Tech Talks: Evolving Distribution

In this episode of Tech Talks: Evolving Distribution, host Corey Hayes sits down with Tom Knoebel, President of Tribute Inc., to discuss the critical role of specialized technology in the fluid power and industrial distribution sectors.With over 35 years of experience—starting from the warehouse floor to the C-suite—Tom shares why "generic" software like QuickBooks often hinders growth for scaling businesses. They dive deep into:The Power of Niche ERPs: Why having a system designed specifically for hose and hydraulic assemblies prevents "leaving money on the table."Overcoming the "Change Management" Hurdle: How to gain employee buy-in when transitioning to more advanced digital tools.Distraction vs. Action: Why focusing on external economic noise (tariffs and volatility) can distract leaders from necessary internal investments.The Human Element: How technology actually strengthens customer relationships rather than replacing them.Labor Shortages: Using automation and tech to scale your business without the constant need to add headcount.Key Takeaway: If you aren't managing your inventory and processes digitally in 2026, you aren't just falling behind—you’re becoming "rattleable" in an increasingly volatile market.

How do you compete with the "Amazon Experience" without actually being Amazon?In this episode of Tech Talks: Evolving Distribution, hosts Corey Hayes and Bill Rosado sit down with Charlie Hansen, President of DQ Technologies, to pull back the curtain on the digital transformation of last-mile delivery.Many distributors make the mistake of adding "shiny" new tools—like AI routing or tracking apps—only to find they’ve simply "optimized chaos." Charlie explains why the secret to thriving in today’s market isn't just about faster trucks or better GPS; it’s about eliminating the "black hole" of communication through deep ERP integration.In this episode, we discuss:The Amazon Effect: Why customer expectations have shifted and how to meet them without breaking your budget.Integration vs. Isolation: Why standalone tools often create more distraction than value.The "Black Hole" of Delivery: How to move from reactive customer service to proactive, real-time updates.ROI of Trust: Why accurate, system-driven communication is more valuable than fuel savings alone.The "Aha" Moment: Transitioning delivery from a back-end cost center to a front-end competitive advantage.Whether you are struggling with delivery friction or looking to tighten your digital ecosystem, Charlie’s 20+ years of industry experience provide a roadmap for executing with precision.About Our Guest:Charlie Hansen is the President of DQ Technologies (DQT), a leader in providing delivery and fleet management solutions specifically tailored for the distribution industry. With over two decades of experience, Charlie helps businesses bridge the gap between their ERP systems and the final mile.Connect with Tech Talks:Sponsor: Aldrich Web Solutions – https://www.aldrichweb.comSubscribe: Don’t miss an episode! Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.#Distribution #Logistics #LastMileDelivery #DigitalTransformation #ERP #SupplyChain #TechTalks #DQTechnologies

Are you a distributor struggling to keep up with the digital world? You're not alone. Many businesses are leaving money on the table by missing the key components of a successful e-commerce strategy.On this episode of Tech Talks, hosts Corey Hayes and Bill Rosado pull back the curtain on the five crucial secrets to building a B2B website that drives sales and delights customers. They break down everything from real-time data integration to the often-overlooked power of self-service portals.Inside this episode, you'll discover:The biggest mistake distributors make with inventory on their websites.Why generic pricing is killing your customer trust and how to fix it.How to prove your e-commerce ROI and justify your digital spend.Simple content strategies that turn browsing visitors into confident buyers.The one feature your website must have to keep customers coming back for more.Ready to stop guessing and start growing? Tune in and get the insider knowledge you need to transform your business.

