The MDM Podcast

In the latest MDM Podcast, Dave Flitman, president and CEO of Builders FirstSource, discusses on a wide range of topics, including where the company sees organic growth white space, how M&A — most notably the 2020 merger with BMC Stock Holdings but other smaller deals, too — is reshaping the company and how it views technology as a differentiator.

Sustainability is more than a buzzword at Ferguson. It's an integral part of the distributor's business practices that touches on all areas of company operation. It's also key to the organization's community outreach efforts. Hear Kelsey Bergan, director of sustainability, and Denise Vaughn, SVP of sustainability and communications, address their key focus areas and share advice for other distributors who want to improve environmental efforts.  

In the latest MDM Podcast, Dan Tinker, president and CEO of McKinney, Texas-based building materials distributor SRS Distribution, dishes on a wide range of topics, including the company’s private equity backing, its unique and aggressive acquisition strategy that complements SRS’s greenfield approach, and what’s been driving growth since the company was formed in 2008.

In this podcast, Winsupply President John McKenzie talks about how his company is addressing supply chain constraints, the labor shortage and hybrid training, as well as how Winsupply is driving more of its business to digital.

Jon Schreibfeder has received more calls in the last six months from distributors looking for inventory management consulting than at any other time in his 40+ years in the field. Listen in as the Schreibfeders share their insider tips on practical, data-based solutions to handle today's supply chain disruptions.

There are many elements in life and business that we cannot control. But when it comes to tackling talent management challenges like recruiting and retention, board-certified coach Will Matthews explains how we can adjust our behavior in order to play to the strengths of our best employees and recruits. Matthews shares simple ways for distributors to create a rapport that builds on working relationships and increases job satisfaction on all sides.

Harry Dochelli has both experienced and orchestrated plenty of change at Essendant, the Deerfield, Illinois-based wholesaler of office products, furniture, breakroom, JanSan and Safety product categories. In addition to navigating the disruption of the last 18 months, Dochelli has guided the company through new ownership and other organizational shifts in recent years. In this MDM Podcast, Dochelli discusses lessons learned during COVID-19 and how Essendant is well-positioned for the post-pandemic economy.

Hundreds of e-commerce marketplaces have popped up in the last few years. How can a distributor distinguish those that are more likely to last? Digital platform consultancy Applico's CEO Alex Moazed and Managing Director Nick Johnson address the details behind their company’s top marketplaces ranking and how they see distributors using such platforms to compete with Amazon and other online giants.