Distribution Talk

Hosted by Jason Bader, Distribution Team

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Episodes

205

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Dive into the stories, struggles, and solutions from business owners and thought leaders in the wholesale distribution market.

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60 recent

June 10, 2026Episode 20437 min

What It Takes to Join and Lead a Family Business: Revisiting Seth Gordon, Glacier Supply Group

Seth Gordon traded a career in finance for the family HVAC distribution business. Today, as CEO of Glacier Supply Group, he brings a fresh perspective to the industry while navigating the challenges of next-generation leadership. In this revisited conversation, Jason chats with Seth about his journey from finance to duct fittings, the importance of connecting with mentors, and the Glacier team's wildly successful implementation of EOS, the Entrepreneurs Operating System. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH SETH LinkedIn *** 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: Moblico, helping businesses do more business on mobile devices. Profit2, helping distributors charge the right price. INxSQL Distribution Software, integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.

May 20, 2026Episode 20341 min

The Next Era of Wholesale Distribution Is Data-Driven with Renata Morgan, Rheem Northeast Distribution

From Profit21 and ERP consolidation to AI-powered knowledge capture, Renata Morgan shares how modern distributors are evolving beyond "the way we've always done it." What happens when one of the biggest names in HVAC manufacturing invests in independent distribution? A new entity emerges, swiftly followed by conversations around safeguarding the distributor's company culture, autonomy, and institutional knowledge. Jason connects with Renata Morgan, president of Rheem Northeast Distribution (RND), a collection of four manufacturer-owned distributors, to learn more about Rheem's foray into this side of the channel. They discusses innovating under an established brand umbrella, retaining critical process knowledge as experienced employees retire, and giving back to the professional community. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Applied AI for Distributors 2026 HARDI BLUE HAWK Epicor Prophet21 RECOMMENDED EPISODES Agentic AI and the Future of Distribution with Ian Heller of Distribution Strategy Group CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH RENATA Rheem Northeast Distribution LinkedIn *** 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: Motivate, the #1 Distributor AI Automation Platform. Mention Distribution Talk for 50% off of installation. INxSQL Distribution Software, integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry. Connected Peers, connecting key employees in distribution's leading organizations.

May 6, 2026Episode 20255 min

Using AI to Enhance Employee Collaboration and Commitment with Adriana McLane and Dirk Beveridge

If you aren't ready for a roundtable discussion on artificial intelligence, employee empowerment, and Aristotle, then you aren't prepared for the future of wholesale distribution. Jason caught up with Adriana McLane, founder of Fulfilling Strategy, and Dirk Beveridge, founder of Unleash Wholesale Distribution, for a lively and informative examination of how wholesale distribution's relationship with AI is evolving—and which of the industry's core tenets will endure. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH ADRIANA Fulfilling Strategy LinkedIn CONNECT WITH DIRK Dirk Beveridge LinkedIn *** 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: Profit2, helping distributors charge the right price; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.

April 22, 2026Episode 20144 min

Why Hiring Gen Z Might Be Your Next Power Move: Revisiting Dr. Lee Allison, Texas A&M University

From mentorship to communication skills, discover how the next generation is redefining sales careers—and why distributors need to rethink their talent strategy now. Jason revisits his conversation with Dr. Lee Allison, Professor of Engineering Technology & Industrial Distribution at Texas A&M University, to explore academia's role in preparing graduates for successful careers in distribution, the reciprocal value of mentorships, and the power of merging STEM talents with effective communication skills. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH LEE LinkedIn *** 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: INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry; and Moblico, helping businesses do more business on mobile devices.

March 25, 2026Episode 20036 min

Agentic AI and the Future of Distribution with Ian Heller of Distribution Strategy Group

AI is here. Now what? If you're a distributor who's struggling to answer, you're in good company. Distributors as a whole are cautious about buying into broad-appeal solutions. But, they're not Luddites. Instead, they want products that provide industry-focused context and bottom-line value. There's no better ambassador for AI and how to successfully apply the tech to distribution than Ian Heller, co-founder and chief strategy officer of the Distribution Strategy Group, and host of the innovative Applied AI for Distributors 2026 summit. There's also no better way to toast the 200th episode of Distribution Talk than with this conversation between two longtime friends. Jason caught up with Ian to discuss the future of AI in distribution, the expanding use of agentic AI, and the exciting program of expert knowledge, topics, and implementation strategies scheduled for this year's summit. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH IAN Distribution Strategy Group Applied AI for Distributors 2026 LinkedIn *** 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.

March 11, 2026Episode 19937 min

Teaching Distributors How to Structure Pricing for Profit with Colin Dees, Dees Consulting

There's an adage that says those who cannot do, teach. Colin Dees is a welcome exception. He's an adjunct professor, researcher, author, speaker, and consultant. Colin founded Dees Consulting, LLC, to help distributors optimize profitability and growth. Jason caught up with his longtime friend to learn more about his expertise in supply chain management and customer pricing strategies. The pair also explores the rewards of lifelong learning, be it in the classroom or on the warehouse floor. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH COLIN Website LinkedIn *** 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: Profit2, helping distributors charge the right price; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.

February 25, 2026Episode 19832 min

No Fouls, Just Follow-Ups: Using Gamification to Build Customer Relationships with Chris Briggs, Touchpoint Games

Sports pools have long been a company-wide camaraderie-builder. Whether it's squares, brackets, or simple head-to-head match-ups, your staff loves a low-stakes distraction. What if you could turn that interdepartmental activity into a client-facing engagement tool? Chris Briggs, founder and CEO of Touchpoint Games (TPG), helps distributors and manufacturers do just that. Jason caught up with Chris to learn how companies can use gamification to run sports pools that boost brand awareness, strengthen customer relationships, and drive sales. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH CHRIS Website LinkedIn *** 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: Moblico, helping businesses do more business on mobile devices; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.

February 11, 2026Episode 19741 min

What AI Agents Mean for Jobs, Growth, and Scale in Distribution with Chris Van Ittersum & Ryan Carroll, Workd (part 2)

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 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 *** CONNECT WITH JASONLinkedIn CONNECT WITH CHRIS Workd LinkedIn CONNECT WITH RYAN Workd LinkedIn 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.

January 28, 2026Episode 19642 min

From CRM Friction to Sales Intelligence: AI Agents in Distribution with Chris Van Ittersum & Ryan Carroll, Workd

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 LinkedIn CONNECT WITH CHRIS Workd LinkedIn CONNECT WITH RYAN Workd LinkedIn *** 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: Profit2, helping distributors charge the right price; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.

January 14, 2026Episode 19543 min

Building Inclusive Leadership in Distribution: The WE United Playbook With Jackie Mattox, WE Lead: Voices of Innovation

The last five years have amplified our desire for authentic connections and conversations. Jackie Mattox identified that need a decade ago and founded WE United, 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 LinkedIn CONNECT WITH JACKIE WE United WE Lead: Voices of Innovation LinkedIn *** 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: Moblico, helping businesses do more business on mobile devices; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.