Podcast appearances and mentions of dirk beveridge

Over the past four years, The Wholesale Change Show has featured CEOs from MSC Industrial, Global Industrial, Zoro, Lawson Products, Johnstone Supply and dozens of other leading distributors. It's the most informative and entertaining webcast and podcast in distribution! Watch on-demand for a special milestone event as we celebrated our 100th episode! We looked back on what we've learned and talked about the state of the distribution industry today and where it's going. Distribution Strategy Group's own Ian Heller, Jonathan Bein and Brian Hopkins were joined by long-time distribution executives and frequent guests Ron Paulson, who spent decades at Grainger, Eric Wessinger of Richards Supply and Dirk Beveridge, Executive Producer of We Supply America. Whether you're a longtime listener or new to the series, this event is a must-watch.

In this compelling episode of Mastering Modern Selling, Dirk Beveridge, founder of Unleashed WB and Executive Producer of We Supply America, shares invaluable insights into purpose-driven leadership, innovation in sales, and the noble calling of the distribution industry. He discusses how sales have evolved from traditional methods to a more consultative, people-first approach. Moving Beyond Transactional SalesDirk emphasizes that most sales strategies are outdated, focused on commercial visits and price competition. He advocates for a shift towards consultative selling, where sales professionals act as trusted advisors. This means deeply understanding the customer's business, proactively solving problems, and delivering innovative solutions that the client didn't know they needed.Empathy, Expertise, and Problem-SolvingTo become a trusted resource, salespeople must embody three core attributes: empathy, expertise, and problem-solving. Empathy involves a genuine desire to help customers succeed, expertise ensures that relevant solutions are offered, and problem-solving keeps sales dynamic, meeting ever-evolving client challenges.The Noble Calling of DistributionDirk highlights the overlooked yet essential role of distributors in the economy. His project, We Supply America, focuses on championing the 6 million workers in this field, emphasizing that businesses in distribution must recognize their critical impact. He insists that businesses can only thrive if they appreciate and elevate the humans behind their success.Authenticity in LeadershipSales managers are often caught between company metrics and their authentic selves. Dirk challenges leaders to push back against detrimental sales cultures, advocating for authenticity. He underscores that coaching, understanding team dynamics, and valuing each member as a strength, not an asset, are crucial for sustainable success.People Are Your Greatest Strength, Not AssetsDirk rejects the outdated notion of viewing people as assets, which depreciate. Instead, he sees employees as a company's greatest strength, emphasizing personal and professional development as key to business growth. Empowering employees and fostering a human-centric culture will yield long-term profitability and innovation.Dirk's approach underscores that innovation, and humanity must coexist in modern sales. By focusing on people and problem-solving rather than products and processes, sales organizations can stay relevant and impactful. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to redefine their sales strategy in today's evolving market. Don't miss out—your next big idea could be just one episode away! This Show is sponsored by Fist BumpYour prospecting partner to authentically fill your pipeline with ideal customers. Check out our Live Show Events here: Mastering Modern Selling Live ShowSubscribe to our Newsletter: Mastering Modern Selling Newsletter

In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we discuss the power of purpose-driven businesses with Dirk Beveridge of We Supply America and Ashley Martin of NIBCO. Listen in to learn how businesses can be a force for good by focusing on legacy, longevity and love. We'll share ways that family-owned business NIBCO has had a positive impact on the community and how you can too. For more information on Wipfli, please visit our website at:https://www.wipfli.com/manufacturing. You can also contact us here.

Leave it to Dirk Beveridge, keynote speaker, best-selling author, executive film producer, and founder of UnleashWD, to reference ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus, comparative mythology expert Joseph Campbell, and Tatooine farmboy Luke Skywalker in the same conversation. When you're in the company of this self-professed advocate of distribution and champion of positive leadership, all of the philosophical and cultural references make perfect sense.  Jason caught up with Dirk to discuss his latest endeavor, Force For Good, a live virtual event created to empower every individual in distribution today, whether they work on the warehouse floor, in the customer service center, or up in the C-suite. CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH DIRK 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 sponsor for this episode: Profit2, helping distributors charge the right price.

Dirk Beveridge is the Executive Producer of "We Supply America".

