On this episode of the Nuts and Bolts of Leadership, host Billy Duren sits down with Jason Bader, principal of the Distribution Team and an expert in strategic business coaching for wholesale distribution companies. Jason talks about his journey from working in his family’s contractor supply business at a young age to becoming a teacher and trusted advisor in the distribution world. The conversation covers the importance of trust and communication between sales and operations, the challenge of managing change, and the need for setting clear goals and measures within organizations.

Jason also shares insights about his “Branch Manager Bootcamp,” which focuses not just on operational skills but on teaching new leaders how to manage people and grow into their roles. The episode highlights the future of distribution—especially how technology like AI is changing the industry—and emphasizes that success comes from being teachable, staying curious, and leading with humility. Whether you’re a new manager or a seasoned executive, this episode is packed with practical advice for anyone looking to improve their leadership and business management skills.

 

3 Key Listener Takeaways

 

Build Trust to Manage Change Effectively

Jason emphasizes that the foundation of any successful organizational change is trust. Without it, efforts to improve operational efficiency or implement new processes will face resistance. Leaders must focus on transparent communication and building relationships to create a culture that embraces change.

Holistic Approach to Distribution Leadership

Jason explains that operational areas like inventory management don’t exist in a vacuum—they are interdependent with other parts of the business, such as sales and broader leadership. He shifted his consultancy to address the whole organization, not just one department, in order to truly help companies implement lasting improvements.

Embrace Humility and Lifelong Learning

Jason’s advice for emerging leaders centers on humility—remaining teachable and coachable at any stage of one’s career. He believes that being open to learning and staying curious is a “superpower” that sustains growth, both personally and organizationally.

Show Overview 00:00 Discovering Jason's Teaching Passion

05:32 Streamlining Wholesale Distribution Strategy

09:58 "Balancing Change in Operational Culture"

12:39 Effective Leadership Through Clear Communication

16:28 Establishing Trust Before Expertise

18:25 Consultants: Experts or Listeners?

21:38 Soft Skills Training Focus

24:04 Holistic Inventory Management Challenges

27:56 "Evaluate Tech Needs Before Investing"

30:50 Reviving Dormant Accounts with AI

36:51 Maximizing Operational Efficiency

39:21 Choosing Service Over Family Business

41:04 Servant Leadership and Purpose