments and touch on the industry’s AI readiness. The pair also discuss how a company-wide audit before purchase can boost employee buy-in and enhance long-term CRM efficacy.

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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.

Relationships drive distribution. The theory holds up even as automations and AI integrations infiltrate every aspect of business. But how do personal affinity and an enduring professional alliance actually work in practice? 

Darin Arnold has decades of experience forging relationships. As president of Sales Northwest, Inc., a manufacturer’s rep based in Seattle, WA., he’s charged with balancing the needs of distributors and manufacturers on a daily basis. Jason caught up with Darin to discuss the role that relationship-building plays in helping the agency maintain client trust, especially in the fast-paced contractor and industrial supply markets. 

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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: INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry; and Moblico, helping businesses do more business on mobile devices.

Conversations often go sideways when the topic turns to AI. Most of the anxiety stems from widespread misunderstanding about the activities this tech can and will eventually execute. 

Brooks Hamilton is the guy that C-suites rely on to cut through the chatter. He’s the CEO of Hamilton AI Strategy Advisors, a development service specializing in artificial intelligence for distribution. Jason caught up with Brooks to explore the collaborative opportunities that emerge when tech and team are thoughtfully integrated. Brooks also shares real-world examples using distribution data sets and gets candid about the areas where AI might not make the most sense.

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***

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.

Career pivots don't always happen on impulse or as the result of a 180º turn. More often than not, change occurs slowly until the protagonist finds themself in different but not unfamiliar territory. 

That's the story with Steve Bailey, president of Bailey Safety. He parlayed a successful career in his family's distribution business into a lucrative safety consulting and training venture. Jason caught up with Steve to discover what it's like to transition from a traditional distributorship to a safety specialist focused on the construction industry and how he plans to innovate in that space.

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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.

Margins are slim for small distributors, especially in the food service industry. So, how does a local supplier take advantage of bespoke technology solutions without breaking the bank? Chris Elliott has the answer. He’s the co-founder and head of new business development at Kimelo by Cheetah Technologies, an elegant eCommerce platform that’s purpose-built for food distribution. 

Jason caught up with Chris to discuss the tech company’s humble warehouse beginnings, its commitment to designing financially accessible solutions, and the app's role in strengthening relationships between distributor and restaurateur. 

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Kimelo

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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.

Team training is hit-or-miss. Businesses either choose a generic version that doesn’t directly address their industry or a vertical-specific program that’s so complex the team fails to fully implement it. 

Jeremy Wall has a simple solution. He’s the co-founder and CEO of GoalMakers, a learning platform that bills itself as the 10-week MBA. Jason chats with Jeremy about the company’s ongoing evolution, its hybrid learning environment, and its secret to providing cost-effective facilitation. 

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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: Connected Peers, providing virtual communities for wholesale distributors, and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry. 

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 Ferguson Enterprises, 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.

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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: Profit2, helping distributors charge the right price, and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.