You can't help getting swept up in Dirk's enthusiasm and energy. And that's over the internet. Dirk insists that distribution is a noble calling. It's a 7 Trillion dollar economic engine and it supports over 6 million jobs. In the middle of the pandemic, Dirk decided he wanted to support that calling, so he went on the road with his We Supply America Tour. Go to https://wesupplyamerica.net/ and maybe you can get him to come to your distribution business. Dirk Beveridge is a visionary entrepreneur and the founder of UnleashWD, an innovative firm that creates transformative learning experiences and connections for growth oriented distributors. With his one-of-a-kind perspective on the future of wholesale distribution, Dirk has been leading major change for over 35 years to advance growth, relevance, and transformation. Over the last three years Dirk produced the We Supply America tour including a twenty-four film docuseries highlighting and championing the noble calling of distribution. Dirk has authored four books including the best selling INNOVATE! How Successful Distributors Lead Change In Disruptive Times. And on May 1st, Dirk is producing Force For Good Virtual - Live, a transformative event to fuel personal and professional growth for all 6 million employees of distribution. 

For a very special episode of Around The Horn, we've assembled a top-notch roundtable of experts in wholesale distribution and manufacturing: Dirk Beveridge, Founder of UnleashWD; Ian Heller of the Distribution Strategy Group; and Mike Marks, Founding Partner at Indian River Consulting Group. Together with Tom & Kevin, we go "Around The Horn" to discuss the key takeaways from 2023 and the big trends to watch out for in 2024: what were the highlights and lowlights for manufacturers and distributors last year? What kind of technology was adopted in 2023, and what's on the horizon for 2024? How can you build more solid relationships with manufacturers and end-users in 2024? We then wrap-up this informative episode with prognostications from our team of specialists: how do wholesale distributors stay ahead of the game in 2024? It's an episode you don't want to miss!Join the conversation each week on LinkedIn Live.Want even more insight to the stories we discuss each week? Subscribe to the Around The Horn Newsletter.You can also hear the podcast and other excellent content on our YouTube Channel.Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok.

The special guest in this episode is known for the art of speaking and storytelling, being a highly sought after public speaker and having hosted dozens of in depth discussions through his traveling platform, We Supply America. As a well-known figure in the distribution world, an entrepreneur, researcher, author, and the Founder of UnleashedWD, Dirk Beveridge understands and embraces this industry, and he is driven to support and spotlight distributors.  In this episode of the Driven by DCKAP podcast, Dirk sits down with Karthik Chidambaram, Founder & CEO of DCKAP, to talk about his mission in life, the importance of distribution and why it's necessary to utilize innovative strategies in the digital age, taking a look into his own personal journey and the upward trajectory of his career. We learn more about the driving force behind Dirk's efforts and why he feels so passionately about working in the distribution industry.  Through We Supply America, a program which began to hit the road soon after Dirk's napkin-scrawled idea was formed in 2020, this heartfelt mission was created - to highlight relevant stories and the amazing people behind hundreds of inspiring distribution companies. Now, after its third season, Dirk has many stories to share and even more motivation to continue to bring the human aspect of distribution businesses to the forefront, to share moments of great innovation and success, and to help others be led by purpose.

