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John Allenbach of Nine Runs reveals why sustainable revenue growth, repeatable sales systems, and long-term potential are changing how buyers evaluate distribution businesses. John Allenbach's sales career reads like a map of the distribution industry. Those past experiences inform John's current role as Managing Partner at Nine Runs, a consultancy that helps manufacturers and distributors improve teams and processes that drive organizational growth. Nine Runs also offers private equity-related services, including helping PE evaluate risks and implement strategies to close the revenue execution gap pre- or post-acquisition. Jason caught up with John to get the inside scoop on how the PE landscape has changed in the last 20 years and what those changes mean for distributors who want to sell. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH JOHN LinkedIn Nine Runs *** 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: Motivate, Connected Peers, and INxSQL

How Alex Chausovsky's journey to America shaped a career helping businesses navigate uncertainty Every episode of Distribution Talk begins with the guest's origin story. Alex Chausovsky's origin story IS this episode. As president of 3DM Consulting, Alex distills his impressive knowledge of the geopolitical climate into strategic business advice.  While he would've no doubt succeeded anywhere in the world, it's Alex's trajectory from Kyiv, Ukraine, to the United States that informs his life's work: helping businesses mitigate risk and thrive in times of market uncertainty.  CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH ALEX LinkedIn 3DM Consulting *** 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, INxSQL, and Profit2.

How cross-industry conversations help distribution professionals solve what's next On this episode of Distribution Talk, Jason welcomes back his friend and colleague Marshall Jones of Connected Peers, the virtual network they co-founded to encourage professional, productive relationships within the distribution community. This year, Marshall has taken over the program full-time, allowing Jason to focus his attention elsewhere (hello, AI!).  AI has touched nearly every Connected Peers forum in 2026. While many distributors are cautiously experimenting with using AI for marketing and low-stakes planning, Marshall notes that some forum members are getting more curious about the tech and bringing their cohorts along. Recent discussions include:  How do we utilize AI inside our WMS?  How do we integrate AI agents into our customer service protocol? Which AI-driven packages are best for bolting onto the ERPs we already use? CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH MARSHALL LinkedIn Connected Peers *** 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, INxSQL, and Connected Peers.

Selling your company is one of the most challenging aspects of owning a business. In this revisited episode, longtime colleague and Distribution Team Senior Advisor Marshall Jones shares his firsthand perspective on the mental, emotional, and procedural challenges of a business sale. Jason and Marshall review a client case study highlighting critical aspects of securing a successful (and profitable!) sale and tips for avoiding deal-breaking pitfalls. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH MARSHALL 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, INxSQL, and Profit2.

Many distributors fall into the habit of making inventory decisions by gut instinct. Understandable? Yes, considering the vast amounts of historical data that purchasing teams must weigh against future marketplace volatility. Unavoidable? Also yes! Especially when purpose-built AI tools exist. Jason caught up with Conor Leen, co-founder and president of Lantern, to learn about the company's cutting-edge forecasting methodology and solutions to perennial supply chain pain points like overbuying, missed seasonal stock opportunities, and branch allocation mismanagement. The pair also discuss Lantern's "distribution first" origin story and service-oriented company culture. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH CONOR Lantern 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: Motivate, INxSQL, and Connected Peers.

What can distribution warehouse operators learn from the Roman Empire and United States Marine Corps? More than you might think, says Will Quinn, aka The Distribution Guy®.  Jason caught up with Will to discuss the evolution of modern warehouse functionality and pragmatic strategies for improving company performance at the ground-level––from receiving and slotting to picking and packing. Will also shares insights from his latest book, Modern Warehouse Management: Steel-Toed Leadership That Drives Performance, a must-read field guide for distribution center leaders, warehouse managers, and frontline supervisors. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH WILL The Distribution Guy® 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, INxSQL, and Profit2

It seems like everyone is using artificial intelligence these days, maybe even your top competitor. But widespread enthusiasm shouldn't deter you from putting AI tools through their paces. Nor should naysayers convince you that the tech is just a fad. So, how do you partner with AI to create distribution-focused solutions without abdicating your innate human expertise? You start by building better AI prompts. In this solo episode of Distribution Talk, host Jason Bader shares insights from his evolving relationship with generative AI, offering pragmatic tips for business owners and execs who want to gain confidence using models like Claude and ChatGPT. He also provides advice for avoiding the "machine mindset" trap—expecting predictable, repeatable outputs when using AI.  For full show notes and services visit: https://www.distributionteam.com CONNECT WITH JASON 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, INxSQL, and Connected Peers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.