Distribution Talk

Jason Bader, Distribution Team
  • 5.0 (19)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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

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

    MAR 25

    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.

    36 min
  2. Teaching Distributors How to Structure Pricing for Profit with Colin Dees, Dees Consulting

    MAR 11

    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.

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

    FEB 25

    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.

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

    FEB 11

    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 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: Connected Peers, providing virtual communities for wholesale distributors; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.

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

    JAN 28

    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.

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

    JAN 14

    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.

    43 min
  7. Acquisitions, Influencers & Riding the Wave of Innovation with Matthew James, Purity Life Health Products, LP

    12/31/2025

    Acquisitions, Influencers & Riding the Wave of Innovation with Matthew James, Purity Life Health Products, LP

    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 Purity Life Health Products LP 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 LinkedIn CONNECT WITH MATTHEW LinkedIn Purity Life *** 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.

    36 min
  8. Hustle, Blessings and Rock & Roll: Creating Opportunity Through Relationships with Monty Clayton

    12/17/2025

    Hustle, Blessings and Rock & Roll: Creating Opportunity Through Relationships with Monty Clayton

    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 LinkedIn CONNECT WITH MONTY LinkedIn Pneu Fastener Advisors *** 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.

    40 min
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About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Jason Bader, Distribution Team
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    201
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Distribution Team, 2019-2024
  • Show Website
    Distribution Talk

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