Best Mca Connect Podcasts (2025)

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Emerging Trends in Technology to Optimize Your Warehouse Management System With Steve Shebuski, MCA Connect 34:12

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2d ago34:12

34:12

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 Steve Shebuski, managing director of MCA Connect, says that an outdated WMS costs companies more than they realize.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 warehou…

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Future-Proof Your Distribution Business with Structured Career Paths 23:04

1M ago23:04

23:04

“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’…

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What If CRM Was About Automation Engines Feeding You BI-Driven Insights? With Kristen Thom, White Cup 42:51

2M ago42:51

42:51

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software companies sell a simple premise: if you can manage customer data, you can grow your business. But capitalizing on that promise is complicated, as any company struggling with CRM implementation knows. Kristen Thom, senior vice president of customer experience for White Cup, has an easy fix for this per…

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A Timeless Truth: Why Following Up Matters, Revisiting Jessica Yurgaitis, Industrial Supply Company 41:02

2M ago41:02

41:02

The past is always present at Industrial Supply Company, thanks to a treasure trove of historical documents dating back to 1915. While the Utah-based company’s century+ heritage is impressive, Jessica Yurgaitis has no intention of dwelling in the dust of the organization’s bygone era, even if the history major in her loves posting those old handwri…

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Focus on Better Work, Not Busy Work With AI as Your Sidekick With John Long 38:15

3M ago38:15

38:15

AI isn’t coming; it’s here, optimizing behind-the-scenes tasks like forecasting, inventory management, and CRM oversight. John Long, CEO of THYNK AI, says artificial intelligence is ready to take on client-facing interactions. His company has the ultimate tool for the job: Eric, an AI-powered agent. Jason caught up with John to discuss the evolutio…

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From Humble Beginnings to an Employee Owned Empire with Billy Duren, Threaded Fasteners 35:42

3M ago35:42

35:42

It’s rare to come across a company that has evolved as profitably or organically as Threaded Fasteners, Inc. While it’s tempting to award all the credit to Billy Duren, president and CEO of the Alabama-based manufacturer and distributor, he’d be the first to tell you that the company’s success is wholly due to the creativity of its employee-owners.…

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Disrupting the Chain of Pain Using AI Powered Mobile Tech to Meet Customers Where They Are With Pierre Barbeau, Founder of Moblico 36:26

4M ago36:26

36:26

Ever heard the phrase "chain of pain?" If you’re a wholesale distributor, chances are you’ve experienced it via the cascading agony of outdated workflows or missed sales opportunities. Pierre Barbeau, co-founder and CEO of Moblico, returns to chat with Jason about his company’s supercharged mobile technology solution to common pain points, includin…

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A Plug-And-Play Solution to Maximize eCommerce with Justin Johnson of Motivate 40:01

4M ago40:01

40:01

Remember when eCommerce was going to revolutionize B2B sales? Twenty years in, only a handful of channels have capitalized on the initial promise. But distributors aren’t to blame for the operational failure, says Justin Johnson, Founder of Motivate. He maintains that the major e-commerce platforms should bear the blame. They failed to grasp that m…

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How to Protect Your Company from Internal Theft: Revisiting Kelly Paxton, Workplace Fraud Expert 39:16

5M ago39:16

39:16

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 p…

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Building a Successful Career One Connection at a Time with Vic Wilson of voestalpine Böhler Welding 35:02

5M ago35:02

35:02

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 voestalpine Böhler Welding, the Canadian-born Wilson was busy forging relationships across the country. Jason caught up with Vic to dis…

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Unleash Creative Distribution Solutions by Using AI Technologies with Nick Pericle, ProfitOptics 44:08

6M ago44:08

44:08

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 ProfitOptics, engages in more expansive discussions, complete with sessions of task-oriented, experiential learning. Jason caught up with Nick to …

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Embracing Adventure in Your Business Routine: Revisiting Jason Bader’s Unexpected Destination 20:30

6M ago20:30

20:30

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…

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A People-First Approach to Transforming HR: Revisiting Tracie Sponenberg, Chief People Officer 33:51

7M ago33:51

33:51

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, Tracie Sponenberg held the title of Chief People Officer. She’s cre…

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Two Questions to Ask on Your CRM Journey with Brian Gardner of SalesProcess360 40:27

8M ago40:27

40:27

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 SalesProcess360, 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 CR…

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Staying Relevant in the Supply Chain by Expanding Trust Value with Darin Arnold of Sales Northwest, Inc. 43:35

8M ago43:35

43:35

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 bas…

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How Can You Be the Distributor of the Future? with Brooks Hamilton, Hamilton AI Strategy Advisors 43:57