"My Number 1 priority was not leasing my building. I didn't want my power in business to be held in someone else's hands. This was also the recommendation of the Louisiana Small Business Administration to me as I looked at securing my future: 'You need to own the building!' So I tell others: Own the building. When you do that, you stay to work a little bit longer. You pick up the slack where needed. For me....this investment is my whole retirement on the line." Our guest is Denise Champagne-McClure, owner of The Coffeeweed Cottage in Lafayette, which opened on May 18, 2023. While Denise never earned a college degree, her business acumen can be put up against any individual who has earned an MBA. She works hard, she's humble, she's an incredible business entrepreneur, and has an eye for creating a successful business model. Coffeeweed Cottage's name is derived from the term for chicory, the name of a coffee substitute from the roasted root of the chicory plant. Denise loves the taste of chicory coffee and wanted something unique and different associated with her shop. And trust us....the coffee is delicious! Denise's store is at 410 Poydras Street, at the corner of W. Simcoe and Poydras Street in North Lafayette, not far from University Avenue near the Four Corners. She purchased the 3000 square foot property in 2022, the site of the oldest mechanic shop in Lafayette owned by a multi-general family business whose roots trace back to Cecilia where Denise grew up. Before finalizing her site selection, she drove around all areas of Lafayette Parish and knew that this oldest neighborhood in Lafayette, in the original  Vordenbauman Addition, in the area close to the Fightingville and LaPlace neighborhoods, was the exact right spot. With the help of the Louisiana Small Business Development Center and Lafayette Economic Development Authority, Denise was given guidance on how to open the business of her dreams. She brought a rich and varied business background that made her a good candidate for opening up this unique endeavor: she was trained in horticulture and had worked for Coburn's for 15 years in bath/kitchen fixture sales, having moved up the ranks from the bottom up. Note: Denise shared her gratitude to Coburn's for the experience they afforded her, as well as to the people at LEDA, especially Mark Mouton and Lauren Titus who helped her navigate the process of developing a three-year business plan and qualifying for a loan. Denise was inspired to reach her full potential when attending an Unleashed event by Dirk Beveridge. She realized that she could do anything she put her mind to when she heard his message about creating transformation through creating a culture of innovation and growth.  For more information on Dirk please visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/dirkbeveridge/ As with any entrepreneur, Denise has had to put all of her savings on the line, as well as mortgage her house to make this endeavor a reality. When you think about shopping options in Lafayette, as well as any other town, this is why it is important to think about shopping locally. Local vendors not only offer unique products, they give back to their community through donations to charities and in-kind contributions, and also sacrifice personally to ensure that employees who live in Lafayette are paid. Coffeeweed Cottage offers a unique array of services. One of the most unique services is their Grow Bar, where you can schedule a 'plant bar' for events as diverse as a bachelorette party, a team building event for work, a family get together, or birthday celebration. A $50 deposit for your event will go toward the cost of the event, where you and your friends can pick a favorite plant, a cute pot, and learn how to care for it. If your plant doesn't make it, you have a 30-day guarantee to swap it out for another plant or have Denise and her team nurse it back it health!

NAED's Ed Orlet is joined by Mark Dancer and Dirk Beveridge to discuss culture and the future needs for successful businesses. 

Dirk Beveridge is the Founder of UnLeashWD.

This week, Kevin and Tom are proud to feature guest Dirk Beveridge, the visionary entrepreneur and the founder of UnleashWD, the premier design, strategy, and innovation firm in wholesale distribution. In an in-depth, hour-long conversation, Dirk discusses his takes on topics ranging from AI in manufacturing to online buyers and much more. It's a conversation that's both informative and insightful - one you'll won't want to miss!Join the conversation each week on LinkedIn Live.Want even more insight to the stories we discuss each week? Subscribe to the Around The Horn Newsletter.You can also hear the podcast and other excellent content on our YouTube Channel.Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok.

Watch the Wholesale Change show on-demand as distribution legend Dirk Beveridge shares talent strategies he has learned in decades of working with the world's best distributors. You need the best team to surpass competitors – and meet customer expectations, especially in the dynamic world of distribution. As new challenges and opportunities arise, it's crucial to evolve the way you lead. Dirk has compiled the top 10 human resource strategies for 2023: From solving the talent shortage to building a strong employer brand, adopting these principles will ensure you develop an energized, inspired and customer-focused team that wins in the market through an empowering, collaborative culture.

The very nature of leadership has changed because of COVID, supply chain uncertainty and other disruptive forces. And distributors know this. In his research, Dirk Beveridge, Founder of We Supply America and UnleashWD, found that most distributors recognize that the ground underneath them has shifted – and that leadership must shift their perspective, as well. In this episode of Wholesale Change, Dirk shared why distributors must adopt new ways of leading their companies to build a sustainable business today. Dirk believes distributors have a unique opportunity to bring deeper meaning and purpose to their organizations to create relevancy in the face of disruption. He shared some of the research he's done on the topic of leadership in a post-pandemic world, as well as stories from distributors he has met on the road during his We Supply America tour across the country.

Hot Topics Include: The 7 criteria's of “family like culture” in the workplace and the powerful impact it has on a company. How leadership has evolved over time. Strategic communication transforming your business.

Dirk Beveridge, founder of UnleashWD and executive producer of We Supply America, and Tom Gale talk about research into the changing nature of leadership post-Covid. We also touch on  Dirk's mission of telling the stories of wholesale distribution teams across America – the spirit, the heart, the humanity of what has built the strongest and most resilient economy in the world.

