Best Jason Bader Podcasts (2025)

1
How Can You Be the Distributor of the Future? with Brooks Hamilton, Hamilton AI Strategy Advisors 43:57

11d 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…

1
How to Chart a New Course Within a Familiar Vertical With Steve Bailey of Bailey Safety 37:45

25d 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…

1
Developing Custom Technology to Deliver Solutions for the Restaurant Supply Industry with Chris Elliott, Kimelo by Cheetah Technologies 43:32

1M 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…

1
The Hybrid eLearning Platform That Boosts Business Acumen in 10 Weeks With Jeremy Wall of GoalMakers 43:30

2M 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…

1
Developing People as Emerging Leaders in the Distribution Industry with J Carlton Harwood, Formerly of Ferguson 43:01

2M 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…

1
Guiding the Future by Focusing on the Basics with Rhonda Wight of Refrigeration Sales Corp 39:06

2M 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…

1
Using AI to Build More Efficient Processes and Realize Greater Profitability With Justin Johnson of Motivate AI 46:23

3M 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 …

1
What Are the Secrets Behind Distributor Pricing Success? Revisiting Dave Roller, Profit2 46:45

4M 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…

1
Teaching Soft Skills, Sales Savvy and Servant-Style Leadership to Next Gen Talent with Dr. Lee Allison, Texas A&M University 44:56

4M 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…

1
Selling Your Company? Practical Tips to Avoid Emotional and Procedural Pitfalls with Marshall Jones, The Distribution Team 38:33

5M 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…

1
Making The Mundane Returns Process Profitable With Alex Witcpalek of Continuum.ai 43:13

5M 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…

1
Growing the Family Business by Focusing on Talent and Culture: Revisiting Dick and Jordan Bader Part 2 33:22

6M 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 …

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

6M 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…

1
An Adventure in Entrepreneurship from Passion to Problem-Solving to Profit: Revisiting Jeff Peterson at Interstate Music 51:09

7M 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…

1
The Art of Bringing Industry Competitors Together With Edward Kuo of Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network 37:31

8M 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…

1
Making the Move to a Warehouse Management System — What to Know Before You Buy With Casey Winans of Fullstride 34:05

8M 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…

1
Beyond Best Practices: Crafting a Company Culture Based on Collective Improvement With Brian Blaushild of Famous Supply 39:30

9M 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…

1
Building AI Technology for Distribution with the Human Mind in Mind with Jason Sullivan of Distro 36:00

9M 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…

1
An Unconventional Career Path from Engineering to Business Ownership With Jason Mattinson Of Riverside Steel, Inc 39:00

9M 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…

1
How to Harness the Power of AI for Wholesale Distribution: Revisiting Nelson Valderrama of Intuilize 44:53

9M 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…

1
AI as Your Competitive Edge in Distribution With Jonathan Bein and Ian Heller, Distribution Strategy Group 34:06

9M 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

10M 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

10M 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…

1
From Daily Grind to Hero's Journey: An Equation to Empower Personal Growth with Dirk Beveridge, Force For Good 35:28

11M 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…

1
Calibrating a Change Management Strategy to the Pace of Your Organization With Jeff Braun, CEO of Primera Co-Op 37:31

11M 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

12M 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

12M 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…

1
Behind the Scenes of Association Management and Distribution Recruiting Activities With Kevin Gammonley of Smithbucklin 40:54

12M 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…

1
Trust But Verify: Safeguard Your Business Against Pink Collar Crime With Kelly Paxton, Workplace Fraud Expert 38:07

1y 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

1y 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

1y 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

1y 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

1y 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

1y 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

1+ y 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…

1
Reclaim Your Strategic Edge Through AI With Ian Heller of Distribution Strategy Group 42:46

1+ y ago42:46

42:46

If this episode’s title has you shaking your head or, worse, burying it in the proverbial sand, hold on. Give AI a chance, and it will supercharge your business. That’s the message that Ian Heller, founder and chief strategy officer of Distribution Strategy Group, hopes to spread through his consulting work and Applied AI For Distributors, the mass…

1
Leadership Strategies for More Successful Distribution Teams: Revisiting Jamie Arguello 43:48

1+ y ago43:48

43:48

Could your team pass the litmus test? If you left your distribution business in their hands for four weeks, five, six, would the shop survive in your absence? Jamie Arguello has the real-life data to prove that her business wouldn’t simply survive; it would thrive. We’re revisiting a conversation Jason had with the CEO of Grady's Foodservice Equipm…

1
Simple Steps for Securing Employee Buy-In With Alison Bencsik of BAI Electronic Systems Distributors 55:45

1+ y ago55:45

55:45

Professional vulnerability is a hallmark of outstanding leadership. That said, there’s a reason so few leaders possess the characteristic: it’s uncomfortable at best; terrifying at worst. Alison Bencsik, CEO of BAI Electronic Systems Distributors, a professional and commercial audio, video, and lighting supplier in Ocala, FL, doesn’t know any other…

1
Better Data Analytics for Distributors of Any Size, Any Vertical With Bob Jordan and Donnie Williamson of Modern Distribution Management 43:14

