Discover how Grainger, one of the world's largest industrial distributors, built competitive advantage with data infrastructure. In this episode of Driven by DCKAP, Brian Walker, Chief Product Officer, reveals how Grainger transformed from 50% branch-based operations to over 90% digital business through strategic investments in custom software, data modeling, and AI implementation. Learn about their approach to the build vs. buy decision, how they're leveraging artificial intelligence and data analysis across operations, and why "the thing we make is data" became central to their distribution strategy.

Brian shares insights on creating information advantage in distribution, lessons from investing too early in computer vision technology, building a learning organization, and the future of self-service in industrial procurement. Whether you're a distribution leader navigating digital transformation, a product manager evaluating technology investments, or a B2B professional interested in AI applications, this conversation on business intelligence, analytics, data management, and more, offers practical frameworks for competing in the age of AI.

As 2025 comes to a close, join our host Karthik Chidambaram for a special year-end reflection on the Driven by DCKAP podcast.In this episode, Karthik looks back at the incredible conversations we've had this year—the insights shared by our guests, the lessons learned along the way, and some of the moments that made this season truly memorable.A Milestone to Celebrate - We're thrilled to have crossed 2,000 subscribers! This achievement is a testament to the power of our community and the value you find in these conversations. To every viewer and listener who has engaged with our content—thank you. Your support drives us forward.Looking Ahead to 2026 - The new season is already taking shape, and we can't wait to share what's in store. Expect more thought-provoking conversations, industry insights, and stories from leaders who are shaping the future of distribution and B2B commerce.From our team to yours—Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

What's the difference between a public servant and a politician? Former Border States CEO and North Dakota Lieutenant Governor Tammy Miller doesn't hold back in this raw conversation about leadership, loss, and what really matters. From running a major electrical distribution company for nearly 30 years to losing a governor's race while her sister battled cancer, Tammy shares the unglamorous truth about transitioning from the boardroom to politics. She's now channeling her energy into semiconductor manufacturing with SkyWater Technologies, raising $75 million for a military museum, and championing AI to eliminate what she calls "mind numbing, soul sucking jobs." Plus, why she believes being "fit for duty" isn't just about exercise—it's about showing up for the work that matters.

From working on a dairy farm at age 10 to leading a major distribution company, Paul Kennedy's path to the C-suite is anything but typical. In this episode of the Driven by DCKAP podcast, Paul shares how he went from Navy intelligence analyst to plumber to President & CEO of DSG—all without a college degree. His secret? Curiosity, surrounding himself with people smarter than him, and being discovered by mentors who saw potential he didn't see in himself.

Paul opens up about transforming DSG's growth from reactive to strategic, his unique approach to spotting talent (hint: it may have something to do with how fast someone walks), and why meeting people where they are is essential to great leadership. He also touches on DSG’s approach to cultivating new talent in the industry, by offering scholarships for aspiring tradespeople and supporting Moorhead Career Academy's distribution and transportation track, giving high schoolers real exposure to careers they might never have considered.

Whether you're leading a team, building a business, or navigating your own unconventional career path, Paul's insights on intentional growth, delegation, and letting go of what no longer serves you will challenge how you think about success.

Discover how AI-powered sales automation is transforming the distribution industry! In this episode, Justin Johnson, founder of Motivate, shares how distributors can free up 50%+ of their inside sales teams' time through intelligent order and quote automation.

Watch to understand more about AI-assisted orders, multi-channel ordering via text, e-commerce drag-and-drop technology that actually works for distributors, sales intelligence that predicts customer needs before they call, why traditional e-commerce fails for B2B distributors, and more.

Justin brings 25 years of distribution technology experience and shares insights from building his fourth company. Learn why AI isn't just a competitive advantage anymore—it's a necessity for wholesale distributors, plumbing suppliers, electrical distributors, HVAC companies, and building material suppliers.

Is AI just another buzzword in the ERP world, or is there real value for manufacturers and distributors? In this episode, Brad Feakes, President and Partner at Estes Group, shares 20 years of hard-earned insights about what AI really means for ERP systems—and why most companies are thinking about it wrong.

Estes Group is a leading provider of ERP consulting, IT, and cloud managed services based in Loveland, Colorado and, with two decades in the industry, Brad brings his practical, no-nonsense advice for businesses navigating digital transformation. Tune in to discover why AI needs a body, not just a brain, and how to build a smart integration strategy that actually delivers results!

Our guest on this episode is Carolyn Hunt, an independent consultant specializing in Epicor Prophet 21 implementation with over 50 years of experience in industrial distribution. She sits down with Karthik to share her unique perspective on how the distribution industry evolved from manual processes to embracing modern ERP systems, third-party integrations, and AI technology. Learn how Prophet 21 transformed from proprietary hardware systems to today's web-based solutions, and discover why successful distributors focus on growing their business through technology without losing the human touch that builds lasting customer relationships.

Carolyn reveals practical insights from her decades of consulting experience, including how she's helped countless businesses transition from paper-based accounting to fully integrated ERP systems. She discusses the critical role of system integrations, why no single ERP can do everything, and how platforms like DCKAP Integrator enable distributors to connect best-of-breed solutions. This conversation also explores the balance between AI automation and maintaining personal relationships in an industry built on trust and service.

New employees often have high expectations for office technology, but many companies struggle to meet those expectations. It's crucial to maintain those expectations in the workplace, not lower them just because it's "business tech".

In this not-to-miss episode, Stephan Fulop, Chief Product & Technology Officer at DSG, highlights the challenges of information technology in creating a smart office environment, and ensuring that the office runs smoothly and efficiently using high quality business technology, and much more!