<![CDATA[Embracing the Future Podcast]]>e2a3917c-6e97-5830-a027-724bb9296c6bFri, 15 May 2026 12:31:00 +0000Captivate.fmAmerican Supply Associationhttps://artwork.captivate.fm/42a8fdaa-5e61-413a-9e4f-629a83144281/3yn_U5NK0jingp0DqOF0noqM.jpgEmbracing the Future PodcastAmerican Supply AssociationAmerican Supply AssociationASA’s “Embracing the Future” podcast focuses on the ever-evolving landscape of technology, innovation and disruption within wholesale distribution. With guest speakers who are thought leaders, seasoned practitioners and tech visionaries, our discussions will spark curiosity and offer actionable strategies that resonate with daily challenges. Whether it’s demystifying AI and robotics or exploring the future of supply chains, we will equip you with knowledge and curiosity needed to embrace technology and propel your company’s success. The future belongs to those who embrace change. Tune in and unlock your potential!https://embracing-the-future-pod.captivate.fmfalseserialnopodcastCRM Implementation Lessons from Distribution LeadersCRM Implementation Lessons from Distribution LeadersSeason 1, Episode 5: In this episode, ASA’s Nils Swenson sits down with Charlie Parham, CEO of Pepco Sales, and Scott Stockham, CRO at RepFabric, to explore what CRM implementation really looks like inside distribution organizations.

Drawing from firsthand implementation experience and broader industry visibility, Charlie and Scott discuss why CRM initiatives begin, where adoption struggles emerge, and how process design, data quality, leadership alignment, and change management ultimately determine success or failure.

The conversation explores sales adoption challenges, implementation pitfalls, organizational readiness, and the operational realities of building a CRM strategy that sales teams will actually use.

This is a candid, experience-driven conversation for distributors evaluating CRM, customer intelligence, and broader digital transformation initiatives.

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

]]>Season 1, Episode 5: In this episode, ASA’s Nils Swenson sits down with Charlie Parham, CEO of Pepco Sales, and Scott Stockham, CRO at RepFabric, to explore what CRM implementation really looks like inside distribution organizations.

Drawing from firsthand implementation experience and broader industry visibility, Charlie and Scott discuss why CRM initiatives begin, where adoption struggles emerge, and how process design, data quality, leadership alignment, and change management ultimately determine success or failure.

The conversation explores sales adoption challenges, implementation pitfalls, organizational readiness, and the operational realities of building a CRM strategy that sales teams will actually use.

This is a candid, experience-driven conversation for distributors evaluating CRM, customer intelligence, and broader digital transformation initiatives.

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

]]>ff8a2cf0-9912-41ef-85a6-03a161ee9bbeFri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 -050033:31falsefull1551Beyond the Hype: A Practical Look at RoboticsBeyond the Hype: A Practical Look at RoboticsSeason 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.

]]>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.

]]>1f50b7dc-e851-4617-b53f-70f8240a1dabMon, 16 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -050030:38falsefull1441Cybersecurity Readiness with Rachel WilsonCybersecurity Readiness with Rachel WilsonIn 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.

]]>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.

]]>efd42c9f-0684-4634-8e76-df0cd1204d2bMon, 24 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -050010:52falsefull1331No Opportunity Too Small : Cybersecurity Lessons from DistributionNo Opportunity Too Small : Cybersecurity Lessons from DistributionSeason 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

]]>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

]]>2490f779-5053-49d6-b7bf-4f7cd9d20c85Tue, 23 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -050030:40falsefull1221Building a New Data StandardBuilding a New Data StandardSeason 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! 

]]>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! 

]]>3a5bf46d-daeb-4002-a395-3838d7fa383bFri, 27 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -050018:01falsefull1111