We cut through the common misconception that digital transformation and commerce is purely about technology. Joined by distribution, eCommerce and AI experts Devashish Saxena and Lance Owide, we explore why successful transformation is ultimately a human-first journey — driven by people, culture and alignment across the business. The discussion also covers how distributors can approach AI with intention, the evolving role of digital leadership and why clarity of purpose matters more than chasing the latest tools.

Steve Snower joined Parts Town as its sixth employee in 2004. Today, the company is a leading distributor of OEM replacement parts, now on pace for nearly $2.8 billion in annual revenue. He joins to reflect on how Parts Town got here, what it's been up to lately — which includes an employee ownership program, service expansion and digital innovation — and where it's going.

Sponsored by Grant Thornton, this podcast episode features a trio of specialists to discuss the moves that distributors and transportation providers are making to go from reacting to the new normal of constant disruption, to getting the head of the curve to be ready for whatever comes next. Tariffs are only one piece of that puzzle.

We chat with Rexel USA and Canada leader Roger Little on what the company has been up to lately and what's on the horizon. This includes recent acquisitions, Rexel's North American financial outperformance vs. the group's Europe counterpart, investments in talent development and digital transformation, Little's thoughts on tariff impacts, and more.

A little over 2 years since his previous appearance on the podcast, LGG Industrial CEO Jeff Crane joins to discuss his company's 2024 rebrand from ERIKS North America; how the company is navigating the tariffs situation; its recent branch network and technology upgrades; and how LGG is approaching AI.

QXO and Beacon frequented MDM's headlines during the first five months of 2025, culminating with QXO's $11 billion purchase of the distributor. With the landmark deal now completed, Craig Webb and Mike Hockett analyze how it happened and what it means for the building materials sector as QXO is poised to continue its ambitious, acquisitive growth strategy.

SHIFT 2025 speaker Donya Rose joins to discuss the intricacies of sales compensation plans, particularly in the B2B sector. We tackle the evolution of sales compensation, recent trends post-pandemic and common challenges and questions that companies are pursuing solutions for. Our discussion also emphasizes the role of analytics and human motivation in designing effective compensation strategies.

Contrary to popular belief, culture isn't a soft skill. It's a competitive advantage, says executive leadership consultant Darcy Blessing-Williams, who is set to speak at MDM's SHIFT conference in May. She joins the podcast to discuss a zookeeper framework geared for understanding and fostering team behavior. This framework simplifies complex behavioral science.