1+ y ago43:14

43:14

Your high-potential targets and most valuable accounts are hiding in plain sight. Bob Jordan and Donnie Williamson, vice president of analytics and analytics manager, respectively, at Modern Distribution Management (MDM), have the tools and expertise to help you locate them. Jason chats with the pair about MDM’s methodology and how it transforms re…

1
Fostering Connections and Career Longevity With Richard Crifasi, Capital Electric 41:24

1+ y ago41:24

41:24

Richard Crifasi may have the finish line in sight, but he’s not ready to leave the track just yet. Even after decades in industrial and electrical supply distribution, he still gets a charge out of solving everyday customer problems and plotting long-range company goals. Jason chats with his old friend about his circuitous career path and current r…

1
How to Avoid Pitfalls in Your Succession Plan With Roman Basi, The Center for Financial, Legal & Tax Planning 40:38

1+ y ago40:38

40:38

Do you have a written step by step plan for what to do when you decide to transfer or sell your business? Do you know the best way to structure the transaction legally? How to minimize tax liabilities? To do the best by your family and employees? That’s where The Center for Financial, Legal & Tax Planning comes in. Roman Basi is an attorney, CPA, r…

1
Gather With Peers & Focus on the Fundamentals for Sustainable Success With Brendan Breen, Industrial Supply Association 41:13

1+ y ago41:13

41:13

How do we provide more value to the members? It’s the question at the forefront of every Association executive’s mind. For Brendan Breen, President at Industrial Supply Association (ISA), the answer is to be the best networking association in the industry. And that strategy has paid off! At this past year’s convention, ISA got creative with how the…

1
How to Strengthen Company Culture Through Servant Leadership With Tim O’Keeffe of Huyett 39:51

1+ y ago39:51

39:51

Tim O’Keeffe is a work in progress, and proud of it. Under his leadership at Huyett (formerly GL Huyett), the fastener company has expanded from a distributor-only business to a manufacturer and master distributor. In the process, Tim’s management style has shifted from dictator to democratic, and the company’s culture has never been better. Jason …

1
Managing the Costs of Convenience With Chris Smythers of Merchants Grocery Company 45:22

1+ y ago45:22

45:22

When it comes to the lingo and logistics of wholesale distribution, bottled water and pre-packaged power snacks aren’t that far removed from fasteners or PVC fittings. So says Chris Smythers, president and CEO of Merchants Grocery Company, a leader in the convenience distributors industry. Jason chats with Chris about the challenges of convenience …

1
Increase Your E-Com Visibility Without the SEO Struggle With Mike Franz of iNSUPPLi 45:26

1+ y ago45:26

45:26

Mike Franz wants small and mid-sized distributors to win more business in the e-com space. As founder and CEO of iNSUPPLi, the fastest-growing mobile app for sourcing industrial and MRO supplies, he believes that “the little guys” can beat goliaths like Grainger and Amazon all day long in the local marketplace––with the right tool. Jason chats with…

1
How to Turn Data Into Actionable Strategies for Distribution: Revisiting David Gordon 50:50

1+ y ago50:50

50:50

David Gordon turns insights into actionable strategies for his distribution and manufacturing clients. With data at the ready and a wealth of experience to draw from, the founder of Channel Marketing Group shares his views on how COVID-19 is reshaping everything from C-suite occupancy to acquisition game plans to loyalty programs. Jason chats with …

1
Attracting a New Wave of Leaders in Distribution: Revisiting Steve Deist 44:04

2y ago44:04

44:04

Distribution has a PR problem. Longtime listeners will no doubt recognize that phrase as one of Jason's favorites. The lament takes aim at the industry's lackluster attempts to attract fresh talent, anyone who hasn't grown up in a family business and, therefore, remains clueless to all that distribution offers. Steve Deist, chief operating officer …

1
How to Manage the Generational Divide: Revisiting Kathryne Newton 43:50

2y ago43:50

43:50

How do you manage the generational divide within your company? Kathryne A. Newton, Ph.D., may not have all the answers, but she does possess more than enough intel to coax groups toward more productive communication. Whether those conversations happen face-to-face, through email, or via text is another matter. Self-professed generation geek Jason i…

1
Niche Market Success and Remote Team Building With Gabriel Curry of Fuelbox Industrial 42:03

2y ago42:03

42:03

One of the best pieces of advice for finding success in any industry is to drill down into a niche. Gabriel Curry has supersized that axiom, creating several highly successful distribution businesses (Fuelbox Industrial, Authorify, Green Dynamix) to support smaller, often overlooked verticals. Jason chatted with Gabe about his approach to researchi…

1
Revisiting Selling Through Tough Times With Paul Reilly of The Q and A Sales Podcast 38:13

2y ago38:13

38:13

Whether you’re in the C-suite or the cold-call trenches, there’s no question that the economic challenges we are facing are extensive––and exhaustive. It’s an excellent opportunity to visit Jason’s conversation with Paul Reilly, speaker, trainer, author, and host of The Q and A Sales Podcast. Paul breaks down six exercises you can implement to impr…

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