Developing People as Emerging Leaders in the Distribution Industry with J Carlton Harwood, Formerly of Ferguson
Release Date: 12/18/2024
How to Protect Your Company from Internal Theft: Revisiting Kelly Paxton, Workplace Fraud Expert
Distribution Talk
Hot on the heels of a real life internal fraud disaster for one of his clients, this episode is top of mind for Jason. Listen for actions you can take right now to protect your business. Movies portray embezzlement as a big-money, high-flying romp. Fact is decidedly different than fiction—and surprisingly common! Jason dives into the realities of pink-collar crime with , a workplace dishonesty expert, fraud educator, and host of the Fraudish podcast. The pair offer case studies that expose the motives behind the misconduct, company culture's role in fostering opportunities for theft,...
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Building a Successful Career One Connection at a Time with Vic Wilson of voestalpine Böhler Welding
Distribution Talk
Want to know a time-tested business secret? Commitment to the long game always pays off. Vic Wilson is a virtuoso practitioner of that adage. Decades before immigrating to the US and taking over as head of sales at , the Canadian-born Wilson was busy forging relationships across the country. Jason caught up with Vic to discuss what it means to build a successful 35-year career one connection at a time. The pair also explore the welding industry's challenges due to new US tariffs, the benefits of co-op membership, and the satisfaction of giving back. CONNECT WITH JASON CONNECT WITH VIC ...
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Unleash Creative Distribution Solutions by Using AI Technologies with Nick Pericle, ProfitOptics
Distribution Talk
Most AI conversations revolve around the tech. That’s understandable, given its computational superiority and unlimited potential, especially when applied to distribution. Nick Pericle, Vice President of , engages in more expansive discussions, complete with sessions of task-oriented, experiential learning. Jason caught up with Nick to learn about ProfitOptics’ experiential approach to creating scalable solutions and securing employee buy-in. And, yes, the pair also discuss the amazing, adaptable AI tech driving the distribution industry’s evolution. CONNECT WITH JASON CONNECT WITH NICK...
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Embracing Adventure in Your Business Routine: Revisiting Jason Bader’s Unexpected Destination
Distribution Talk
When was the last time curiosity got the better of you on a business trip? In this rare solo episode, Jason explores roads less traveled. Literally. Calling on clients is what business travel is all about, but is there room in your schedule for unexpected experiences? Are you open to making mundane travel more magical this time around? CONNECT WITH JASON *** For full show notes and services visit: Distribution Talk is produced by , a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth, and achieve personal...
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A People-First Approach to Transforming HR: Revisiting Tracie Sponenberg, Chief People Officer
Distribution Talk
Leading with compassion is one thing (and a good thing at that). But what if whole departments ran on a standard of sensitivity and genuine emotional concern for the people in their care, be they customers or employees? Before leaving The Granite Group to start her own consultancy, held the title of Chief People Officer. She’s credited with shifting the company’s human resources perspective towards compassion over compliance. In this revisited episode, Jason speaks with Tracie about the impetus for this mindset change, strategies for CEOs interested in making similar upgrades to...
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Two Questions to Ask on Your CRM Journey with Brian Gardner of SalesProcess360
Distribution Talk
Pop quiz: What does CRM stand for? Brian Gardner says there’s more to the acronym than customer relationship management. He’s the Founder and CEO of , a consultancy that helps distributors secure greater ROI from their CRM. Jason caught up with Brian to learn more about the company’s “reverse order” approach to picking the perfect CRM. They explore the differences between ERPs with CRM add-ons versus systems that are purpose-built for complex sales environments and touch on the industry’s AI readiness. The pair also discuss how a company-wide audit before purchase can...
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Staying Relevant in the Supply Chain by Expanding Trust Value with Darin Arnold of Sales Northwest, Inc.
Distribution Talk
Relationships drive distribution. The theory holds up even as automations and AI integrations infiltrate every aspect of business. But how do personal affinity and an enduring professional alliance actually work in practice? Darin Arnold has decades of experience forging relationships. As president of Sales Northwest, Inc., a manufacturer’s rep based in Seattle, WA., he’s charged with balancing the needs of distributors and manufacturers on a daily basis. Jason caught up with Darin to discuss the role that relationship-building plays in helping the agency maintain client trust,...
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How Can You Be the Distributor of the Future? with Brooks Hamilton, Hamilton AI Strategy Advisors
Distribution Talk
Conversations often go sideways when the topic turns to AI. Most of the anxiety stems from widespread misunderstanding about the activities this tech can and will eventually execute. Brooks Hamilton is the guy that C-suites rely on to cut through the chatter. He’s the CEO of , a development service specializing in artificial intelligence for distribution. Jason caught up with Brooks to explore the collaborative opportunities that emerge when tech and team are thoughtfully integrated. Brooks also shares real-world examples using distribution data sets and gets candid about the areas...
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How to Chart a New Course Within a Familiar Vertical With Steve Bailey of Bailey Safety
Distribution Talk
Career pivots don't always happen on impulse or as the result of a 180º turn. More often than not, change occurs slowly until the protagonist finds themself in different but not unfamiliar territory. That's the story with Steve Bailey, president of . He parlayed a successful career in his family's distribution business into a lucrative safety consulting and training venture. Jason caught up with Steve to discover what it's like to transition from a traditional distributorship to a safety specialist focused on the construction industry and how he plans to innovate in that space. CONNECT...
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Developing Custom Technology to Deliver Solutions for the Restaurant Supply Industry with Chris Elliott, Kimelo by Cheetah Technologies
Distribution Talk
Margins are slim for small distributors, especially in the food service industry. So, how does a local supplier take advantage of bespoke technology solutions without breaking the bank? Chris Elliott has the answer. He’s the co-founder and head of new business development at Kimelo by Cheetah Technologies, an elegant eCommerce platform that’s purpose-built for food distribution. Jason caught up with Chris to discuss the tech company’s humble warehouse beginnings, its commitment to designing financially accessible solutions, and the app's role in strengthening relationships between...
info_outlineWant to know a hiring secret? A self-directed development strategy can help you attract and retain top-notch talent in today's transient employment climate.
J Carlton Harwood, a consultant and 30-year vet of Ferguson Enterprises, believes that staff success isn’t acquired through mandatory coursework. Instead, he champions a “hands-off,” self-directed model. Give employees autonomy and an environment where they can create unique improvement plans. Jason welcomes Carlton to share talent development lessons learned throughout his enviable career. They also discuss strategies for turning challenging company assignments into golden career opportunities.
CONNECT WITH JASON
CONNECT WITH CARLTON
For full show notes and services visit: https://www.distributionteam.com
Distribution Talk is produced by The Distribution Team, a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth, and achieve personal goals.
This episode was edited & mixed by The Creative Impostor Studios
Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: Profit2, helping distributors charge the right price, and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.