Dirk Beveridge is the Founder of Unleashwd and the Executive Producer of the "We Supply America" Tour.

Ready to start the new year with a pep in your step? Our first guest of 2022 brings the spark. The ever-inspiring Dirk Beveridge is our next guest on Since1906. He's an author, the founder of UnleashWD, and the executive producer of the We Supply America docuseries - a show championing the noble cause of distribution. We think of Dirk as the Oprah of distribution — sharing the untold stories of an unsung industry. He shares the most moving moments of the We Supply America series - a fierce reminder about how so many aspects of our lives intertwine with the work done in distribution. It's simple — distribution is a silent force in society and he's ready to put a spotlight on it. Listen today to learn how to escape the tyranny of the urgent, how to better manage time on and off the clock, and service the American dream.

Reports of massive employee turnover and dissatisfaction are everywhere––except at Stafford-Smith, Inc. Jason chats with David Stafford, third generation president and CEO of the Kalamazoo-based foodservice equipment distributor, about his company's remarkable retention rate. With 19 locations across 11 states and an overwhelmingly Millennial workforce, Stafford-Smith's culture of loyalty flourishes under David's open-door policy, an office-wide environment of mutual respect, and a few well-timed pranks. “It's been a very good ride so far. We make money; we are very profitable. We work hard. [ ] I don't ask anybody ever to do anything I'm not willing to do myself or have not done.” Although David's lead from the front style is a hallmark of successful privately-held distribution companies, it's his repeated acknowledgement of team contributions that make him a standout in the industry. Competitive by nature, David applies lessons learned from his college football days to business, preferring a team approach to execution and a coach's mindset to decision-making. “It takes a village, and so we all need to do this together,” he says, referring to the pandemic-related challenges of the last 18 months. “But again, we also have another edict: business is not a democracy. There comes a time where somebody has to be the head coach, general manager, and owner.” Access to the key decision maker lays the groundwork for job satisfaction and loyalty, regardless of an employee's generational cohort. While many businesses are frantically trying to rework company culture issues exposed by the pandemic, Stafford-Smith is benefiting from well-established practices. “You see a lot of people having a hard time hiring people. Everybody came back to work for us,” David says with pride. Even the five employees (out of over 200) who wanted to retain wfh status were replaced within a week. Stafford-Smith's enviable position as a top-tier employer is one of the reasons they're also exceptionally successful at acquisitions. For companies interested in pursuing an acquisition or greenfield startup, figuring out the perfect formula can seem daunting. David relies on data and his gut. “The formula is, really, I have to feel with these people what's going on. I gotta feel it's the right decision.” Again, he goes back to the importance of everyone involved, not only the bottom line. “You gotta make sure you handle it right, that you treat the people right,” he says, ever mindful that the new employees will assimilate into Stafford-Smith's well-established ecosystem.  Stafford-Smith's gameplan for a post-COVID environment begins with the folks on the floor and ends on David's doorstep––and his office is always open.   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Check out Jason's recent interview with Dirk Beveridge.   CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn *** 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.  http://www.distributionteam.com Special thanks to our sponsor for this episode: INxSQL Distribution Software, integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.

