What AI Agents Mean for Jobs, Growth, and Scale in Distribution with Chris Van Ittersum & Ryan Carroll, Workd (part 2)
Release Date: 02/11/2026
What AI Agents Mean for Jobs, Growth, and Scale in Distribution with Chris Van Ittersum & Ryan Carroll, Workd (part 2)
Distribution Talk
What happens when automation becomes a partner—not a replacement for people? Debates about AI agents in the workplace raise provocative questions about the nature of work and the future of the humans who do that work. In part two of Jason’s conversation with the team from , Chris Van Ittersum, CEO and co-founder, and Ryan Carroll, director of development, share real-world value propositions for distributors and their employees. Catch up from here If you missed part one of our fascinating conversation and live demo, now is a great time to review: *** CONNECT WITH JASON CONNECT WITH...
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From CRM Friction to Sales Intelligence: AI Agents in Distribution with Chris Van Ittersum & Ryan Carroll, Workd
Distribution Talk
Distributors often bemoan the AI "revolution" for its lack of practicality. Fair enough. No one likes an endless loops of recorded prompts or laborious input tasks. Workd helps businesses build AI agents that drive B2B growth in the real world. Jason caught up with Chris Van Ittersum, CEO and co-founder, and Ryan Carroll, director of development, to learn more. Queue up for the conversation about AI agent solutions for everything from customer relationships to supply chain logistics. Stay for the live AI agent demo! CONNECT WITH JASON CONNECT WITH CHRIS CONNECT WITH RYAN *** For...
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Building Inclusive Leadership in Distribution: The WE United Playbook With Jackie Mattox, WE Lead: Voices of Innovation
Distribution Talk
The last five years have amplified our desire for authentic connections and conversations. Jackie Mattox identified that need a decade ago and founded , a professional space originally created to advocate for women in the electronics industry. Now, she's expanding the organization's focus to include men. Jason chats with Jackie about the unique challenges that women in distribution still face, the importance of inclusive leadership, and what companies can do to foster mentorship and collaborative opportunities for all. CONNECT WITH JASON CONNECT WITH JACKIE *** For full show notes and...
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Acquisitions, Influencers & Riding the Wave of Innovation with Matthew James, Purity Life Health Products, LP
Distribution Talk
What do distributors of wellness products and, say, industrial fasteners have in common? More than you think. While the inventory and customer bases differ, the lessons learned in their respective trenches are universal. Matthew James, president and CEO of in Canada, agrees. He just closed on a major acquisition 13 years in the making and has advice for anyone navigating a complicated integration process. Jason caught up with Matthew to find out how he and his team are managing employee expectations, continuing to foster innovation, and planning for the future. CONNECT WITH JASON ...
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Hustle, Blessings and Rock & Roll: Creating Opportunity Through Relationships with Monty Clayton
Distribution Talk
If you’re in the distribution business, you’re in the business of creating opportunities. Charles “Monty” Clayton is a classic example of that adage. He has played a significant role in shaping the southwest’s fastener industry since the late-80s. Now, Monty is enjoying a third act fueled by the connections he’s embraced along the way. Jason finally caught up with Monty to discuss his legendary career and the art of always putting yourself in a position to say “yes!” CONNECT WITH JASON CONNECT WITH MONTY *** For full show notes and services visit: Distribution...
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Mastering the Exit: How to Sell Your Distribution Business with Marshall Jones, The Distribution Team
Distribution Talk
If you’ve ever daydreamed about selling your distribution business, this episode is for you. If not, bookmark it for future reference. The fundamentals of a successful acquisition remain evergreen, beginning with the need for a knowledgeable advisor. Marshall Jones, senior advisor with , joins Jason to discuss his latest client win, a year-long transaction process that resulted in an equitable solution for all parties involved. They share practical advice on navigating the purchase journey and realistic timetables for closing a sale. They also explore complex acquisition issues related...
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A Cost-Effective Strategy for Implementing Your First Warehouse Management System: Revisiting Casey Winans of Fullstride
Distribution Talk
Choosing the right warehouse management system (WMS) system can simplify your warehouse operations, bolster staff performance and morale, and improve your bottom line. But, before you sign on the dotted line, have you given serious (and honest) thought to how your growing pains might manifest in that pricey new platform? In this revisited conversation with Casey Winans, CEO of , Jason digs into the art and science of a successful upgrade and how to perform an internal review of warehouse processes and employee engagement before making a big move. CONNECT WITH JASON CONNECT WITH CASEY ...
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Stop Being the Bottleneck and Get Ready for Growth with Chyle Edic
Distribution Talk
Could you step away from your business for a month? A week? A day? If the answer to any of those scenarios is “no,” then you’re not running a business; you’re stuck with a job. Chyle Edic, owner of , helps owners of small-to-medium-sized organizations break their micromanaging habits and shift their attention to growth and, possibly, a vacation. Jason caught up with Chyle to discuss the operational miscues and employee issues that keep owners from realizing their company’s ultimate potential and how tools like Entrepreneur Operating System (EOS) can deliver targeted,...
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Emerging Trends in Technology to Optimize Your Warehouse Management System With Steve Shebuski, MCA Connect
Distribution Talk
The 21st century is well underway. So, why are distributors and manufacturers still using 20th-century warehouse management systems? Steve Shebuski, managing director of MCA Connect, says that an outdated WMS costs companies more than they realize. Jason caught up with Steve to discuss insights gained from his long career in Microsoft-based warehouse solutions, as well as the benefits of a modern WMS on order management, supply sourcing, and business strategy. CONNECT WITH JASON CONNECT WITH STEVE *** For full show notes and services visit: Distribution Talk is produced by , a...
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Future-Proof Your Distribution Business with Structured Career Paths
Distribution Talk
“Distribution has a PR problem.” Fans of Distribution Talk will recognize that quote as one of Jason Bader’s favorite industry laments. It’s more than a pithy soundbite, however. The phrase is shorthand for the talent acquisition and development issues facing most small-to-mid-sized wholesale distributors. One answer? A tiered progression plan. We’re revisiting this rare and insightful solo episode with Jason, where he lays out winning strategies for attracting next-generation new hires. This includes advice on creating a tiered progression plan that will energize your...
info_outlineWhat happens when automation becomes a partner—not a replacement for people?
Debates about AI agents in the workplace raise provocative questions about the nature of work and the future of the humans who do that work. In part two of Jason’s conversation with the team from Workd, Chris Van Ittersum, CEO and co-founder, and Ryan Carroll, director of development, share real-world value propositions for distributors and their employees.
Catch up from here
If you missed part one of our fascinating conversation and live demo, now is a great time to review: From CRM Friction to Sales Intelligence: AI Agents in Distribution with Chris Van Ittersum & Ryan Carroll, Workd
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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 by The Creative Impostor Studios
Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: Connected Peers, providing virtual communities for wholesale distributors; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.