Embracing the Future Podcast

Beyond the Hype: A Practical Look at Robotics

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0600

Season 1, Episode 4: In this episode, ASA’s Nils Swenson sits down with Steve Baer, Chief Logistics Officer at First Supply, to examine what robotics really looks like inside a working distribution operation.

Drawing from his experience leading a multi-year implementation, Steve explains how automation requires disciplined process design, clean data, and strong integration — and how robotics is fundamentally reshaping labor inside the warehouse.

The discussion explores ROI expectations, operational complexity, cybersecurity risk, change management, and the realities of scaling automation across facilities.

This is a candid, experience-driven conversation for distributors evaluating how robotics may alter their workforce model and long-term operating strategy.

Cybersecurity Readiness with Rachel Wilson

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0600

In this episode, ASA’s Nils Swenson sits down with Rachel Wilson - Head of Wealth Management Data Security & Infrastructure Risk at Morgan Stanley and former senior executive at the NSA - to unpack the real cyber threats facing PHCP and PVF distributors today. Rachel offers clear, practical steps every business can take now, from employee training and patching discipline to ransomware readiness, incident response playbooks, and navigating insurance gaps. She also breaks down emerging risks like AI-driven scams and the coming impact of quantum computing. This is an essential conversation for any leader looking to strengthen their organization’s cyber resilience.

No Opportunity Too Small : Cybersecurity Lessons from Distribution

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Season 1, Episode 2: Join Jeremy Fuller of Texas Plumbing Supply as he moderates a candid panel discussion with Christopher Schrameck (WinSupply), Travis Slone (NIBCO), and Michael Maloney (Coburn Supply). Together, they share firsthand experiences and lessons learned from real-world cyber incidents across the PHCP and PVF industry.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why no business is “too small” to be a cyber target
How ransomware, email fraud, and AI-driven attacks are impacting distributors and manufacturers
What steps companies are taking to train employees, strengthen defenses, and build response plans
How cross-functional teams and third-party partnerships can improve resilience

This conversation highlights the evolving cybersecurity threats facing our industry and practical actions every business can take to prepare.

Have a question or topic? Listen to our latest episode and join the conversation

Building a New Data Standard

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Season 1, Episode 1: Join ASA CEO Mike Adelizzi and Jeremy Fuller of Texas Plumbing Supply for an insightful conversation on the launch of ASA’s new Product Data Standard. As the PHCP and PVF industry faces growing pressure to streamline and unify product data, this episode explores how real collaboration is driving progress.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How ASA’s Embracing the Future Council is developing a product data standard
Why the need for a national data standard and benefits to the industry
How streamlined data can reduce time-to-market and improve efficiency
How you can benefit, gain access, and adopt the standard

This conversation sets the stage for smarter, more connected data practices across the industry.

Have a question or topic? Listen to our latest episode and join the conversation!