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.

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CONNECT WITH IAN

Distribution Strategy Group

Applied AI for Distributors 2026

LinkedIn

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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

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CONNECT WITH COLIN

Website

LinkedIn

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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

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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.

Distributors often bemoan the AI "revolution" for its lack of practicality. Fair enough. No one likes an endless loops of recorded prompts or laborious input tasks. Workd helps businesses build AI agents that drive B2B growth in the real world.

Jason caught up with Chris Van Ittersum, CEO and co-founder, and Ryan Carroll, director of development, to learn more. Queue up for the conversation about AI agent solutions for everything from customer relationships to supply chain logistics. Stay for the live AI agent demo!

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: Profit2, helping distributors charge the right price; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.

The last five years have amplified our desire for authentic connections and conversations. Jackie Mattox identified that need a decade ago and founded WE United, a professional space originally created to advocate for women in the electronics industry. Now, she's expanding the organization's focus to include men.

Jason chats with Jackie about the unique challenges that women in distribution still face, the importance of inclusive leadership, and what companies can do to foster mentorship and collaborative opportunities for all.

CONNECT WITH JASON

LinkedIn

WE United

WE Lead: Voices of Innovation

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: 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 do distributors of wellness products and, say, industrial fasteners have in common? More than you think. While the inventory and customer bases differ, the lessons learned in their respective trenches are universal.

Matthew James, president and CEO of Purity Life Health Products LP in Canada, agrees. He just closed on a major acquisition 13 years in the making and has advice for anyone navigating a complicated integration process. Jason caught up with Matthew to find out how he and his team are managing employee expectations, continuing to foster innovation, and planning for the future.

CONNECT WITH JASON

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CONNECT WITH MATTHEW

LinkedIn

Purity Life

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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.

If you're in the distribution business, you're in the business of creating opportunities. Charles "Monty" Clayton is a classic example of that adage. He has played a significant role in shaping the southwest's fastener industry since the late-80s. Now, Monty is enjoying a third act fueled by the connections he's embraced along the way. Jason finally caught up with Monty to discuss his legendary career and the art of always putting yourself in a position to say "yes!"

CONNECT WITH JASON

LinkedIn

CONNECT WITH MONTY

LinkedIn

Pneu Fastener Advisors

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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.