8M ago43:57

43:57

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 Hamilton AI Strategy Advisors, a development service specializing in artif…

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How to Chart a New Course Within a Familiar Vertical With Steve Bailey of Bailey Safety 37:45

9M ago37:45

37:45

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 Bailey Safety. He parlayed a successful career in his family's distribution business into a lucrative…

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Developing Custom Technology to Deliver Solutions for the Restaurant Supply Industry with Chris Elliott, Kimelo by Cheetah Technologies 43:32

9M ago43:32

43:32

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 purpo…

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The Hybrid eLearning Platform That Boosts Business Acumen in 10 Weeks With Jeremy Wall of GoalMakers 43:30

10M ago43:30

43:30

Team training is hit-or-miss. Businesses either choose a generic version that doesn’t directly address their industry or a vertical-specific program that’s so complex the team fails to fully implement it. Jeremy Wall has a simple solution. He’s the co-founder and CEO of GoalMakers, a learning platform that bills itself as the 10-week MBA. Jason cha…

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Developing People as Emerging Leaders in the Distribution Industry with J Carlton Harwood, Formerly of Ferguson 43:01

10M ago43:01

43:01

Want 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-direc…

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Guiding the Future by Focusing on the Basics with Rhonda Wight of Refrigeration Sales Corp 39:06

10M ago39:06

39:06

The future of HVACR distribution is already here. But if your company is solely focused on the impending changeover to more eco-friendly components, it’s missing out on future-proofing the industry’s workforce. Rhonda Wight is miles ahead on both fronts. As CEO of Ohio-based Refrigeration Sales Corporation (RSC), she believes that developing next-g…

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Using AI to Build More Efficient Processes and Realize Greater Profitability With Justin Johnson of Motivate AI 46:23

11M ago46:23

46:23

If your C-suite isn’t entertaining conversations about artificial intelligence, is it interested in profitability? Perhaps that’s not a fair assessment. Maybe the C-Suite just needs a crash course in what the technology can do for distribution. Justin J. Johnson, founder and CEO of Motivate AI, is the perfect spokesperson for the job. Jason caught …

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What Are the Secrets Behind Distributor Pricing Success? Revisiting Dave Roller, Profit2 46:45

12M ago46:45

46:45

It’s the one hot topic in business that never seems to go away… PRICING. If you haven’t addressed your company’s pricing plan in a while, Dave Roller says you’re leaving good money on the table. As president of Profit2, Dave has built his career helping distributors optimize their strategy - even against e-conn’s biggest names. Though this conversi…

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Teaching Soft Skills, Sales Savvy and Servant-Style Leadership to Next Gen Talent with Dr. Lee Allison, Texas A&M University 44:56

1y ago44:56

44:56

Conventional business wisdom holds that everyone wants to join the marketing team; no one wants to work in sales anymore. Dr. Lee Allison rejects this defeatist attitude and the generational stereotypes that often accompany it. As Professor of Engineering Technology & Industrial Distribution at Texas A&M University, she has a literal front row seat…

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Selling Your Company? Practical Tips to Avoid Emotional and Procedural Pitfalls with Marshall Jones, The Distribution Team 38:33

1y ago38:33

38:33

Selling your company is one of the most challenging aspects of owning a business. Longtime colleague and Distribution Team Senior Advisor, Marshall Jones knows the mental, emotional, and procedural challenges well. Those experiences put him in a unique position to assist other sellers through the process. Jason and Marshall review a client case stu…

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Making The Mundane Returns Process Profitable With Alex Witcpalek of Continuum.ai 43:13

1y ago43:13

43:13

Returns, warranties, and repairs are a headache for distribution. Much of that pain stems from the antiquated systems that most companies still rely on to process their returns. Alex Witcpalek, founder and CEO of Continuum.ai, recognized the optimization potential of this largely overlooked in-house activity and created the first B2B returns networ…

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Growing the Family Business by Focusing on Talent and Culture: Revisiting Dick and Jordan Bader Part 2 33:22

1y ago33:22

33:22

Welcome back for part 2 with the Bader boys, Jason’s in-depth look at his family’s distribution business with patriarch and founder of Acme Construction Supply Co, Inc., Dick Bader, and younger brother Jordan, the company’s current president and CEO. As they wrap up their visit, Dick and Jordan reveal the fundamental principles that have supported …

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Inside the Bader Family’s Distribution Origin Story: Revisiting Dick and Jordan Bader Part 1 33:10

1y ago33:10

33:10

Jason corrals family patriarch and founder of Acme Construction Supply Co, Inc., Dick Bader, and little brother Jordan, current president and CEO, for an insider’s look at the family business. Like all epic tales, this one comes complete with plot twists, sibling rivalry (of the genial kind), and a cliffhanger. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT W…

