The Bridge: Where Field Meets HQ

Channel Partners
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Welcome to The Bridge—where headquarters and the field meet in real time. Hosted by COO Andrew Catapano with co-hosts Heather Petrone and Jimmy Knight, this podcast connects the people behind Channel Partners through honest stories, lessons learned, and open conversations about what’s working across the business. Each episode spotlights voices from the field and leadership alike, celebrating the hard work, creativity, and problem-solving that make our teams successful. Whether you’re new to the company or a seasoned leader, you’ll find insights, laughs, and inspiration that strengthen the bridge between all of us.

Episodes

  1. Jul 10

    Both Sides of the Bridge: What Corporate and the Field Wish Each Other Knew

    What does it take to move a retail merchandising project from a signed contract to a finished set on the store floor? In this episode of The Bridge, we connect field execution to leadership and break down the full project lifecycle: from RFP to reporting, and everything that goes sideways in between. Hosts Heather Petrone and Jimmy Knight sit down with three people who see the work from every angle. Aaron Spegon, Director of Training, on building field-ready training under deadlines that can run as short as 24 hours. Karen O'Brien, L'Oreal Account Manager, on the complete life cycle of a project: scope development, time studies, field instructions, launch week, and client recap. And Jawan Wilson, Team Lead out of Stone Mountain, GA, on what execution really looks like when the plan meets the store, and why communication and empathy hold it all together. Real stories from the field, honest talk about pressure and problem-solving, and a clear look at why warehousing and kitting can make or break a rollout. If you work in retail merchandising, field execution, installation, or assisted sales, this one is for you. New episodes connect the people doing the work to the people planning it. Follow The Bridge so you never miss one.

  2. Jun 5

    Field Data & Retail Intelligence: How Your Work Drives Client Decisions

    This week on The Bridge, Heather Petrone and Jimmy Knight welcome two special guests: Jay Chandran, VP of Technology & Analytics, and Mike Gonzalez from Client Services, for a deep dive into why field data is one of the most valuable things a rep produces — and how it directly shapes what clients do next. In this episode: How one missed store report nearly stopped a 160-store project in its tracks Real examples of clients changing product strategy based entirely on field reporting What's coming with the new OpenSky platform update this summer AI and automation — what it means for reps, and why you shouldn't be scared Why accuracy and timeliness in your data entry matters more than you think Quote of the episode: "You're not just completing a task. You're influencing what happens next." — Heather Petrone

  3. Apr 10

    Pack Light, Plan Smart: Practicing Simplicity in the Field

    This week on The Bridge, hosts Andrew Catapano, Heather Petrone, and Jimmy Knight dig into one of the most underrated core values: Simplicity. And no, it's not about cutting corners, it's about stripping things down to their most effective form. The crew is joined by two special guests: Ron Thrasher, Senior Team Lead and Core Values Award Winner for Simplicity, and Megan Picheri, Channel Partners Travel Manager, who brings real talk straight from the travel department. In this episode: Why packing light is a mindset, not just a luggage strategy TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and travel rewards cards — stop waiting in line Heather's legendary two-week Europe trip with zero checked bags Ron's suitcase divider system and his portable washboard hack How to stay calm when everything goes sideways in the field Rental car and hotel documentation tips that could save you (and the company) serious money The one phone call that saves thousands in unused hotel room fees Quote of the episode: "Never make a permanent decision on a temporary feeling." — Ron Thrasher Whether you're a road warrior or working from a home base, this episode has something for you. Questions? Reach us at marketing@channelpartners.com Travel resources available on the Hub under Travel, or ask your manager. New here? Catch up on Episodes 4 & 5 — trust us, you'll want the backstory.

  4. Mar 13

    Honing Your Craft and Leveling Up

    What does it really mean to master your craft? Not perfection, but the daily commitment to showing up, staying curious, and getting a little better than you were yesterday. In Episode 5 of The Bridge, host Andrew Catapano is joined live by Heather Petrone and Jimmy Knight to dig into one of Channel Partners' core values: Mastery. From heavy merchandising resets to navigating rapid organizational change, the crew explores what it takes to sharpen your skills, lead with communication, and build a legacy by passing what you know on to others. They're joined by three standout guests: Jeremy Rodgers, VP of Internal Ops, who opens up about managing constant change with calm, the power of a strong partnership at home, and why "perfect is impossible, but better is always available." Rachel, Director of Field Ops and team Mastery Champion, who climbed from rep to director in eight years and shares why stepping outside your comfort zone is non-negotiable for growth. And Brittany, who brings real field perspective on what it looks like to problem-solve in the moment when a reset doesn't go as planned. In this episode: Why mastery is about repetition and preparation, not perfection How communication up and down the chain drives flawless field execution Staying grounded through change, and why family anchors great leaders Building emotional intelligence and compassion when managing different personalities What it means to mentor others and leave a lasting legacy in the field

