Looking Back on Great Lakes Hotel Supply
When I filmed the fifth episode of the We Supply America series with Great Lakes Hotel Supply, I was impressed by the way the team came together to drive a core goal during the 2020 pandemic: to keep foodservice operations up and running.
Looking Back on Hill & Markes
When I visited Hill & Markes to film the seventh episode of the We Supply America series, I was taken aback by the way that they prepared for and supported their team and customers during the pandemic.
PROFITS are at the Core of the Noble Calling of Distribution
Here’s a simple truth in the world of commerce: you need money to stay in business. Without money, you can’t start a business, sustain a business, or grow a business.
Looking Back On The Granite Group
When I visited The Granite Group for the eighth and final episode of the premiere season of We Supply America, they told me they think of themselves as a service business. That’s because they’re a massive team that works together like a well-tuned machine to serve their customers and each other.
CUSTOMER-CENTRICITY is the Heart of the Noble Calling of Distribution
“The customer is always right.” It’s an old adage that has been attributed to numerous businessmen and women over the years. I think Marshall Field is the true origin of the quote, but regardless of who said it first, it has certainly been said a lot. I don’t doubt that it has been said by distributors from time to time, though the relationship between distributors and the businesses they supply goes beyond a right or wrong dyna
EXPERTISE is at the Core of the Noble Calling of Distribution
Distributors play a unique and important role in our society because they are, quite literally, in the middle of everything. Distribution is in the middle of every industry. There is a myth that those in the middle, standing between manufacturers and the businesses that serve consumers—middlemen—don’t add value.
Looking Back: Benco Dental
When I visited Benco Dental for the third episode of the We Supply America docuseries, I was inspired by their family culture and their devotion to their customers. They go above and beyond just providing a product and stellar service, they believe that their role is to partner with their customers to help them grow their businesses and treat their patients.
Looking Back on Hovis Auto & Truck Supply
As I’m closing out this journey, I’m taking some time to think back on and connect with the people and companies I visited while filming each of our We Supply America episodes. It’s been incredible to reflect on this experience, and it’s been a pleasure to hear how our work has impacted others in the industry.
On the Road with Dirk – 09.12.21
Dang! How do those that do, get out there and run all those miles each day!? These days I’m happy when I get down to my basement and power up Apple Fitness+ to do a brisk 30 minute walk with Emily, Scott, or one of the other Apple trainers on the treadmill.
Looking Back on Indiana Oxygen
I’ve nearly made my way home from this months-long journey and the long drive has given me an abundance of time to reflect on the inspiring people I met during the We Supply America tour. When I set out to highlight the Noble Calling of Distribution, I was looking to inspire people after a long year battling the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. As it turns out, the tour ended up inspiring me too.