Why would anyone spend 97 days on the road visiting 34 privately-held distributors in the middle of a pandemic? To champion the noble cause of distribution, of course! Jason catches up with Dirk Beveridge, fresh from his We Supply America tour. Beyond the business strategies and innovation beats the heart of this industry: humanity. Dirk shares some of the people-powered stories he captured during this epic journey, offering his patented brand of inspiration and encouragement as well as resources to spark company-wide conversations. “Everybody in my business network tried to talk me out of it,” Dirk laughs as he launches into the impetus for his 16,000 cross-country trek. After 18 months stuck in his office, unable to get out on the road and talk to people, Dirk had had enough.  “I was looking to take control [ ] to get into my unique ability.” Anyone who's ever met Dirk knows this visionary entrepreneur and award-winning keynote speaker for his superpower: telling stories about the industry he loves. “This project was really about coming back and finding it, finding Dirk.” What he found instead was renewed faith in the strength and resilience inherent to distribution. We Supply America is more than a love letter to the industry, however. It's a compilation featuring the not-so-secret ingredients that go into making great family-run wholesale distributorships. In an age where the distribution giants seem to be overtaking the world, We Supply America reminds family-run operations that their contribution to this country goes deeper than dollars and cents. While the C-suite is well represented throughout the eight episodes, Dirk says it's the chats he had with drivers, warehouse pickers, and outside sales teams, among others, that provided the most compelling revelations. “Every one of these jobs provides for the unleashing of the human spirit, provides for the individual to grow and to develop and to move towards their potential.” They form the foundation of this noble cause, he says. Their unique vantage point provides valuable insights that management can apply to innovate processes and culture. As for the top-tier decision-makers, Dirk applauds every single one for their commitment during the pandemic.  Owners continue to grapple with a neverending storm of supply chain issues, labor issues, regulation issues––the list is long. “They have overcome every hardship,” he says, adding, “They have accepted the challenge. They have embraced the challenge. They didn't ask for it. They brought their creativity, their grit, their desire, their team, their culture to bear.”   At the end of his travels, Dirk landed on one core truth: folks in distribution are noble; they are essentially the backbone of this country. Now he's excited to share that message with viewers through the We Supply America series. “It's been touching. It's been enlightening. It's been inspiring, and it's buoyed me. It's lifted me in terms of the goodness in people, and the goodness of humanity and that business, independent entrepreneurial family-owned businesses that happened to be in the business of distribution are at their core human.” Like what you hear? Check out Dirk's resources and his appearances on previous episodes: We Supply America UnleashWD Values.com DT039: Dirk Beveridge on coming out of crisis better than before DT022: Dirk Beveridge on innovation, leadership, and legacy CONNECT WITH DIRK: LinkedIn CONNECT WITH JASON: LinkedIn *** 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.  http://www.distributionteam.com Special thanks to our sponsor for this episode: HMI Performance Incentives, providing innovative, data-driven B2B incentive solutions.

Dirk Beveridge is the Founder of UnleashWD. He is launching a nationwide effort to promote distribution.

Dirk Beveridge is the Founder of UnleashWD.

Dirk Beveridge is the Founder of UnleashWD.

Dirk Beveridge is the Founder of UnleashWD and has conducted dozens of webcasts and interviews since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis.

UnleashWD founder, Dirk Beveridge, joins this episode of “The NetSuite Podcast” to discuss the actions distributors should take as the economy reopens amid COVID-19. He begins by diving into some statistics around wholesale distribution, and why those numbers matter (3:04), before explaining how COVID-19 impacted the industry (4:40). Beveridge then gets into strategic ways in which distributors can prepare for the future right now (8:56), emphasizing the importance of becoming digitally enabled (14:20). He also provides three tactical steps to power ahead (18:27), and why a focus on humanity and human connection is more important than ever before (23:53). He concludes with a vision for the distributor of tomorrow (25:55) and a call to action for leaders across every industry (28:14). Follow Us Here:More advice on how distributors can plan for the future: https://www.netsuite.com/blog/7-actions-distributors-need-to-take-now-to-reopen Dirk Beveridge LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dirkbeveridge/ Website: https://unleashwd.com/dirk-speaking/ Oracle NetSuiteFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NetSuite/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/netsuite/Twitter: https://twitter.com/NetSuiteInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/oraclenetsuite/

