Driven by DCKAP

In this special Chicago episode of the Driven by DCKAP podcast, our host Karthik Chidambaram, Founder and CEO of DCKAP, has the opportunity to sit down and speak with Mark Brohan, Senior Vice President of B2B and Market Research at Digital Commerce 360. Originally founded as Internet Retailer, Digital Commerce 360 is an industry pioneer and global leader in e-commerce research and media, producing products and events like Internet Retailer magazine, the Top 500 Guide, and the Internet Retailer Conference & Exhibition (IRCE).

They discuss Mark’s background, his training in journalism, how it has helped to bolster his passion and elevate his in-depth research into digital commerce, and his dedication to research, sharing knowledge, and helping shape the conversation for industry experts. During their conversation, we also learn what his insights and predictions are for B2B digital commerce in the coming decade.

Tom Gale, MDM’s lead researcher and industry analyst for more than 25 years on independent distribution channel trends, consolidation, technology and competitive landscape, and the current CEO of MDM, is our guest this week. He joins host, Karthik Chidambaram, CEO of DCKAP, on this special Chicago episode of the Driven by DCKAP podcast to discuss the story of MDM, what it provides as an educational resource, the benefit of long term thinking, how digital innovation has helped manufacturers and distributors grow, and much more.

In this interview, we learn more about the impact of competition, the importance of research and strategy, the different stages on the journey of digital transformation, and how digital innovation has completely changed the landscape for manufacturers and distributors. Be sure to listen to the full interview, and subscribe!

In this episode of the Driven by DCKAP podcast, Jim Hansen, the Chief Product Officer at Advantive, joins Karthik Chidambaram, CEO of DCKAP, to discuss all the ins and outs of successful product management, including when to know a product works and when it doesn’t, the right things to do and the right things not to do, how to ensure you’re providing value to customers, and everything in between.

In this compelling conversation, we learn more about what it’s like being in the position of a Chief Product Officer, how Jim’s career began, some of the many lessons that he learned along the way, and some great advice for those looking to better understand how effective product leadership can help lead your company to success. Make sure you tune in and watch this new episode!

Brian Gardner, the Founder of SalesProcess360, joins our host Karthik Chidambaram, Founder and CEO of DCKAP, on the latest episode of the Driven by DCKAP podcast to discuss the importance of customer relationship management, why it’s often a misunderstood or neglected system for the sales process, and how to get more ROI from CRM. 

From their conversation, we learn about Brian’s background and how he came to specialize in CRM systems, what the significance of a CRM system is and what it really means for a business, as well as insights on how to leverage your CRM and how to improve your sales process, and more. Be sure to tune in and learn some of the best insider tips that will help to improve your sales process.

On this very special episode of the Driven by DCKAP podcast, Karthik visits the Kundinger Fluid Power distribution facility in Neenah, Wisconsin. There he takes a tour of their facilities while speaking with Paul Kundinger, a third generation entrepreneur who took over the Wisconsin business as President and currently co-runs operations of the company along with his extended family. 

While touring the facility and gaining a deeper understanding of what Kundinger does, we learn more about how their in-house services help to support their customers, why the evolution of expanding beyond just products is so important, how the family business operates and runs, and how they look at the process of continuing its generational future. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to peek behind the scenes and learn the ins and outs of a successful distribution business.

On this episode of the Driven by DCKAP podcast, Karthik sits down with Brad Feakes, President of EstesGroup - a leader in combining Private Cloud, Hybrid Cloud, and Managed IT solutions with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). Brad has more than 25 years of experience in manufacturing, construction management, supply chain, and ERP systems, and in their conversation he shares his wealth of knowledge.

From strategies of implementation, how to ensure there's synchronicity with all systems, the role of integration and AI tools, as well as the role of business culture and managing teams, this conversation covers everything ERP, and much more. Be sure to watch the full episode to gain all the invaluable insights our latest guest shares!

This week on the Driven by DCKAP podcast, we’re joined by Clint Oram - Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at SugarCRM. He sits down with our host, Karthik Chidambaram, to discuss the significance of CRM systems, how to increase sales, the effectiveness of data analysis, how emerging technologies will impact the future, and more.

Clint has over 20 years of experience in the enterprise software industry, with over 15 years designing and building award-winning CRM software solutions. As one of the original architects and developers, he helped found SugarCRM in 2004, going on to work in a variety of executive roles, and today he leads strategy and acquisitions. His invaluable insights shared in this interview provide a key understanding of how strategy and effective leadership greatly contribute to a company’s growth and success. 

Joining the Driven by DCKAP podcast this week is Frank Heenan - Group Vice President, Distribution and LBM at Epicor - to talk about the evolution of ERP systems, the importance of using tools like this to their full extent to grow your business, the role of AI within distribution, some of the best strategies to ensure success, how to best execute those strategies, and much more.

With over 25 years of experience working with Epicor and within distribution, Frank has seen the ups and downs of the industry. Having been at the company from its early days of growth to where it stands today as a leader in enterprise resource planning, manufacturing execution system, and distribution software, he has invaluable insights to share on what it takes to lead the industry forward. Tune in and enjoy!

On this extra special episode of the Driven by DCKAP podcast, our host Karthik Chidambaram sits down with Robert C. Wolcott - Co-Founder of TWIN Global, adjunct professor and esteemed author - to discuss his latest book, “Proximity: How Coming Breakthroughs in Just-in-Time Transform Business, Society, and Daily Life” which explores the radical shifts in production and service delivery driven by AI, 3D printing, and more.

From his background as an entrepreneur to some of the most impactful moments in his spanning career, Robert shares what led him to write his latest book, and why it’s so vital for businesses across industries to recognize the transformative effects of burgeoning technologies and how it impacts the future. You won’t want to miss this episode!

On this episode of the Driven by DCKAP podcast, Derrick Murdock, CEO at IPS Packaging joins our host, Karthik Chidambaram, to discuss their strategy in distribution, why it’s important to hire and support veterans, why veterans make amazing employees, how innovation in B2B marketing leads to even greater success, and more.

IPS Packaging & Automation is one of the leaders in industrial packaging, and they have been in business for over 45 years. IPS Packaging is also service-disabled veteran owned, and Derrick is uniquely suited to advocate on behalf of veterans with his background in the military. Alongside the innovative practices that they are executing in B2B marketing and the strategy they hold for the future, this conversation highlights some of the best practices in the industry.

Veterans Resource mentioned - https://upstatewarriorsolution.org/