Jason Bader

Jason Bader is the managing partner of The Distribution Team, a firm that specializes in helping distributors become more profitable through strategic planning and operating efficiencies. The first 20 years of his career were spent working as a distribution executive. Today, he is a regular speaker at industry events and spends much of his time coaching individual distribution companies. For more information, call (503) 282-2333 or contact him by e-mail at Jason@Distributionteam.com. Also visit The Distribution Team’s website at www.thedistributionteam.com.

Inventory Management

Cultivating the First Follower

The best leaders invite their followers to join them in the big picture.

September 4, 2019

Jason Bader

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Spoiler alert: In this column, I will be sharing my perceptions of the content and what I see as the greatest lessons for distribution leaders.

Inventory Management

Motivational Interviewing

People believe their own reasons for doing — or not doing — things more strongly than the motives of others.

August 8, 2019

Jason Bader

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If a person can articulate reasons for doing the desired behavior, you are steering him toward the desired outcome because people believe their own reasons more strongly than the motives of others.

Inventory Management

Service Sets the Ceiling

Make sure you can back up your commitment and the customer is willing to pay for it.

July 3, 2019

Jason Bader

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Let’s face it; the notion of product exclusivity is nearing extinction.

Inventory Management

Safety Stock: Insurance for Customer Service

Use your distribution software package to ensure your customers’ most-used items are well-stocked.

June 5, 2019

Jason Bader

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One of the biggest components of customer service is having the right stuff at the right place and at the right time. Use your distribution software package to ensure your customers’ most-used items are well-stocked.

Inventory Management

The Dangers of Employee Monitoring

Do these systems build credibility with your team or send folks to greener pastures?

April 2, 2019

Jason Bader

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When evaluating systems such as this, ask yourself if they build credibility with your team or send folks to greener pastures.

Inventory Management

Cleaning Up the Database

Create greater efficiency in your business by making it easier for employees and customers to search for product electronically.

February 1, 2019

Jason Bader

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Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with hundreds of organizations in several vertical markets. I can say this one thing about all of them: They each have a unique language when it comes to describing the products resting on their shelves.

Inventory Management

No More Broken Promises

Rather than going after the macro goal, imagine a series of micro successes.

January 7, 2019

Jason Bader

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So here we are at the start of the new year. While some of you might be optimistic about your potential, I suspect a few of you feel remorse over unrealized goals and aspirations.

Inventory Management

Can Customer Service Be a Profit Center?

A look at other industries says this is possible.

December 4, 2018

Jason Bader

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As we all know, somewhat painfully, most hardgoods distribution results in a net profit percentage of 5 percent or less. Yes, there are some of you rock stars who roll into the high single-digit percentages but most privately held distributors are known for a bit more humble results.

Inventory Management

Turning Branch Managers into Business Managers

Teach financial skills to make successful leaders.

November 5, 2018

Jason Bader

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Over the past several years, I have focused on helping distributors become more profitable than they ever thought possible. In this mission, I realized how important the operational managers are to the success of the organization.