“It’s all about endurance. We're in this for the long haul and we're going to need the grit, we're going to need to know that what we do is important enough that what we do contributes to so many lives and to society...  We owe it to ourselves to dig deep and find that grit that gets us over that finish line.” ~Dirk Beveridge Dirk Beveridge first appeared on DT episode 022, sharing his formidable insight into the steps distributorships could take to successfully navigate rapid changes. A prescient conversation in light of COVID-19. In this latest conversation, Dirk offers insight into what leaders can do now so their companies thrive in the brave new world of post-pandemic commerce. He also unveils Shift To Tomorrow, his latest program designed specifically for leaders managing through this (or any other) crisis. “I elect to create the future and I think that's what we have the opportunity to do.” Dirk’s irrepressible optimism is balanced by levelheaded foresight. He’s under no illusions that post-pandemic transformation will take a lot of elbow grease, a commodity that’s already in limited supply for even the most successful distributors.  Shelter-in-place orders have obliterated some long-range plans while accelerating others and, suddenly, the future is a lot closer than we ever realized. “We know the world's going to change,” says Dirk. “We got to identify those opportunities...we're going to have to seize an opportunity that's out there.”  *** 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.    http://www.distributionteam.com This episode was edited & mixed by The Creative Impostor Studios. Connect with Jason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbader Connect with Dirk on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dirkbeveridge *** Not one for perpetuating ‘do as I say, not as I do’ dogma, he’s identified a need for community and solidarity in the midst of the pandemic and made a quick pivot of his own. Shift To Tomorrow was born out of his tremendous sense of service to the industry and the people he loves. “We said, ‘What are we going to do?’ And before we said [that], we said, ‘What does our tribe need?’ They need to be hugged. They need to be inspired. They need insight. And, they need connection.”  The virtual program, which began with his open letter to the industry, guides decision-makers through crisis management and future-proofing by reassessing five core points of their business: vision, culture, value proposition, business model, and transformative leadership.  Dirk believes companies can effectively come out of crisis stronger than they went in by reinforcing that five-point foundation. ”I think each of those five things are going to require change and in some cases, transformation,” he says, but the C-suite couldn’t ask for a better cheerleader. "The weight of responsibility they have, in good times and bad times, the risk they take, the vision they create for the future, what they create out of thin air…,” he says, equally awed and inspired by their contributions, “I believe we take that entrepreneurialism for granted.” It’ll take renewed endurance and recalibrated plan but Dirk’s in distribution’s corner. BONUS! Check out the resources Dirk mentioned here:  Innovate! How Successful Distributors Lead Change In Disruptive Times Conversation with Saul Kaplan: Using The Pandemic As A Launchpad For Business Innovation UnleashWD Shift to Tomorrow

In this inspiring episode, Dirk Beveridge shares his perspective on leadership in these uncertain times.  Show Notes: Health is the big difference about this crisis. There is an entire generation of professionals who are experiencing their first crisis. “Life's been pretty damn good the past ten years. I know we're going to make it through this but …” Leaders need to understand the depth of concern from the younger professionals. This is their first crisis. Dirk is creating content in motion. On Sunday afternoons, Dirk is tapping into leaders throughout distribution. I asked Dirk, “What's the general response from leaders?” “I've been inspired with what they have to say … They're doing all of this with heart.” This tough time creates an opportunity for organizations to get back to their purpose. To focus on their values. Organizations need to realign with their true north.  During these tough times, it's important that new leaders don't try to “do it all alone … Now is not the time to shelter in place.” It's also important to think longer term. Don't succumb to the pressure of short-term panic.  Check out Dirk's open letter. https://unleashwd.com/shift-to-tomorrow-letter/ *** Our show is updated weekly with the questions you ask. So, please go to the home page, subscribe, share it with your friends, but most importantly, ask the question that you want answered.  The Q and A Sales Podcast is edited by The Creative Impostor Studios. Book a complimentary consultation about your show at http://www.thecreativeimpostor.com/qanda Thank you for tuning in. Make it a big day. http://www.theqandasalespodcast.com

Dirk Beveridge is the Founder of UnleashWD and has been working with distributors on a variety of projects over the past 6 weeks during the COVID-19 crisis.

Dirk Beveridge is the Founder of UnleashWD and hosted a series of webcasts on leadership during our COVID-19 situation, which can be found at https://unleashwd.com/leading-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic-replay/?utm_source=ONTRAPORT-email-broadcast&utm_medium=ONTRAPORT-email-broadcast&utm_term=All+–+Transactional&utm_content=Re%3A+Today’s+New+Normal+Started+Yesterday+–+VIDEOS+READY&utm_campaign=03162020  

We count down the five biggest takeaways from the UnleashWD conference.

We count down the top ideas and strategies we took away from the 2019 UnleashWD conference.

Dirk is a new relationship of mine, but a kindred spirit. His passion for people, for innovation and for change are infectious and explains why I felt so connected to him when we recently met through some work that he's doing for Kirby-Smith Machinery. Dirk will be speaking at our annual sales meeting in January and I'm excited to see how he is going to stretch our salespeople and push Kirby-Smith to do more, be more and ultimately sell more. I hope you're enjoy the conversation as much as we enjoyed having it! Dirk Beveridge is the founder of UnleashWD providing a platform of services that leads growth-oriented organizations to critically think, innovate, and strategically commit to a relevant and profitable future. Beveridge’s keynote presentations inspire and educate forward-thinking businesses to think differently and innovate for the future. His Unleash Innovation Summit, is held annually and is setting a bold agenda for change, transformation, and innovation for the 300,000 distributors in the United States. And his new My Life’s Work program is the world's only program for distribution executives preparing their business for a successful transition to the next generation. Learn more at www.dirkbeveridge.com.