Is your distribution business still operating with "stale" data? In this episode of Tech Talks: Evolving Distribution, Corey Hayes and Bill Rosado sit down with Justin Kemper, President of Rubber Tree Systems, to discuss the critical shift from manual reporting to real-time digital empowerment.What You’ll Learn:The Data Access Gap: Why waiting for office reports is costing your sales team deals.Overcoming Tech Reluctance: How to move past the fear of "bad data" to find and fix internal bottlenecks.Doing More with Less: Using digital tools to thrive during economic shifts and recessions.The Trust Factor: Why a "no" from a tech partner can sometimes be the best thing for your business growth.About Justin Kemper: Justin has been with Rubber Tree Systems since its inception nearly 20 years ago. From the early days of BlackBerry scrolling to modern CRM and e-commerce integrations, Justin has helped lead the industry through massive digital shifts, focusing on ease of use and sales enablement.Rubber Tree Systems: https://rubbertreesystems.net/Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction & Midwest Weather 2:15 - Meet Justin Kemper of Rubber Tree Systems 4:30 - The Evolution of Tech: From BlackBerry to Smartphones 6:45 - The Challenge of Data Accessibility in Distribution 10:15 - Don’t let "Perfect" be the enemy of "Good" 13:30 - What Success Looks Like: Adoption & Enablement 17:00 - Navigating ERP Implementations 20:00 - The One Tip for Distributors in 2026 24:30 - Conclusion & Where to Learn More#Distribution #SupplyChain #DigitalTransformation #TechTalks #DataAnalytics #RubberTreeSystems #CRM #ERP

In this game-changing episode of Tech Talks Evolving Distribution, hosts Corey Hayes and Bill Rosado welcome special guest Amiee Keenan, founder of the ISV Society. They dive deep into the often-overlooked human and process-related challenges of digital transformation within the distribution industry.Most companies focus on the technology, but Amiee argues that the real key to success lies in achieving internal alignment, mastering change management, and building a culture of communication and buy-in. This conversation is an essential guide for anyone looking to go beyond just buying new software and truly embrace the digital shift.In this episode, you will learn:Why technology is only part of the solution for successful digital transformation.The critical importance of getting full organizational buy-in from leadership to the front lines.How to avoid "digital chaos" by fixing broken processes before you automate them.The difference between a vendor and a strategic partner, and why it matters.Amiee’s single biggest tip for any company embarking on a digital journey.Episode Timestamps:00:00 - Welcome to Tech Talks Evolving Distribution01:15 - Introducing our guest, Amiee Keenan of the ISV Society03:20 - The biggest challenges in digital transformation05:45 - The importance of internal alignment and communication08:30 - Why "digital chaos" is more than just a buzzword12:10 - Defining success in a digital transformation project15:00 - The power of a phased approach and managing change18:45 - The ISV Society and its role in the community22:05 - Amiee’s biggest tip for companies on a digital journey24:30 - Where to find more information about the ISV Society26:00 - Special thanks and episode wrap-upSubscribe to our channel for weekly insights that will help you thrive in the ever-changing world of distribution!Connect with our guests:Amiee Keenan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amieekeenan/ISV Society: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-isv-society/posts/?feedView=allTech Talks Evolving Distribution is brought to you by our sponsor, Aldrich Web Solutions. With over 20 years of experience, they help distributors win online and maximize their digital presence.Learn More: https://www.youtube.com/@aldrichwebsolutions#DigitalTransformation #DistributionIndustry #Podcast #ISVSociety #SupplyChain #YouTube #BusinessGrowth #TechTalks #ERP #DigitalShift #Ecommerce #ChangeManagement

