In this episode of Distribution At The Crossroads, I sit down with Dr. Bharani of Texas A&M’s Industrial Distribution program to get real about what “people-first” actually looks like at the branch level in distribution. We dig into empowerment as an operating system, the branch manager’s role in culture, and simple rhythms leaders can use to communicate with clarity and consistency.

We also get specific about attracting and growing Gen Z talent, building onboarding that feels like a milestone (not a formality), and bridging generations through reverse mentoring. Along the way, we touch on margin pressure, why talent quality compounds execution, and what it’ll take to win the next decade. What I loved most here: Dr. B doesn’t deal in buzzwords—he gives you a practical playbook you can run tomorrow.

Episode Highlights

[0:00] – Empowerment, defined: share information and autonomy in exchange for results and accountability
[4:43] – Inside Texas A&M’s Industrial Distribution program—70 years strong, oldest and largest in the U.S.
[14:36] – Leader visibility playbook: monthly all-hands, short videos, and management by walking around
[21:26] – What Gen Z values: flexibility, continuous learning, purpose—pay isn’t first
[24:32] – Onboarding that sticks: 30/60/90 plan and why day one should feel like a “wedding day”
[28:08] – Reverse mentoring: pairing veteran customer trust with digital-native skills
[33:15] – Margin pressure & transparency: why talent quality and execution are the advantage
[38:13] – 2030 outlook: mindset shift—people are the differentiator

Takeaways

• Empowerment is operational: share more information, demand clear outcomes.
• Systematize communication—cadences beat one-off pep talks.
• Win talent with an intentional first 90 days and visible growth paths.
• Pair experience with digital fluency to modernize customer touch.
• Your edge isn’t product—it’s people, process, and execution.
  
  
  

Links & Resources

• Full Show Notes + Transcript:
• NAW Institute for Distribution Excellence: https://www.naw.org/naw-institute
• Modern Distribution Management (MDM): https://www.mdm.com
• Connect with Dr. Bharani on LinkedIn:
• Connect with Nick Pericle on LinkedIn

If you care about where distribution is headed—or you’re just stepping into it—this show is for you.

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Welcome to Distribution at the Crossroads
In this premiere trailer episode, I share the inspiration behind launching this podcast and why now is a pivotal moment for the wholesale distribution industry. Over the past decade, I’ve journeyed through boardrooms and branches, learning firsthand that what seems like a straightforward business—buy, stock, break down, sell, deliver—is anything but. This industry runs on human grit, critical decisions, and rapidly shifting expectations.

This show is designed to unpack the complexity behind the scenes—from supply chain pressures to evolving tech, generational talent shifts to leadership dilemmas. You’ll hear from seasoned veterans and fresh perspectives alike, with practical, grounded conversations that reflect both the soul and the strategy of distribution today.

⏱️ Episode Highlights:

[0:01] - Why I launched Distribution at the Crossroads and my first experience stepping into the distribution world
[0:45] - The best advice I received early in my career and how it changed my leadership mindset
[1:31] - How conversations around distribution are evolving—and why the shift is accelerating
[2:19] - The mission behind this podcast and partnership with the NAW Institute
[3:04] - Who this podcast is for: veterans, newcomers, operators, technologists, and beyond
[3:47] - What we’ll cover: AI (without the hype), leadership, modular tech, and real-world application
[5:03] - A message to newcomers in the industry—and why distribution rewards those who respect the craft
[5:46] - A personal note of gratitude and a vision for what’s ahead

🔗 Links & Resources:

• NAW Institute for Distribution Excellence: https://www.naw.org/naw-institute
• Modern Distribution Management (MDM): https://www.mdm.com
• Follow and Connect with Nick Pericle on LinkedIn

If you're passionate about where the distribution industry is heading—or you're just starting to explore it—this podcast is for you. Follow, rate, review, and share Distribution at the Crossroads.