“Ninety-nine percent of distribution sales people are going to tell me their purpose is to make a sale, right? I think they're wrong. The purpose of the world’s top-producing sales organizations is to identify and then satisfy our customer’s needs profitably.” ~Dirk Beveridge By definition, innovate means to make advantageous changes to something established. My guest Dirk Beveridge, founder of UnleashWD and president of Beveridge Consulting Group (aka Leadership Today), wrote the book (literally) on how distributors can create new methods and drive success even in challenging times. Our conversation is packed with must listen material, the kind of anecdotes, tips, and resources for which Dirk receives hefty retainers as a sought-after keynote speaker. *** 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. Connect with Jason on LinkedIn. Connect with Dirk on LinkedIn.  *** “I did it absolutely wrong,” Dirk says of his path to becoming one of the foremost authorities on innovation. He created his first UnleashedWD Innovation Summit without any idea of what truly innovation meant. “If I would’ve done it right, I would’ve done the research and wrote the book first and then [held] the summit.”  Happy accidents aside, Innovate! How Successful Distributors Lead Change In Disruptive Times, is a must-read as it lays out a model for remaining sustainable and profitable. He urges readers to focus on vision, culture, value proposition, business model, and leadership with a beginner’s mindset, the theory that by setting aside years (decades...generations) of preconceptions, your business can thrive while others are still running their distributorships the same way they did years (decades...generations) ago.  “I’m your guy to get people in the room to rethink what it means to break that same mousetrap” He’s also the guy  to get teams acquainted with what sets their business apart from the competition. “It comes down to product, service and relationships. [But] all three of those things have become commoditized.”  It’s not just sameness that’s threatening growth. It’s the fear surrounding succession planning and the inertia that breeds. “I think the number one disruptive force that distribution is going to be facing...is this tsunami of presidents, owners, CEOs who are going to be transitioning the business to the next generation in the next three to ten years.”  He’s observed aging companies firsthand and understands how improper planning affects their chances for survival. That’s why Dirk’s passionate about his new program. My Life’s Work is an executive coaching system created specifically to guide businesses through this major leadership change. “We’ve developed a success path,” he says of his three-year curriculum. Members meet quarterly to work on all aspects of their plan. When they graduate, they take with them a unique formula for their company. “If the business is going to be prepared for that transition, we have to focus on purpose. We have to focus on aligning around a strategic plan. We have to focus on growth of capabilities personally and the company. And we have to focus on making long-term decisions and investments.”  Ultimately, Dirk’s goal is for participants to approach their company’s next chapter with a beginner’s mindset, to be open to new ideas, and engage in transparent conversations. That’s how you leave a meaningful, lasting legacy. That’s how we set the next generation up to lead change in disruptive times.  Ready to launch your legacy, check out the inaugural My Life’s Work session on January 16, 2020. Ready to for more great insight from Dirk? Listen in as we discuss ways to add more value to your business and find out about his work with National Association of Wholesale Distributors.    

Dirk Beveridge joins the podcast for an essential discussion about the future of your business and how to make sure it survives for future generations.

Over the last five episodes you have learned a success path for securing your life s work. First you must define your purpose by leveraging a compelling set of values and beliefs to inspire hunger for meaningful contribution. Next, align your team around a clear path forward. You ll want to identify the strategies that will lead […] The post My Life’s Work: Stay Focused For The Long-Term appeared first on Dirk Beveridge.

If you knew then what you know now, what would you do different to make yourself more successful?

On February 14, 1924, the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company changed its name. International Business Machines Corporation was born that day. IBM. Big Blue. Was here to stay. From that point on with big dreams, strong principals, and a belief in the future, Thomas Watson with his THINK mantra ushered in an AMBITION OF POSSIBILITIES. This […] The post My Life’s Work: Long-Term Thinking In A Short-Term World appeared first on Dirk Beveridge.

How far will 30 steps take you? If your steps are linear, you ll travel 30 meters. But set your sites on 30 exponential steps you know, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128 and you will travel over 1 billion meters (1,073,741,824 meters to be exact). That s 26 times around the earth! […] The post My Life’s Work: Build Organizational Capabilities For Tomorrow appeared first on Dirk Beveridge.