Welcome to a brand new episode of Tech Talks Evolving Distribution! Hosts Corey Hayes and Bill Rosado sit down with special guest Lydia Rice, Director of E-commerce at Hydraulic Connections, to explore the critical opportunities and strategies within digital transformation for the distribution industry.In this insightful conversation, Lydia shares her unique journey into the fluid conveyance industry and discusses how distributors can leverage technology to future-proof their businesses.Key Discussion Points:Overcoming "Challenges" (Opportunities!): Learn how to reframe common hurdles in digital transformation, especially around product data and ERP integration.Redefining Success: Discover a holistic approach to measuring ROI that goes beyond just online orders, focusing on internal team efficiency and enhancing the customer experience.The Power of Clean Data: Get high-level best practices for tackling ERP data cleanup, starting with what you stock and sell.Minimum Viable Product (MVP): Why launching small and iterating is more effective than waiting for every bell and whistle.Future-Proofing Your Business: Lydia's powerful advice on why investing in technology now is essential for attracting new talent and meeting evolving customer expectations.Lydia's passion for the distribution industry shines through as she offers actionable insights for anyone looking to embark on or optimize their digital journey.Don't miss out on this valuable discussion!Connect with Us:Learn more about Aldrich Web Solutions: https://www.aldrichsolutions.com/Explore TrulinX ERP by Tribute Software: https://www.tribute.com/Subscribe to Tech Talks Evolving Distribution for more expert insights!#TechTalks #EvolvingDistribution #DigitalTransformation #DistributionIndustry #ERP #Ecommerce #HydraulicConnections #AldrichWebSolutions #TributeSoftware #FutureProofing #BusinessStrategy #SupplyChain #Podcast #b2b #DistributionIndustry#SupplyChain#B2BBusiness#BusinessGrowth#DigitalStrategy#ModernBusiness#ERPsolutions#EcommerceStrategy#CRM#DataManagement#TechForBusiness#Distributor#BusinessTips#ExpertInterview#LeadershipInsights#IndustryTrends#SmallBusiness #WholesaleDistribution#TechTalksPodcast#AldrichWebSolutions#TributeSoftware#TrulinX #HydraulicConnections#DistributionIndustry#SupplyChain#B2BBusiness#BusinessGrowth#DigitalStrategy#ModernBusiness#ERPsolutions#EcommerceStrategy#CRM#DataManagement#TechForBusiness#Distributor#BusinessTips#ExpertInterview#LeadershipInsights#IndustryTrends#SmallBusiness #WholesaleDistribution#AldrichWebSolutions#TributeSoftware#TrulinX #HydraulicConnections

In this episode of Tech-Talks, we sit down with Samantha De Silva, Director of Marketing and Sales at Blue Link ERP, to demystify the world of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP).Are you a small to medium-sized business struggling with disjointed systems, manual processes, and inventory headaches? Samantha shares her journey in the distribution space and breaks down exactly what an ERP is, and more importantly, why your growing business needs one.Key Takeaways from this Episode:What is ERP? Understand the core functions of an all-in-one ERP system, covering everything from accounting and inventory to CRM and warehouse management.ERP vs. No ERP: Discover the critical differences and benefits of transitioning from scattered solutions (like spreadsheets and basic accounting software) to a unified ERP.Common ERP Challenges: Learn about the obstacles businesses face during ERP implementation, including change management, time allocation, and budget concerns, and how to overcome them.Keys to ERP Success: Get expert tips on how to ensure a smooth and successful ERP project, including defining clear objectives and choosing the right software partner.Blue Link's Secret Sauce: Find out what makes Blue Link ERP a leading solution specifically for wholesale and distribution businesses, and why their in-house approach matters.Samantha emphasizes the importance of starting with "the why" – understanding your business's specific goals and pain points before embarking on an ERP journey. This episode is packed with valuable insights for any distribution business looking to optimize operations, reduce errors, and drive significant ROI through digital transformation.Connect with Blue Link ERP:Website: www.bluelinkerp.comSocial Media: @bluelinkerpConnect with Samantha on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthadslv/A special thanks to our sponsor, Aldrich Web Solutions! With over 20 years of experience, Aldrich Web Solutions helps distributors win online and maximize their digital presence. Ready to take your business to the next level? Check them out!If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Share this with anyone who could benefit from understanding the power of ERP in distribution.#ERP #Distribution #SmallBusiness #Wholesale #InventoryManagement #AccountingSoftware #CRM #DigitalTransformation #TechTalks #BlueLinkERP