  5. Mar 6

    Own It: Field Wins & Lessons Learned

    What does real accountability look like in the field — not the theory, but the day-to-day moments when people step up, own their mistakes, and represent their brand with pride? In this episode of The Bridge, CEO Andrew Catapano is joined live from Columbus, Ohio by Heather Petrone and Jimmy Knight for an honest conversation about ownership culture at Channel Partners. From large-scale resets to small merchandising projects, they explore why accountability starts with the individual — and why the way leaders ask for it matters just as much as the people delivering it. The team is also joined by two special guests: Mary Meeks, Talent Acquisition Director, who shares field wins and hard-won lessons from years in the break fix division; and Melissa Watson from Employee Relations, who discusses the culture initiatives she's championing — including wellness programs, community connection, and what it really means to take care of your people on the road. In this episode: Why accountability requires vulnerability — and how to create space for it Real stories of owning wins and mistakes in the field How Channel Partners is building a best-in-class people organization Wellness tips for staying grounded when you're disconnected and on the move Closing wisdom: "What got you here won't get you there" — Einstein

  6. Jan 9

    Power Moves: Owning Your Growth

    In Episode 3 of The Bridge, Channel Partners CEO Andrew Catapano joins co-hosts Jimmy Knight and Heather Petrone to explore what it truly means to own your growth in your career, your skills, and your mindset. This episode focuses on how to spot opportunity, make yourself visible, and take intentional action toward your next move, whether that’s a promotion, a lateral shift, or expanded responsibility in your current role. Through real stories from the field and headquarters, the conversation highlights how persistence, communication, problem-solving, and resilience play a critical role in long-term success and why growth doesn’t always happen on your timeline, but rewards those who stay ready. In this episode, we cover: What “owning your growth” really looks like How to create opportunity instead of waiting for it The value of lateral moves and transferable skills Why visibility and communication matter at every level How leaders can support motivated employees when roles aren’t open The importance of mindset, resilience, and continuous learning Whether you’re just starting out or looking for your next chapter, this episode offers practical insight and encouragement to help you take control of your career path.   About The Bridge The Bridge is Channel Partners’ company podcast connecting the field and headquarters through honest conversations, shared experiences, and actionable insights—helping employees grow, lead, and thrive together.     Subscribe to The Bridge so you never miss an episode Share this episode with someone ready to take their next step Explore careers at Channel Partners: https://channelpartners.com/careers   Powered by people. Driven by innovation.

  7. 12/12/2025

    First Impressions in the Field

    In Episode 2 of The Bridge, hosts Heather Petrone, Jimmy Knight, and Andrew Catapano dive into one of the most powerful contributors to success in the field: first impressions and how transparency, communication, and vulnerability set the tone for every job. Drawing from real stories, on-the-ground experience, and insights from top district managers across the country, this episode gives both new and seasoned merchandisers practical, confidence-building guidance for making a strong start in any store. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to make a standout first impression on your first day in the field Why arriving prepared, being in uniform, and knowing your scope matters The fine line between confidence and overselling yourself How to handle unexpected questions when you don’t know the answer Why communication with store managers and receiving teams is essential What transparency really means—and how it builds trust upward and across How to navigate setbacks, mistakes, and real-life personal challenges with professionalism The importance of leaning into your support system: team leads, DMs, project managers, and peers Featuring valuable field-tested advice from district managers Julie Ramsey and LeAnne Lape, plus team lead Emily Reddye, this episode empowers employees to start strong, stay accountable, and build the kind of trust that drives opportunity and long-term success. Whether you’re preparing for your first store visit or refining your leadership toolkit, this episode will help you show up with confidence, clarity, and authenticity.

  8. 12/11/2025

    TEAMS In Action

    In the debut episode of The Bridge, COO Andrew Catapano joins co-hosts Heather Petrone and Jimmy Knight to launch a new way of connecting headquarters and the field. Together they explore the core values that define the TEAMS culture (Transparency, Empowerment, Accountability, Mastery, and Simplicity) and what those look like in practice. A surprise visit turns the discussion into an inspiring conversation about leadership, trust, and growth. It’s an authentic look at how Channel Partners is building stronger connections; one story, one value, and one team at a time.

  • 8 Episodes

About

Welcome to The Bridge—where headquarters and the field meet in real time. Hosted by COO Andrew Catapano with co-hosts Heather Petrone and Jimmy Knight, this podcast connects the people behind Channel Partners through honest stories, lessons learned, and open conversations about what’s working across the business. Each episode spotlights voices from the field and leadership alike, celebrating the hard work, creativity, and problem-solving that make our teams successful. Whether you’re new to the company or a seasoned leader, you’ll find insights, laughs, and inspiration that strengthen the bridge between all of us.

Information

  • Creator
    Channel Partners
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Bridge: Where Field Meets HQ