Can you think of a business that has drifted with no meaningful disciplines? How about Enron? Or a business that drifted with no vision? Blockbuster comes to mind. How about a business with no clear path forward? Sears. Enough said, right? On the other hand, businesses with strategy, disciplines, and vision write a different future. […] The post My Life s Work: Don t Allow Your Business To Drift appeared first on Dirk Beveridge.

Define Your Purpose Business and life always come back to purpose. Leaders are purpose driven. Estee Lauder, Walt Disney, Sam Walton, and David Packard, for example. It is your purpose that secures your life s work. To achieve your life s work you need to escape the tyranny of the urgent today. Estee Lauder and Walt Disney […] The post My Life s Work: Purpose Driven Leadership appeared first on Dirk Beveridge.

Tom Brady, in the 4th quarter of his career is getting stronger and keeps delivering championships. Warren Buffet turned 89 this summer and continues to bring it having amassed 99% of his wealth after his 50th birthday. And, no matter what the prior decades delivered, it is in the 4th quarter of your career that […] The post My Life s Work: It s The 4th Quarter appeared first on Dirk Beveridge.

We live in an age of disruptive times. With everything moving faster, businesses must keep up. Dirk Beveridge, author of Innovate!, answers the biggest question the C-Suite has: How are we going to remain relevant in the future? He shares how innovation is the key, both professionally and personally. Learn how the spirit of innovation is key to company growth, driving change, and moving forward in the future of business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are going to look at the fifth component part of The Innovative Distributor model, transformative leadership with Chuck Salewsky and Dave Anttila, partners with ibeauthentic. In this conversation we are going to hear their views on why and how we must move our leadership structure from the one person at the top controlling […] The post Leaders Insure Everyone Leads appeared first on Dirk Beveridge.

Today we are going to look at the fourth component part of The Innovative Distributor model, business model innovation with Chuck Salewsky and Dave Anttila, partners with ibeauthentic. We begin by getting their input as to why they believe 85% of distributors are thinking that they need to rethink their business model before somebody else […] The post e-Commerce and How Distribution Sales Will Evolve appeared first on Dirk Beveridge.

Today is the third of five inspiring and informative episodes with two partners of Menominee, Michigan based IBeauthentic. Chuck Salewsky, operating manager and partner along with Dave Anttila, director of business development and partner share their wisdom with us. Prior to founding iBeauthentic, Chuck and Dave grew a privately held beauty supply distribution business from $12 […] The post 100 Million Dollar Growth By Breaking The Sameness Trap appeared first on Dirk Beveridge.

Today is the second of five inspiring and informative episodes with two partners of Menominee, Michigan based IBeauthentic. Chuck Salewsky, operating manager and partner along with Dave Anttila, director of business development and partner share their wisdom with us. Ibeauthentic is a creative and innovative organization who has created a unique culture which is attracting […] The post Intentionality of Culture – The 5 Pillars appeared first on Dirk Beveridge.

Today is the first of five inspiring and informative episodes with two partners of Menominee, Michigan based IBeauthentic. Chuck Salewsky, operating manager and partner and Dave Anttila, director of business development and partner share their wisdom with us. IBeauthentic was formed to offer alternative solutions to the professional beauty industry through talent and technology-based offerings. […] The post Standing Where You Want To Be – The Power of Vision appeared first on Dirk Beveridge.

Today s guest, returning for our third conversation is Ken Salyer, the founder and CEO of wall covering distributor Tri-Kes. Today Ken shares his insight on the importance of creating a value proposition that allows you to break through the marketplace clutter and sameness trap so many distributors are stuck in. Ken describes the fundamental belief […] The post Creating A Brand That Breaks Through The Clutter & Stands For Something with Ken Salyer appeared first on Dirk Beveridge.

Today s guest, Ken Salyer the founder and CEO of wall covering distributor Tri-Kes has peered into the future and sees a world where instantaneous is too slow. Technology has changed customer s expectations to having access to information before they even know they want that information. As a result Ken and the leadership team at Tri-Kes […] The post Digital Transformation In A World Where Instantaneous Is Too Slow With Ken Salyer appeared first on Dirk Beveridge.