Marketing is NOT an expense! This episode of Tech Talks Evolving Distribution features Lindsay Young, President & Founder of 3 Aspens Media, sharing why marketing is your secret weapon for successful digital transformation in distribution.Learn how to:Identify key industry trends shaping your digital strategy.Implement smarter web tools by focusing on customer problems.Drive internal and external change management for new technology adoption.Lindsay reveals how marketing now owns more of the buyer's journey and provides actionable steps for distributors to leverage automation, create valuable content, and integrate sales & marketing for massive ROI. Don't fall behind – discover how to make your marketing team a powerful driver of growth!Connect with Lindsay Young & Three Aspens Media:Website: https://3aspensmedia.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsayyoung3aspens/Sponsored by Aldrich Web Solutions. Helping distributors win online for over 20 years.#DigitalTransformation #Distribution #MarketingStrategy #EcommerceTips #B2BMarketing #3AspensMedia

Welcome to Tech Talks: Evolving Distribution, the podcast designed to help industrial distributors like you thrive in a rapidly changing world!Join us as we cut through the noise and bring you actionable insights, expert interviews, and real-world strategies for embracing digital transformation, optimizing your operations, and driving sustainable growth. From the latest in ERP solutions to e-commerce best practices, we cover the technology and trends that are shaping the future of industrial distribution.Each episode dives deep into the challenges and opportunities you face daily, offering fresh perspectives and practical advice from industry leaders and innovators. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or just starting your digital journey, our goal is to empower you with the knowledge to make smarter decisions and build a more efficient, profitable business.Why Subscribe to Tech Talks: Evolving Distribution?Expert Interviews: Hear directly from thought leaders who are at the forefront of industrial technology.Actionable Insights: Get practical tips and strategies you can apply to your business immediately.Real-World Scenarios: Understand how technology impacts daily operations and long-term success.Community & Growth: Discover how embracing change and building strong partnerships can lead to unprecedented growth.Don't just adapt – evolve! Subscribe to Tech Talks: Evolving Distribution and never miss an episode.

Stop paying for software you haven’t launched yet. 🛑In this episode of Tech Talks: Evolving Distribution, hosts Corey Hayes and Bill Rosado tackle the "good, the bad, and the ugly" of software implementation. If you’ve ever felt stuck in "implementation limbo"—where the bills are coming in, but the site isn’t live—this episode is for you.Corey and Bill break down the exact 90-day roadmap used by Web Alliance to get distributors online quickly, efficiently, and profitably. They discuss why "Perfection is the enemy of ROI" and how shifting your focus to a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) can change your business trajectory.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The 90-Day Standard: A week-by-week breakdown of the 12-week implementation cycle.Client A vs. Client B: Why focusing on your top 1,500 products (Client B) beats trying to flush out a 50,000 SKU catalog before launching (Client A).The "Done With You" Model: Why collaboration between your team and an implementation coach is the secret sauce for long-term success.Beta vs. Sandbox: The technical reason why a Beta site leads to a smoother transition than a traditional sandbox.The Go-Live Checklist: How 20 years of B2B experience is distilled into a single, repeatable process.Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction & New Year 2026 Outlook 2:30 – Why implementation is the #1 headache for distributors 5:45 – The "Horror Stories": 2-year launches and zero ROI 8:20 – Choosing the right partner: The "Coach" mentality 11:15 – Client A vs. Client B: The MVP Data Strategy 16:00 – Phase 1: ERP Integration & The Beta Site 20:30 – Phase 2: The Meat of the Project & The PIM 24:15 – Phase 3: Testing & The Pre-Go-Live Checklist 28:00 – Closing Thoughts: Launching in ConfidenceConnect with us on LinkedIn: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/aldrichsolutions/ Subscribe for more insights on how digital transformation is reshaping the distribution industry!#Distribution #Ecommerce #DigitalTransformation #TechTalks #B2B #ROI #SoftwareImplementation #WebAlliance