It’s lonely at the top. But decisions that propel growth and elevate a distributor’s bottom line aren’t limited to the C-suite––nor are the feelings of isolation. They filter through your organization, landing on the desks of purchasing agents, HR managers, and marketing professionals.
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!). The pair discuss how Connected Peers has evolved since launching just before COVID, the benefits of interacting with members from different distribution verticals, and the power of organic problem-solving.
AI has touched nearly every Connected Peers forum this year. 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?
“This has been wonderful for those that participate, and it’s been a real fun thing to…watch those interactions every month,” Marshall says of the nine Connected Peers forums that he currently facilitates: roughly 50 members across multiple distribution specializations including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and construction.
Connected Peers’ virtual forums, divided into department- or role-specific groups (marketing, finance, operations, etc.), are small enough to encourage participation from every member. “It’s one hour, so it’s a very low time commitment,” observes Marshall. “But the takeaway value is incredible because you’ve got folks that may only have a few years of experience, but a lot of great ideas, a lot of energy around it.”
Despite the focus on AI, the most universal topic remains the human element. Generational differences and company culture issues continue to vex forum members. “Distribution hasn’t gotten easier,” says Marshall, adding, “AI hasn’t made it easier.”
Connected Peers offers decision-makers a place to bond, build solutions, and boost company success.
QUOTES
Marshall Jones
“It’s wonderful to watch the conversations that happen each month, and just how much value is created for those that participate in the program.”
“The human element, without a doubt, is what people are most interested in discussing.”
“The best doers are not always the best teachers.”
“Connected Peers doesn’t make it easy, but it’s certainly helping managers do a better job within their organization.”
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
RECOMMENDED EPISODES
- Mastering the Exit: How to Sell Your Distribution Business with Marshall Jones, The Distribution Team
- Stop Dreading AI and Start Employing It as a Thought Partner with Jason Bader, The Distribution Team
- From CRM Friction to Sales Intelligence: AI Agents in Distribution with Chris Van Ittersum & Ryan Carroll, Workd
- What AI Agents Mean for Jobs, Growth, and Scale in Distribution with Chris Van Ittersum & Ryan Carroll, Workd (part 2)
CONNECT WITH JASON
CONNECT WITH MARSHALL
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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.