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An Adventure in Entrepreneurship from Passion to Problem-Solving to Profit: Revisiting Jeff Peterson at Interstate Music 51:09

1+ y ago51:09

51:09

If entrepreneurs are known for marching to a different beat, then Jeff Peterson is an improvisational maestro. DT fans may remember Jason’s conversation with the CEO of Geneva Supply in episode 21, in which the two discussed growing and expanding that company’s footprint. And did he ever! Just as that business started to get predictable, Jeff stumb…

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The Art of Bringing Industry Competitors Together With Edward Kuo of Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network 37:31

1+ y ago37:31

37:31

Buzzwords can shut down conversations quicker than their end users care to admit. But, when Edward Kuo employs terms like “collaborate” and “innovate” to describe his role as executive director of the Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network (CVSN), he can back them up with decades of association experience and a successful track record of advocating f…

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Making the Move to a Warehouse Management System — What to Know Before You Buy With Casey Winans of Fullstride 34:05

1+ y ago34:05

34:05

An enterprise resources planning (ERP) system is great…until it's not. But, before you sign on the dotted line for your first warehouse management system (WMS), have you given serious (and honest) thought to how your growing pains might manifest in that pricey new platform? Casey Winans has. He's the founder and CEO of Fullstride, an independent ad…

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Beyond Best Practices: Crafting a Company Culture Based on Collective Improvement With Brian Blaushild of Famous Supply 39:30

1+ y ago39:30

39:30

You've defined the company's core values, but have you gotten specific about the behaviors that support those lofty goals? Brian Blaushild, the president of Famous Supply, has, and his commitment to these fundamentals is reflected in the company's superb culture. Jason caught up with the fourth-generation leader to learn more about the Famous 40 Fu…

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Building AI Technology for Distribution with the Human Mind in Mind with Jason Sullivan of Distro 36:00

1+ y ago36:00

36:00

There's a reason for all the chatter around artificial intelligence on Distribution Talk: early adopters gain a competitive edge that's hard to beat. Jason Bader welcomes Jason Sullivan, founder and CEO of Distro AI, to expand on the AI conversation. They discuss Distro AI’s process for leveraging vast amounts of raw data (think: key industry insig…

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An Unconventional Career Path from Engineering to Business Ownership With Jason Mattinson Of Riverside Steel, Inc 39:00

1+ y ago39:00

39:00

Search for a list of soft skills, and you’ll come across essentials like reliability, resilience, and creativity. But there’s one character trait that list-makers should put at or near the top: curiosity. Jason Mattinson, president of Riverside Steel, Inc., credits his inquisitive streak for repeatedly placing him in the right place at the right ti…

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How to Harness the Power of AI for Wholesale Distribution: Revisiting Nelson Valderrama of Intuilize 44:53

1+ y ago44:53

44:53

Hollywood loves to cast artificial intelligence as the villain. In reality, AI is more likely to win best supporting character accolades from those in the c-suite, says Nelson Valderrama, founder of Intuilize, the AI-driven firm specializing in helping distributors use analytics to optimize pricing, purchasing, and inventory management. Jason chats…

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AI as Your Competitive Edge in Distribution With Jonathan Bein and Ian Heller, Distribution Strategy Group 34:06

1+ y ago34:06

34:06

Distribution Talk fans already know that Jason’s a big proponent of artificial intelligence. If you’re still on the fence regarding the benefits of AI for distribution, it’s time to transition away from shock and awe and into fearless adoption. A great place to start is Applied AI For Distributors, the only annual conference with sessions for both …

1
Attract Next-Gen Talent With a Well-Crafted Tiered Progression Plan for Your Distribution Company 21:54

1+ y ago21:54

21:54

“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. On …

1
How Your Conventional Distribution Software Stacks Up to AI (Hint: It’s Not Good) With Michael Delgado of Canals AI 44:59

1+ y ago44:59

44:59

Do you know which activity is sabotaging your company’s potential? All of them. Busywork across every department––from order processing to inventory management––is a real drag on employee morale, customer relationships, and the bottom line. Conventional software won’t save you, but AI could. In this episode of Distribution Talk, Jason chats with Mi…

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From Daily Grind to Hero's Journey: An Equation to Empower Personal Growth with Dirk Beveridge, Force For Good 35:28

1+ y ago35:28

35:28

Leave it to Dirk Beveridge, keynote speaker, best-selling author, executive film producer, and founder of UnleashWD, to reference ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus, comparative mythology expert Joseph Campbell, and Tatooine farmboy Luke Skywalker in the same conversation. When you’re in the company of this self-professed advocate of distribution a…

