MDM: AD Hones Focus on Relationship Building
In the November 10, 2016 issue of Modern Distribution Management, editor Jenel Stelton-Holtmeier highlights AD and how we are working towards building quality partnerships, achieving deeper distributor-supplier relationships and addressing the generational shift in the industry.
The "traditional role" of a buying group isn't enough anymore, shared Jack Templin, president of AD's industrial divisions. Independent distributors want help beyond rebates and supplier price negotiations. As a result, AD has expanded the types of programs available to its members to help them adjust their relationships.
“We’re putting a focus on our AD suppliers,” says Tim Babcock, manager of AD Industrial’s conversion program. “We’re telling members, ‘Let’s make the effort to strengthen our relationships inside AD. Let’s bring value to our suppliers too.”
“Ultimately, the real value is building a long-term, more profitable relationship by capitalizing on the relationship both parties have with AD," says Tom Blue, vice president, member relations, AD Industrial. "And distributors have to be willing to put in the effort to understand where the opportunities lie."
Jenel concludes the article with a mention of our new Future Leaders Network “to help the organization understand the changing needs, as well as provide a forum for those younger leaders to share their ideas for implementing change within their own companies and with their partners.”
Please visit MDM to read the full article.