Since1906

Robotics are the future, and we're not talking 22nd century. We're talking here and now, in 2022, and who else better to talk to about the future of cleaning than Tennant Company's Head of Robotics, Raminder Badh? Raminder has a quarter century of experience with our excellent partner, Tennant Company, and has moved his way up to being an expert on BrainOS, robotic technology in cleaning, and hardware that WORKS. And it really works — so much so that it can solve your labor challenges. 

Raminder took the time to teach us about all the positive things that can come out of innovative technology and what we can expect in the future of the industry as well as leave us with lessons about mental health, integrity, and how to stay true to what you believe.

Robotics are here to stay, and we have to admit — we like it that way.

CEO. Activist. Life enthusiast. Above all, an absolute joy to talk to. We're of course talking about our guest for Episode 9, Angie Perez-Delgado. Angie is the 7th president and CEO of the Ibero American Action League, a dual language multi-service agency that uplifts, empowers, and advocates for Latinos and the underserved to achieve equity and become fully valued community members. Her compassion, kindness, experience and drive has made her an absolute force in her community. Angie's partnership with Centro Civico in our hometown of Amsterdam, NY has allowed Hill & Markes to expand their commitment to  Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Are you ready to find your life-giving activity and question what it means to be a true leader? Angie's profoundly inspiring journey will bring put a brand new perspective on the word "leadership" and will make you want to implement her practices in your business ASAP! 

When you think of cleaning, what do you think of? Do you think of the technology, the innovation, the cleaning process itself — or do you think of the people? 

Brant Insero of ISSA thinks about the people. They're the most important component in the cleaning industry, and Brant makes that clear throughout his thought-provoking, inspiring and illuminating conversation about the industry as a whole. We talk about bringing sexy back to wholesale and distribution (thanks, JT!), the incredible growth and need for the Hill & Markes Institute, and how you can save lives on the daily with the power of knowledge and cleanliness.

Listen to our conversation with Brant and learn about what it means to live your life with integrity, always. 

Sleek. Efficient. Always evolving. What are we talking about? Well, ECommerce websites, of course. But not just any ECommerce website — we're talking the Hill & Markes website and everything that goes into a functioning B2B shop with the master of analytics, the wizard of data— Nick Seefeld, ECommerce Manager at H&M. 

In this episode of Since1906, we sit down with Nick and discuss all the strategies behind what makes our company website and store so user-friendly. Website? Yeah, we have that. But did you also know we have a fully functioning mobile app that is an extension to our website? You didn't? Well, now you know (so go download it!). 

It takes a lot of knowledge of new trends in order to create the perfect ECommerce site. Nick teaches us about SEO and other super-secret business code and acronyms. After you listen to this, you'll be talking like an ECommerce pro. But as always, we aren't all serious biz. We're here for laughs, to hear Nick's proudest goals and achievements, and he teaches us about the importance of showing up authentically in your day-to-day life.

Nick is a great teacher, so sit down and get your notebooks out — you're going to want to write this stuff down.

On this episode of Since1906, we welcomed Joe Waite, VP of Sales at Hill & Markes. Joe is a self-declared nerd when it comes to the Jan/San wholesale industry, but don't get it twisted — he has style and lots of it! He gave us a peek behind the curtain on what it's like to be the head of a sales organization and why servant leadership is his go-to method. 

Joe discerns between following his gut and following the data. He approaches each day based on his sales team and customer's needs. The customer wants what they want and needs what they need, but what do you do if there's a worldwide pandemic and supply chain issues won't let that happen? Joe has a plan, and that plan is to succeed. Listen to this episode to learn about success in sales and finding your niche (and also learn the correct pronunciation of niche... maybe.)

On this Episode of Since1906, we welcome a Maureen O' Brien, a very accomplished businesswoman. She's a BOSS, to put it simply. Maureen is President & CEO of New York State Industries of the Disabled (NYSID), a non-profit organization dedicated to creating jobs for New Yorkers with disabilities. She's an ambitious advocate and a hustler — working every day to create more job opportunities for disabled persons. Her work makes the world a better and more equitable place. She was gracious enough to share what she has learned over the years, some of which are hard truths. Yeaaaa, sorry to report, but that job you dislike? You need that to figure out and find the one you love. 

Throughout our conversation, we discussed how Hill & Markes and NYSID found each other and how the partnership could be described as a WIN, WIN, WIN — the perfect fit! Seriously, Scorsese and mob movies are shaking in their boots right now. Listen today to learn about the key values of NYSID and the future changes they hope to kickstart. 

Nothing good happens fast-- except for this interview, of course. 

Ready to start the new year with a pep in your step? Our first guest of 2022 brings the spark. The ever-inspiring Dirk Beveridge is our next guest on Since1906. He's an author, the founder of UnleashWD, and the executive producer of the We Supply America docuseries - a show championing the noble cause of distribution. We think of Dirk as the Oprah of distribution — sharing the untold stories of an unsung industry. He shares the most moving moments of the We Supply America series - a fierce reminder about how so many aspects of our lives intertwine with the work done in distribution. It's simple — distribution is a silent force in society and he's ready to put a spotlight on it. Listen today to learn how to escape the tyranny of the urgent, how to better manage time on and off the clock, and service the American dream.

Remember Blockbuster? Get ready to feel some nostalgia as we walk down memory lane with Bill Miller, VP of Purchasing and Marketing, aka Purchandising, to discuss all things supply chain. Bill is an incredibly successful and hardworking VP in the distribution industry-- and Blockbuster started it all (so take that, Netflix). Bill is the guy who sourced all of the nearly impossible products to get during the pandemic (we're looking at you, toilet paper).

We discussed what supply chain is, how critical it is in operating a profitable company, and what the forecast for the next two years looks like. Spoiler alert-- it looks a little dicey. Listen now to see what iconic Friends episode the distribution industry relates to most right now -- PIVOT. This episode is chock-full of information relevant to multiple industries.

What happens when the interviewer becomes the interviewee? Lots of laughter, advice and insight, for one! Katie and Courtney sit down with Jill DeGiulio, the Human Resources Manager at Hill & Markes. She's the first point of contact for all potential hires and both a supportive and informative resource for all existing employees. Jill's interest in psychology ultimately led to her career in human resources, which makes sense — she's everybody's go-to, a safe space where the H&M people can be heard. Our talk with Jill uncovered all your burning questions about HR, like the do's and don'ts of the interview process (hint: DO ask for real-life examples. DON'T say f*ck at any point). We found out culture is key to retaining and recruiting employees – and, okay, jeans play a role too. But what is the ideal work culture and does Hill & Markes have the utopia they strive for? Listen to this episode of Since1906 to find out all you need to know.

Jason Packer is the 3rd generation CEO of Hill & Markes. He also happens to be a direct descendant of the entrepreneur behind the sweet, sweet combination of candy at the movie theatre. Jason joined the Since1906 podcast and did not hold back. Discover his journey to joining the family business after leaving his political career in DC and working his way up to CEO. He covers it all – the realities that come with succession planning, culture, community, and COVID. Most importantly, what is the legacy he wants to leave behind and how does he plan to do it? Get a tasty look into a successful 115-year-old business with a visionary at its helm.