On the Road with Dirk – 08.22.21

We Supply America RV

My goodness … the world hasn’t gotten any less volatile, complex, or uncertain in the last week. What is going on in Afghanistan for instance both enrages me and hurts my heart as I see our soldiers and marines lifting children over walls, providing water, and cradling infant babies.

The Granite Group Is a Durable Growth Engine

Granite Group

The Granite Group is “in the service business, 100%,” according to Bill Condron, President and CEO. But he isn’t just talking about their customers. During my visit with The Granite Group, the “service business” was redefined to encompass everyone that the company serves, and at the center of that are employees.

We’re in this for Each Other

Edney

“[It’s about] making sure that the whole team knows and understands that they’re not just picking a product, they’re delivering a key component, a finished product, that our customers rely on us to deliver.”

The 7 Ethos That Define The Noble Calling Of Distribution

Pillars

Championing the noble calling of distribution—this has been our mission from the moment the We Supply America tour rolled onto the streets of America. For too long distribution—the backbone of America—has been the silent partner in making this country work. Each of the 30,000 distributors in this country (mostly independent and family-run businesses) provide the goods that keep America running while creating a $6.9 trillion economic engine and 6 million jobs.

On the Road with Dirk – 08.15.21

We Supply America RV

Twelve weeks ago today, I packed the We Supply America RV, pulled out of my home in Barrington, IL, and began the We Supply America tour. Since then, I’ve traveled 10,000 miles and visited over 20 different distribution companies in more than 10 different states. I’ve met with countless company leaders and employees, given hugs, shaken hands, laughed, cried, and—most importantly—celebrated the noble calling of distribution.

Hill & Markes Does Business with the World in Mind

Hill & Markes

“Hill and Markes is family-oriented. We care about the community; we care about our customers, and we care about our employees. We will do anything. We will always make it happen. We will always rally and make it together.”

Longing for Labor Day: Distribution in the Time of the Delta Variant

Republic Co

It’s funny what can trigger an idea in your mind. Labor Day popped into mine earlier this year—it seemed many were thinking “we just need to get to Labor Day.” This moment that signals the end of summer was a marker of whether or not we “made it” through the pandemic.

Indiana Oxygen Driven and Finishing Strong

Indiana Oxygen

I’m strolling down pit row looking up at the stands of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The space feels grand and exciting even though it’s empty. Wally Brant, owner of Indiana Oxygen, walks beside me.

On the Road with Dirk – 08.01.21

We Supply America RV

On Friday I met Heidi in the distribution center of Viking Electric in Minneapolis. She has been with the company for 19 years. Her role for those 19 years has been that of a picker.