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Calibrating a Change Management Strategy to the Pace of Your Organization With Jeff Braun, CEO of Primera Co-Op 37:31

1+ y ago37:31

37:31

Successful change management is about knowing your audience and anticipating what they can accept and when. Whether you run a family-run distribution company or a member-owned cooperative in the professional turf, ornamental and specialty landscape vertical, that formula remains the same. Jeff Braun, CEO of Primera Co-Op, thoroughly understands the…

1
How to Level Up Your Organizational Strategy via EOS With Charlton Keultjes, Professional EOS Coach 37:27

1+ y ago37:27

37:27

Can EOS® transform your company? Yes, and Charlton Keultjes not only has the case studies to prove it, but he also has the training to help you easily integrate the Entrepreneurial Operating System. Charlton is a professional EOS implementer with over a decade of experience coaching owners and leadership teams. Jason invites Charlton to share his e…

1
Trading a Career in Finance for the Family Distribution Business With Next-Gen Leader Seth Gordon of Glacier Supply Group 35:31

1+ y ago35:31

35:31

Senior members of the C-suite take note: distribution’s next-gen leaders are out there. You must know where to find them and how to support their growth. Seth Gordon, CEO of Glacier Supply Group, didn’t grow up in the HVAC distribution business. Still, he recognized an opportunity to innovate within the industry and work with a tangible product. Ja…

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Behind the Scenes of Association Management and Distribution Recruiting Activities With Kevin Gammonley of Smithbucklin 40:54

1+ y ago40:54

40:54

If you’re in distribution, you probably belong to an association, one that’s focused on advancing the concerns of your specific vertical. Chances are also good that you have no idea who manages the day-to-day activities of that organization or that it offers excellent career opportunities for young professionals. Kevin Gammonley has been getting th…

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Trust But Verify: Safeguard Your Business Against Pink Collar Crime With Kelly Paxton, Workplace Fraud Expert 38:07

1+ y ago38:07

38:07

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 Kelly Paxton, a workplace dishonesty expert, fraud educator, and host of the Fraudish podcast. The pair offer case studies (including Jason’s personal experience) t…

1
Is a Reactive Sales Strategy Costing You Money? Get Proactive with Guitze Messina of HARDI LATAM, Author of Moneycall 50:17

1+ y ago50:17

50:17

Guitze Messina is a man of many qualities. As the eminently personable executive director of HARDI LATAM, Guitze has transformed what was once HARDI Mexico into a powerhouse organization representing heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration distributors across nine Latin American countries and counting. Not one to hoard his success, Guitze rece…

1
Unearthing Gold Buried in Your Distribution Data with Vinny Maurici of Object Edge 43:51

1+ y ago43:51

43:51

If data is the new gold (as touted on TV), distributors would be wise to entrust their assets to someone well-versed in the malleable but often dense nature of distribution-centric information. Vinny Maurici, vice president of data engineering at Object Edge, is that person. Jason chats with Vinny about his early days in distribution, the importanc…

1
People Over Paperwork: Revolutionize Your Human Resources for Distribution with Tracie Sponenberg, Chief People Officer 32:55

1+ y ago32:55

32:55

Leading with compassion is one thing (and a good thing at that). But what if whole departments ran on a standard of sensitivity to and emotional concern for the people in their care, be they customers or employees? Before leaving The Granite Group to start her own consultancy, Tracie Sponenberg held the title of Chief People Officer. She’s credited…

1
Train the Next Generation and Other Valuable Lessons in Succession Planning With Rob Rovira of Energy Pipe & Supply 36:54

1+ y ago36:54

36:54

Robert Rovira, president of Energy Pipe & Supply, has plans for his C-suite successors, but that hasn’t always been the case. Rob admits to having missed opportunities to strengthen his organizational structure. Now, he and his management team are preparing the next generation to lead the charge at the New Orleans-based company his family has owned…

1
The Scientific Approach to Providing a Stellar Customer Experience With Martha Brooke of Interaction Metrics 46:14

2y ago46:14

46:14

Martha Brooke is a repeat guest on Distribution Talk for good reason. In her two previous visits, the founder and lead customer experience consultant of Interaction Metrics made a compelling argument for conducting customer satisfaction evaluations via third-party, objective methodology rather than an in-house survey. This time, Jason chats with Ma…

1
A Quick-Start Guide to RFID Technology and Vendor-Managed Inventory With Andrew Johnson of ShelfAware 47:32

2y ago47:32

47:32

What happens when a self-described mad scientist tinkers around with vendor-managed inventory software? He creates an automated supply chain solution tailored to the needs and budgets of small-to-medium-sized industrial distributors. Andrew Johnson, CEO of ShelfAware VMI, returns to chat with Jason about the practical, transformative power of the c…